Chapter Forty-Eight: Ploys and Proposals Part 1

The Fool's Troupe, known for their domineering ways, surprisingly displayed courtesy towards Xianyu.

Passersby and even Zhang Feng were astounded.

During this period, Xianyu had consistently surprised him too much.

Not only was he generous with his actions, but his strength seemed to be quite impressive. Now, even members of the Fatui Troupe treated him with respect.

Zhang Feng couldn't fathom the changes in Xianyu over the past half-year. He wondered what developments had led to such capabilities.

"Who is this person? How can he be treated so well by the Fatui Troupe?"

"Hey, I guess he must be a young master from some influential family with close ties to the Fatui Troupe to receive such treatment."

"Nonsense! Does that guy look like a young master? Although he has a somewhat noble aura, his shabby clothes clearly don't match his supposed status. Moreover, which young master would go out dressed like this? They'd want to look all fancy, surrounded by servants and maids!"

"...Well, now that you mention it, it does make sense."

This spectacle left Xianyu feeling a bit impatient. Tartaglia's actions were a bit confusing, and he struggled to understand their purpose.

If he had to guess, Tartaglia's move likely aimed to reveal some information. Creating a situation where people would mistakenly believe he had a close relationship with the Fatui could be advantageous. It might lead some to think of him as "one of their own."

After all, Xianyu's strength is formidable, and he hasn't joined any faction yet. Only Tartaglia knows his 'true' strength.

This kind of move is entirely understandable.

Xianyu doesn't know whether Tartaglia's arrangement is intentional or subconscious. However, he leans more towards the former.

But doing so isn't without benefits for him.

Even though he'll attract the attention of the Liye Qingxue, those with 'ulterior motives' wouldn't dare to act recklessly.

"Want others to misunderstand? Well, then I'll take advantage of the situation a bit more. Isn't that reasonable?"

Whether intentional or not, since it's come to this, he might as well gain some additional 'compensation.'

"Lead the way."

Expressionless, Xianyu glanced at the group before speaking.

"Please follow me, sir."

As they followed the Fatui Troupe, Xianyu noticed Zhang Feng still standing in place.

Xianyu made no comment about it, just sighing faintly.

This situation was indeed a bit difficult for Zhang Feng to comprehend. It's like suddenly seeing someone familiar, especially a younger person, transforming into a seemingly 'important and powerful' figure. It left him a bit bewildered.

"Little Raspberry, Little Pepper, take your grandpa here. We're leaving."

Zhang Lingmei and Zhang Yujiao didn't react much. While they hadn't encountered such a situation before, their lack of fear stemmed from their limited experiences.

Ignorance is bliss—this phrase aptly describes the situation.

"Oh, okay, Brother Yu."

After this incident, Zhang Feng silently followed along the way. He couldn't fathom Xianyu's current state and opted to remain silent.

...

"We've arrived. The Master is waiting for you upstairs. Please."

"Mm."

Xianyu nodded, then turned to Zhang Feng and the others.

His actions didn't escape the notice of the Fatui Troupe.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll arrange for them to stay in another room. After you finish discussing matters with the Master, I'll bring them over."

Xianyu didn't object.

"Uncle Zhang, you go with him first. I'll be there shortly after handling some matters."

"Sure, Young Master."

New Moon Pavilion (Xinyue Kiosk), a high-end dining venue comparable to the Luminous Pavilion. Despite being labeled as "high-end," it doesn't necessarily mean their dishes are exceptionally tasty. If we were to judge by deliciousness, Wanmin Restaurant is still superior. It's just that New Moon Pavilion's location is excellent, and the decor is luxurious, giving it a more upscale feel.

"Hey, you're here. Please have a seat."

Speaking of the usual Tartaglia, aside from that combat expression, he's a decent person, approachable.

Well... relatively speaking.

Seated across from Tartaglia, Xianyu showed no signs of unease.

"Go ahead and eat. The food here is pretty good."

"It's just these chopsticks; I'm not used to them."

Chopsticks are hard to use? Indeed, this tableware isn't convenient for his, but Xianyu merely glanced at the chopsticks.

"I won't be eating. I had a meal at Wanmin Restaurant earlier."

Tartaglia, upon hearing this, also put down his chopsticks. He wasn't hungry either; he came here to entertain Xianyu.

A meal together—a custom in Liyue.

"Since that's the case, let's continue our previous unfinished conversation."

"But before that, I'd like to ask: What are your thoughts on the Fatui Troupe?"

Xianyu, with little expression, maintained his perspective, much like in the beginning—neither much disgust nor much favor. As long as they didn't hinder him, they were just like ordinary people. If there were conflicts, he would handle it as he did with Mondstadt last time.

"While your methods are questionable, personally, I don't harbor much ill will toward you. Of course, I can't say there's much goodwill either."

Tartaglia chuckled at this response. "Haha, hearing you say that is somewhat unexpected. I thought you might have some bias against us due to the incident in Mondstadt."

Indeed, others might bear a grudge and turn against the Fatui Troupe after such an event, but not Xianyu.

He didn't suffer any losses in the last incident; instead, many members of the Fatui Troupe were killed by him.

Hatred? Completely nonexistent. To go out of his way for trouble when there were no losses? Only a fool would do that.

"Since you bear no ill will towards us, have you considered joining us?"

"You should be aware of our influence. If you agree, with your strength, you'll undoubtedly be highly valued. There's a great chance of attaining a position equal to mine."

Equal position? Become an executive? Or perhaps become an "Honorary Executive Knight" like the Traveler? Transform into an "Honorary Harbinger" of the Fatui's Troupe?

For others, these rights might be very tempting, but for Xianyu, hehe, absolutely no appeal.

Indeed, joining them would bring many benefits, but corresponding sacrifices would be substantial. Taking benefits without doing the job – there's no such thing as a free lunch, a principle Xianyu has known for a long time.

"Join the Fatui Troupe? Don't you know I am a resident of Liyue? Can you trust me?"

Tartaglia: "Hahaha, you have no need to worry about such matters. Our Queen has other methods."

Tartaglia's response left Xianyu in contemplation.

Other methods? Could there be other controlling means? Xianyu couldn't guess. Whether gods have control methods is beyond his understanding.

"No, even though the Fatui is undoubtedly powerful, it comes with too many constraints. Not suitable for someone as 'free' as me."

"So, let's continue with the unfinished business from last time."

Tartaglia, upon hearing this, dropped his smile and gestured for Xianyu to continue.

Observing this, Xianyu refrained from discussing other matters.

"I know some things that you'll find interesting."

"For instance... the approximate time when Barbatos will manifest."

"..."