Chapter 93

When Xingqiu was leaving, he deliberately came to the table and sincerely thanked Xia Zhi.

Those from major families indeed have etiquette down to a fine art.

Returning to the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu put down the items in his hand and then called for A Xu.

"Second Young Master."

"Did you send the message to Dihua Marsh that I asked you to send the other day?"

"Is Second Young Master referring to the reed business?"

"Mm."

"I've already sent it by carrier pigeon. It should have arrived today."

"That's good. What about the eldest brother?"

"The Young Master has gone to the port district to discuss business."

"Will he be back for lunch?"

"Probably not. Does Second Young Master have something urgent to discuss with the Young Master?"

"No, I was just asking. You can go about your work."

"Yes."

A Xu withdrew.

Xingqiu glanced at the food box on the table, feeling a tremendous temptation from it. He couldn't help but want to open it and eat a piece.

If he just ate one mooncake...

No!

He can't think like that!

He'd better go out for a walk.

Xingqiu put the food box away in the cabinet and headed towards the Wanwen Bookstore.

On one hand, he wanted to check out the new novel in the bookstore this month, and on the other hand, he wanted to ask the publishing house about the sales of his own "Gathering Autumn Sword Records" from last month.

As he walked, Xingqiu thought that the day after tomorrow would be the Moonchase Festival. Xiao would probably be returning from the Wangshu Inn after visiting the "Exorcism Expert," right?

He would definitely return disappointed, then come to him with a long face, complaining about his bad luck, unable to find the "Exorcism Expert."

After all, the information about that "Exorcism Expert" was something he had made up out of thin air, so naturally, it couldn't be found.

However, the culinary competition was happening the day after tomorrow, so he could take Xiao to the venue to watch the excitement, and then take him to Mr. Xia's shop for a juice afterwards to lift his spirits.

...

The small shop continued operating until noon, then entered its rest period.

After all the customers left, Zhu Zi and Shenhe finally sat down at the empty seats.

Zhu Zi let out a breath and relaxed, stretching her long black-stockinged legs, making a fist with her fingers, gently tapping her leg while looking at Shenhe.

"Miss Shenhe, how are you feeling?"

"What?"

"Working. Are you feeling tired?"

"No."

"Standing for a whole morning, aren't your legs feeling sore?"

Shenhe glanced at Zhu Zi's legs and said flatly, "It's just a morning. Compared to my mountain training, this is nothing."

"Miss Shenhe must have been very diligent in her training before."

"Not diligent, just practicing with a spear daily. Most of the time, I was just sitting on a mountain peak, spacing out."

"Alone?"

"Yes, solitude can cultivate one's mind."

Training is surprisingly tough and lonely, Zhu Zi thought, looking at Shenhe's calm face.

She had previously held a romantic notion about Liyue's immortals. If she hadn't been short on money when she first arrived in Liyue, she might have run off to Jueyun Karst to seek an immortal.

Now she could only say, thank goodness she didn't go back then!

Otherwise, she would have never met the boss!

Xia Zhi, carrying two freshly mixed rainbow fruit juices, walked over from behind the counter.

"Here to quench your thirst."

"Thank you, boss!"

"Thank you."

The two girls took the juices, took a sip, and their faces showed varying degrees of pleasure.

"You worked hard this morning."

"It's our job. But today's customers were really numerous. I was almost overwhelmed, thankfully Miss Shenhe helped me out."

"Maybe it's because we were closed for two days, so all the regulars came today."

"Right, they're all regulars. Many customers I recognize come almost daily, ordering two cups and still feeling not satisfied. Let me calculate, 200 mora a day, that's 6000 mora a month, which is already half my salary. Wow, Liyue people are so rich."

"Isn't Inazuma wealthy too?"

"There are rich and poor people. Overall, it can't compare to Liyue. My dad's monthly salary isn't even as high as mine now. I told him about this in my last letter. I wonder what expression he'll have when he learns about this."

Zhu Zi imagined that interesting scene and couldn't help but laugh.

Xia Zhi laughed along, but Shenhe didn't. She held her cup, lowering her head to quietly sip, seemingly uninterested in the conversation.

"Inazuma is so far from Liyue. Sending a letter must take a long time, right?"

"Komore Nursery has dedicated cargo ships, making a round trip each month. When the sea weather is good, the ship's speed increases."

"I see."

"Previously, when the Magatsu God broke free, Komore Nursery suspended operations for a while. Only this month did they resume normal service. I heard sailors at the dock say that many small boats have gathered near Guili Plains recently."

"Small boats?"

"Because the Jade Chamber sank there, many people want to salvage treasures from the sea."

"Someone must have already retrieved something, otherwise so many wouldn't be following the trend."

"Definitely!"

Zhu Zi spoke while gently punching her leg, making a soft sound.

"What are you doing?"

"Massaging my leg."

"Are you feeling sore?"

"A bit."

"Want me to massage it for you?"

"Ah... this..."

Zhu Zi blushed slightly, her mind flashing back to the previous time the boss massaged her feet and the wonderful sensation. Her expression became somewhat tempted.

But with Miss Shenhe sitting next to her, her girlish sense of shyness made her hesitant to agree directly.

Zhu Zi secretly glanced at Shenhe, finding her still lowering her head and sipping her juice, seemingly uninterested in their conversation.

"Want it?"

"Yes... please help me."

Zhu Zi's voice became very soft and delicate.

"No rush, finish your juice first."

"Mm."

Xia Zhi nodded, then looked at Shenhe, "Miss Shenhe, how are you adapting after working all morning?"

Shenhe looked up at him and replied flatly, "Fine."

"Take it slow. People who have been isolated don't readjust to society overnight. It's a gradual process."

"Mm."

"What you need to do now is slowly get to know Liyue, from its culture to its scenery. First, learn to love life here."

"Mm."

"This afternoon, I'll take you to have tea, listen to some opera, and experience the local entertainment."

"Okay."

...

After a while, Zhu Zi suddenly spoke softly, interrupting the silence.

"Boss, I'm done with my juice."

"Okay, come with me."

"Mm."

Xia Zhi stood up, and Zhu Zi followed him into the back room.

Shenhe didn't follow, continuing to slowly drink her juice.

She wasn't drinking slowly, but there was still half a cup left.

She wondered why Zhu Zi had drunk so quickly today, when she usually was reluctant to finish her drink quickly...

Just as she was thinking about this, Shenhe suddenly heard a strange sound coming from the back room.

"Mm... uh... ah..."

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