As posted on the masterlist, I will be migrating to a new blog. The new blog's URL is @eudaimcnia.
For those who are doing active threads with me and waiting on my reply, I will reply with @/eudaimcnia and continue the thread as usual.
For my thread partners who have their turn in responding, please reply to our thread as usual and mention my new blog so that I may pick it up from there.
My remaining Asks will be 'transferred' and answered on the new blog as well.
The contents of @flow-of-qi will stay up for archival purposes and will no longer be updated.
Unfortunately, I've been shadowbanned for the past 2 months since I joined GH, and the problem seems to have gotten worse.
At first, any instances of me liking, reblogging, or mentioning another blog on a post would not go through to the other person's notifications. I wasn't able to send submissions or asks unless I was either doing it through a blog's 'preview' page, and was also unable to access my inbox unless I checked it through the mobile version of Tumblr.
I was able to cope with this for a period of time, until the recent Lantern Rite event that has made me aware that my asks aren't getting to people's inboxes at all. You can imagine how it feels to not be able to participate in the event unless I personally message my prompts to other people through Discord.
After emailing support about the issue to no avail, I've decided this is the best course of action. Fortunately, the new blog doesn't seem to be suffering the same case as this blog.
I've had a wonderful time setting up this blog and using it as my first foray into Tumblr RP in a long while, but the time has come to put it to rest.
"It appears as though it is my turn, this time, to be the adventurous tourist." A familiar face is a welcome sight after such a voyage, one that Lingsha greets with a polite smile and a nod of her head.
The festive mood that has overtaken the area is quite a powerful one. Even one such as her, with her head so often filled with thoughts and worries about work, finds herself relaxing amidst the laughter and soft buzz of the crowds. Just a little.
The establishment they find themselves at is quite an impressive one, boasting a wide range of options to chose from. Unfamiliar with such a menu, she might have found herself stranded here for quite some time on her own, pondering her options. Luckily, fortune seemed to smile upon her.
"What would you recommend?" She asks. "I humbly request your expert opinion on this decision."
"Ah, well if it isn't the healer from the Xianzhou Luofu." He recognizes the Vidyadhara, smiling and nodding back in return. "You are certainly doing much better than when I took on the role of tourist, haha."
Xinyue Kiosk is perhaps a fancy choice, if he had to be honest, although the most suitable option for a traveler looking to taste the finest of Yue cuisine. The problem is its shockingly little windows to book a slot, and he would probably never wrap his head around the concept of fine dining in general.
Nevertheless, Baizhu is here in the present moment, sitting at a table with a good acquaintance and browsing the menu. It's good to have an opportunity to speak to her under less dire circumstances. "If you're looking for an expert opinion, a chef would be a much better choice." He chuckles quietly. "However, if you would rather hear the opinion of a regular Liyuean citizen... The seafood dishes are unmatched. For example, Fullmoon Egg or Crystal Shrimp."
The green-haired man flips to a picture on the front of the menu. "If you have any seafood-related allergies, best to let me know before we get ourselves into another medical emergency..."
[XINYUE KIOSK] - Back again, Xinyue Kiosk’s keeping up the competition, offering sweet treats, savory dishes, and even refreshing veggies for all those looking to share a snack.
[TEA TASTING] - Third-Round Knockout is once again bringing the new year on with plenty of new tea options for all those caffeinated connoisseurs that want to branch out. Including, for the first time in quite a while, specialty imports all the way from Natlan!
[DRAGON DANCE] - Uh-oh! It seems like the main crew that would lead the dragon dance are two members short, and need two sets of hands NOW! Grab someone and help keep this dance from falling through.
[KAMERA BOOTH] - Liyue is as scenic as it is busy. Several Kamera’s are set up on the docks, surrounding mountains, and some of the best balconies in the area. Make a memory with someone important to you, or keep the lens' attention for yourself!
[LANTERNS] - Like a sea, lanterns float up and flood the night sky. Meaning often dictated by color, they contain our hopes for the new year. Gather with those most cherished and wish for blessings.
[FIREWORK SHOW] - While noisy, fireworks are an incredible display of beauty and color. Make your mark on the new year with a bang!
[JADE HEARTS] - A popular shape for a popular stone in the land of Geo, these Jade Talismans sold quite well. Now, they’re made as a profession of love and desire to ring the New Year in with the company of another.
