Chapter 16: New Friends and Dinner

"Xiangling, is there anything to eat? We're starving!"

As Wang Daoyi and Xiangling busied themselves in the kitchen, a figure in deep blue dragged a white-haired youth into the Wanmin Restaurant.

Xiangling was startled before turning to look at the newcomer.

"Xingqiu, could you please not rush in like this? You startled me!"

"And Chongyun, did you two go out to slay demons again? Why do you look so messy!"

Wang Daoyi observed the two of them.

One was wearing a deep blue wide-sleeved jacket with shorts, exposing long, slender white legs that many girls envied. A hydro vision hung from his waist. His deep blue hair reached his chin, and his clean face now had some dirt stains, as if he had just crawled out of a pile of charcoal.

The other wore a white Taoist robe, also with an Vision hanging from his waist. His light blue hair barely reached his ears, and his face, similarly stained, wore an apologetic smile as he looked at Xiangling.

"Forget it, we received a message a few days ago saying that there were demons lurking in the Wuwang Restaurant, so Chongyun and I thought of eradicating them for the sake of the people. We rushed there overnight, but after searching Wuwang Hill for several days, we didn't encounter any demons, only a few wandering Hilichurls!"

Xingqiu took a nearby water jug and casually poured himself a glass of water before turning back to ask, "Chongyun, do you want some?"

Chongyun nodded, taking the water jug from Xingqiu and pouring himself a glass. "What message did you receive? I think you just wanted to deceive me and make me accompany you for fun!"

"What do you mean, for fun? Can you call eradicating demons for the sake of the people fun? This is chivalry, do you understand? You, always obsessed with martial arts, but don't understand the realm of chivalry. You need to practice more."

Xingqiu's face turned red as he retorted, then noticed a white-haired youth standing behind Xiangling, watching them bicker.

"Oh, there's a guest here! Xiangling, why didn't you remind us!"

As the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu was known for his diligence and politeness. If he were seen in such a disrespectful manner, it would surely lead to a scolding from his father or elder brother.

Xiangling gave Xingqiu a glare and fetched two towels from the nearby cabinet, tossing them to Xingqiu and Chongyun.

"Don't worry, Brother Daoyi is not an outsider, he won't say much." Xiangling comforted Xingqiu before turning to introduce Wang Daoyi. "Brother Daoyi, these are Xingqiu and Chongyun, also my good friends."

Xiangling only introduced their names without mentioning their identities. For her, their identities were not important; what mattered was that they were her friends.

Wang Daoyi nodded and smiled at the two of them. "Hello, I'm Xiangling's friend, Wang Daoyi, a scholar who recently settled in Liyue Harbor."

"I'm Xingqiu, a disciple of the Guhua Clan, a chivalrous swordsman!"

"Chongyun, a demon-slaying exorcist!"

The two of them introduced themselves in turn.

"We're preparing dinner with Xiangling. You came just in time. Let's eat together later!"

Although the dinner was originally meant for Zhongli and Hu Tao, Xingqiu and Chongyun were not strangers, and they knew Hu Tao as well. It wouldn't be awkward for them to stay for dinner, and having more people would make it livelier.

"Great, is there anything we can help with?"

Xingqiu nodded, agreeing on behalf of Chongyun as well. When they were out, Xingqiu usually made the decisions.

Looking at the sky, it was almost dinner time.

"Hang the closed sign first, then come help me wash the vegetables, Brother Daoyi can help me cut them, and I'll cook."

Xiangling instructed.

The two of them picked up the towels Xiangling threw to them, dried their faces, and began to busy themselves according to Xiangling's instructions.

Although one came from a wealthy merchant family and the other from a demon-slaying family, they were both adept in the kitchen. Xingqiu's shrimp dumplings were unexpectedly beautiful. It was strange, though, how he always managed to avoid the carrot dices when preparing the filling.

Time passed quickly, and soon the sun set, marking dinner time.

"Xiangling, Daoyi, we're here!"

Before Hu Tao, who was bouncing around, entered the Wanmin Restaurant, her clear voice had already reached the kitchen.

