Episode 174: Look, I found a certain Miss Coconut Goat who seems to have become vague about work.
『 As the two were secretly making their calculations, little Qiqi, at some unknown point, had shuffled over to Baizhu's feet, her bright, sparkling eyes full of anticipation as she looked up at him.
"Coconut milk, Coconut milk. Baizhu. Quick. Qiqi wants coconut milk."
Baizhu was still hesitating, but seeing Qiqi's adorable appearance, his heart instantly softened, and his prejudice against Childe lessened by a few points.
"Ah... Yes, of course, Qiqi, anything you want... Th-Thank you, Childe. I look forward to a successful collaboration in the future. I can give you a discount on that Everlasting Incense too, let's say... two million nine hundred ninety thousand(2,990,000) Mora." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Mr. Baizhu agreed as soon as Qiqi spoke. It seems you care a lot about little Qiqi." ]
[ Baizhu (Genshin Impact): "That's only natural. So, can you let go of Qiqi now?" ]
[ Qiqi (Genshin Impact): "Bad woman, Qiqi is very uncomfortable." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, it's quite comfortable to hold her. Let's rest a bit longer." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Ahem, Director Hu, three years minimum, be careful." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Got it, got it." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "Isn't that discount a bit inappropriate?" ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "Original price three million, now two million nine hundred ninety thousand. It seems there's no change." ]
[ Miyuki Shirogane (Love Is War): "Ten thousand is gone, isn't that a lot?" ]
[ Topaz (Honkai: Star Rail): "Although the number is quite large, for the total, it indeed makes no difference." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "It's the Fatui's money anyway, no need to feel bad." ]
[ Welt Yang (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hmm, two million nine hundred ninety thousand is ten thousand less than three million, and ten thousand more than two million nine hundred eighty thousand." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Uncle Yang, what you said sounds like you said nothing at all." ]
[ Welt Yang (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hehe." ]
[ .....]
『 Although the matter was handled quite satisfactorily, Baizhu's "discount"...
"What's the difference between two million nine hundred ninety thousand and three million?" Paimon couldn't help but blurt out.
In Zhongli's ear, as soon as that tempting discount offer fell, he too couldn't help but spout a few "meaningful" remarks.
"Hmm, two hundred ninety-nine thousand, compared to three million, just happens to save ten thousand, and compared to two hundred ninety-eight thousand, it just happens to exceed ten thousand."
After seeing Zhongli start spouting "nonsense literature" again, Paimon retorted in annoyance.
"Zhongli, has anyone ever told you that you talk too much nonsense?"...
"Is that so?" Zhongli looked bewildered, seemingly genuinely unaware.
Having finally completed the task of the Everlasting Incense, Zhongli decided to close his chatterbox and get straight to the point.
He turned around and announced to Lumine and Paimon, "Well, now that this is settled, we must head back to Yujing Terrace. Mr. Childe, Dr. Baizhu, Little Miss Qiqi, see you soon."
After speaking, Zhongli, carrying the Everlasting Incense, bid farewell to everyone and stepped out of Bubu Pharmacy.
Seeing this, Lumine realized she had nothing else to do here, so she simply and efficiently took her leave.
In the end, only Mr. Baizhu, who had been planning the collaboration, and Tartaglia, who had just generously paid and self-mockingly called himself a "sucker," remained, standing opposite each other.
Soon after,
After concluding his discussion with Baizhu, Childe leisurely walked out of the bubu Pharmacy's door. Standing on the threshold, he suddenly burst into loud laughter.
"These people are really interesting. I haven't laughed so heartily in a long time."
His laughter abruptly ceased, and Tartaglia's gaze shifted to a nearby pillar. His tone changed, as if he were talking to the air: "Speaking of which, you've been lurking here all this time. Have you caught any whispers?"
As he finished speaking, Ekaterina, a member of the Fatui and receptionist at the Northland Bank, quietly stepped out from behind the pillar and replied with respect: "Yes, Master Childe. They spoke of the Qixing taking the Golden House..."
Ekaterina slowly recounted the intelligence he had overheard.
These words fell into Tartaglia's ears, instantly illuminating his thoughts.
"So that's it, so that's it. Hehehe, Ningguang, and all of you Qixing, what treasure could be more tempting than the Exuvia of the Geo Archon that you wish to hide in the Golden House?"
With a plan already in mind, Tartaglia's expression was calm. He turned his gaze to Lumine's retreating figure, who had long since departed with Zhongli.
"Hehe, I'm very sorry, Traveler~, but I already warned you, didn't I? As the ancient Liyue saying goes: The walls have ears."
Although he had already warned Lumine, it had come to this, and it was no longer something Tartaglia could handle alone.
Moreover, he had already obtained the information he desired.
Now, he just needed to wait for an opportunity.
A flawless opportunity to verify the authenticity of the information.
As for Lumine and Zhongli, Childe could only silently apologize in his heart.
Who made him a Fatui Harbinger?