[BURNING INCENSE] - Even with all the raucous celebration, it is always important to find a quiet moment and remember those who now belong among the stars.
[TOUR GUIDE] - With as many sights to see as Liyue has, join up with a group of strangers to garner the best sights across the city and countryside!
[GIANT JENGA] - While not necessarily a Liyue classic, a recent uptick amongst the younger generation has brought this classic game to the port, and with blocks bigger than ever! Will you best your friend, or will all the pieces come crumbling down?
[RED ENVELOPES] - Customize your own envelope as a gift to those most cherished. Whether you slip in some mora or a confession of love, even the smallest of envelopes can be life-changing!
[SNAKE PETTING] - As the mascot animal of the year, an exhibit has been set up with several non-venomous and super friendly snakes, if you’re not afraid of these scaly babies.
[JADE MYSTERY] - Shitou is running a special promotion! Guess the correct Noctilucous Jades to find out what it is, just don't gamble all of your mora away...
How did Baizhu, an ordinary doctor of Liyue, end up here of all places? He doesn't usually mind the cold, but the ever-frigid air of what he now knows as Belobog proves to be another challenge in his adventures outside of Teyvat.
Changsheng's cold-bloodedness did not ease his mind about foraying into unknown. Fortunately, he managed to scour up some thicker clothes from the city to account for the temperature. And hey, perhaps it was a good thing that the citizens of Belobog mistook her for a uniquely patterned scarf.
In the snowy plains, with the company of a few Silvermane guards, he was delegated ( with careful persuasion ) as the medic of the group. The only details he knows of is a vague description of the beast—purplish, pink and white in color, with a strange otherworldly energy emanating from it. Perhaps such a creature exists in Teyvat, though he hasn't gotten much experience outside Liyue to say for sure.
As he was reheating some rations by a makeshift fire, he heard a strange thud from behind one of the cliffs. There were no signs of activity from anything else besides the Silvermane guards, and he didn't hear any of their voices from that direction either. Baizhu made sure to leave clear marks along the snow, sticking close to the wall of the cliff while he made a hopefully brief investigation.
What he saw when he peeked around the corner was a figure. Definitely a person. However... They didn't appear to be someone from Belobog, and— Oh? That person's shoveling snow with their bare hands, as if the cold never bothered them anyway. It gave him even more reason to be cautious.
Cough! Oh dear. He was unable to hold back the urge. He'd been faring surprisingly well in this particular climate, so he supposed it was only a matter of time. Unfortunate, that it must happen now. They must have heard, because now Baizhu was awkwardly making eye contact with them, neither one bothering to utter the first word.
It is a quiet day at the pharmacy. A little too quiet than what Baizhu is used to. He supposes that it's a good thing that nobody has the need to check up or schedule an appointment today, assuming his current patients are doing their due diligence in taking their medicine as prescribed.
Little does he know... that the first person to turn up to Bubu Pharmacy was none other than the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
As he spends his spare time organizing ingredient stocks ( focusing on the shelves where his little assistant often has trouble reaching ), he hears light footsteps approach the counter. He recognizes them almost instantly the moment he turns his head.
"Ah, Director Hu?" He cannot hide the slight surprise in his normally pleasant voice when he notices her less-than-energetic demeanor. She seldom visits Bubu Pharmacy, in or out of business matters, so he makes sure to tread carefully. "Is something the matter?"
This is the fourth time now. She’s starting to believe that jade is a myth.
But that’s what she gets for opening the night by betting on rocks. Senti fits the bill for Jade Mystery’s target audience perfectly. She’s excitable, blindly confident, and enjoys the sensation of crushing something between her fingers. Even if she loses, she gets the feeling of the earth–the real earth–breaking in her hands. That alone has kept her coming back.
But four losses in a row is most definitely a sign of bad luck. Even Senti is wise enough to know this. So she shuts her coin purse. Rather dramatically, too, which makes her look like even more of an idiot when the man behind the stall doesn’t flinch. He couldn’t care less, no matter how badly the Herrscher hopes her action could carry some gravitas. “I’m done with this lame game!” she pronounces, and in a huff, turns to the doctor she had been traveling with. He had been kind enough to show her around (seriously, really kind. Her? More than a handful. More than hands-ful) even if she swears she’s seen a lot of this before. At least the concept of a lot of it.
Also, yes he's a pharmacist. No, she doesn't care that there's a difference.
