Episode 173: Cocogoat = Coconut Milk (The equation is successfully established)
『 Zhongli listened, then smiled nonchalantly, giving a rather fair assessment:
"Heh, it's fine. This feeling of mutual checks and balances is quite good. In Liyue's business wisdom, putting yourself in others' shoes is an indispensable part."...
However, at this moment, he was completely unaware that this seemingly ordinary promise
would become the most profound regret and flaw he would leave behind while walking the world under the name Zhongli.
After everyone expressed their agreement, Qiqi pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to her companions gathered around her.
"Then, I ask everyone to go to Mt. Tianheng and use the Guizhong Ballista there to help me capture aCocogoat." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Cocogoat? What kind of strange creature is that? Is it unique to your world?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Cocogoat? What kind of goat is that?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Why does this little one want to find it?" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "I have never heard of the existence of a species called Cocogoat." ]
[ Qiqi (Genshin Impact): "Cocogoat is very magical, it's an adeptibeast." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "A adeptibeast?" ]
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "I don't know, eh," ].
[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "But, only an adeptibeast? Does that mean your world also has immortal beasts? However, it's normal to have immortal beasts if there are immortals, right?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Where did that logic come from? Adepti have all fought in ancient times. Except for the second-generation adepti, which one hasn't followed the Archon for thousands of years?" ]
[ Yanfei (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, second-generation adepti, that's a good name." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Why do I feel a bad premonition?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Are you sick? Do you need me to take you to see a doctor?" ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "No need, I'll be fine after a nap." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Then I'll go to your place. I'll take over your duties for now. You should rest a bit." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Thank you." ]
[ .....]
『 After a moment of silence, Paimon, confirming she hadn't misunderstood, scratched her head in confusion:
"I don't quite understand. You're not trying to fool us, are you?"
"Hmm, I've heard a little about the Guizhong Ballista. But this is the first I have ever heard of the "Cocogoat." Zhongli said slowly, his arms crossed.
The Guizhong Ballista was indeed somewhat familiar to Zhongli.
As for Cocogoat, sorry, even the experienced Zhongli, and even the Geo Archon who had lived for thousands of years, was completely clueless.
Qiqi explained in a calm tone, "The Cocogoat is a legendary animal. An adeptibeast."
Paimon didn't give up and confirmed again: "Did you wanna add anything else, or..."
"Hmm, No. Just that the Cocogoat is a legendary animal. An adeptibeast." Qiqi added, "What it looks like: don't know. Where to find it: don't know either. Where it came from: also don't know..."
This complete lack of information made Paimon scratch her head with her small hands, full of questions.
"This... if you don't know anything when asked, it's quite difficult for me too."
Finally, Zhongli, out of helplessness, suggested:
"Never mind, let's first go to where the Guizhong Ballista is and explore. Maybe we'll find new clues there."
As they left Bubu Pharmacy, Paimon's mind was still filled with various conjectures about what a Cocogoat looked like: "Speaking of which, what kind of creature is this Cocogoat anyway?"
The group left Bubu Pharmacy and headed straight for Mt. Tianheng, where they found the Guizhong Ballista.
However, the Guizhong Ballista had clearly been deliberately damaged by someone.
Just as everyone was at a loss, Zhongli stepped forward.
With his extensive knowledge from the upper echelons of society, he meticulously repaired the Guizhong Ballista. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "So, so amazing, to actually be able to repair the Guizhong Ballista." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "My evaluation of Mr. Zhongli has risen another level." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, such a small matter is not worth mentioning. Just read more books and increase your experience." ]
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "Did you hear that, little March, read more books." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Ugh~!..." ]
[ Doraemon (Doraemon): Nobita, look, reading is useful too. ]
[ Nobita Nobi (Doraemon): "Reading? But my head will hurt." ]
[ .....]
『 After the repairs were completed, everyone eagerly activated the Guizhong Ballista's remote observation function and began searching for traces of the Cocogoat in the surrounding area.
Unfortunately, after searching for a long time, there was nothing but scenery to be found.
Just as they were about to cast their net again, several Treasure Hoarders suddenly appeared not far behind them. Seeing the seemingly brand-new Guizhong Ballista, their expressions instantly changed.
After the Treasure Hoarders arrived, they questioned with a hint of anger:
"Hey! We put in so much effort to destroy this great treasure, and you guys, you just waved your hands and repaired it as good as new!"
Facing such arrogant Treasure Hoarders, even the usually calm Zhongli couldn't hide his anger. They dared to defile an immortal's masterpiece for their own selfish reasons, which he found intolerable.
The people present didn't know what the Guizhong Ballista meant to Zhongli, but they could all feel the anger in his heart at that moment.
In a flash, the confrontation with the Treasure Hoarders came to an end. The less powerful Treasure Hoarders cried and wailed, fleeing in disarray. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "How awful! Are they still around here? I'll go track them down later." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "They actually dared to damage an immortal's treasure!" ]
[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "Such people need a good lesson." ]
[ .....]
