"Bro—seriously—where do you think this is?"
Ji Ming protested with all the conviction he could muster. "This is Liyue Harbor. With Rex Lapis watching from above, how could I dare swindle anyone? Wouldn't that be disgracing the old lord himself?"
In a shadowy alley off Feiyun Slope, Ji Ming was doing his best to justify himself, while a middle-aged man gripped his collar tightly, irritation written all over his face.
"Don't try to scare me with Rex Lapis!" the man snapped. "Everyone on the street knows your name, Ji Ming. You're famous in the underworld—every trade, every circle's heard of you. You're nothing but a con artist!"
Mentioning Rex Lapis did have some effect. In Liyue, no one truly doubted him. The man hesitated—but still didn't let go.
Ji Ming smiled faintly. He bent down, picked up the law tome that had been thrown aside earlier, and feigned surprise.
"A con artist? That's a bit harsh, don't you think? I went through a lot of trouble to get this book for you, and this is how you repay me?"
The man's face flushed crimson. He slapped the tome out of Ji Ming's hands, furious.
"What use do I have for some law book?! Listen carefully—I want a personal belonging of Lady Yanfei!"
Seeing the man teetering on the edge of losing his composure, Ji Ming remained perfectly calm.
"And who says this law tome isn't one of Lady Yanfei's personal belongings?"
"…What?" The man froze. "You're telling me a law book counts as a personal item?"
Ji Ming narrowed his eyes, his tone meaningful.
"As Lady Yanfei's devoted admirer, surely you know she almost always carries her law tome with her, don't you?"
"You… you mean—?"
After a moment of stunned silence, the man's expression burst into wild delight.
Could this be the very book Lady Yanfei always carried with her?
As expected of the infamous "Frivolous Wanderer" of the streets—he'd effortlessly obtained something no ordinary person could ever touch. Every mora spent was worth it.
The man immediately released Ji Ming, hurriedly smoothing his wrinkled collar with an ingratiating smile.
"Ah—this is my fault, truly! I didn't know your capabilities. Please forgive my rudeness."
Cradling the fallen law tome as though it were sacred, he gently brushed off the dust. In his eyes, it now radiated a holy glow.
After thanking Ji Ming profusely, the man finally left the alley—carrying with him what he regarded as a personal "scripture."
Once he was far enough away, Ji Ming completely lost it. He leaned against the wall and slapped his thigh, laughing.
"Bro—he actually believed it! That book's sold at Wanwen Bookhouse, and it's the latest edition, too! Hahaha!"
"Never cheating the young or the old" meant exactly that—kids and seniors were off-limits.
As for middle-aged men who wore their sleaziness right on their faces? They were prime clientele.
Dreaming of Yanfei's personal belongings?
Yeah—exactly the kind of people he liked to scam.
As for getting caught afterward? Ji Ming hadn't worried about that in years.
After all, if you dared fantasize about Yanfei's personal items, would you really dare report it to the Liyue authorities? What—weren't you afraid Lady Yanfei herself would step in and sentence you to life imprisonment?
At worst, Ji Ming might spend a few weeks locked up. He was an old regular at the Liyue prison anyway—the head jailer was practically his drinking buddy. Going to jail felt like going home.
Well… Ji Ming didn't actually have a home. Sleeping rough outside Liyue all year round meant prison at least offered shelter from wind and rain.
His laughter slowly faded. He tucked away the bulging money pouch—this deal had been a big win. Tonight, he could finally treat himself to a proper meal at Wanmin Restaurant. Hopefully Xiangling was the one cooking.
Passing by Yujing Terrace, Ji Ming glanced enviously at the residential area reserved for the truly wealthy. He wanted a house there—wanted a warm bed, a family, a peaceful life.
Once he saved up enough to buy a house, he'd quit scamming for good.
The lower district of Liyue Harbor was the most crowded area, with the Adventurers' Guild located nearby. Naturally, foot traffic was heavier here than anywhere else.
Though it was early autumn, Ji Ming still wore short sleeves, with at most an old long robe draped over his shoulders—one clearly not his size. In the bustling streets, he stood out.
As he approached Wanmin Restaurant, the aroma of food hit him head-on.
"Xiangling! Are you here?" Ji Ming shouted toward the kitchen. "I'm starving—I need food!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming—don't rush!" her voice answered cheerfully. "I've already prepared something for you."
Xiangling emerged balancing a plate of Liyue Harbor Triple Delicacy on her head, carrying a bowl of Mountain Delicacy Hot Noodles in her hands. Behind her, Guoba held a big bowl of tea. Today's meal looked excellent.
Scanning the packed restaurant, Ji Ming realized every seat was taken. If he wanted to eat here, he'd have to share a table.
He picked someone who looked easygoing.
"Sir, do you mind if I sit here?"
The elegantly dressed young man glanced up, set down his teacup, and gestured politely.