“Hey, glasses,” she leans to the side to speak to him, despondent and woefully unamused by the thing enthralling her just moments prior. The face she makes is pretty ugly, too. Pretty ungrateful, like a street thug if they were thrown into decent dress and forced to walk the festival grounds. “Got anywhere else to show me? I could go for another game or some tasty food right about now.” Mind you, this is not the same as being hungry. Senti doesn’t get hungry. She just craves the taste of something and the experience of obtaining it. Watching those chefs toss their woks or stir big pots of soup is its own kind of joy. One worth protecting with every drop of her strength.
Baizhu could take all of five steps and have his answers. There are stalls all around them, some as tried & true as Theater Mechanicus, others new like the first shoots of spring. Each is dyed its own combination of bright colors, adorned by glowing lights, and promising its own version of the ultimate Lantern Rite experience. The possibilities are near endless. Lazy Senti is glad she isn’t in charge of making the choice here. Maybe she does owe this good doctor one; he’s saving her the trouble of having to experience everything in order to pick apart what she does and doesn’t like.
The Lantern Rite invites and readily accepts guests from afar, yet he didn't expect this rather lively girl to be the person accompanying him throughout the festivities. Perhaps it's more accurate to say that he is the one accompanying her, all so she isn't keen on causing a ruckus near the pharmacy.
He figures that an eager, youthful spirit like hers would enjoy a game of risk-taking, and so he watches her try out his first suggestion—Jade Mystery. A simple-to-understand game for anyone in or out of Teyvat.
"Ah, it seems this game isn't going easy on you, is it?" Baizhu watches from behind her while witnessing her loss streak, hands behind his back with a calm smile. The face she makes after she's given up on trying to win is reminiscent of one of his child patients after tasting bitter medicine, he muses to himself.
"If you are looking for another game—one that requires less guesswork—perhaps you can try out the Bumper Wushou near the docks? It seems the signup period is still open for whoever wants to try." He looks off to the side in the direction of the Bumper Wushou stall which isn't even visible from where they stand. Frankly, he doesn't enjoy these sorts of games as much as others do, but he understands what makes it so exhilarating to play. "Unfortunately, I'm not in the best condition to join... Although, I'm sure you would enjoy a game of knocking people around. If you'd like to take a break from taking part in the games, there's a famous restaurant nearby."
etterath: the feeling of emptiness after a long and arduous process is finally complete.
OBSCURE SORROWS DRABBLE PROMPTS. / CLOSED.
Rituals related to the dead were always handled by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, a business that had a strangely large amount of ties to Bubu Pharmacy. When Baizhu focused on treating the living, those from the Parlor would focus on treating the deceased.
There had been a few occasions where those who passed did not have anyone to accompany them in their final moments, and drew their last breath in the heart of Bubu Pharmacy. This was such an occasion where Baizhu personally attended the funeral of one of his patients.
What he grieved was not necessarily that his patient was no longer of this world, but that their life was cut short before they could be fulfilled. Did they still hold onto their will to live as they closed their eyes, not knowing they would never wake?
He remembered the fear in their eyes as they silently pled for him to cure their sickness, unable to smile at the face of death.
The doctor never wanted to get used to death and the like.
As the last flame was lit, and the cremation concluded in a somber silence, he was left pondering such questions.
Baizhu doesn't often partake in social events if it's to take him away from his job as a doctor, but this particular one is such event that he struggled to reject. The person who invited him had lured him with the chance of meeting an herbalist from Sumeru. They must have known his interest would instantly be piqued by an opportunity, and even though he's aware that this is most likely an elaborate trap to coax him into the Pearl Galley, he takes the chance anyway.
The green-haired doctor makes his way and exchanges greetings and pleasantries with fellow guests, Changsheng being a silent observer from her spot over his shoulders. He wears his usual easy smile, silently hoping that his presence will be skimmed over once the storytelling competition begins. He has a bit of time to kill, and with no Sumeru herbalist in sight, he decides to search for the nearest stranger to become his next accompaniment.
As he traverses through the groups of guests of varying origins, he notices a red-haired person on their lonesome looking off to the sea. Their attire reminds him of the Knights of Favonius, yet he senses that they may not even be from Teyvat at all. "Excuse me. I apologize if I'm interrupting. You seem unfamiliar, and I feel it appropriate if we got to know each other on an occasion such as this." He simply, perhaps boldly, approaches them to make introductions. "I am Baizhu, the owner of Bubu Pharmacy. Might I know who you are?"
