Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [159]

"Oh? Why would I care about appearances in front of a lady?"

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Minding such things is for formal occasions, but this doesn't seem like one, does it?"

"Actually," Kaeya countered, "a drinking table can be a type of social setting as well."

Diluc responded with calm understanding. "I think I get his point. He's not fond of following rules just because they fit a setting or someone else's expectations."

"Exactly!"

Gu Sanqiu clapped his hands together. "If I had enough power, I could even order all men in social gatherings to wear miniskirts and heels, while women bundle up in thick winter coats."

"As long as people in this world still chase fame and fortune, that rule could stand indefinitely—assuming its creator stays alive, of course."

"So, I understand the idea of social 'rules,' but accepting them? I'll pass."

"Hmm, quite a bold opinion."

Eula took a graceful sip of her wine. "But it doesn't quite explain your strange decision to let out such an… uncouth belch."

"Oh, I suppose I did it for one reason only—fun."

Gu Sanqiu shrugged again. "My greatest reason for doing anything is either enjoyment… or curiosity."

"Hahaha!"

Kaeya burst out laughing and raised his glass. "I'll drink to that answer—it's not one I would have expected."

"You're leaving tomorrow?"

"That's right. I may be the team's nominal leader, so when they leave, I'm bound to go with them. Once we're back, I expect the negotiators to be en route right away."

"Can't say I mind," Kaeya replied casually, pouring himself another glass of Death After Noon. Since Gu Sanqiu was treating them tonight, his motto was clear: "Drink like there's no tomorrow."

"Same here. But if the cross-border enforcement really goes through, I might take an interest in patrolling the Stone Gate area myself."

"Hah! The captain of a guerrilla squad, hunting down fugitives? I bet it'd be a breeze."

"Hmph. Even if you say that, I won't be flattered by your praise," Eula scoffed, glancing at her drink. It dawned on her that tonight's drinks were on him…

But so what?

"Hmph, I will have my vengeance!"

"Uh-huh, suit yourself."

Gu Sanqiu clinked his glass with Diluc's, tempted to replace his apple juice with wine but ultimately respecting his "dietary habits."

"Ever thought of expanding Dawn Winery's business?"

"You offering to find me clients in Liyue?"

Diluc shook his head. "No need. Given our current output, maintaining what we have is best. I won't recklessly open a new market."

"Fair enough. Besides, even if I wanted to partner up, now isn't the time."

Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "How about opening a Dawn Winery branch in Liyue? I'd be happy to invest."

"You know it's not that simple to choose a winery location, right?"

"Is attracting Slimes a necessary requirement, like it is for your Dawn Winery?"

"Hahaha!"

Kaeya laughed heartily, while Eula covered half her face with her hand, trying to suppress a laugh. Everyone knew Dawn Winery's products seemed to attract Slimes, but not many would tease Diluc about it.

"Water quality, leylines, wind speed, terrain—these all matter," Diluc replied, unbothered by the joke.

"Water quality, huh…"

Gu Sanqiu's thoughts drifted to Qingce Village. Maybe he could take a gamble that the Pure Water Spirit there had grown senile enough to forget his face… or even his ancestors?

With Qingce Village's water quality and Dawn Winery's brewing expertise, they could craft a Liyue-exclusive drink, no problem.

The North-South Winery Plan might not be feasible yet, but once cross-border enforcement was established, Stone Gate wouldn't be a hotbed for criminals anymore. Increased safety could pave the way for economic growth.

"I have an idea now, though it's not quite time. When I get back, I'll be buried in work."

Gu Sanqiu sighed. "All I ever wanted was to enjoy good meals and naps, hang out with friends… but lately, it feels like there's always more to handle."

"In most cases, that means you have a goal," Eula noted seriously. "Because with a goal, you'll keep going until it's achieved."

"True enough. It's not a grand ambition, but it's something I've planned for a while now. Here's hoping it all goes smoothly—and with a high return and low cost, ideally."

"Hey now, making plans with that kind of mindset is a problem in itself."

Kaeya entered "roast mode," and even Diluc gave a rare nod, agreeing with his brother's statement.

"Honestly, I don't see the issue. I'm human, and as such, I want everything around me to be well. Isn't that just human nature?"

"Human nature, huh…"

At that, the three fell into a thoughtful silence, each seemingly stirred by memories sparked by Gu Sanqiu's words.

Not wanting to interrupt, Gu Sanqiu quietly poured more wine into a small barrel, lifted it, and downed it all in one go.

"Well, time for me to go. If you guys ever visit Liyue, be sure to drop by my place, and I'll make the arrangements—just don't come by at night."

Gu Sanqiu stood and gave them a respectful nod. "I look forward to our next meeting. Farewell."

"Farewell."

"Goodbye."

"Until we meet again."

Walking down the quiet streets with a mint stick in his mouth to clear his head, Gu Sanqiu wasn't surprised to see someone leaning against a streetlamp up ahead.

"Oh, here to take me in for a round of experiments, are you?"

Waiting for him was Albedo.

"Not quite."

Albedo tossed a scroll to Gu Sanqiu. "This is my apology gift."

"What is it?"

"Remember that prayer you performed? I replicated it a few times in my own way. The experimental data and my theories are all on there."

Albedo's voice was calm. "Since you're not from Mondstadt, I wrote everything in layman's terms."

"You probably already have some of this data, but I included additional notes and hypotheses from an alchemical perspective. Please take it."

"And this as well."

Another round object flew his way, and Gu Sanqiu caught it, giving it a small shake.

Painted red and white, with a crude face drawn in black, it was clear what this was.

"Klee heard you were leaving, so she made this bomb to remember her by. Personally, I think a bomb as a keepsake is… unusual."

"No, it's not strange at all. In fact, it's quite charming."

Gu Sanqiu laughed. "Well, looks like I'll have a few more people to host if they ever come to Liyue. Not bad at all."

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