"Please, feel free. I don't mind sharing."
Xiangling set the dishes down, then froze in surprise.
"Mr. Zhongli? Sorry—I've been busy cooking and didn't notice you came in."
"It's quite all right," Zhongli replied gently. "There's no need to attend to me specially. I'm merely another customer."
Ji Ming's pupils practically shook.
So this guy is Zhongli? He'd heard that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had a learned, refined, and strikingly handsome consultant—and this was him?
He was handsome… about on par with himself. Fifty-fifty, maybe.
"A-Ming, don't stare like that," Xiangling scolded lightly, standing on tiptoe to tap his forehead. "That's rude. Sit down and eat."
Snapping back to reality, Ji Ming laughed.
"Alright, alright. I'll eat now. Go help Chef Mao—I'll pay later."
"Huh? You don't really have to—hey, don't push me!"
She disappeared back into the kitchen.
Ji Ming dug in eagerly. After a while, he noticed someone watching him and looked up.
Zhongli took a sip of tea and nodded politely.
"Hello."
"Mmph—hello?" Ji Ming replied around a mouthful of noodles.
For some reason, he felt Zhongli's gaze carried a strange emotion—but he couldn't quite place it.
Don't tell me…
No, no. Even if he was poor, Ji Ming had no intention of selling that kind of service.
"You're Ji Ming, correct?" Zhongli said calmly. "I've heard of you for quite some time."
"Well, being 'heard of' by Mr. Zhongli is… flattering," Ji Ming said cautiously. "But when you say you've heard of me—are we talking about my street reputation?"
Zhongli nodded.
"My employer once did business with you. You sold her an old diary, claiming it was a lost Ledger of Life and Death."
Ji Ming nearly spat out his tea.
So that's why he approached me—he's here on Hu Tao's behalf.
That "Ledger of Life and Death" incident had happened on a pitch-black night. Ji Ming had been sleeping outside Liyue Harbor when the cold woke him. While lamenting his life, he pulled out his last diary to use as kindling.
Just then, Hu Tao, having failed yet again to catch Qiqi, returned to Liyue. Seeing Ji Ming sneakily pulling out a diary, her curiosity was instantly piqued.
Knowing Hu Tao's identity, Ji Ming spun a tale—turning the diary into a lost Ledger of Life and Death—and scammed her thoroughly.
Barefoot fears no shoes. So what if she had a Vision? She wouldn't knock him out and stuff him into a coffin… right?
"Ahem…" Ji Ming coughed awkwardly. "Mr. Zhongli, Director Hu Tao must've been furious. I just made some money—I can return it to her."
He placed half his Mora on the table.
Zhongli shook his head slightly.
"She was angry. She said she dislikes you the most—and that when you die, she'll sell you the most expensive coffin to earn it back."
"Ahaha… then she might be disappointed," Ji Ming said dryly. "I can't afford the most expensive one. That's golden nanmu wood, you know…"
Changing the subject, Zhongli asked, "You know Miss Xiangling?"
"We grew up together. We're on good terms."
"I see. Childhood friends," Zhongli said thoughtfully. "She's quite close with my employer. I assumed you might know her as well."
Ji Ming shrugged.
"No chance. Director Hu Tao comes from money. I only ever saw her from afar thanks to Xiangling—never really spoke to her."
They fell into silence—Ji Ming eating, Zhongli sipping tea. The atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious.
If not for their vastly different attire, passersby might've thought them old friends reunited.
"You're worried about making a living, aren't you?" Zhongli asked.
"Yeah," Ji Ming replied simply. "Nothing to be ashamed of."
Zhongli leaned forward slightly.
"I have a commission. The pay is generous. If you're willing, I'd like to pass it to you."
"Oh?" Ji Ming perked up. "Let me guess—something shady?"
He patted his chest confidently.
"I won't sleep on that. I deal with all walks of life—if you want something, I can scam—ahem, acquire it for you."
"This matter has nothing to do with the underworld," Zhongli replied. "I have an old friend. Her student plans to visit Liyue to see her senior sister. The problem is… the student is far too naïve."
"So?"
"I'd like you to act as her guide for a day or two. Show her Liyue as it truly is—the warmth, and the coldness alike. You're well-suited for this."
Ji Ming understood immediately.
Zhongli's friend didn't want the student to come—so he needed someone to play the villain.
Business was business. Ji Ming grinned.
"If I'm playing the bad guy, the mora better be convincing."
"One hundred thousand mora," Zhongli said calmly. "Enough for a month's living expenses. All costs during the guide period will be covered by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—including medical fees."
Ji Ming didn't know why Zhongli hesitated briefly—but he accepted without hesitation.
Playing guide and villain for a day or two? Easy money.
"Leave it to me," he said, smiling.
"I'm a man who never cheats the young or the old."