Chapter 83: The Dinner Party

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Lin Feng opened a video featuring Teacher Zhang San, convinced that this law enthusiast would find it intriguing.

"Zhang San decides to commit suicide and stands atop a building while over eight hundred people below film him with their phones. For two or three hours, Zhang San hesitates, refusing to jump..."

Yanfei watched, captivated, until the video ended, only for another Zhang San clip to pop up immediately after.

"Cough!" Lin Feng cleared his throat; if she finished watching all the videos, what purpose would the phone serve?

"No problem, consider this as your reward!" Yanfei smiled gently at Lin Feng.

Shortly thereafter, accompanied by several Millelith soldiers, Yanfei arrived at the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

After Yanfei's eloquent defense, Lin Feng was miraculously released. Just then, he spotted Ganyu nearby and quickly ran towards her, calling out:

"Ganyu!"

"Hm?" Ganyu turned around, looking puzzled at Lin Feng.

"Your master, Cloud Retainer, asked me to give you this phone. She mentioned you haven't been in touch for a long time and suggested you call her when you have some free time!" Lin Feng handed over the phone, smiling warmly.

"Oh... Did m-my Master say anything else?" Ganyu blushed, stammering nervously.

"Um... I think she mentioned a story about 'Gurgle Gurgle' Descending Mountain True Monarch, but I can't quite remember the details." Lin Feng grinned and shook his head slightly.

"Sigh..." Ganyu finally breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that he didn't know more!

"I understand, thank you!" Ganyu accepted the phone softly, expressing her gratitude.

***

"Welcome, friend of young master Childe. May your future with the Fatui be filled with success," said the Northland Bank staff member, smiling warmly at Lumine.

"I'm not his friend!" Lumine replied mildly.

"Heh... We're all mere mortals, and mortal thoughts can change on a whim!" The bank employee chuckled softly before continuing, "My apologies, let me get back to the main point. Young Master Childe says he has fulfilled his part of the agreement!"

"Fulfilled the agreement? Oh, you mean finding someone to help us?" Paimon scratched her head, looking puzzled.

"Do you think...it's a ghost?" She cautiously scanned their surroundings, fearing something might suddenly emerge and devour them!

"Yes, young master Childe is already at Liuli Pavilion with the person who will break this deadlock. You may proceed there!" The Northland Bank staff member nodded, smiling kindly.

"Wah! Liuli Pavilion! I've heard about it!" Paimon's interest piqued, and she eagerly chimed in, "Liyue has two major cuisines: Li style and Yue style..."

"Paimon only shines as a guide during moments like these!" Lumine teased, watching Paimon excitedly.

"Don't say that, but hey, delicious food awaits! Traveler, let's hurry over!" Paimon giggled, pulling Lumine towards Liuli Pavilion.

***

"Ah, you made it." Childe greeted them with a faint smile. "The deal's done; I've found someone to break this deadlock!"

"Where is he? At Liuli Pavilion?" Paimon eyed the pavilion, her mouth watering.

"That's right. Let's go inside!" With that, Childe led Lumine and Paimon into the restaurant.

"Allow me to introduce our friend here—someone from the..." Before Childe could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the newcomers.

"It's you?" Lumine and Paimon exclaimed simultaneously, puzzled as they looked at Zhongli.

"Greetings again," Zhongli replied mildly, nodding towards them.

"Huh... You two know each other?" Childe seemed taken aback.

"Mm-hmm... We met him at Wanmin Restaurant!" Paimon nodded, clearly remembering anyone who'd shared her meals.

"Well then, no need for introductions. The reason I brought you both here is because—" Childe cut off Childe once more, interrupting his attempt to ease the awkwardness.

"I have a way for you to see Rex Lapis's immortal remains!" Zhongli calmly announced as he lifted his teacup.

"What?" Paimon looked astonished. Considering Zhongli was just someone mooching off others' meals, what could he possibly accomplish? Hmph!

"Ha... No need to be surprised. Although under Tianquan Star Ningguang's control, the Geo Archon's mortal body has been hidden away... However..." Childe began explaining but was promptly interrupted by Zhongli...

"As the progenitor of all Adepti, Emperor Rex Lapis may hold great significance, but ultimately, he is still one among them. Throughout Liyue's millennia-long history, many Adepti have departed."

"When each adept left in years past, there would be grand commemorative ceremonies—a tradition in Liyue. Yet this time, even the Seven Stars seem too preoccupied to uphold such customs... It truly falls short!"

Zhongli spoke mildly, appearing somewhat disappointed. If not for his dream message yesterday, his formaldehyde cast might have decayed irreparably!

"It is indeed a peculiar case involving the murder of a deity..." Lumine responded thoughtfully.

"Yes, without finding the true culprit, how can the Emperor rest peacefully?" Paimon nodded in agreement.

"A case involving the murder of a god holds no interest for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor," Zhongli continued, his tone somewhat displeased. "What concerns us is this: If the Rite of Descension was so grand, why has no one attended to the Rite of Parting?"

Zhongli's words carried a hint of disapproval...

"Traveler, since you wish to see the Ancestral Immortal's Exuvia, let us prepare the Rite of Parting together!" Zhongli looked at Lumine, speaking calmly.

"I need some time to think..." Lumine hesitated briefly before Paimon promptly chimed in, "Uh... Traveler, consider your options; there doesn't seem to be any other way!"

"That's right, further deliberation would lead to the same conclusion!" Childe interjected with a smile.

"All right then!" Lumine nodded, gazing at Zhongli.

"Hmm, if you agree, please follow me." With that, Zhongli prepared to leave.

"Wait, aren't you going to eat?" Paimon couldn't help but call out, eyeing the table laden with delicious dishes.

"Cough, cough, very well, I'll give you the duration of this meal to decide!" Zhongli gently cleared his throat and took his seat once more.

Paimon and Lumine joined him around the table. Childe struggled to pick up a pair of chopsticks, smiling awkwardly as he said, "I'll give these chopsticks a try!"

***

"Hear ye, hear ye! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's grand sale—buy a coffin and get funeral money free!"

Hu Tao cranked her phone volume to maximum as she recorded herself making this announcement.

Passersby grew curious—how did the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor manage such daily innovations? The phones from their last promotion had sold out completely; they really ought to restock!

"This new Director sure knows how to stir things up... Ah..."

"Time marches on; even the Stone King must pass away eventually..."

Hu Tao stood at the entrance, beaming at the pedestrians passing by, but not a single one ventured inside.

***

"Zhongli, knowing Childe is part of the Fatui, why did you still choose to collaborate with him?" After some discussion, Paimon asked Zhongli, puzzled.