An entirely unexpected situation unfolded.
Looking at Hu Tao and the others, there were lively ones, gentle ones, energetic ones, and carefree ones.
But Lin Ze had forgotten that human nature is complex.
The lively Hu Tao also had a mischievous side, enjoying pranks and teasing.
The gentle Yun Jin harbored a rebellious streak, secretly supporting Xinyan behind the backs of the Yunhan Society's old-fashioned members and even enjoying rock music.
The energetic Xiangling also had a cunning side, immediately helping Hu Tao concoct elaborate lies after receiving her subtle cues.
The carefree Xinyan was equally rebellious, calmly facing public criticism for the sake of her ideals.
It turned out they had all drunk alcohol before and even had a decent tolerance.
Trying to use the taste of baijiu to trick them was now impossible.
"Fine, I'll switch the baijiu back to Sprite. You only took a sip anyway. Since you claim to have good alcohol tolerance, I suppose it won't be a problem."
Lin Ze waved his hand in resignation, abandoning his plan. Trying to outsmart them might end up backfiring.
Seeing Lin Ze give up, the smile on Hu Tao's face widened.
Xiangling and the others burst into laughter, even clinking glasses again. This time, they genuinely tasted the Sprite.
While different from cola, both were equally refreshing drinks.
For the rest of the meal, Lin Ze abandoned his mischievous intentions, focusing on enjoying the food and drink.
Yaoyao was the first to excuse herself and leave.
Yaoyao wanted to stay and join the fun, but years of ingrained habits reminded her it was time to go to bed.
After asking Yaoyao where she lived, Lin Ze shattered space, watched her return home, and only then felt at ease.
He then turned his gaze to Hu Tao and the others.
"It's getting late. I'll take these photos quickly. Just follow my instructions."
Under Lin Ze's direction, they posed for a series of photos with seemingly nonsensical actions.
For example, holding a phone in one hand while making a peace sign and pulling a goofy face.
Or covering their eyes with one hand while smiling at the camera.
Or group shots of everyone together.
Hu Tao and the others reviewed the photos and found nothing objectionable—not even any truly unflattering shots. Instead, the photos were quite amusing, with a playful, slightly absurd vibe. They exchanged glances, shrugged, and quickly excused themselves.
*What a golden opportunity! If Lin Ze suddenly decided the photos were too ordinary and came back, that would be disastrous.*
Only Xiangling seemed unhappy. She felt her initial photos were the worst, with drool even escaping her mouth.
On the way home, Yun Jin and the others comforted Xiangling, eventually lifting her spirits.
Meanwhile, Lin Ze stared at the photos he had taken, his expression growing increasingly peculiar.
*These people are still so naive!*
*No way. Good things must be kept hidden. No one but me should ever see them.*
Lin Ze put away his phone with a casual wave of his hand, and the leftover food on the table vanished.
He opened the Diary System.
[Group Photo.jpg]
[Documenting this wonderful life. It's the first proper gathering since arriving in Teyvat.]
[Important: Leave a lasting impression.]
The group photo showed the scene from Lin Ze's perspective as he raised his glass. It looked quite heartwarming. Everyone's face beamed with smiles.
Other Diary System holders in Liyue Harbor, especially those who had rushed to Wanmin Restaurant today but failed to find Lin Ze, were practically grinding their teeth in frustration.
"Look how happily Hu Tao and the others are smiling. They must have gotten something good from Lin Ze!"
"Damn it! Why did Xiangling take him to the backyard? I didn't even get a chance to introduce myself!"
"I'm so jealous! If only I'd gotten to Wanmin Restaurant sooner!"
"Why is Lin Ze's face always hidden?!"
Their eyes burned red with envy, but all they could do was envy. They had been outmaneuvered. Who could they blame but themselves?
Documenting this wonderful life
The Diary System is truly remarkable, and Mr. Lin Ze is even more so. If he doesn't wish it, the Diary System cannot be damaged.
Could this be another form of eternity?
Within the Pure Land of One Heart, Raiden Ei continued to ponder the concept of eternity.
Could this be another form of eternity?
Shadow had heard of photo cameras, a recent invention that had become popular before Inazuma closed its borders.
But photographs printed by these cameras didn't last long; they faded within a few years.
Shadow hadn't given the matter much thought.
Now, however, the Diary System was different.
This thing was absurdly powerful. Even the Heavenly Principles possessed a Diary System, yet showed no reaction, proving that even they couldn't resist it.
Could this be another possibility for eternity? Raiden Ei had to consider it.
"Hmph, I wonder what Mr. Lin Ze, who recorded his wonderful life today, will react when he meets me and Shadow tomorrow."
"At our current speed, we should reach the port by dawn. I'll fly ahead and surprise Mr. Lin Ze, what do you think?"
Yae Miko's lips curled into a slight smile as she read the Diary System entries, already anticipating her meeting with Lin Ze.
She planned to keep Shadow's presence hidden at first, engage Lin Ze in conversation, and then bring him to the Pure Land of One Heart!
Alright, time for some long-overdue self-reflection.
It's good to get out and socialize occasionally. After staying home for a few days, I've almost forgotten how to interact with people.
Damn my social anxiety...
My social terrorist skills are getting rusty.
I should write in my diary myself, but who writes a diary these days?
Just half-assing it is fine. I should update the Meme Encyclopedia and add some short stories.
I'll just write something random to snag the System's rewards. They're pretty useless, but who knows when they might come in handy?
Reflection complete. Time to slack off!
After some self-reflection in his diary, Lin Ze began updating the Meme Encyclopedia and compiling short stories.
Seriously writing a diary? Seriously reflecting on myself?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
He could only thank the Meme Encyclopedia for giving him an excuse to write silly little stories and coast through life.
Even his "reflection" was just something he'd written on a whim.
Now that Lin Ze was in college, he wrote whatever came to mind, whenever he felt like it.
If it weren't for being the dungeon owner and having companions like Klee and Yaoyao, Lin Ze would have indulged in even more reckless whims, doing whatever struck his fancy.
After all, he genuinely couldn't care less about the System's rewards.
Clutching a pillow against the headboard, Lin Ze felt utterly satisfied with what he'd written in the Diary System.
He lay down on the bed, and just before drifting off, a mischievous thought suddenly struck him.
Ah, youth is wonderful—I can fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow!
Goodnight, Big, Medium, and Small!
Halfway through writing, Lin Ze stopped. He was young—time to crash!
At this age, sleep came easily and soundly!
But someone else was about to have a sleepless night.
"Big, Medium, and Small?! Why did it just cut off like that?!"
....................
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(End of Chapter)