Wang Daoyi heard Hu Tao's voice and handed the cold dish in his hand to Chongyun. "You guys continue. I'll go greet them."

Stepping out of the kitchen, he saw Hu Tao, followed by the venerable Zhongli.

"Please sit down, dinner will be ready soon!"

Wang Daoyi led the two of them to their seats, then went back to the kitchen. "Xingqiu, Chongyun, please welcome Hu Tao and Zhongli. I'll help Xiangling finish the remaining dishes!"

"Wow, Xingqiu, Chongyun, you're here too!"

Hu Tao was a little surprised to see Xingqiu and Chongyun here, but she was also happy to chat with them. Most of the time, Xingqiu talked about their recent demon-slaying trip to Wuwang Hill, while Hu Tao occasionally exclaimed in admiration.

Chongyun also quietly chatted with Zhongli, mostly about spells, immortal stories, and other tales.

Before long, Xiangling finished the final dish for tonight.

"Let's serve the food. Xingqiu, Chongyun, come and help."

Pouring the last spoonful of hot oil over the boiled fish, Xiangling called out to the two of them to help serve the food.

Although it was just a small dinner for six people, Xiangling still showcased her skills as a chef in Liyue.

One by one, delicious dishes were placed on the table, emitting enticing aromas.

"Wow, it smells so good! Xiangling, you're amazing, come here for a hug!"

Hu Tao slurped a mouthful and lunged towards Xiangling.

Unable to dodge, Xiangling was caught by Hu Tao, "No, don't, Guoba, save me!"

Unfortunately, Guoba was attracted by Zhongli's aura and was watching him beside Zhongli. It felt an unusual closeness to this person the first time it saw him.

Zhongli looked at Guoba and smiled, reaching out to pat its head.

"Lu~" Seemingly happy with Zhongli's touch, Guoba showed a happy smile, squinting its eyes.

Watching Xiangling struggle, Wang Daoyi laughed and grabbed Hu Tao by the back of her clothes, pulling her away from Xiangling.

"Alright, let's eat!"

"Yay, let's eat!"

The two of them cheered and started eating after a day of hunger.

Sitting next to Zhongli, Wang Daoyi pointed to the pepper-salt tofu in front of Zhongli. "Last time, Mr. Zhongli gave some pointers on Xiangling's pepper-salt tofu. This time, Xiangling specially used the Guyun Stone Forest sea salt that Mr. Zhongli mentioned. Please give it another evaluation, Mr. Zhongli."

Xiangling also looked at Zhongli expectantly.

Zhongli nodded, picked up his chopsticks, and took a piece of tofu, tasting it carefully.

"Oh, it's fresh and flavorful, with distinct layers of taste. This pepper-salt tofu can indeed be called top-notch!"

Hearing Zhongli's evaluation, Xiangling showed a satisfied smile. For a chef, there's nothing more fulfilling than receiving praise from previously dissatisfied customers!

"Really? Let me try!"

Hearing Zhongli's praise, Hu Tao reached out with her chopsticks and quickly picked up a piece of tofu. "Oh, it tastes just like before, still delicious!"

Clearly, Hu Tao didn't have any gourmet talent. For her, if it's delicious, it's delicious, and there's no difference.

"Haha, Hu Tao, you should stick to this one. I specifically made this for you, the boiled fish, and these, shrimp dumplings made by Xingqiu!"

Hearing Hu Tao's praise, Xiangling smiled slightly and picked up a shrimp dumpling for Hu Tao.

As for Xingqiu, he gave the same praise as Zhongli.

"Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. It's slightly salty at first, but the tofu's aroma quickly dilutes it. Indeed, there are different layers of taste. What Mr. Zhongli said is correct; it's truly top-notch."

As for Chongyun, oh, Chongyun didn't eat hot food. In front of him were specially prepared cold noodles, cold dishes, and the enhanced version of the cream cake with mint that Wang Daoyi had tried in the morning, the  Cream Cake - Ice Mist -  Enhanced Version.

Amidst clinking glasses and lively conversations, the guests and hosts enjoyed a hearty meal.