Even if his relationship with the two was not shallow, the Tsaritsa's orders would always be his primary principle of action. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Sure enough, bad guys are bad guys, they can't change for the better." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Even though you spent so much money on us, you're still a bad guy." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "You can't say that. After all, I am a Fatui Harbinger, and I pledge allegiance to Her Majesty the Tsaritsa." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Besides, I didn't lie, did I? I warned you from the beginning, about walls having ears." ]
[ Whis (Dragon Ball) "Hohohoho, truly a loyal child." ]
[ Beerus (Dragon Ball) "..." ]
[ .....]
『 As the scene shifted, Lumine had already returned to the bustling Yujing Terrace plaza with Zhongli, placing the precious Everlasting Incense steadily on the table.
With everything arranged, Zhongli unconsciously turned around and let out a relaxed sigh.
"Thus, our assistant is in place, and the Everlasting Incense is ready. We are one step closer to the successful completion of the ceremony."
After enduring many hardships, Paimon couldn't help but mutter, "Oh, it's finally done!"
For this one ritual, to go through so many twists and turns, for Paimon, it would have been a fantasy in the past. But now, it had actually become a reality?
Just as Paimon was immersed in disbelief, Zhongli, with everything prepared, turned to Lumine and curiously asked about her feelings: "Traveler, how do you feel? In this journey to bid farewell to the Geo Archon, have you had any unexpected gains?"
Looking back at all the little details of the journey, Lumine was at a loss for how to summarize it.
On one hand, there was the lavish and generous Zhongli; on the other hand, there was the indifferent and detached him, unconcerned with money.
These two opposed qualities could coexist harmoniously in the same person, which was truly peculiar.
Lumine hesitated for a moment, vaguely replying, "Hmm... I can only say it was a wonderful and slightly strange journey."
"Strange?" This answer left Zhongli a little confused. How could a journey be described so ambiguously? This indeed puzzled Zhongli.
Lumine pondered for a moment, trying to give a more specific answer: "Well, perhaps one could say it was an experience of a rich man's luxurious life, or perhaps, a deep understanding of the hardships and struggles of the poor?"
Facing these two seemingly contradictory questions, Zhongli smiled calmly:
"Hehe, so, which side does the answer lean towards? The mysteries of a journey are always so intricate."
"The insights from this journey, I will leave for you, Traveler, to savor slowly. As a reward for jointly organizing this Rite of Parting, I have decided on something."
Lumine didn't seem satisfied with any answer, but Zhongli's last sentence instantly captured both their attention.
"What is it?"
"Treating you to a meal," Zhongli said calmly, with his arms crossed, delivering this unexpected news. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Hmm?" ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "I must not be seeing things, Zhongli, Zhongli said he's treating?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Director Hu, there's no need to be so surprised." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Exactly, isn't it just a normal treat?" ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "That's nice, I've never had such an honor." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "It's nothing, we can do it again sometime." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Provided that you don't get wanted." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "...Alright." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "However, I might have to leave now, Mr. Zhongli. We'll see each other when we're free." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Don't go!" ]
[ .....]
『 "What, what, what?" Lumine's eyes widened, staring at Zhongli in disbelief. "Oh my goodness, this is huge! Mr. Zhongli actually offered to treat us to a meal? Oh, my Rex Lapis, have your eyes been opened?"
Throughout the journey, Zhongli's calm and detached image, never touched by worldly dust, kept replaying in their minds.
Yet, such an esteemed individual was now, for the first time, suggesting to treat they.
This series of sudden changes left Lumine confused and muttering to herself.
But she didn't easily agree.
After all, he said he was treating, but what if, after a delicious meal at the restaurant,
Mr. Zhongli suddenly said something like, "I left in a hurry and forgot my wallet," and the bill ended up on her, which would truly turn joy into sorrow.
Therefore, Lumine was still a bit nervous and cautious about such an invitation.
Seeming to notice their concerns, Zhongli suddenly smiled faintly and said, "Heh, I understand. Don't worry, this time I guarantee I'll have my wallet with me."
"Tonight, I shall take you both to an old hole-in-the-wall, praised throughout Liyue."
"'Hole-in-the-wall? As in... a cool restaurant?" Paimon interjected curiously.
Zhongli nodded without hesitation, also providing the time and location in detail.
"Indeed. Let us meet near the harbor at "Third-Round Knockout."
Thus, an unexpected dinner invitation was settled. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail) "Third-Round Knockout, why does it inexplicably remind me of someone fighting a tiger?" ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "Ah? Does Liyue even have tigers?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "There shouldn't be. Such things cannot appear in the city. If it's in the wilderness, it's still somewhat possible." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "However, why would you, from another world, think that tigers would appear in our world?" ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "No, I'm talking about that sense of déjà vu." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "I understand." ]
[ .....]
『 The scene shifts.
" Liyue - Third-Round Knockout " / A line of text appeared in the center of the screen.
In the teahouse, Zhongli had just finished arranging a table of sumptuous dishes when the corner of his eye caught sight of Lumine and Paimon approaching.
