"All right, all right, I'll stop teasing you now. But preparing three different fragrance balms isn't an easy job—you'll all have to lend me a hand."
Ying'er led them to her workshop in the courtyard behind the shop.
Seeing the scale of preparations, Jiang Bai realized his plans were doomed.
Before these three fragrance balms were done, he definitely wouldn't get a chance to talk privately with Ying'er.
Still, if he learned the process thoroughly, perhaps he could make a fragrance balm for the Director himself.
"Making fragrance balm takes skill. First, you must thoroughly wash the fresh flowers and carefully pick out only the petals."
Ying'er pulled out her tools, instructing everyone to help clean the large number of Silk Flowers and carefully remove their petals.
"For the highest-quality balm, petals are absolutely crucial. To preserve the fragrance's purity and richness, you must discard any petals that are damaged, imperfect, or wilted..."
As she explained, Ying'er began placing the selected petals into a special distillation pot to extract the essential oils.
Three large baskets of flowers yielded only a small bowl of concentrated essence.
Jiang Bai grew worried—would making plum blossom balm mean plucking the Director's beloved tree bare?
"With the essential oil extracted, next comes the balm-making stage: melting premium pine resin and beeswax…"
Step by step, Ying'er demonstrated the process, occasionally mentioning important points and considerations.
She wasn't worried about sharing her method—after all, blending fragrances was her true secret.
Jiang Bai watched carefully, intending to try it himself when he had time.
Preparing three balms kept them busy until late into the night.
Finally glancing up at the sky, Ying'er rubbed her sore back. "This has exhausted me. I doubt I'll get out of bed tomorrow… Fortunately, we're almost finished."
"Paimon's starving…" Paimon held her belly miserably, feeling drained.
Ying'er waved them off. "You can go rest. Once the balm solidifies, I'll carve decorative patterns. Come back tomorrow evening to pick them up."
"Alright, see you then," Paimon waved as they left, yawning repeatedly.
"It's so late... Do you think restaurants are still open?" Paimon groaned weakly, barely managing to float.
"Let's check Chihu Rock. Some might still be open," Jiang Bai replied hopefully, his own stomach growling.
After a full day's work, they desperately needed good food.
At this hour, even bustling Chihu Rock was quiet. Only a few scattered lights were on, shops mostly cleaning up and preparing to close.
Jiang Bai approached Wanmin Restaurant. Its doors were shut, but the lights were still on.
Peering through the open window, Jiang Bai spotted Xiangling and Guoba cleaning up inside.
He tapped on the window, drawing their attention. "Xiangling! Got any ingredients left? We're starving!"
"Huh? You're eating this late?" Xiangling opened the door to let them in. "There's not much left, but I could whip up some fried rice with the leftover ingredients."
"We've been busy preparing the Sending-off Ceremony, and we only just got free," Jiang Bai sank into a chair, too tired to move.
"The Sending-off Ceremony…" Xiangling's expression turned somber. "So… Rex Lapis really…"
She'd heard the rumors circulating lately but had refused to believe them. Now it seemed Rex Lapis had truly passed away…
Guoba tilted his head, confused.
Rex Lapis… is dead?
But didn't I see Zhongli eating here just a few days ago?
He scratched his furry head, puzzled.
"That's right. Mr. Zhongli is fully in charge of the Sending-off Ceremony. It'll be held at Yujing Terrace, and we're helping him prepare. Everything should be ready in a few days…"
Jiang Bai didn't hide anything. Soon enough, everyone would know anyway.
Guoba: utterly_shocked.jpg
His large eyes shrank into tiny dots, and his mouth hung open.
Although he'd forgotten many things, he still remembered the Sending-off Ceremony clearly.
That was a ritual held when an old friend passed away.
But isn't Rex Lapis still alive? Why are they arranging his Sending-off Ceremony? Is he… doing it for himself?
Seeing Guoba seemingly frozen in grief, Xiangling crouched down, gently rubbing her face against his head.
"Guoba, don't be too sad. Even though Rex Lapis has departed, his spirit will continue to protect us."
Xiangling seemed to be comforting herself more than Guoba.
Sensing Xiangling's sadness, Guoba patted her head gently with his fluffy paw.
Jiang Bai glanced at Guoba, seeing no visible signs of sadness at all.
Hmm… Maybe animals just express their emotions differently.
Soon enough, Guoba lit the fire again, and Xiangling presented three large bowls of fried rice and freshly-squeezed berry juice.
The trio devoured their meal ravenously, quickly emptying their bowls.
Xiangling sat quietly, watching them eat, smiling softly.
After finishing, Jiang Bai reached for his money pouch. "How much?"
Xiangling waved him off. "I can't help much with the ceremony, but cooking for you is no trouble at all. Once the Sending-off Ceremony is complete, let's invite Mr. Zhongli and everyone else for a feast—my treat!"
"Lulu~" Guoba nodded eagerly, also wanting to treat Zhongli.
"A feast!" Paimon's eyes lit up immediately.
After sending Jiang Bai's group off, Xiangling closed the door, slumping onto a stool as sadness overtook her again.
Guoba jumped onto the table, balancing on one foot while placing a chili pepper on his head, trying to cheer her up.
Suddenly losing balance, Guoba toppled over clumsily onto the table, sprawling dramatically.
Xiangling burst into laughter, picking him up to nuzzle him affectionately.
"Guoba, sleep with me tonight, okay?"
Meanwhile, Jiang Bai glanced at Aether and Paimon. "Where are you guys sleeping tonight? Want to stay at my place?"
Aether and Paimon hesitated briefly, then nodded.
They'd be staying in Liyue indefinitely. Hotels weren't economical in the long run.
Though Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was a bit eerie, Jiang Bai's own courtyard was considerably more inviting.
Opening his courtyard gate, Jiang Bai's Hydro slime, Bloop, who'd been leisurely soaking in the pond, immediately bounced out excitedly, landing on Jiang Bai's shoulder and affectionately rubbing his face.
"You don't have to wash my face the second I get back," Jiang Bai chuckled, gently squishing the slime, then holding Bloop up against the moonlight.
"Hey, did you get smaller?"
Bloop used to fit comfortably in two cupped hands, but now it seemed slightly shrunken.
Paimon flew closer, examining Bloop carefully. "You're right! That's odd—can slimes shrink? Don't they usually grow bigger?"
Aether activated his [Elemental Sight], inspecting the pond Bloop had been soaking in. It seemed rich in Hydro elemental energy, not lacking at all.
Bloop blew a bubble that immediately enveloped Paimon.
Though clearly mischievous, Bloop blinked innocently, eyes curved into happy crescents.
Aether stared at Bloop thoughtfully. "There's something unusual about your slime."
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everyone is on vacation so no character notes this week
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