Although Chihu Rock isn't as bustling as Feiyun Slope, it was still very lively along the way, with many children greeting Hu Tao.
By the roadside, a storyteller held a folding fan, working late by lamplight, his voice impassioned and generous.
"Last time, we spoke of Liyue in those days. Great demons infested the seas, and vile Chi plagued the mountains. Rex Lapis summoned the Adepti to restore peace to the world."
As his voice faded, the melodious sound of an Erhu rippled out, leaving the audience at the tables with their blood boiling with excitement.
Fang Qiu and Hu Tao arrived at Wanmin Restaurant.
Although business wasn't explosive tonight, there were still plenty of diners.
Several large tables were occupied, making it quite lively.
"Welcome! Eh? Hu Tao and Fang Qiu, it's you two! Are you here to eat?"
Seeing Hu Tao and Fang Qiu, Xiangling exclaimed in pleasant surprise as she placed a plate of Jueyun Chili Chicken onto a customer's table.
"Hehe, it's a celebration feast! It's my treat today. Xiangling, you join us too. Let's have some fun, and we can go for a stroll after eating,"
Hu Tao said.
"But, I still have to help out..."
Xiangling hesitated.
"It's fine, go take a break. Have fun and relax with them. There aren't many people today, I can handle it alone."
In the kitchen, Chef Mao heard their conversation and spoke while tossing a wok with one hand.
"That dish can't be off the fire for too long! Hurry back to the stove."
Xiangling's attention was entirely on the wok Chef Mao was holding, and she frowned as she spoke.
"Alright, alright, you child, is that how you talk to your dad? You girls chat, I'm going back to work."
Chef Mao laughed awkwardly and returned to the kitchen with the wok.
However, after returning to the kitchen, Chef Mao insisted again that she go rest, so Xiangling had no choice but to agree.
"What do you want to eat?"
Xiangling handed the menu to Hu Tao and Fang Qiu, saying.
"Fang Qiu, you order."
Hu Tao said.
Although Wanmin Restaurant's prices were very affordable, Hu Tao was treating after all.
Even if Hu Tao had money, it didn't grow on trees.
So, just like last time, Fang Qiu ordered two cheap and substantial dishes.
"Mm, is that all you ordered? Then let's have a portion of Vegetarian Noodles first. For the rest, Xiangling, why don't you recommend something?"
Hu Tao took the menu, thought carefully, and spoke.
"Eh? Really?"
Hearing Hu Tao say this, Xiangling's eyes immediately lit up.
"Fake. It has to be dishes already on the menu."
Hu Tao immediately vetoed.
"Fine."
Xiangling instantly deflated like a popped balloon. She picked up the menu and casually ordered a few delicious and reasonably priced dishes. After Xiangling finished, Hu Tao glanced at Fang Qiu, took the menu back, and added a few more dishes.
"We won't be able to finish so much,"
Fang Qiu quickly said.
"Don't worry, leave it to me today."
Hu Tao patted her flat stomach through her clothes and said.
"Alright."
Fang Qiu sighed. She naturally understood Hu Tao's intention.
Whatever they couldn't finish, they'd pack up.
"Then you guys chat first, I'll go make our food and come back."
After ordering, Xiangling rushed into the kitchen like a whirlwind with the menu.
"By the way, Hu Tao, are you free tomorrow?"
After chatting for a while, Fang Qiu suddenly asked.
"I have time, why? Is something up? Could it be you want to ask me out on a date?"
Hu Tao said, her eyes smiling into crescents.
Feeling Hu Tao's teasing gaze, Fang Qiu felt her face suddenly heat up.
She was actually being teased by Hu Tao!
"Cough, cough, no. I want to go outside the city tomorrow. Can you accompany me?"
Fang Qiu pretended to cough to hide her blush, saying.
"Outside the city?"
Hu Tao froze.
In her impression, Fang Qiu stayed cooped up at home every day writing books or sleeping.
Today she actually wanted her to accompany her out of the city?
Seeing Hu Tao's confusion, Fang Qiu told Hu Tao about her desire to go out of the city to test her combat capabilities.
"What are you going to test it on?"
Hu Tao asked.
"Just Slimes or Hilichurls, I guess?"
Fang Qiu thought for a moment and said.
"Slimes or Hilichurls? Speaking of which, a bounty was posted on the Liyue Harbor bounty board a few days ago. It said Hilichurls attacked a caravan. Although that specific group of Hilichurls has been wiped out, there's now a standing bounty stating that anyone who clears Hilichurls or Slimes near the official roads can exchange them for Mora."
Hu Tao rubbed her chin, pondered for a while, and said, "Originally I wasn't very interested, but if I'm accompanying you, we could give it a try."
"Uh, wouldn't the level be a bit too high?"
Fang Qiu froze, instantly feeling a bit cowardly.
"Don't worry, I'm here."
Hu Tao placed her hands on her hips, puffed out her chest, and said, "Besides, putting aside eliminating harm for the people, we can also earn Mora."
"Alright then."
Seeing Hu Tao so confident, Fang Qiu didn't say anything more.
Trust.
Besides, if they couldn't beat them, they could just run.
Hmm...
Why did it feel like she was raising a death flag?
Hiss... She could try writing about this trope later.
"After I finish this battle, I'll go home and get married."
Not long after, Xiangling came up with steaming hot dishes.
Soon, the entire dining table was piled high, with various dishes emitting a rich fragrance.
"Chicken soup is here! Hey, the dishes are all here, why aren't you eating?"
Xiangling asked.
"Aren't we waiting for you?"
Fang Qiu smiled and said, "Sit down, quickly."
"Hehe, you guys are the best."
Xiangling chuckled.
After sitting down, Hu Tao told Xiangling about what they just discussed and invited her to join.
"No problem. It just so happens my new dish needs some fresh Slime slime."
Xiangling thought for a moment and readily agreed.
"Then it's settled."
After agreeing on the departure time, Hu Tao picked up the Vegetarian Noodles in front of her and began eating with gusto.
Fang Qiu wanted to tell Hu Tao that eating Vegetarian Noodles wouldn't make her stronger.
But thinking of the look Hu Tao gave her chest before picking up the noodles, Fang Qiu swallowed back the words she wanted to say.
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