After bickering back and forth for ages, Hu Tao finally got down to business.
"Xiangling invited us to try some new dishes. Are you coming?"
"What kind of new dishes?"
"Not sure. Probably something like 'Slime Mushroom Surprise' again." Hu Tao visibly shuddered, haunted by memories of Xiangling's more adventurous culinary experiments. If Jiang Bai weren't going, she certainly wouldn't go alone.
At the mention of "Slime Mushroom Surprise," Bloop, who had been dutifully watering the Sweet Flowers with tiny water spurts, abruptly froze in place, eyes turning into little X's as it dramatically collapsed to the ground, playing dead.
Hu Tao laughed in delight. "Hey, this little guy's pretty good at playing dead!"
"Don't worry, we won't eat you," Jiang Bai reassured the unusually intelligent slime. Instantly revived by these comforting words, Bloop bounced back energetically.
"Stay home and guard the house for me; I'll be back later."
Bloop hopped cheerfully, signaling its agreement.
"Let's go, Director Hu."
Having been stuck at home for two days, Jiang Bai was actually curious to see what new dishes Xiangling had come up with.
And as for "Slime Mushroom Surprise," he felt he could stomach it.
...
At Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling wasn't alone—her junior apprentice Yaoyao was also there, lecturing her senior like a tiny adult:
"Senior, I know sea monsters taste great, but just cook aboard Captain Beidou's ship. Don't even think about hunting sea beasts yourself! It's not the same as cooking on land. Guoba can't swim—he'll drown!"
Xiangling rubbed her head sheepishly. "I know already..."
Just then, Jiang Bai and Hu Tao arrived, walking in on this amusing scene.
Grinning mischievously, Hu Tao stealthily moved behind Xiangling, planning to startle her while she was distracted. But before she could even touch her shoulder, Yaoyao exposed her plan.
"Hu Tao, Xiangling gets scared easily. You shouldn't keep startling her."
Only then did Xiangling realize someone was behind her. She turned around, arms crossed, glaring accusingly at Hu Tao.
Without a trace of embarrassment, Hu Tao casually placed her arm around Xiangling's shoulders. "I was just greeting her! Why would I startle anyone?"
Meanwhile, Jiang Bai rolled up in his wheelchair, smiling at the familiar young girl. "Yaoyao, long time no see."
"Oh! Jiang Bai!" Yaoyao's eyes sparkled happily, but her expression quickly turned concerned. "How did you get hurt? Are you okay? Have you seen Mr. Baizhu yet?"
"I'm fine, almost fully healed."
In reality, Jiang Bai's injury had healed considerably. He was just being cautious, keeping the Geo brace intact and sticking to his wheelchair for a few extra days to ensure his bones fully recovered.
Yaoyao sighed with relief, patting her chest gently. "That's good, that's good!"
Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out some snacks. "Yaoyao brought treats today—would you like some?"
"Then I'll gladly accept," Jiang Bai replied warmly, not feeling the need to refuse this sweet child's generosity.
This girl really loved feeding people. The first time they'd met, she'd handed him a giant radish; the second time, snacks.
"What about me? I want some too!" Hu Tao leaned in eagerly, opening her mouth wide.
Yaoyao obligingly popped a snack directly into Hu Tao's mouth.
With one arm still slung over Xiangling's shoulder, Hu Tao mumbled through the snack, "You said you made new dishes? Let's hurry up and try them!"
"It's a new sea monster Captain Beidou caught! A gigantic squid—as big as Captain Beidou's ship, apparently! She specially saved one of the tentacles for me to cook with. I've never cooked something from such a deep-sea creature before!"
"A squid as big as a ship?" Hu Tao's eyes lit up instantly.
How huge must that squid be!
"I've already prepared it—come try!" Xiangling invited them eagerly inside.
Guoba came bouncing out at just the right moment, waving energetically while carrying dishes. "Lulu~!"
"Guoba, come eat with us!"
The table was soon laden with squid dishes—fried squid, dry-braised squid, spicy stir-fried squid, squid sashimi—every cooking method imaginable.
Relieved to see the dishes were normal, Hu Tao exhaled deeply.
"Looks like Captain Beidou really had an abundant haul this trip!"
"Yes! She even asked me to cook aboard her ship for a few days. Apparently, the crew really misses my cooking."
Hu Tao grabbed a chunk of meat and stuffed it into her mouth. "Then I'd better eat my fill now. Who knows when I'll get to taste your dishes again!"
Jiang Bai reached for some spicy squid, but as soon as he did, he noticed Yaoyao staring at him anxiously.
"Jiang Bai, you're injured! You probably shouldn't eat spicy food yet, right?"
"Oh, don't worry. I'm almost healed—I'll just have one bite. Only one!"
"Only one bite, okay?" Yaoyao insisted gently, her wide eyes sparkling expectantly.
Under her watchful gaze, Jiang Bai reluctantly nodded.
Maybe I shouldn't have used the wheelchair today...
The deep-sea squid had an extraordinary texture—firm, springy, and satisfying to chew.
Even sliced into small pieces, the cooked meat curled up tightly, giving it a delightful chewiness.
"Delicious! Truly delicious!" Jiang Bai praised, repeating himself three times for good measure.
Hu Tao nodded eagerly, "This ingredient is top-notch indeed!"
Yaoyao also enjoyed the dishes immensely, and naturally wanted to share tasty food with others.
"I'll pack some vegetarian dishes for Ganyu later. She's probably working too hard and has forgotten to eat again."
"No problem," Xiangling replied immediately. "I'll prepare a few more vegetarian dishes for you to bring over."
"Ganyu? Who's that?" Jiang Bai asked, hearing an unfamiliar name.
Shaking her head in mock disbelief, Hu Tao explained slowly, "Miss Ganyu is the secretary to the Liyue Qixing. She handles nearly all affairs at Yuehai Pavilion—a real powerhouse in Liyue Harbor!"
"That impressive?" Jiang Bai exclaimed, startled.
Yaoyao sure has connections, as expected from an adeptus disciple...
"Miss Ganyu is an adeptus too, you know…" Hu Tao added casually.
Just then, outside the restaurant.
Ganyu happened to pass by, hearing the group inside discussing her.
Noticing Yaoyao seated at the table eating, she hesitated briefly before deciding to step inside.
It wasn't mealtime, and the restaurant was nearly empty except for them.
"Hello," Ganyu greeted gently, entering the restaurant.
"Ganyu!" Yaoyao brightened immediately upon seeing her. "We were just talking about whether you've eaten yet!" She quickly hopped off her chair and pulled one out for Ganyu. "Come join us, Ganyu!"
Seeing Ganyu clearly for the first time, Jiang Bai was momentarily stunned.
He'd seen people with animal ears before—but never anyone with horns.
Yet even with horns, her beauty was unaffected. With flowing blue hair cascading down her back, flawless pale skin, and an ethereal aura, she appeared gentle and serene—quite unlike someone who wielded immense influence in Liyue Harbor.
"Hello, everyone," Ganyu greeted again with a soft smile. "I actually came to pick up Yaoyao."
Today was a rare day off for Ganyu, and she'd decided to take a walk in Liyue Harbor, relax, and pick Yaoyao up along the way.
Yaoyao nudged Ganyu gently onto the seat. "I was planning to bring you food, but it's even better you came! Now we can eat together!"
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T/N: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? BLUE VS RED? CALM VS ENERGETIC? GANYU VS HU TAO?