Chapter 24: Venti's Performance

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Just then, Eula and Jean emerged from inside, as Jean had revoked Amber's flight license.

Feeling disheartened but still managing a smile, Amber draped her arm around Eula's shoulders and said, "Let's go grab something to eat. Losing this measly flight license is no big deal for Mondstadt's flying champion."

Lin Feng looked on with envy, wondering when he could casually embrace Eula like that.

Amber led Eula to the Good Hunter tavern, with Lin Feng eagerly following behind.

"Two Sticky Honey Roasts, please!" Amber cheerfully requested from Sara.

Lin Feng approached, casting a slightly resentful glance at Amber for excluding him. Was that fair?

Realizing her oversight, Amber scratched her head sheepishly and apologized, "Sorry, I forgot about you. What would you like? It's my treat!"

"No way, I insist on paying," Lin Feng smiled at Sara, also ordering a Sticky Honey Roast. "How can I let a lady cover the bill? I embody the spirit of chivalry!"

Amber looked at Lin Feng with confusion; since when did knights adopt this chivalrous principle? Kaeya often let others treat him to meals.

After hesitating for a moment, Sara stepped forward and addressed Eula apologetically, "I'm sorry, I've misunderstood you all along. Thank you for your contributions to Mondstadt!"

Eula, caught off guard by Sara's sudden apology, felt slightly flustered, her cheeks blushing faintly.

"This grudge...this grudge, I've forgotten it!" Eula lifted her head, displaying a proud demeanor. After all her efforts, wasn't it precisely for gaining recognition?!

Lin Feng also felt relieved. Since the misunderstanding was resolved with an apology, there was no need for further retaliation.

Smiling, Lin Feng asked, "Do you still need a phone? I happen to have one available!"

Sara eagerly nodded, expressing her delight. Many guests visiting the Good Hunter Inn would instinctively use their phones, piquing her curiosity. She didn't want to feel disconnected from the times without understanding why.

***

"Eula, how did your match with Captain Jean go? Did you win?" Lin Feng asked while enjoying his lunch.

Eula glanced at Lin Feng and replied nonchalantly, "That's confidential information within the Knights; I cannot disclose it!"

Suddenly, Amber burst out laughing, "Confidential my foot! You just lost, didn't you?"

Eula immediately glared at Amber, but to no avail. Instead, Amber playfully pinched Eula's cheek, unfazed by her scowl.

"You're actually glaring at me now? No more treats for you then."

Eula swiftly swatted away Amber's hand, conscious of the many eyes watching them. As the ever-disciplined Eula, she couldn't allow such casual familiarity...

Lin Feng once again wore an envious expression, silently swallowing his envy. Keep going, someday all this will be mine too!

After lunch, Eula and Amber went shopping for supplies and then proceeded to transport them up the snow-capped mountains.

***

"Amber, get down here quickly!"

As they passed by the icy lake at the foot of the snow-capped mountain, Eula promptly dragged Amber into it.

"Eula, what are you doing? It's freezing!" Amber shivered uncontrollably, casting a resentful look at Eula.

"Obviously seeking revenge! I hereby take vengeance for your betrayal!" With these words, Eula pulled Amber towards the center of the lake.

"Eula, don't do this..." Amber hastily pleaded, realizing that despite the snowy surroundings, someone might still stumble upon them.

***

Meanwhile, Lin Feng had resumed his seat on the bridge, with Timmie nowhere in sight. The presence of charging stations nearby attracted many passersby, often startling away the pigeons.

It seemed unlikely that the pigeons would return, much like Timmie's father, gone without a trace...

As soon as people noticed Lin Feng sitting on his small stool, they swarmed around him, including the individual who had smashed their phone yesterday.

Venti also blended into the crowd, determined to find out which cunning imposter dared to scam others using his name.

"How much for one phone? I'll take it," Venti stepped forward, looking at Lin Feng.

Lin Feng initially glanced down, noticing a pair of white stockings approaching, but upon seeing it was Venti, he felt momentarily speechless.

"One thousand Mora, no credit!" Lin Feng replied nonchalantly, well aware of this slacker's debt - owing Angel's Share countless unpaid bar tabs.

"One...one thousand Mora! By the God of Wind, isn't this extortion?" Venti appeared visibly upset, wondering why, after selling so many phones at such high prices, Lin Feng hadn't shared any profits with the Anemo Archon?

"Extortion? Then don't buy it!" Lin Feng shook his head, smiling at Venti.

"Can I perform to settle my debt? I am Teyvat's finest bard!" Seeing everyone's eager expressions, Venti realized he couldn't get away with freeloading this time.

"Certainly, just for one afternoon!" Lin Feng nodded, acknowledging that as the Anemo Archon, some respect was due on his home turf.

Venti chuckled mischievously and took out his lute, beginning to play. As he strummed, he started singing:

"Ahhh... Great Lord Barbatos, you bring forth the winds of freedom, dispersing the fog from lofty towers, leading the people of Mondstadt..."

Lin Feng's lips twitched uncontrollably; when it comes to bolstering faith, you truly excel!

Hearing Venti's song, more people gathered around, adding to the excitement. This inadvertently boosted the sales of Lin Feng's phones.

"If you enjoy the music, feel free to reward me with a bottle of wine! Cheers!" Venti winked playfully, looking quite mischievous.

Charmed by his performance, several individuals generously opened their wallets, placing multiple bottles of fine wine before Venti.

***

The afternoon flew by as Lin Feng sold numerous phones. Meanwhile, Venti's feet were surrounded by empty bottles, his demeanor visibly intoxicated, and the strong scent of alcohol emanated from him with every word.

With a sudden "splash," unnoticed by Lin Feng, Venti stumbled and fell into the moat.

Hearing the commotion, Lin Feng glanced over to find Venti missing, leaving only rolling empty bottles on the ground.

He quickly peered into the river, spotting a green hat floating atop the water. Then, he saw Venti frantically splashing with both hands, creating waves all around.

"Help... gurgle gurgle ...me!" With each cry for help, Venti swallowed more water.

Lin Feng was somewhat speechless; after all, this was the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, Lord Babatoss himself! Couldn't he just use a single skill to fly out instead of shouting for rescue?

After a brief moment of hesitation, Lin Feng jumped in. He couldn't let this opportunity pass; Venti would surely owe him a favor for saving his life!

Quickly, Lin Feng dragged Venti out of the water. The bard emerged drenched, even spitting out a fish. It seemed fitting for such a master at slacking off, having reached new heights in idleness.

Lin Feng slapped Venti's face gently and called out, "Hey, bard! Wake up!"

However, Venti remained unconscious. Just as Lin Feng was considering whether to summon the Knights of Favonius, he heard Venti start snoring—it turned out the bard had merely fallen asleep...

Speechless, Lin Feng left on the spot and headed straight to Good Hunter, where he packed three takeout meals. Upon confirming with Eula, Amber was indeed staying overnight at her place.

Ignoring Venti, Lin Feng set off towards the snow-capped mountains. As for Venti, it wasn't himself who should worry but rather those harboring intentions against him or any lurking monsters.