Both Beidou and Xinyan prefer bold, intense flavors.
Mu Yang suggested finding someone with a milder palate to taste the dishes as well.
After hearing this, Xiangling mused, "Big Sister Beidou loves hearty stir-fries, and Xinyan can handle spice... Hmm, we really should ask someone else too."
Thus, the team called upon Xiao to give his opinion.
Xiao, who usually only eats Almond Tofu, reluctantly agreed to try Xiangling's dishes out of respect for Mu Yang and Lumine.
"...The flavor is good."
"Ah... R-Really?" Xiangling had been slightly worried, seeing Xiao's expression remain unchanged the entire time.
Now, hearing his feedback, her anxious heart finally settled.
"...The two side dishes are a bit too strong for my taste. With slight adjustments, they could become standout complements."
"Just my personal opinion... No need to dwell on it. Whether you take it into account is up to you."
Xiangling noted down his comments and thanked him.
Xiao nodded at Mu Yang and Lumine. "I'll take my leave now." With that, he vanished on the spot.
After these three taste tests, Xiangling had a clearer direction.
"Now that I've got inspiration, I'll head back and experiment a bit more. Thanks, everyone!"
Excited, Xiangling dashed back to Wanmin Restaurant.
Mu Yang asked Lumine and Paimon if there was anywhere they wanted to go, given that the finals were still a day away.
Lumine replied, "Since you invited us back, it's only fair you decide."
Paimon nodded in agreement—wherever was fine, as long as they got food when mealtime came.
Thus, under Mu Yang's guidance, Lumine and Paimon continued to take in the sights of Liyue Harbor, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Moonchase Festival...
Of course, the players didn't get such luxurious treatment.
Their only option was:
[Wait until the competition begins (10:00–14:00 the next day)]
This prompted Guinaifen, a devoted fan of Mu Yang, to let out a frustrated screech.
She was very unhappy. She desperately wanted to watch! (Currently spiraling into madness.)
But if anyone was to blame, it was Mihoyo—not Mu Yang.
This was all Mihoyo's fault!
The next morning.
Lumine, Mu Yang, and Paimon arrived at Yujing Terrace bright and early.
One had to admit—Ningguang was truly Ningguang. Her arrangements were impeccable.
Knowing Mu Yang had high hopes for Xiangling and would undoubtedly show up for the finals, she had prepared the best seats for the trio in advance.
The table was even stocked with fruits and snacks, earning endless praise from Paimon.
"Ningguang is such a good person, hehe."
Lumine couldn't help but reflect—ever since arriving in Liyue, she hadn't encountered much trouble.
It almost felt like someone was quietly smoothing things out behind the scenes.
And that someone was none other than Mu Yang beside her.
The sound of drums and gongs from the competition grounds snapped Lumine out of her thoughts.
The finals had officially begun.
The host stepped into the center of the stage.
"Welcome, everyone, to the finals of this year's Liyue Culinary Showdown!"
"I am Yanfei, invited by the organizing committee to serve as both notary and host for this competition!"
"Yanfei?! She's here too?!" Paimon exclaimed, never pausing as she stuffed snacks into her mouth.
[Liyue Bar Exam!]
[I'm Tang San, I'm outta here first!]
Yanfei continued her introduction.
"This year's Culinary Showdown is hosted by the Liyue Qixing and co-organized by multiple institutions. It consists of two stages: preliminaries and finals."
"Contestants from all over Liyue first underwent preliminary selections, showcasing their skills, until the two strongest advanced to today's finals."
"Soon, the finals will unfold right here, right before your eyes!"
As the notary, Yanfei also took an oath before the crowd.
Next came the introduction of the judges.
The judges were divided into two groups: on-stage and off-stage.
The on-stage judges consisted of three individuals—
In the center sat Tianquan·Ningguang.
To her left and right were Yuheng·Keqing and the seasoned gourmet Tianshu!
"Tianshu? What kind of credentials do you have as a 'seasoned gourmet'? How did you land a seat at that table?"
Guinaifen grumbled. "Why not let my husband sit there instead?"
"Wouldn't he be more handsome, more prestigious?"
[The streamer gets it—Mu Yang coached Xiangling the whole time. Having him judge would be a blatant conflict of interest, no?]
[Wait, isn't there a 'Tianshu' among the Liyue Qixing?]
[??? Are we really doing puns now?]
"Tianshu? Really? I don't buy it."
Guinaifen leaned back in exaggerated skepticism.
[Your mouth is really stubborn, huh?]
[I've kissed it—it's soft.]
"Get lost, all of you!"
After introducing the on-stage judges, Yanfei explained the off-stage judging rules—
The organizing committee would select ten audience members to taste the contestants' dishes and cast their votes.
"In other words, between the on-stage and off-stage judges, there are thirteen valid votes to be split between the two contestants."
Yanfei raised her voice, hyping up the crowd.
"The one with the most votes will be crowned today's champion!"
Lumine clapped along with the audience.
"Yanfei really is multi-talented. She's got the charisma of a professional host."
Paimon, however, was more interested in the earlier rules.
"Do you think I might get picked?"
Mu Yang was speechless—she already had enough food in front of her to last the day, yet she was still thinking about more.
With the judges and rules introduced, the main event was about to begin.
Since this was the Liyue Culinary Showdown, the spotlight naturally fell on the two finalists.
"Next up is the long-awaited contestant introduction! Let's welcome them!"
Yanxiao stepped forward to stand on Yanfei's left.
Yanfei announced, "On the left, we have a contestant from the Dihua Marsh division—the master of the blade, the swift-handed culinary warrior, Yanxiao!"
Tall and imposing, Yanxiao wore a stern expression that gave off the aura of a seasoned veteran.
"I think he's a safe bet."
"That's the chef from Wangshu Inn, right? I've had his food—it's really good."
"You don't make it to the finals without serious skills."
The audience had high praise for Yanxiao.
Yet, the moment Yanxiao spoke, the illusion shattered.
"Hello, everyone..." His smile was strained.
Even Paimon noticed.
"Wow, Yanxiao made it to the finals too! But what's going on? He looks so nervous..."
"Not everyone is accustomed to such grand stages."
Mu Yang glanced around.
Yujing Terrace was packed to the brim, but thanks to the Millelith maintaining order, it wasn't complete chaos.
In the game's visuals, the crowd might not be visible, but in Teyvat, Yanxiao was facing a real spectacle.
Little Paimon shouted encouragement to Yanxiao.
From this close, he heard her.
"Ah?! Oh, right...!"
He took a deep breath and nodded in their direction.
[Paimon's actually pretty good at reading the room in moments like this.]
[Schrödinger's emotional intelligence.]
With Yanxiao introduced, the next contestant was even more formidable.
"On the right, we have the powerhouse from Liyue Harbor's division—the storm of flames, the ingenious culinary maestro, Xiangling!"
"And her mysterious assistant partner—whoever that is!"