There had been an increase of outlanders visiting Liyue, that he noticed, none of whom are from Teyvat. He didn't mind their presence, in fact he was hoping to learn more about where they came from. What he found surprising was how they ended up visiting Bubu Pharmacy... Perhaps even outlanders, who have greater means to otherworldly powers, have their days. And this was an example of such case.
"Dr. Baizhu! This girl collapsed during the Liyue Millenial Tournament! Please do something!"
There isn't one, but two Liyuean men borderline dragging a silver-haired girl up the stairs by the arms to the front of the pharmacy. The first thing he notices is that her head is lowered and that she is barely able to stand. The second thing is that she is definitely not from Liyue, judging from her attire. Baizhu exits from behind the counter and approaches the girl, examining her condition.
"Excuse me? Miss?" He gently pats her cheek to check if she's responsive, to which he finds that she's faintly mumbling incoherently. Her eyes are half-lidded and her face is pale. "Prop her up by the bench over there, and I will see what I can do for her."
The two men do as they are told and step back to let the doctor get to work. He starts first with trying to bring her back to life with a cup of cool water. "Please, have a sip. Can you tell me your symptoms? How are you feeling?"
A neatly packed box of the pills is presented to her for inspection. She doesn't need to lean in close to catch the bitter smell that wafts out. Curiosity does rise, wondering just what exactly the ingredients might hint at as the cause of the mysterious illness, but no such information is provided before they are tucked away.
A pity, but he is not her patient in the long term, so she will not pry. For now.
"If you're confident in your solution, then I see no reason not to let it run its course for now." If the need arises, she can see what she can come up with then. "Fifteen minutes should be sufficient...but by all means, if your assistant there insists on longer, feel free."
The snake is another curiosity. Though her smile remains pleasant as always, she studies the creature from the corner of her eye. She has never seen something quite like this before...but there are enough oddities in the world that anything could be possible. Has it always been a snake, she wonders, or is there some sort of mystery behind the little companion?
"And please, don't worry about being a bother. We have plenty of rooms and...enough hands to assist whoever might come by while you're here." Not enough, but she was working on that. She sighs to herself, shaking away the reminder of all that needs to be done.
"Forgive me if my words were too sharp. There are many things in life we can't control, of course." And others that they can, such as how they respond to a known condition.
She chuckles and nods politely in response to the snake's grumbling. "Quite. Well, I am sorry that your visit to the Alchemy Commission has gone so poorly. Knowing that you run a pharmacy, I can understand why you were so excited to visit." There is a spare chair in the room, tucked neatly under a desk. She claims this as a seat of her own. "If there is anything you would like to know, or any questions you might have, I am happy to do my best to answer them."
Changsheng appears pleased by the professionalism, nodding her head quietly while slithering down the man's arm. This prompts him to rest his hand over the chair bed, letting her traverse the material. She doesn't stray away from Baizhu, merely getting some movement in after hitching a ride for so long.
He catches the slight hesitance in Lingsha's voice, yet chooses not to bring it up in conversation. The scope of the Alchemy Commission is most likely much larger than he can fully realize at the moment, and it wouldn't be out of the question if they had a shortage of healers. Part of him wishes he could be of help, though he knows that idea is far from his reach... at least, for now.
"Ah, I take no offense, of course. It's not often that I get the chance to explore a world unlike my own, and perhaps the idea of learning what's in the unknown ignited a sense of adventure in me." The pharmacist remains unperturbed, folding his arms. Now that she, too, is seated, it's safe for him to assume that she is indeed open to a bit of talk while he remained here. He was half-expecting her to busy herself with other matters. Fortunately, he's been provided rare a window of opportunity to learn from the best source of medical knowledge he has in the Luofu as of now.
Baizhu brings a hand to his chin, rubbing it in thought. In truth, there are many questions he'd like to ask, not just about the Vidyadhara lady in front of him, but about the Luofu in general. However, he keeps those questions in the backburner, for she's not there to be his tour guide. "From what I've heard, the Cauldron Master is of a high ranking in the Alchemy Commission. I assume that mean that you are knowledgeable on other forms of treatment besides the usual prescription, yes? Do you have any particular treatment methods that you specialize in?"