『 Zhongli slowly retracted the gesture he was about to use to summon "Planet Befall." Although his anger had not subsided, he remained calm.
Since there were no clues about the Cocogoat, everyone decided to return first and then inquire about the relevant details from Qiqi.
If the Cocogoat truly existed, then they would find a way to locate this mysterious creature, no matter what.
...The scene shifted to Bubu Pharmacy.
After returning from Mt. Tianheng, everyone truthfully reported the fact that they had failed to find any traces of the Cocogoat.
Upon hearing this news, Qiqi's face couldn't help but show obvious disappointment.
Paimon looked at Qiqi's disappointed little face and gently asked about the meaning of searching for the Cocogoat.
But what Qiqi said next left everyone present speechless.
Qiqi earnestly explained, "Cocogoat milk is tasty. So tasty. Much better than normal goat milk. Only an adeptibeast could make such tasty milk."
"I'm so sorry, my memory isn't very good, so I wrote it down in my notebook."
"Please wait a moment, I'll go find that record."
"Found it, it's this one, that delicious milk is called..." Qiqi stared at the small notebook in her hand and slowly read out the name—"Coconut milk."
"......"
" "Coconut Milk, the milk of the Cocogoat" " 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "....." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Hahahahaha! Cocogoat, coconut milk! Hahahahaha!" ]
[ Qiqi (Genshin Impact): "coconut milk, coconut milk, delicious." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "So, it's coconut milk." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Coconut milk, Cocogoat, this really fits a child's imagination." ]
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "It seems I was right. Cocogoat, is it really a child's fantasy? No, it should be a lack of experience." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Then why didn't you say so before?" ]
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "No need, and I wasn't sure at the time either." ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "Eeeeeh, I thought there was a new ingredient." ]
[ Baizhu (Genshin Impact): "I apologize, Qiqi has caused everyone trouble." ]
[ Qiqi (Genshin Impact): "Boss Bai, coconut milk, coconut milk, coconut milk." ]
[ .....]
『 In an instant, everyone who heard the name froze, as if a pause button had been pressed.
After receiving this answer, everyone present, both those there and not, fell into a dazed state, like statues forgotten by time.
Zhongli, hearing this news, had a bewildered look in his eyes, seemingly regretting why he had impulsively agreed to be on equal terms with little Qiqi.
He also reflected on why he had suddenly wanted to search for the so-called "Cocogoat." If he had just asked one more question earlier, he might have avoided the subsequent series of troubles.
With that thought, Zhongli turned to Lumine with a hint of apology and softly said, "Um, I'm truly sorry. Before, to treat little Qiqi as an equal, I agreed to this matter too easily without thinking it through."
As Lumine helplessly rubbed her forehead, Paimon quickly came out to comfort the somewhat downcast Zhongli, "It's okay, Zhongli, as the old Liyue saying goes, things are unpredictable. Who can foresee the outcome?"
Qiqi, holding her small notebook, looked at the two of them in confusion, asking, "Huh? What's wrong? What's wrong with you two? Did Qiqi say something wrong?"
At this moment, little Qiqi was probably full of questions, not understanding why the three people in front of her had become so strange after she had spoken. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Although she said it wrong, how can such a cute Qiqi be blamed?" ]
[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "Still, don't break a child's fantasy." ]
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "Children, ah." ]
[ .....]
『 In Paimon's eyes, little Qiqi's confusion was like an innocent exploration, and it wasn't easy to break such a fantasy.
So, Paimon chose to turn her pleading gaze to Lumine, "Ooh... Sorry, Traveler, but Paimon's gonna leave the job of shattering this poor kiddo's world to you..."
"No problem, I'm good at this." Lumine walked towards little Qiqi, squatted down, and patiently explained, "Little Qiqi, coconut milk actually comes from coconut trees, not a Cocogoat."
"Ah? No... Im-Impossible..." Qiqi heard this unexpected answer, her small face filled with confusion, and she began to diligently process this new information. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "Thinking little Qiqi, so cute~" ]
[ Klee (Genshin Impact): "Sister Amber, isn't Klee cute?" ]
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "You're both very cute." ]
[ Klee (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe." ]
[ .....]
『 Seeing this, Paimon softly said, "It seems little Qiqi is deeply pondering this question."
Lumine noticed this scene and quickly nodded in agreement.
"Let's not disturb her. A child's growth often happens quietly in these unexpected moments."
After a child's fantasy is shattered, the world is re-constructed in their eyes; this is the mark of growth.
Just as the two were intently watching Qiqi overcome this hurdle, a laugh suddenly sounded from behind.
"Haha, this is truly a meaningful lesson. Thank you for taking care of my Qiqi, I'm very grateful!"
Zhongli turned his head towards the source of the sound, asking with a bewildered expression: "You are...?"
The other party realized they had forgotten to introduce themselves and calmly explained.
