My shield seems to work well enough against it. Stay close to me, and you have nothing to fear.

[Venti isn't having a good time of anything right now, which means that Zhongli is watching out even more for him. Protective mode: on.]

I understand. [Whatever it is, it must be big.] I find that taking a walk helps me sort out my thoughts, but this afternoon is more chaotic than usual.

[Finally they reach the complex. Zhongli guides Venti through one of the alternate doors and up the stairs to his apartment. He unlocks it quickly and invites Venti inside. While the bard dallies with his coat, Zhongli shakes out the umbrella and hangs it to dry.

As usual, there's a place to take off one's shoes and put on something more suitable for the house, as well as hang up their coats. A recent addition, however, is a pair of pastel green fluffy slippers... which Zhongli offers to him now.]

Here, put these on. [They're sized perfectly for Venti, who may as well live here now.] You're soaked. Wait here, and I'll fetch a towel and some spare clothes.

[Or Venti can just strip out on the balcony, but that might be a bit too adventurous for this weather.]