The readers also get it. After all that, in this gathering, only Chongyun is truly 'pure'—he even has fewer 'scheming minds' than Paimon.
Paimon at least uses some scheming on food.
Speaking of which, Lucian also casually wrote an introduction to Almond Tofu.
Although this Almond Tofu has 'tofu' in its name, there's actually no tofu inside at all. It's completely made of almonds; it just looks like tofu on the outside.
Yae Miko shakes her head in disappointment.
In the story, Xiangling says she's not particularly skilled at making this dish, so she's a bit worried it might not suit Xiao's taste.
[Xiao: "You've gone to such trouble. Actually, there's no need to..."]
Seeing Xiao about to say some polite words to make others not worry about him, the Traveler lightly coughs twice as a reminder: Don't strike down others' good intentions.
[Xiao notices the Traveler's intent and changes his words: "...I'll accept it. Thank you, and... Guoba."]
The Traveler nods in satisfaction. That's right. Sometimes, one should just choose to accept others' good intentions.
When the three return to the private room in Xinyue Kiosk, Paimon is very excited.
["Ahhh—you've finally finished your little whispers!"]
[Paimon crosses her arms, tilting her little head: "Wasn't it supposed to be quick? Hmph!"]
The close-up illustration of Paimon is especially cute. It's just that everyone is a bit puzzled: Is Paimon this clingy? They didn't think so before.
[Traveler: "It was pretty quick. Paimon's sense of time is off."]
[Paimon gets anxious: "Y-you, you jerk, saying that about me!"]
["Then not only will I make you know what 'sense of time off' means, but also what 'sense of appetite off' means!"]
Another illustration: In the drawing, Paimon raises her little head, from the perspective it looks like a 45° upward gaze at the sky, full of tsundere vibe.
["Your dessert is mine now!"]
Eula: ?
This pose, this line—feels like I've seen it somewhere. Right, isn't this Eula?
After all that, little Paimon is just imitating others.
The Traveler and Xiao ignore Paimon and head straight to Hu Tao. Paimon stamps her foot in dissatisfaction.
[Xiao says to Hu Tao: "Sorry for the wait."]
[Hu Tao replies: "No problem. It's all just chatting anyway—no big matters."]
["You chat outside, we chat inside—it's all the same."]
No wonder they say high EQ. Ei, you should learn. It's all knowledge.
[Hu Tao continues: "But though it's all acquaintances, for a holiday gathering, we still need some sense of ceremony."]
[Venti asks: "Oh? Is there some custom or habit?"]
The readers are also curious along with him. Liyue's customs and habits? It'd be good to learn a bit.
The people of Liyue are also a bit curious. What custom? Have I become untraditional?
[Hu Tao crosses her arms, tone natural: "No."]
[She raises one arm and extends her index finger: "But this Hall Master, for a bit of good luck, just made one up on the spot!"]
The readers' curiosity doesn't decrease; instead, they're a bit curious what ceremonial thing this Hu Hall Master came up with.
[Hu Tao says: "Better to grab something at hand than seek afar. Let's use this incense burner on the table."]
["It's been burning for so long, the incense inside is almost exhausted. So, let the most esteemed guest present light the incense and ignite it for everyone."]
Note the emphasis in this sentence: 'the most esteemed present.' Going up to light it would mean declaring oneself the most esteemed.
Naturally, no one present is so arrogant. So, enjoy the skit—Fooling the Silliest One, alias 'Discussing Heroes Over Brewed Wine.'
The later plot is full of illustrations. The 'Merit Competition' officially begins!
[Venti is the first to speak: "So, speaking of the most esteemed guest present... it must be Consultant Zhongli, right."]
In the illustration, Venti extends the 'Great Desolate Prison Finger' straight at Zhongli, just short of saying 'I'll assist you'!
[Venti continues to praise: "I'm not too familiar with the consultant's rumored exploits, but from our chat earlier, his knowledge and scholarship have even opened the eyes of a wandering bard like me who's seen the world."]
['Not too familiar']
["If knowledge counts as power, then the consultant can be said to have immense strength."]
The only truth in Venti's words here might be 'immense strength.'
Venti: Take this, Morax!
One can only say, worthy of Player Venti—the first to speak in the whole match, and the first sentence throws the pot to his good bro!
Truly, with friends like this, what more could one ask for!
This is a praise-kill attack. Player Venti lifts Player Zhongli high—what does he intend?
Will he smash down? Will he smash down!?
Venti indicates: The great responsibility of the world—hope you don't shirk it; talent like the Sleeping Dragon—far surpasses mine!
Mr. Zhongli falls into 'recommendation' state. How will he respond?
[Zhongli sighs: "When it comes to speaking, the great poet is indeed superior."]
["I just have a good memory, that's all. For such an ordinary ability to be praised so highly, it's your eloquence that I admire."]
Ordinary Liyue God.
Zhongli: Worthy of 'Baba'tos—truly can babble.
Here it comes—the replication attack from Player Zhongli! You praise me, I praise you—sweetness fills Xinyue Kiosk!
Zhongli's insight: Petty tricks—your scheme is seen through!
Player Venti's 'recommendation' fails. Player Zhongli breaks free of the bonds. Is he going to counterattack?
[Zhongli continues: "Speaking of which, everyone can nominate someone..."]
["Naturally, I think the Hall Master should light the incense."]
Uh... Player Zhongli doesn't counterattack; he chooses to 'flatter' his superior.
Worthy of the 'workplace veteran'? The chosen 'attack' target is very slippery.
[Hu Tao waves her hand: "Hey, no. That's a subordinate randomly flattering the superior—horse ass to horse leg."]
["I said let the esteemed guest do it. How can the host count?"]
Hu Tao indicates she's not a player; she's the referee.
Unfortunately, Player Zhongli's attack 'accuracy' is insufficient—the flattery hits the horse's leg.
Perhaps next time try attacking Player Xiao. He's shorter; maybe it'll hit the butt just right.
[Hu Tao continues: "Since we've had such a fine meal, it's better to let the only chef present, Xiangling, do it."]
Oh oh, our Hu Tao referee blows the whistle for the match to continue. This time, it's Player Xiangling's turn to main attack!
[Xiangling is slightly surprised: "Eh, is that how it counts? But this meal wasn't made by me!"]
Oh? Our Player Xiangling seems not too keen on being the main attacker? She might be better at defense.
But Hu Tao insists on Xiangling speaking and quickly moves to Xiangling's side.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice Line · Xingqiu: About 'In Public and In Private'
"The incense-lighting segment couldn't fool Chongyun. Looks like my eloquence needs more practice."