Hello! It's a new year and a new month, so I figure it's time to put out my first plot call post. Feel free to ping or DM me on Discord (for those who know it) if you'd like to plot anything with me! I'm open to both Teyvat and Honkai muses unless stated otherwise.
— COMMISSION BOARD. CRYSTALLIZE
LANTERN RITE - Need a buddy who's from Liyue to guide you? Or maybe he had already gone on a trip to Chenyu Vale, and your muse happens to bump into him there? This prompt is pretty flexible for me to work with as Liyue is his home turf. You can take this man anywhere you'd like in Liyue... Just keep in mind that he is not a stellar fighter.
HERTA SPACE STATION - He's a bit lost, but at least he's having fun! Expect him to be talking to the medics of the space station, or getting some refreshments while admiring the modern technology all around. I prefer a Honkai muse for this one.
BELOBOG - Let's just say he entered a spatial fissure expecting to return to his Luofu visits, only to end up in the freezing planet of Jarilo IV... While Changsheng enters hibernation hours, perhaps Baizhu's interest is piqued by news of this strange creature. Will he figure out what exactly it is? Probably not. But there is always room for conversation with Baizhu, especially if medicine sneaks its way into it.
— GENERAL.
Bubu Pharmacy - Basically my go-to prompt for whoever visits Liyue. Your muse gets sick, or is curious as to how the most renowned pharmacy in Liyue functions, or both! Or neither! If you'd like to meet Baizhu for the first time, this is the good ol' reliable spot. I'm open to working out any ideas you throw at me.
‼️ Do keep in mind that I'm still shadowbanned on Tumblr (as of me writing this post, will update if and when it gets resolved) so reblogs and mentions may not show up in your notifs. I'll ping you in the Discord server once our starter is up! ‼️
strength ★☆☆☆☆ — i will give him one star because he knows acupressure techniques but that's about it
dexterity ★★★★☆ — he treats all kinds of injuries, internal or external, so he's good enough. docking a star because his disease can get in the way
health ☆☆☆☆☆ — do i even need to explain why
energy ★☆☆☆☆ — do i even need to explain why
beauty ★★★☆☆ — he has a friendly face but is not known for his physical appearance
style ★★★★☆ — keeps himself presentable in public
hygiene ★★★★★ — will wash his hands after opening a treasure chest
SKILLS
perception ★★★★★ — very good at reading people but 99.9% of the time will not show it outwardly. it's better for him to stay neutral and curious so that he may gather as much info as necessary
communication ★★★☆☆ — knows how to get on people's good side one way or another, but may come off as a bit suspicious when meeting him for the first time
persuasion ★★★★☆
mediation ★★★☆☆ — if it's related to his job (medicine) or his personal interests (medicine) then he will be able to figure out a solution, outside of that he would rather let someone else intervene
literacy ★★★★★ — i'm sure he keeps plenty of books and written teachings to read in his spare time
creativity ★★★☆☆ — only creative in the field of medicine i fear
cooking ★★★★☆ — he's a lot better at making soothing broths or soups more than anything else
tech savvy ☆☆☆☆☆ — he's that one stock image of a grandma holding her glasses while looking at a computer
combat ☆☆☆☆☆ — with his condition? nuh uh
survival ★★★★☆ — i imagine him and changsheng to have enough intuition to figure something out if they're lost in an unfamiliar place
stealth ★☆☆☆☆
street smarts ★★★★★ — his friendly and patient disposition gets him places
seduction ☆☆☆☆☆ — there is no situation where it benefits him
luck ★★★☆☆ — him falling incredibly ill was of his own volition + the contract passed down from his master so luck isn't to blame. maybe it was lucky that he stumbled upon qiqi who gave him an avenue to research more about the boundaries of life and death. maybe it was unlucky that his parents caught the plague. it balances itself out
handling animals ★★★★☆ — he tolerates changsheng's personality so i think he should be good
pacifying children ★★★★★ — there's that one kid that says she hates taking medicine but is willing to go to bubu pharmacy just to see baizhu. so. he's Mother
MIND
intelligence ★★★★★ — his emotional intelligence is off the roof. however, he keeps much of his reflection to himself. you'd have to walk in on him suffering his symptoms for him to yield
happiness ★★★☆☆ — generally content with everything else except the contract that is making him die
spirituality ★★☆☆☆ — he isn't against the notion that spirituality can help improve mental health, ultimately prefers human intellect over spiritual guidance