"My apologies, how rude of me. I am the owner of this Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu."
Paimon had been staring at Boss Bai and suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no, so the owner of this shop isn't Qiqi after all. But, the owner is actually a strange person with medicinal herbs wrapped around his neck?"
"What a sorry state of affairs... This little mascot is even more of a simpleton than Qiqi." The white snake wrapped with medicinal herbs shook its head as if in regret.
This sudden situation startled Paimon, who "whooshed" behind Lumine.
"Oh no! That, that medicinal herb... that snake? Can it actually talk?"
"Oh my goodness! A snake can talk! But this is Liyue, there are many strange things, so maybe it's not so strange?"
Paimon's gaze was full of curiosity. At this moment, the white snake on Boss Baizhu's shoulder suddenly spoke with displeasure:
"Alas, I'm usually too lazy to speak. It's fine with acquaintances, but strangers tend to be scared when they see me."
"But not today. If I remain silent, I'll probably be mistaken for one of those dried snake skins in the drawer."
"Haha, this is Changsheng, she's actually very friendly, don't be scared." Baizhu gently comforted Changsheng on his shoulder, then refocused his attention on the people in front of him:
"So, may I ask, aside from the little skirmish with Qiqi, what is the real reason for your visit to Bubu Pharmacy today?"
"Excuse me, does your esteemed shop sell Everlasting Incense?"
"Oh, Everlasting Incense, of course we do."
"That's great! If not, our journey would have been in vain."
Everyone looked on with anticipation, but Boss Bai announced a heart-stopping price.
"The price, well, three million Mora, top quality guaranteed."
"Three... three million?" Hearing this number, Lumine looked at Zhongli in despair.
"Three million? You might as well just rob the Golden House!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Three million? That expensive?" ]
[ Baizhu (Genshin Impact): "You get what you pay for." ]
[ .....]
『 They hadn't heard before that this item was so astronomically priced. Three million, the money they had, probably wasn't even a fraction of that.
To gather such a huge sum, there seemed to be only one viable path—
That was to rob the only financial institution in Teyvat—the Golden House.
Anyway, it was for the Geo Archon's farewell ceremony, so borrowing a little shouldn't hurt, right?
Moreover, in the middle of it, she might even be able to take a little more to supplement her own private stash.
Lumine thought expectantly in her heart.
Paimon seemed to see through Lumine's thoughts and shook her head helplessly, saying: "Now the Golden House has been requisitioned by the Qixing, so it's much harder to act than usual..."
Although the two of them had somehow temporarily escaped the pursuit, trying to make a move in the Golden House right under the Qixing's nose was simply asking for their peaceful days to end prematurely.
Even the usually generous Zhongli, hearing such an astronomical price, his expression subtly darkened.
"Hmm, three million Mora doesn't sound like much, but judging by common sense, it is indeed a tricky amount."
"Where would we get that much money! Not to mention this guy Zhongli, he doesn't even carry money when he goes out."
Paimon's "plain truth" made Zhongli nod in agreement helplessly.
"Yes, you're right."
Paimon didn't expect Zhongli to admit it so readily, and for a moment, she didn't know what to say.
"I'm really impressed by your straightforwardness."
After a fruitless discussion, the last option involuntarily surfaced in their minds.
"What do we do now? Do we have to shamelessly ask Childe for help again?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Sure enough, they came to me." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Who else do we know who's rich besides you?" ]
[ .....]
『 The screen went black.
Several large characters suddenly appeared on the screen: TWENTY MINUTES LATER.
When the screen regained its brilliance, a string of joyful laughter rippled out, entering everyone's ears.
"Oh my! Hahahahaha! You guys are practically making me laugh myself to tears! This is just brilliant!"
"Cocogoat! Cocogo— Ahahaow my sides hurt... Oh my goodness, you guys actually got yourselves in such a whirl over something like that."
"You, can you stop just watching the show and not making things worse?" Paimon, already annoyed, glared at Tartaglia, who couldn't stop laughing.
And Tartaglia, as if wound up, laughed non-stop, saying between laughs: "I'm almost in tears over here... Ah, thank you, that was the best laugh I've had in a long time. In return, I'm more than happy to sort out this mess you've managed to get yourselves into..."
"You are Boss Baizhu, right? I am the Fatui Harbinger, Childe. If you don't mind, we can cooperate more in the future."
"If your Bubu Pharmacy needs it, the Fatui have extensive connections, and setting up a fast coconut milk supply chain is absolutely no problem."
Perhaps in a good mood, Childe Tartaglia was exceptionally generous at this moment, directly proposing a cooperation.
Baizhu, the owner of Bubu Pharmacy, heard this and became interested, narrowing his eyes to carefully scrutinize Childe.
"Hmm? I've long heard that the Fatui are good at recruiting all sorts of people, but is our Bubu Pharmacy only worth the friendship of a cup of coconut milk?" 』
『 .....』