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"Cough, Director, I truly don't know how!" Zhongli cleared his throat and shook his head.
"So, Traveler, can we expect to see Mora... Rex Lapis at the immortal-invoking ceremony?" Paimon looked at Zhongli, asking curiously.
"Based on universal reason, it is likely you will!" Zhongli nodded mildly.
"What's 'universal reason'..." Paimon scratched her head, appearing puzzled.
"He just enjoys using phrases no one understands; ignore him!" Hu Tao smiled, addressing both Paimon and the Traveler.
"I've heard that wishes made during the annual Rite of Descension tend to come true. However, last time I wished for better business at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, it seemed utterly ineffective." Hu Tao sighed, clearly vexed by Rex Lapis not fulfilling her wish.
Zhongli internally groaned; if business at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor improved, wouldn't that mean...
Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances, relieved Hu Tao's wish hadn't come true.
"Traveler, would you like to give it a try?" Hu Tao looked at Lumine, asking curiously.
"Mm-hmm, let's go!" Lumine nodded lightly and bid farewell to Hu Tao.
"Ahh, I still need to visit Madame Ping again. At her age, why is she so reluctant to discuss arrangements for her afterlife..." Sighing, Hu Tao also departed.
Hu Tao closely monitored every elderly person in Liyue, but Madame Ping proved particularly resistant to her efforts.
However, since managing funerals was the core of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business, adhering to their principle of never abandoning any customer, Hu Tao once more set out to meet with Madame Ping.
Zhongli shook his head and headed towards the tea stall. Today, they were recounting the legendary tales of Rex Lapis—his favorite stories!
***
At Cat's Tail Tavern.
Diona was fiddling with her smartphone, noticing how many people—her dad included—were using them these days. Suddenly, she had an idea: If everyone knew what went into their drinks, maybe they wouldn't want to consume them anymore.
With that, she could effortlessly dismantle Mondstadt's alcohol industry, and her father would stop drinking excessively!
"H-hello...everyone!" Diona greeted the camera, slightly blushing from shyness.
Many viewers recognized her immediately and paused to flood the chat with comments.
"Hey, isn't that the chief bartender of Cat's Tail, little kitty Diona?"
"Is she going to teach us mixology? Diona's cocktails are truly delightful!"
"Especially that Diona Special—oh no, now I need to head back for a few more rounds!"
"T-today, I'll be streaming live cocktail mixing," Diona stammered, "to show you all how drinks are prepared, h-hoping it helps you quit alcohol."
Soon, orders started pouring in.
"One special, please!"
Diona nodded and picked up her mixing glass, starting to add ingredients.
"Apple juice, base liquor, cubed ice..."
Initially, viewers found it quite normal and began praising her with smiles.
"As expected from Diona, her mixology skills are impressive!"
"That looks delicious already!"
"Hold on, I'm rushing over from Angel's Share right now!"
"Wow, is this really okay?"
However, soon enough, people started feeling uneasy!
"Soy sauce, Jueyun Chili, Slime Condensate, lizard tails!" Diona added one unexpected ingredient after another into the cocktail shaker.
"Heavens! What is this? Is it even edible?"
"I can't take it anymore! Reporting you—you've ruined my beloved Diona Special!"
"Gross... So that's what I've been drinking all along? Reporting now!"
In no time, a flood of complaint reports reached the Cyber Knights' backend system. Ellin glanced through them but, finding nothing inappropriate, decided not to intervene.
As Diona read the comments scrolling across the screen, her heart bloomed with joy. It seemed her dream of destroying Mondstadt's alcohol industry was finally about to come true.
Diona mixed all the ingredients together, shook vigorously, and finally produced her signature cocktail.
The customer grabbed Diona's concoction and took a large gulp.
With anticipation written all over her face, considering the barrage of negative comments on the screen, she was certain the customer would find it unpalatable too.
"Ah... It's truly delicious! I'll have another!" The customer exclaimed with delight, still savoring the taste, surprised to discover bits of meat within the drink.
(Diona has been blessed by pure water, making every beverage she mixes exceptionally sweet and enjoyable!)
"What? You liked it?" Diona's ears perked up instantly, her expression turning slightly fierce yet adorable.
"Yes, absolutely divine! Another innovative creation, I presume..." The customer nodded enthusiastically, showering praise upon each sip!
Diona stood frozen, unable to comprehend what just happened. Even the tone of the chat began shifting.
"I misjudged Diona; how could such a cute kitty have any ill intentions?"
"No way, now I must try one for myself!"
"I always wondered why my cocktails weren't quite right; turns out I was missing lizard tails! Thanks for the tip!"
Inside Angel's Share, a bartender held his phone, watching Diona's live stream with admiration.
Inspired, he immediately began replicating Diona's recipe one-to-one. As the saying goes, nothing is impossible if you're willing to...
"Stop hitting me, stop it! It wasn't intentional!"
"You bloody fool, adding lizards and soy sauce? Are you kidding me?!"
"I just wanted to be innovative, and...and I did ask you first!"
"Innovate this..."
Feeling helpless, Diona had no choice but to continue her live stream, muttering resentfully, "Just a lizard tail, with some Slime Condensate to create foam..."
Despite her frustration, as the live stream gained more popularity, the tavern filled up rapidly. Even non-drinkers, enticed by the rave reviews online, came to give her concoctions a try!
Unbeknownst to Diona, she was steadily paving the way towards dismantling Mondstadt's traditional wine industry!
***
"I'm really leaving now!" Lin Feng, with a backpack slung over his shoulder and a single-handed sword at his waist, gazed reluctantly at Eula.
"Uh-huh..." Eula nodded, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness as well.
"I'm off!" Lin Feng took a step forward, still looking back at Eula.
"Yes... go ahead," Eula replied softly, nodding again.
"Can I have a farewell kiss?" Lin Feng suddenly grinned and asked.
"Get lost!" Eula coldly muttered, swiftly shutting the door behind him.
Leaning against the closed door, Eula gently wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. The wind must have been too strong, causing it to well up.
As she looked around, Eula felt a sense of emptiness. Without Lin Feng, their home seemed incomplete.
Suddenly, Eula frowned. As expected, Lin Feng had stealthily taken her father's single-handed sword!