As the two leisurely walked towards their seats, Zhongli quickly raised his hand and, with a beaming smile, greeted them: "Ah, I've finally waited for you! No need to bother ordering, I've arranged everything."
After they were seated, Zhongli lightly tapped the table, gesturing to the teahouse's unique decorations, and slowly explained: "This 'Third-Round Knockout' is not like those ordinary taverns in Mondstadt. Here, if you order juice or the like, you'll likely be laughed at by the owner for not knowing your stuff."
Upon hearing this, Lumine's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"So... this time I can get a taste of wine and enjoy an adult experience!?"
Despite being an adult, she was always treated like a child, restricted everywhere, and denied the cup. She never expected that Liyue might be a place where conventions could be broken.
"For this, I have specially prepared a bowl of rice wine with glutinous rice balls for you," Zhongli said leisurely.
Lumine looked at the full bowl of glutinous rice balls, emitting a faint aroma of wine, and the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.
"Heh, I knew it. It's not that easy to get a free drink."
Whether it was Mondstadt's juice or Liyue's rice wine with glutinous rice balls, it always seemed difficult to freely taste the sweetness of alcohol.
However, a woman's charm can occasionally lead to unexpected twists.
Compared to Mondstadt, Lumine had already secretly made a comparison: in Mondstadt, she could only drink juice to quench her thirst, but in Liyue, at least she could taste a hint of wine's delicious aroma.
This step, though small, was significant and could be considered considerable progress.
Just then, a voice drifted down from the rooftop, entering their ears.
"I've finally found you, travelers returning from Jueyun Karst."
"Who is it?" The moment she heard the voice, Lumine hurriedly grabbed Paimon's sleeve. "Paimon, let's make a run for it!"
Seeing the two below react this way, the person on the rooftop immediately understood.
"Please don't be alarmed. I am not a Millelith soldier, nor am I a constable here to arrest you."
"My true identity is Ganyu, assistant to the Liyue Qixing and secretary of the Yuehai Pavilion, and I have come specifically for you," Ganyu explained softly and patiently.
"Secretary?" The group looked up at the figure on the rooftop in confusion.
The other party immediately explained further: "Strictly speaking, my main responsibility is to serve all the Qixing, and this time I am acting as Miss Ningguang's special envoy, a temporary role."
"Speaking of Ningguang, her envoy has appeared."
To Paimon's confusion, Ganyu continued from the rooftop: "Friends from Jueyun Karst, I apologize for the lack of proper etiquette in this bustling market."
"But this letter in my hand is a formal invitation from Miss Ningguang, issued in the name of the Tianquan. She invites you to her palace in the sky."
Looking at the letter slowly floating down from the rooftop, Lumine looked up at the newcomer with curiosity.
"You mean, an official invitation...?"
"That's right, Miss Ningguang said so before.
"" Invite her to come " "
"" I want to see her "."
"" Right here at the Jade Chamber, I will accompany her; together, we shall snip every one of these entwining dark threads. " "
Ganyu left a worried smile, then disappeared without a trace from the rooftop.
Paimon looked around but could no longer find any trace of the envoy who called herself Ganyu.
"And with that, the emissary who called herself Ganyu just disappeared." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Ah? What does Miss Ningguang want with us?" ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "My invitation, excellent." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "It's just that, it seems, Ganyu still missed one thing." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "What did I miss? I thought I explained it quite thoroughly." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "You, you didn't tell her how to get up there." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Ah? Isn't that something everyone in Liyue knows?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "But I'm not from Liyue, Miss Ganyu." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Oh, it seems so~!" ]
[ Yae Miko (Genshin Impact): "Hehehehehe." ]
[ .....]
『 After Tianquan's envoy, Ganyu, gracefully departed, little Paimon was still immersed in the shock, her eyes sparkling.
"Can you believe it? We actually received an invitation from the Liyue Qixing, it's as incredible as a dream!"
"If we're going to meet rich people, we must pay attention to etiquette."
"I've always been very polite, but what are you planning now, Paimon?" Seeing the excited little Paimon, Lumine knew that this little one must still be thinking of something incredible. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): This little guy is happy, it's time to put her in the pot. ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "???" ]
[ .....]
『 At this moment, Zhongli, seeing the situation, smiled and slowly spoke: "Heh, to be invited to the Jade Chamber is indeed an honor for a select few."
Even someone as composed as Zhongli knew when to let go, allowing Lumine and Paimon to pursue their main event.
As for the important matter of the Rite of Parting, he would just have to find another way and formulate a Plan B.
"I'll let you two go this time, but don't forget the final part of the Rite of Parting. After your trip to the Jade Chamber, we'll meet at Dihua Marsh, not missing a single step."
"Mhm, mhm, don't worry, we definitely won't forget!" Paimon solemnly covered her chest and promised Zhongli, "After the Jade Chamber trip, we'll see you at Dihua Marsh, don't miss it~."
As she said this, she was clearly still intoxicated by the joy of meeting Ningguang soon, or more precisely, filled with anticipation for how many treasures she might get this time. 』
『 .....』