confidence ★★★★☆ — it has wavered before in his times of sickness. really, he's convinced himself that he will manage to find a 'cure' for his disease even with everything saying otherwise. he even calls himself delusional, at least he's self-aware
humor ★★★☆☆ — the only humor he's got is sarcasm but he seldom does jokes. changsheng and baizhu take turns on trying to understand new generation humor (the former gets very confused or frustrated and gives up while the latter doesn't use the jokes himself but goes along with it)
anxiety ★☆☆☆☆ — gave him one star because yeah he would feel a bit of that when he has one of those days where his symptoms are giving the death's door experience. other than that he's a Chill Guy
patience ★★★★★ — so much so that sometimes it works against him
passion ★★★★★ — being a medical practitioner has become his whole thing since he was young and 99% of everything about him pertains to medicine in one way or another. his favorite hobby is making custom made medicine. he has a fuck ton of bottles and jars of herbs and other ingredients for medical purposes. i think he likes it idk it's very hard to tell (cue sarcasm)
nice ★☆☆☆☆ mean — sometimes too nice that people get suspicious of him (for good reason)
brave ☆☆☆★☆ cowardly — will try avoiding risky situations
pacifist ★☆☆☆☆ violent — don't know if giving placebo on a small amount of occurrences counts as 'violence' but he generally wants to keep things unscathed
thoughtful ★☆☆☆☆ impulsive
agreeable ☆☆★☆☆ contrary — tackling the concept of immortality is not the most unanimous thing to agree upon which is why he keeps it lowkey
idealistic ★☆☆☆☆ pragmatic — he paints himself as pragmatic for the sake of his field of work, but in reality he is determined to overcome the nature of his contract. he says it will end with him when all the odds are stacked against him. it's heavily implied that changsheng (who i see as leaning to pragmatic) roots for his success
frugal ☆☆★☆☆ big spender
extrovert ☆☆★☆☆ introvert — he gives ambivert energy ngl
collected ★☆☆☆☆ wild — so much so that sometimes it works against him. looks at him coughing up blood and his reaction to other people's concern is just "^_^ not to worry 'tis but a scratch"
charisma ★★★★★ — he is generally perceived as a friendly and kind person. he also gets gifts from past or present patients so he's got it good
empathy ★★★★★ — the interesting part is that he always tries to understand everyone yet doesn't let that empathy shake him emotionally.
generosity ★★★★☆
wealth ★★★☆☆ — overall he makes enough to invest back into bubu pharmacy and live normally, it's not a head-turning amount of wealth
honest ☆★☆☆☆ deceptive — he won't outright lie but he might describe something in a misleading way if the situation calls for it. also he has given placebo before. but most of the time he remains honest.
leader ☆☆★☆☆ follower — i don't see him swaying one way or another. if he happens to be indecisive about something changsheng will speak up and give her own thoughts to inspire his decision.
polite ★☆☆☆☆ rude — so much so that changsheng gets irritated by it
political ☆☆☆☆★ indifferent — he will do his job no matter the person's wealth or status. just don't be hard to work with
BELIEFS
higher power ★★☆☆☆ — he acknowledges the adepti, archons, and whatever's above them, however he doesn't want to solely rely on them to achieve his goals. he's very grateful for the dendro vision and to whoever bestowed it upon him as it does prove useful
fate/destiny ★☆☆☆☆ — he prefers to mold his own destiny instead of letting it be predetermined by a higher force.
magic ★★★★☆ — there's no denying that magic is inherently present in teyvat. as for applying it to his own practices, he seldom needs it. he's not opposed to innovating new treatment methods using magic.
soulmates ★★★☆☆ — he doesn't deny the possibility of its existence but doesn't keep his focus on it
good and evil ★★☆☆☆
luck ★★★☆☆
PRIORITIES
family ★★★★★ — he doesn't consider it too much, but the ones who would be 'family tier' to him are changsheng and qiqi. trying not to speak for anyone who used to or is planning on having qiqi as their muse, but it is canon that outside of researching her undead state, baizhu has helped her improve her memory loss issues. i also headcanon that changsheng actively chooses to chill on baizhu's shoulders wherever he goes in public which is very cute
friends ★★★☆☆ — he. has so little screentime i really don't know who or what he classifies as a friend. herbalist gui? i do think he's intentionally keeping people at arm's length to keep his personal details as lowkey as possible (he tries to hide the nature of his healing arts and is constantly trying to downplay his symptoms) if you do befriend him though he's got your back.
