"I see."
Zhongli nodded in realization and let out a soft sigh.
"Indeed, the adepti have lived in seclusion among the mountains for far too long and are largely unfamiliar with Liyue's current affairs. Upon hearing news of the Emperor's passing, they would inevitably react impulsively. Ganyu isn't well-suited for situations like that. With you involved, it should help ease the tension between the Liyue Qixing and the adepti."
Lora nodded slightly—but her attention had already drifted away from Zhongli. Her gaze shifted to the stove at Wanmin Restaurant.
She watched the dishes simmering and bubbling away, then suddenly reached out and gave Zhongli a firm pat on the shoulder, casually resting her hand there as she asked,
"Old friend, did you bring any Mora?"
"As the Geo Archon, you should have plenty, right?"
"…Mora," Zhongli repeated.
He fell silent for a moment before explaining calmly, "If I were still the Geo Archon, then yes, I would never lack Mora. However, since I've chosen to relinquish that role, I can no longer use the authority of the Geo Archon to create it. So at present, I have none."
He paused, then added, "That said, I received quite a number of bills this morning. Every single one had your name on it. Care to explain?"
At that, Lora coughed lightly, her expression turning a bit awkward. She laughed dryly and said,
"Well… on my way back last night, I saw how lively Liyue Harbor was and couldn't resist taking a stroll. But you know, I've been dead for five hundred years—when it comes to savings, I'm truly broke. And at the time, you were the only person I knew in Liyue. If I didn't send them to you, who else was I supposed to send them to?"
"That logic isn't entirely unsound," Zhongli replied with another sigh.
"However, all of my expenses are also charged to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's account. When the Director sees items like palace lanterns, candied hawthorn, sesame cakes, and the like on the ledger, she'll likely have quite a bit to say."
"Thanks for the help," Lora said with a grin—thanking Zhongli's generosity… or rather, Director Hu's generosity.
The two chatted casually outside the restaurant, their conversation unheard by the passing crowd.
To anyone with exceptionally keen perception, however, it might be possible to notice a faint, almost imperceptible blue glow surrounding the two of them—so weak that it was nearly invisible beneath the sunlight.
That glow was Lora's power. It was precisely this thin veil of light that shielded their conversation from prying ears.
Zhongli was well aware of it, which was why he spoke so openly about his former identity.
Just then, a young girl ran out of Wanmin Restaurant, followed closely by an orange creature that looked like a small bear-shaped plush.
The girl jogged up to them and waved cheerfully. "Hello! I'm Xiangling from Wanmin Restaurant. I saw you two standing here for a long time—are you planning to eat something?"
The bear-like creature beside her lifted its head, looked at Zhongli and Lora, and squinted its eyes into a happy smile.
"…Ah. It's you," Zhongli said, his voice tinged with quiet nostalgia as his gaze settled on Guoba.
Lora noticed Guoba as well. The moment she did, her hands started itching.
So cute.
So fluffy. She really wanted to hug him and knead him—
No.
Absolutely not. She could not embarrass herself in front of Zhongli.
"Huh? Do you know each other?" Xiangling froze for a moment, looking at Zhongli in confusion. When he spoke, he was looking straight ahead—she hadn't realized his attention was actually on Guoba.
"Chef Xiangling of Wanmin Restaurant," Zhongli said evenly, "your reputation has long spread throughout Liyue Harbor. Naturally, I've heard of you."
Xiangling scratched her head shyly and laughed. "Oh, not at all! I've still got a long way to go before I can call myself a great chef. So—what would you like to eat?"
"Does Wanmin Restaurant have any signature dishes?"
Lora asked. "I only arrived in Liyue Harbor yesterday, so I'm still unfamiliar with everything here. Do you have any recommendations, Miss Xiangling?"
"You're visiting from outside Liyue?" Xiangling's eyes lit up.
"Then you have to try my specialty—Black-Back Perch Stew! It's one of Wanmin Restaurant's signature dishes. The full list is on the menu too, so feel free to choose anything you like!"
Seeing her enthusiasm, Lora nodded, then turned to Zhongli. "Zhongli, are you hungry?"
Zhongli maintained his usual composed and dignified demeanor.
"I came out today precisely in anticipation of a good meal. Since you feel the same, and Miss Xiangling has extended such a warm invitation, it would indeed be a shame to refuse. Fine cuisine deserves proper appreciation. I shall leave it in your capable hands, Miss Xiangling."
"Hehe, no problem at all! Please come inside!" Xiangling said with a grin, ushering them into Wanmin Restaurant.
The two took seats by a window.
The subtle divine presence that Lora and Zhongli naturally carried made the atmosphere around them feel quietly solemn, even enhancing the beauty of the scenery outside.
A striking man and a striking woman—nothing more needed to be said.
Xiangling brought over the menu, but Zhongli didn't order anything. Instead, he said to Lora, "You're a guest in Liyue. Choose whatever dishes you like. Consider this a welcome meal—for your return."
"Now that's what I like to hear," Lora laughed, scanning the menu before ordering several dishes that caught her eye.
"Got it! Please wait just a moment," Xiangling said, jotting everything down before heading toward the kitchen.
Guoba followed along behind her—but the instant Xiangling turned away, Lora reached out and scooped him up.
"Gu—!"
Guoba wriggled instinctively, but there was no escaping Lora's grip. Still, he didn't struggle very hard—just a token squirm or two.
Even with much of his intellect diminished and his divinity faded, Guoba could still sense who they were. He recognized Zhongli as an old friend.
Holding Guoba in her arms, Lora looked at Zhongli and asked, "Guoba is a god, right?"
Zhongli nodded. "Yes. He is the God of the Stove—Marchosius. The hearth fires of Liyue, and the cuisine born from them, are all blessings he once bestowed."
It didn't surprise Zhongli in the least that Lora knew Guoba's true identity.
She gently rubbed Guoba's head again and smiled.
"Then we should thank Guoba for letting us enjoy such wonderful food. Honestly… if only Fontaine had a god this cute."
Hearing that, Zhongli thought for a moment before replying, "I've heard the people of Fontaine describe the current Hydro Archon, Focalors, using the word 'cute' as well. I have no objection to applying such a term to a god. However, since she inherited your divine seat, she has rarely interacted with the other Seven. I can't say whether that description is truly accurate."