Tonight, Tian Tie Zui was different from usual.
He no longer spoke of Morax's past stories; instead, he began recounting recent events.
Zhongli, however, showed no particular emotion about this,
because he simply found the tea here to be good.
As for listening to stories...
In fact, for most of the time Zhongli sat in the teahouse, he didn't actually listen to Tian Tie Zui's storytelling.
So, when Tian Tie Zui changed his stories, Zhongli didn't pay it any mind.
Ningguang, on the other hand,
listened to Tian Tie Zui tell the story of how Makoto saved the entire village that night, and her eyes immediately sparkled with stars. She pulled Xiao Qiqi to sit beside her, listening with great relish.
No matter how many times she heard it, Ningguang loved this story.
And Qiqi also felt a sense of curiosity towards Tian Tie Zui, the storyteller.
Why did this uncle, who clearly wasn't at the scene, describe it as if he had witnessed it himself?
How strange.
Xiao Qiqi's big pink eyes stared intently at Tian Tie Zui, looking very adorable.
The two Little Cuties moved their stools to the front to listen to the story, leaving only Makoto and Zhongli at the table.
Zhongli picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said without raising his head, "Although Tian Tie Zui's story contains exaggerations, Ancient Geovishap can indeed be considered a monster difficult for ordinary people to contend with."
"It is truly rare for that outlander to be able to resist and kill an Ancient Geovishap. This also shows that humans are fully capable of managing Liyue well."
Zhongli paused, then sighed with emotion, "Today's Liyue may have already exceeded Lord of Geo's expectations back then."
Upon hearing this, Makoto's teacup in his hand trembled slightly.
Good heavens, he finally understood Zhongli's meaning.
Mr. Zhongli was already thinking about retiring and slacking off.
But if you retire, then retire.
Why do you keep looking at me from time to time??
What do you mean??
Don't look at me!
I also just want to retire and slack off.
All that fighting and killing, and Liyue being governed by humans—
that's all work for the young people.
Besides,
as an outlander, it doesn't seem very appropriate for me to help you manage Liyue, does it?
Wait...
Cloud Retainer shouldn't have told Zhongli about that, right?
He and Ganyu aren't even close, so he's not necessarily Liyue's future son-in-law.
Makoto took a sip of tea, then slowly said, "Mr. Zhongli, I don't know what Lord of Geo thinks,"
"but the people of Liyue definitely need Lord of Geo."
"In the hearts of the common people, Lord of Geo is not only the god who protects them,"
"but more so a spiritual anchor. With Lord of Geo present, the people can live in peace and prosperity. If Lord of Geo is not here, this peace and harmony might instantly collapse."
Makoto paused, then continued, "Furthermore, I heard that the Fatui have been eyeing The Chasm recently."
"The hard-won peace and harmony in Liyue today still require Lord of Geo to maintain it."
Makoto was still more inclined towards a peaceful life.
Daily slacking off and taking care of the kids was already quite good.
As for Liyue, let Lord of Geo Morax himself protect it.
He had already done his utmost by telling Zhongli about The Chasm.
Upon hearing Makoto's words, Zhongli thoughtfully picked up his teacup,
then turned his gaze back to Makoto.
"Liyue needs a Geo God..."
Suddenly, Makoto felt something was off.
Oh no,
I'm not going to become a substitute, am I?
Zhongli, that sly fox, is looking at me strangely.
No, I need to change the subject quickly.
I can't let Mr. Zhongli keep thinking about this.
Just then, a smiling teahouse attendant walked up.
Seeing Zhongli, his regular customer, the attendant was particularly enthusiastic.
"Mr. Zhongli, will the desserts this time still be made with the best ingredients, as before?"
Zhongli raised his teacup and gently hummed in affirmation.
It's worth noting that Zhongli is extremely particular.
When listening to opera, he chooses the most famous performers; when walking his bird, he buys the most expensive thrush.