love ★☆☆☆☆ — yeah i got nothing for him, same explanation as above.
home ★★★☆☆ — it's not complicated to him. liyue is his home, and so he stays there.
health ★★★★★ — he's just tryna stay alive y'all
praise ☆☆☆☆☆
justice ★★★★★ — he turned a dying man into a zombie just so he could make his last moments with his family more meaningful and fulfilled. if that's not striving for justice i dunno what is
truth ★★★★☆ — it's part of the job really, determining the cause of one's illness is the hardest part
fame ☆☆☆☆☆ — if he were doing things for fame he wouldn't have become a doctor
wealth ★☆☆☆☆ — he knows how to finance and how to business, but in his own words verbatim: "what pharmacy wants their business to boom? we aren't hoping for more people to get sick, are we?"
others' opinions ★★★☆☆ — he would do his best to make sure he is in good standing with everyone, or at the very least have some form of neutral respect. it's not out of a need for approval or validation, more like to make his life (both business and personal) less complicated down the line
A pharmacy? Interesting. She makes a quick note of that, securing her smile even further to hide any disapproval that may leak out. It is always all the more frustrating when people who should know better do not. Knowing exactly what work you are putting onto others does not change the fact you are doing so. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Baizhu."
"A preexisting condition? In that case, are you already taking any medicine for it that I should know about?" She does not want to give him something that might negate or react poorly with what he has already taken.
She nods along to his explanation, noting down a few more things. She chooses not to make these comments out loud. "If that is the case, the best recommendation I can make at this time is additional rest until the symptoms decrease, and perhaps an additional dosage of your medicine if we deem it necessary after some time."
Satisfied with that, she smiles. "You understand, of course, if I insist upon you remaining here until we are sure you are good to go? It would hardly reflect well on the caretaking skills of the Alchemy Commission if we were to send you on your way, only for something unspeakable to befall you later."
She gestures to where he is already sitting. "You may rest here for a moment. In all honesty, I would prefer it if you were to avoid coughing up blood where others might see and fret more than I did."
"You may not recognize the contents of the medicine itself," Baizhu pulls out a small, cinnamon-colored wooden box, assorted white pills visible from the small clear window on top of the lid, "but I have been taking pills, custom-made by myself. I often take one the moment my symptoms start flaring up." The pills look ordinary, and as he opens the clasp on the box, a subtle smell of bitterness emanates from within. Once he figures Lingsha has taken a good look at it, he closes it and stores it back on his person.
He takes a glance at her noting details down diligently, not bothering to hide his curiosity. With an illness such as his, he wouldn't blame anyone for offering a simple solution such as rest when there are many factors to consider. "Yes... I understand. How long do you suggest I rest? I believe I'll only take 15 minutes until I will be ready to be dismissed." Almost immediately after he speaks, the white snake tacks on her words with a small hiss. "Make that an hour! You can't guarantee that she will come to your rescue if it happens again. It's already a miracle that you manage to get this far without collapsing!"
"A bit excessive, isn't it, Changsheng? It would be improper of me to occupy this room for so long, when there might be others who need it more." Baizhu turns up the politeness, to Changsheng's dismay. She wants to argue back, but considers the other person that's witnessing their banter and keeps herself quiet for the moment. They both turn their heads to listen to the Vidyadhara lady's remaining thoughts.
"I do appreciate the honesty. I would prefer it so, too, have I had more control of my condition. I hadn't taken people with a keen sense into account, but perhaps it was the best case scenario that I was caught by you before anything bad truly happened, haha." His previous smile makes it way back onto his face.
Changsheng stares at him as if he had said something strange. "I had already told him to not wander so much, but it goes in one ear and out the other..."
✧ dead reckoning: finding yourself bothered by somebody's death more than you would have expected, even if they were only an abstract presence in your life.
OBSCURE SORROWS DRABBLE PROMPTS. / CLOSED.
Throughout Baizhu's time running Bubu Pharmacy, many people from all walks of life come and go from across Teyvat, looking for his medical knowledge and guidance. It should be no surprise that he will end up treating those trying to cling onto the little life they have left.
And while he knows that he has done as any doctor should do, and that there should be no guilt for when a patient inevitably passes...
