Chapter 87

In the afternoon, everyone made snow skin mooncakes together.

Instead of using a refrigerator for the freezing process, Shenhe and Qiqi used their Cryo Visions to manipulate ice elements for freezing, which worked quite well.

The finished mooncakes had a soft, smooth texture with slight elasticity. They were as white as snow and had an elegant appearance. Though they didn't glow, they were still delicious.

After selecting and boxing the mooncakes, Xia Zhi gave one box each to Qiqi and Yaoyao.

"Thank you both for your hard work today."

"It wasn't hard at all! Yaoyao had so much fun today. Thank you, big brother!"

"Thank you, Mr. Xia."

Xia Zhi smiled and looked at Shenhe and Zhu Zi.

"You're family here, so I won't give you separate boxes. The mooncakes are in the cabinet - just help yourselves from the kitchen whenever you want. No need to be formal."

"Yes, boss!"

"Mm."

After chatting for a while, Qiqi and Yaoyao said their goodbyes - one returning to Bubu Pharmacy and the other to Yujing Terrace, walking together as companions.

Xia Zhi wasn't worried, as Liyue Harbor's security was quite good with the Millelith regularly patrolling the streets. Although Yaoyao was young, she was an adeptus disciple and carried an adeptal mechanical rabbit in her basket, so she wouldn't have to fear any troublemakers.

"Next, I need to visit some friends to deliver mooncakes. Would you like to come along?"

Zhu Zi immediately said, "Boss, I'll help carry the food boxes!"

Shenhe also nodded, "I'll go with you."

"Alright then."

After locking up the shop, the three of them set out carrying mooncakes.

"Boss, where are we going first?"

"Let's go to the harbor district."

"Are we going to see Boss Liu?"

"Yes."

"Boss Liu?"

"Miss Shenhe, Boss Liu runs a fish and shrimp business with a shop in the harbor district. He's friends with our boss."

"I see."

"Boss Liu is really kind. When we went to see him during the shop's opening, he even offered to help our boss look for housing..."

Zhu Zi cheerfully told Shenhe about the interesting events from the past few days.

Shenhe listened quietly, and though she found it interesting, her expression remained unchanged.

Arriving at Liu's Fish Shop, Brother Liu was gutting fish. The shop was full of fresh fish, and the air was heavy with the smell of the sea.

"Brother Liu!"

"Oh, if it isn't young Xia! And Miss Zhu Zi too! What brings you here today? Craving some fish? Come in! All my stock is fresh! Take your pick! And who might this be?"

Brother Liu was as enthusiastic as ever, speaking in rapid succession.

Zhu Zi couldn't help but smile.

"This is Miss Shenhe, a friend like Miss Zhu Zi. Brother Liu, we don't need fish today. You see, our shop was closed today, and we had some free time, so we made some pastries and brought some for you to try."

Zhu Zi handed over an elegant food box.

Brother Liu wiped his hands and hurriedly accepted it. "You're too kind!"

"We made quite a lot, more than we could eat ourselves. I'm not sure if you'll like them though."

"Young Xia makes such good juice, I'm sure these pastries will be delicious too! I'll definitely enjoy them!"

"Well, we'll be going now. You're busy, Brother Liu. Come by our shop for a drink when you have time."

"Absolutely! Take care!"

Watching the three leave, Brother Liu looked down at the food box, feeling its weight, and couldn't help but comment, "Business must be good if they can afford to take days off..."

Leaving Liu's Fish Shop, they arrived at Yanfei's Legal Consultancy.

The door was closed again.

"Boss, it seems Miss Yanfei isn't at the office."

"She's such a busy person, but that's alright."

Xia Zhi went into the neighboring shop that sold crafts from various nations. The beautiful shopkeeper recognized him and smiled coyly, "Little brother, are you here to see Yanfei again?"

"No, I came to see you, sister."

"Oh?"

"Last time you helped me pass a message to Miss Yanfei. I made some snacks and came specially to thank you."

"No need to be so formal, it was nothing."

"Just a small token of appreciation, please accept it."

"Well then, thank you."

Xia Zhi took out another food box.

"I actually wanted to give a box to Miss Yanfei too, to thank her for her help. But since she happens to be out again, I'll have to trouble you once more."

"Don't worry! I'll make sure to pass it to Yanfei!"

The shopkeeper nodded earnestly.

As Xia Zhi was about to leave, he remembered buying a Tanuki doll from Inazuma at this shop last time for Zhu Zi, so he picked up a Liyue crane doll.

"Sister, how many Mora for this?"

"If you like it, it's yours. It's just a small trinket."

"Thank you then."

"No need to thank me. Little brother, please come visit sister's shop often when you have time."

"I will."

Leaving the shop, Xia Zhi handed the crane doll to Shenhe.

"Boss?"

"It's for you."

"Hm?"

"Last time I bought one for Zhu Zi, so I thought I'd get one for you too while we're here. This way you won't think I'm playing favorites as your boss."

"I wouldn't..."

"Just consider it an employee benefit."

"Oh."

Shenhe took the crane doll, feeling something unusual in her heart.

Not only was it the first gift she had received from her boss, but the little doll also somewhat resembled her master.

Small, cute, and adorable.

"Boss, are we going to Mingxing Jewelry next?"

"Yes, the owner came to support our shop on opening day."

"I remember her. She looked so modest, not at all like a big jewelry shop owner."

"That's how wealthy people are."

Zhu Zi was struck silent again and quietly looked down at the food box in her hands.

At Mingxing Jewelry, they found the owner Xingxi, who wasn't as busy.

"Mr. Xia! I was just about to come find you!"

"Oh?"

"The auction I mentioned to you before is almost ready. We're planning to hold it the day after tomorrow."

"The day before the Moonchase Festival?"

"Yes, I think this timing is perfect. Here's the auction ticket. I was planning to send it to your shop, but since you're here now, I'll give it to you directly."

"An auction... I'm not really interested..."

"It's fine, Mr. Xia. If you're busy or don't want to attend, you don't have to go. You can keep the ticket as a memento. This is my way of thanking you."

"A memento... alright then."

Xia Zhi accepted the auction ticket.

"Mr. Xia, did you come to see me for something?"

"Nothing special. I just made some snacks today and delivered them to several friends. I brought some for you to try as well."

"Mr. Xia, you're too kind!"

"You must have tasted many delicacies before. I hope you won't find these disappointing."

"Not at all!"

After chatting briefly, Xia Zhi bid farewell. Only then did Xingxi open the elegant food box.

Inside were neatly arranged mooncakes.

"What kind of snack is this? I don't think I've seen it before..."

Xingxi curiously picked up a mooncake and took a small bite.

She froze in place.

It wasn't until a servant came in calling for her that she snapped back to reality.

"Madam, there's business!"

"Oh, I know. I'll be right there."

Xingxi put down the half-eaten mooncake and placed the box on the table. She walked out two steps, then immediately returned.

No, it wouldn't be safe here - someone might steal the snacks.

Xingxi picked up the food box and walked to the inner room, only feeling at ease after placing it in her special jewelry storage area.

----

To unlock 2 bonus chapters:

Reach 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400 and .....

Additionally, you can join my Patreon to read 30+ chapters early and support me and my work.

Patreon.com/rivyura