In short, for Zhongli, everything must be the best.
Desserts are no exception.
Watching Zhongli casually order the teahouse's best desserts, some passersby listening to stories couldn't help but marvel at Zhongli's wealth.
However, the very next second, Zhongli put down his teacup and slowly said, "This time, as well, send the entire bill to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
For a moment, everyone exchanged glances.
Personal consumption, paid by the establishment?
As expected of Mr. Zhongli!
Upon hearing Zhongli's words, Makoto immediately became displeased.
He couldn't let this opportunity to spend money go to waste.
"Mr. Zhongli, let me pay this time."
"After all, there are three of us here; it wouldn't be right to let you pay."
Makoto initially thought Zhongli would decline,
but to his surprise, Zhongli simply nodded directly.
"Alright, then this meal will be on Mr. Fang Xun."
Makoto: "???"
Zhongli, that sly fox, really doesn't stand on ceremony.
Just then, Zhongli put down his teacup and slowly began, "I can't let Mr. Fang Xun pay for nothing."
"Liyue is a city of contracts; everything revolves around contract transactions."
"Mr. Fang Xun has invited me for tea, and as a trade, I can do one thing for Mr. Fang Xun."
Zhongli paused, then added, "As long as this matter is within Zhongli's capabilities."
He specifically emphasized that it would be done under his identity as Zhongli.
Upon hearing this, Makoto's heart stirred.
Mr. Zhongli wasn't as freeloading as he was in the game after all.
At the very least, he would engage in fair transactions.
However, Makoto couldn't think of anything he needed Zhongli to do at the moment,
so he decided to save it for later.
Soon, the teahouse's desserts were immediately served.
Ningguang and Qiqi had never eaten desserts before, let alone the teahouse's top-tier desserts.
The two little girls naturally ate with great relish.
Makoto said from the side, "Ningguang, you're still in the stage of changing teeth, so you can't eat too many sweets. You'll get cavities, understand?"
Ningguang was eating happily, but upon hearing Makoto's words,
she could only reluctantly put down the dessert, then pouted, looking pitiful.
Her clear, bright eyes were now teary, making her look utterly adorable and pitiable.
Seeing the little girl's pitiful yet cute appearance, Makoto's heart softened.
"Alright, you can eat dessert tonight, but only tonight, okay? You can't eat this much anymore in the future."
"And also, you need to brush your teeth when we get back, understand?"
Ningguang immediately broke into a smile upon hearing Makoto's words.
"I understand! Thank you, Brother Makoto!"
Watching the two Little Cuties eat their desserts, getting it all over their faces and noses,
Makoto could only wipe their faces from time to time.
As for Zhongli, he excused himself midway, citing an urgent matter.
Makoto expressed that they should catch up again if there was an opportunity in the future,
and also told Zhongli to feel free to find him if he needed to spend money on anything.
This made Zhongli couldn't help but give Makoto an extra look as he left.
After the two Little Cuties finished their desserts, Makoto held their hands and walked them towards home.
Passing by Sister Yu Jin, Ying'er's mother's inn, Makoto paused slightly,
because even at this late hour, the inn Yu Jin ran was still open.
You see,
Yu Jin was a rich woman who wasn't short on money at all; running the inn was perhaps just to pass the time.
She would never stay up late to check in guests.
Before, Yu Jin would have already closed up and gone to get her beauty sleep.
But now, the inn was still open, which Makoto found a bit unbelievable.
Not only that, Makoto also noticed that Yu Jin tonight was wearing a purple silk nightgown,
and she was sitting at the entrance of the shop, leisurely crossing her legs.
The charm of a mature woman was fully displayed at this moment.
Makoto and Yu Jin were quite familiar with each other, so he asked, "Sister Yu Jin, you're still up so late?"
Seeing Makoto walking over with the two Little Cuties, Yu Jin teased, "You stinky little brother, isn't Sister waiting for you?"