Each of them had their own story, and they meant something to someone out there. In the grand scheme of things, in the vastness of Teyvat and whatever lies beyond, one person is but a speck. A speck that yearns to create meaning of their existence, no matter how unfortunate they are.
Unfortunately, life is not so selfless... and it must continue spinning its wheel that cycles past mortal life.
Lingsha slides the door to the room open and steps to the side, gesturing for the man to enter ahead of her. The room is simple, lightly furnished with just the essentials. Once he's entered, she joins him, shutting the door behind of them both. "Feel free to get comfortable, I won't keep you long."
Walking over to the desk, she prepares a report for basic notes, but pauses midway through the action. "Ah, yes. Forgive me, I've gotten used to everyone here knowing who I am before I have the chance to meet them, introductions must have slipped my mind."
She turns back to the guest and gives a polite nod of her head, passive smile firmly in place as always. "My name in Lingsha. I am the Cauldron Master here of the Xianzhou Luofu's Alchemy Commission." She laughs, even if it isn't really funny. "Yes, you could say that I've been doing this for a while."
Interested in the medicine, hmm? "Are you a healer of some sort yourself, then?" This time when she laughs, there's a bit of teasing to it. She hides the sharpness that sneaks into her smile behind her hand. "I would expect a healer to be smarter than to go into hiding when they begin to suffer some sort of condition."
He makes his way to the chair bed, the material just about comfortable for him to relax. The experience reminds him a lot of Bubu Pharmacy, except this time he was the one being diagnosed. If this were to go like the previous times he's tried to get an answer from another doctor or healer, he shouldn't be too optimistic. On the bright side, he gets the chance to socialize with someone of similar profession.
"The Cauldron Master, hm?" Baizhu registers her name and title with a small nod. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Lingsha. My name is Baizhu. I am the owner of a pharmacy from the world of Teyvat. I consider myself a healer, yes."
Oh, he sees that amused look on her face. Her reaction is understandable, yet he senses that she has enough wisdom to grasp the ordeal he's been dealing with once he explains everything she needs to know. "I agree with your sentiment." The man chuckles at her comment, eyes crinkling at the corners. "A bit of a paradox, isn't it? However, it isn't a condition I've just began to suffer. I've had it for quite some time now."
Baizhu turns to rummage through the travelling pouch wrapped around his hip. "I have already taken my medicine, so the worst of my symptoms have been dealt with for now. Unfortunately, when I've exerted more energy than what I'm used to, this occurs." He opens up the handkerchief he held previously, enough to reveal the small blood stain he coughed up sticking out like a sore thumb. The white snake glances at him with a tad of concern and a tilt of her head, but remains silent. "I'm already used to dealing with such symptoms, which is why I hadn't sought out immediate medical attention. Nonetheless, I'm very grateful for your help."
Stubbornness is not an uncommon trait in patients. So often do people believe that they know better than the offered help. Self-assessments have their merit, of course! She just wished that they didn't come with such needless time wasting when people were clearly wrong.
Thankfully, sense makes itself known in this conversation...though the source is unexpected. Lingsha briefly raises an eyebrow at the snake that rises up to chime in. A heliobus of some kind, perhaps? Or something entirely new...
Time for wondering is later, when there is not a case of blood loss quite literally on her hands.
"Not an inconvenience at all, of course. It is our job to provide assistance to those who seek it from our healers." Lingsha smiles and gestures nearby; there are rooms where she may treat him in private, rather than addressing this out where any passerby may see as she had. "Here, if you will just come with me and take a seat, we can see what might be wrong."
The green haired man nods, gaze drifting to the buildings she gestures towards. She's already offered her time and effort, so there's no reason not to comply. Plus, he might get some new perspective on his ever-present condition, even if the treatment methods here aren't effective against it.
"See? Was it so hard to look around and ask? If we didn't get lucky, you would have collapsed with nobody to take care of you!" The white snake turns her head and chides him as if she's done this plenty of times before. Baizhu sighs, already following the Vidyadhara lady. "Changsheng, keep it down... You wouldn't want to give a bad impression to our first acquaintance here, would you?" His tone is calm and steady, like a mother gently reminding their child to eat with their mouth closed at a gathering.
He taps his chest to clear his throat again, this time more subdued. As they approach one of the buildings, he looks to the woman ahead. "Might I know who you are, miss? You seem to be the type of person who's done this for many years. I'm unfamiliar with the medicine used on the Luofu, and I'm admittedly curious about the process."