Xavier focused his gaze and found it was the Xingqiu and Chongyun duo.
Chongyun was still slowly gnawing on a steamed bun, while Xingqiu held a book, seemingly accustomed to it.
"Xiangling, we just went to your Wanmin Restaurant, but we didn't find you. I didn't expect you to be here," Chongyun said, shrugging.
Xiangling smiled and explained, "Oh, that's because Mr. Zhongli left his teacup at my place, so I came to return it."
"Is this Xiangling's new friend?" Xingqiu immediately noticed Xavier's presence.
Xiangling shook her head, "No, actually, in terms of time, this should be Mr. Zhongli's friend. I just met him."
"Oh, I know! You're Xavier!"
Xingqiu circled Xavier two or three times as if he had discovered something extraordinary.
Xavier asked in surprise, "How do you know me?"
"Of course, it's because of Hu Tao," Chongyun said calmly. "There was a period when she dragged us along and said some strange things. At first, we couldn't quite understand, but later we got some idea. Your name was mentioned the most."
"Ah? Why didn't Hu Tao tell me? How annoying!"
Xiangling clenched her small fists and stomped her little feet, looking very cute.
Xingqiu pondered for a moment before saying, "According to my guess, she's probably afraid you'll ask her for Mr. Zhongli's bill."
"Although you say that, Mr. Zhongli hasn't been keeping tabs much lately. At most, he just eats some breakfast at Wanmin Restaurant."
It was only then that Xiangling realized why Mr. Zhongli had been visiting less frequently. Most likely, he had been freeloading at Xavier's place.
And just as they spoke of Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrived.
No sooner had they started talking about Hu Tao than she walked towards them.
"Hmm? Hall Master just heard someone talking about me, didn't she? Be careful, I'll bury you all!"
Hu Tao made a scary face and even made a funny face at Xiangling.
Xiangling was already timid, and being startled by Hu Tao, she quickly hid behind Xavier.
"Xavier, quickly look at her. Is she like this at your house too...?"
Xavier thought for a moment and then said, "She's a bit better at my place. Maybe there's more to play with there."
"So annoying! All she does is scare me, hmph!" Xiangling pouted, accusing Hu Tao of her misdeeds.
"This is a friendly act between good friends! Xiangling, you're too timid. Hall Master is helping you grow some guts."
Hu Tao's twisted logic left Xiangling unable to refute.
"Oh, right, Xavier, since you're here, why don't we go for a plane ride?" Hu Tao suddenly thought of something and pulled Xavier, heading towards the Jade Chamber.
Xavier asked, full of confusion, "You've even built airplanes?"
"Yes, didn't you provide all those designs? Have you forgotten?"
Xavier blushed a little. There were so many blueprints that he had indeed forgotten.
But honestly, Hu Tao was quite enthusiastic today, actually inviting him to ride a plane.
However, it was during their conversation on the way that Xavier understood what was going on.
Xingqiu said with some concern, "By the way, Hu Tao, I remember Ningguang said last time that the plane hasn't been fully improved yet. It's still in the test flight stage, right?"
"Oh, it's fine! With Xavier here, there definitely won't be any problems. What do you say, Xavier!"
Hu Tao chuckled, revealing her true intentions.
Xavier was a bit speechless. The plane wasn't even fully built, and she was already dragging him to ride it. Hu Tao really wasn't afraid of him crashing to his death.
However, Hu Tao was also right. If something truly went wrong, with his abilities, he could completely ensure everyone's safety.
"Look, that's the airport over there!"
After walking out of Liyue Harbor, Hu Tao pointed into the distance. Xavier looked and indeed saw a place that resembled an airport.
There weren't many planes parked there, only five or six.
There were helicopter-style ones and jet-powered ones that required a runway.
However, from the current situation, it seemed they hadn't officially begun operations yet.
As soon as he entered the airport, Xavier saw Keqing, Ganyu, Ningguang, and Yelan.
"So you're all here. That saves me from running all over the place," Xavier said, feeling much more relaxed after seeing them.
Because he currently had plenty of invitation slots, Xavier planned to invite all of them this time.
"Oh, it's Xavier. I didn't expect you to come so early," Ningguang said with a smile, greeting him.
Xavier saw them gathered in front of the plane, seemingly in a difficult situation.
So he asked, "What's wrong? Did you encounter a technical problem?"
"You could say that," Keqing said helplessly.
This made Xavier even more curious, "What do you mean, 'you could say that'?"
Ganyu explained, "We've already conducted several data tests and found no major issues, but we haven't carried out any manned test flights yet, so..."
"So we're worried about the dangers of test flights and are discussing how to ensure the safety of the test flight personnel," Yelan added.
Hu Tao immediately perked up and bounced over, saying, "It seems Hall Master came to the right place! Why don't we let Xavier take us for a test flight!"
"Is that really appropriate?" Keqing hesitated.
"Of course it's appropriate!" Hu Tao instigated, "You haven't seen Xavier's strength. He can fly with many of us, so a mere airplane is nothing to him!"
"What do you say, Xavier!"
After speaking, Hu Tao looked at Xavier. At this point, Xavier realized that even if he didn't agree, he probably had to.
He laughed dryly, "Indeed, I don't really pay attention to small airplanes."
Ningguang and the other two exchanged glances and ultimately chose to believe Xavier.
"In that case, Xavier, we'll trouble you with the first test flight. Also, if there are any problems, please let us know so we can make improvements."
"This is great! I didn't expect Liyue's first plane takeoff to be completed by Hall Master!" Hu Tao was so excited by Ningguang's words that she almost jumped.
Xavier rolled his eyes, then boarded the plane with them.
He noticed that the equipment on this helicopter-style plane was relatively simple, with no electronic instruments or radar.
There were only gauges for monitoring the aircraft's own status.
However, for Liyue, which had just built an airplane, this was already sufficient.
Anyway, with the passage of time, it would constantly be improved.
Hu Tao, Xiangling, and a few others all boarded the plane, wanting to experience it.
But Mr. Zhongli showed no intention of getting on.
"Mr. Zhongli, aren't you going to experience it?" Ningguang asked when she saw this.
Mr. Zhongli said calmly, "There will naturally be more opportunities for experience in the future."
In fact, Mr. Zhongli's idea was very simple: he just didn't want to be on the same plane as his Hall Master.
He felt that even if the plane itself wouldn't have problems, with his Hall Master present, something might go wrong.
Rather than that, it was better to stay below and be able to provide support if an accident occurred.
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