Chapter 23: Duraf

Under Wang Daoyi's lead, the four finally emerged from the forest.

"Phew, finally out. From now on, let's stick to the main roads, Lumine!"

Paimon danced ahead, unaware of whether her flight required energy.

But Lumine took the opportunity to tease Paimon: "If it weren't for Paimon wanting to take a shortcut, we wouldn't have gotten lost in the forest."

"Humph, if it weren't for Paimon, how would we have met Xiangling and Brother Daoyi? It's fate, guided by the gods!" Paimon felt no shame.

"Perhaps it really is divine guidance, but maybe not!" Wang Daoyi smiled faintly, feeling the gentle breeze. "Let's hurry, Springvale is just ahead!"

None of the four were ordinary people, so they traveled quickly, arriving at Springvale in no time.

Mr. Duraf was well-known in Springvale, and with just a casual inquiry, they found his home.

"Alright, thank you for delivering the letter for me. Here's your reward!"

Taking the letter from Lumine, Duraf gratefully handed a bag of Mora to Paimon.

Once Lumine's task was done, Wang Daoyi and Xiangling approached Duraf.

"Mr. Duraf, hello. We're chefs from Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue Harbor, and we'd like to buy some boar meat from you!"

"Wanmin Restaurant chefs!!" Duraf looked at Wang Daoyi, then glanced at Xiangling. "Could it be that you're the great chef Xiangling?"

"Great chef?" Paimon was surprised.

"Haven't you heard? Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue Harbor is unique, specializing in commoner cuisine. Xiangling is the head chef!" There was a hint of admiration in Duraf's voice. "She has a unique understanding of ingredients and her dishes are beloved by locals and tourists alike!"

Xiangling scratched her head, feeling embarrassed. "Hehe, you're exaggerating. I just want to make cheap and delicious food!"

Suddenly, Duraf bowed deeply to Xiangling.

"Please help us promote our meat products!"

"Huh?" 

Wang Daoyi also looked puzzled. Time had passed, and he only remembered from the game that Xiangling had a cooking showdown in Springvale, but he didn't recall any mention of promoting meat products.

"Because Springvale is known for its high-quality meat, but it's limited to Mondstadt. And chefs like Xiangling, who can use our top-quality meat to create top-notch dishes, can help spread the fame of Springvale's meat products!"

Hearing Duraf's explanation, Wang Daoyi shook his head, feeling that Duraf didn't understand Xiangling well. Xiangling had made many amazing dishes, but she had never claimed to use top-notch ingredients. At most, she used specific ingredients for certain dishes.

Indeed, hearing Duraf's words, Xiangling looked uncomfortable. "But... I can't fulfill your request!"

"I've only ever thought about making delicious food, never restricting myself to specific ingredients, let alone doing promotions."

"Anyway, meat is also an ingredient you want to use, so I don't see much difference!"

Wang Daoyi shook his head, explaining for Xiangling: "There is a difference, a big difference! Mr. Duraf, what you want to promote is Springvale's meat products, but Xiangling's cooking relies on her boundless imagination. If she wants to add slime condensate to her dish, would you agree?"

Looking at Wang Daoyi, Xiangling showed a knowing smile. "That's right, Mr. Duraf, if I want to add slime condensate to my dish, would you agree?"

Slime condensate? Can that be eaten? Even Duraf, Lumine, and Paimon wore expressions of disbelief.

However, Lumine's shock was tinged with curiosity.

"Isn't that a bit... unusual for ingredients?" Duraf's words made Xiangling angry.

"Ingredients are neither normal nor abnormal! As long as they are used properly, they can all make delicious dishes!"

Realizing her tone was a bit heavy, Xiangling explained again, "I can't let ingredients limit my inspiration. Otherwise, what I make will definitely be boring!"

Hearing Xiangling's explanation, Wang Daoyi showed an appreciative look. It was precisely this unrestricted thinking that allowed Xiangling to stand out from the two major cuisines in Liyue and make Wanmin Restaurant another landmark.

"Ah, since your attitude is so firm, then forget it. But it's really a pity!" Duraf sighed. "The boar meat you want will have to wait until tomorrow. The hunting team will bring back new fresh boar tomorrow. Just mention my name, and they'll give you the best boar meat!"

"Xiangling's inspiration is her most important asset, so, Mr. Duraf, she really can't fulfill your request." Wang Daoyi explained for Xiangling, seeing Duraf looking a bit disappointed, he couldn't help but comfort him, "If Springvale has preserved meat products, when we return to Liyue, we can bring some along. We can sell them at Wanmin Restaurant with the Springvale brand, which can also be considered as advertising for Springvale's meat products!"

Duraf was delighted to hear this. "Great, then when you return, be sure to come to Springvale. I'll prepare the best meat products for you to take back!"

Xiangling didn't oppose this compromise, instead showing a grateful smile to Wang Daoyi. She was also a bit embarrassed about not being able to fulfill Duraf's request, especially since he had promised to give them boar meat.

What Xiangling opposed was being restricted to using specific types and qualities of ingredients, like an assembly line without any unknown fun, which would severely limit her inspiration.

But as for bringing meat products back to Liyue for sale at Wanmin Restaurant, she didn't mind. This was purely business.

After bidding farewell to Mr. Duraf, the four walked along the streets of Springvale.

"Xiangling's faith in cooking is really firm. I was afraid you two would argue just now!" Paimon floated in the air, sighing.

"Because cooking is my dream, and dreams must be taken seriously!" Xiangling said earnestly, a gleam passing over the vision at her waist, seemingly affirming her words.

"But Xiangling, like Wang Daoyi just said, would you really use slime condensate in your cooking?"

After thinking for a while, Paimon asked the question.

"Of course! Slime condensate can be used to pair with mountain mushrooms, to make Slime-Coated Wild Mushrooms."

Paimon was surprised. "S-Slime-Coated Wild Mushrooms?"

"Haha, I know it sounds strange, but the taste is absolutely amazing. Don't believe me? Ask Brother Daoyi."

On the other side, Wang Daoyi nodded approvingly. "The presentation may not be great, but the taste is indeed excellent!"

Slime-Coated Wild Mushrooms, it was the first strange dish Xiangling had made for him to try.

Lumine: "Sounds great, I want to try it."

"And there's also chilled sea beast meat, stir-fried Qingxin flowers, Cloud-Rest in a Bottle, all very delicious dishes!"

(End of Chapter)