Chapter 20

After losing their other followers, Jiang Ning and Shenhe wandered around Liyue Harbor, taking in the sights.

While Jiang Ning felt quite comfortable, Shenhe seemed somewhat uneasy.

Usually, she was either training or exterminating monsters. Suddenly having free time made her feel like something was off.

However, Jiang Ning consoled his senior disciple: "Relax, Senior Sister. Since Master ordered us to enter the mortal world, we should experience life like ordinary people."

"Regular people don't work all the time; they also have leisure time to relax."

Shenhe didn't argue. After all, before leaving, Master had repeatedly instructed her to listen to her junior brother's words, and in some instances, to look after him.

Though she wasn't sure what "some instances" meant, following her junior brother's lead seemed right.

Ganyu, worried that her fellow disciples might not have enough Mora after coming down from the mountain, had given them quite a sum, which was stored in Jiang Ning's adeptal storage device.

Having worked for so many years without spending much of her salary, Ganyu's wealth was astronomical, leading Jiang Ning to exclaim that his senior sister was incredibly rich.

After touring the main areas of Liyue Harbor throughout the morning, it was time for lunch.

"Senior Sister, are you hungry?" Jiang Ning asked.

"I'm fine," Shenhe replied.

Jiang Ning patted his stomach. Although he had mysteriously enjoyed a sumptuous treat from his senior sister in the morning, after a morning of wandering, he was getting hungry again.

He thought about Wanmin Restaurant where he ate yesterday, but wanting to try something different, he looked around for other options.

They happened to pass by a restaurant called Xinyue Pavilion. Its decoration was elegant and high-end - if Wanmin Restaurant was like a homey family restaurant, this place felt more like a luxury hotel.

"Let's try this place..." Jiang Ning muttered. His senior sister had given them plenty of Mora and said there was more if needed.

So Jiang Ning wasn't worried about money, especially since he and Shenhe would need to work while living in Liyue anyway.

Opportunities to spend money freely like this were rare.

"Welcome, do you have a reservation?" the doorkeeper asked with a polite smile.

"Do we need a reservation here?" Jiang Ning asked, being here for the first time.

The attendant noticed their high-quality clothes and distinguished appearance, thinking they must be from some wealthy family or visiting nobles. Thus, he spoke very courteously: "Yes, esteemed guests, you seem to be first-time visitors. All seats at Xinyue Pavilion require reservations."

"I see... Well, never mind then, since we don't have a reservation..."

Jiang Ning said disappointedly.

[System: Shouldn't you act threatening now and say "Do you know who we are?" Then reveal yourselves as Ganyu's fellow disciples, making them tremble in fear and welcome you immediately?]

[That's what a villain would do.]

"Are you sick? Stop watching those cliché plots, they're mind-numbing. That kind of villainous behavior is too low-class, like street thugs or nouveau riche..."

[But we haven't met our quota this month.]

"We'll deal with that later. The month just started - if necessary, we can boost our numbers at the month's end by targeting some treasure hoarders."

Jiang Ning didn't care much.

Since entrapment was mostly illegal, he usually conducted his fishing operations in the wilderness at month's end.

He would act harmless, letting treasure hoarders try to rob him.

And then...

"You're all surrounded! Hand over your money if you know what's good for you!"

So, Jiang Ning decided to go to Wanmin Restaurant instead.

He turned to Shenhe and said, "Senior Sister, let's go to Wanmin Restaurant."

Shenhe nodded slightly.

The doorkeeper apologetically said, "I'm truly sorry. Next time, please make a reservation in advance... it's our policy, please understand."

Jiang Ning replied, "I understand... maybe next time then."

Just as they were about to leave, a magnetic voice called out:

"What brings you two here?"

Looking back, Jiang Ning brightened: "Mr. Zhongli!"

The elegant and handsome man before them was none other than Jiang Ning's spear arts teacher, Zhongli.

"Master let us come down from the mountain, saying we should experience the mortal world. But Mr. Zhongli, what brings you here?"

Jiang Ning asked.

"I heard Xinyue Pavilion has some new dishes. I received an invitation from the owner to come taste them."

Zhongli explained.

"Seeing that you two don't have reservations - which is understandable, being new here and unfamiliar with the rules."

Zhongli turned to the doorkeeper: "Might I ask if my two companions could join me?"

The doorkeeper immediately became extremely welcoming: "Oh, if I'd known you were Mr. Zhongli's friends! Please, come in - the owner has been waiting."

With Zhongli leading the way, the three smoothly reached a private room. The room was filled with expensive incense and decorated with various precious ornaments - clearly a space reserved for distinguished guests.

"Mr. Zhongli, how did you..."

After being seated and having dishes served, Jiang Ning couldn't help but ask.

Zhongli said, "I have some understanding of fine cuisine. The owner here is kind enough to invite me occasionally to taste new dishes and offer my opinions."

To have the doorkeeper immediately make an exception, and to be specifically invited - this was no mere "some understanding."

This Mr. Zhongli must be quite extraordinary, Jiang Ning thought.

"Oh, I almost forgot - Mr. Zhongli, Master told us to visit you when we came to Liyue Harbor. We were planning to look around for a few days before seeking out your residence, but we happened to meet you today."

Jiang Ning said.

Zhongli picked up a cup of tea, gently blew on it a few times, took a leisurely sip, and then said:

"In that case, if you wish to find me, simply come to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Feiyun Slope."

"Feiyun Slope, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor... I'll remember that, Mr. Zhongli!"

Jiang Ning nodded.

Zhongli said, "Good. Now, let's eat. It would be a shame to let such fine food go to waste..."

Jiang Ning nodded and began their lunch.