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Nevertheless, Lumine turned to Qiqi and gently said, "Coco milk doesn't come from Cocogoats."
After a long moment, Qiqi exclaimed with surprise, "Ah..."
Observing Qiqi's expression, Paimon remarked slowly, "It seems like Qiqi is deep in thought now."
Lumine nodded, raised her finger to her lips, and whispered to Paimon, "Let's not disturb her."
Just then, someone approached them, chuckling warmly. "Ha ha, what a meaningful life lesson indeed. Thank you for taking care of my Qiqi."
Zhongli looked at the newcomer, puzzled, and asked, "And may I inquire who you are?"
Baizhu smiled and introduced himself, "My apologies, introductions first. I am Baizhu, the owner of Bubu Pharmacy."
Seeing Baizhu, Paimon couldn't help but comment sarcastically, "So the boss isn't Qiqi after all—and he's a weirdo wearing herbs around his neck!"
Suddenly, the white snake spoke mockingly, "How pitiful. Qiqi is already quite naive, yet there's someone even more gullible than her."
Paimon was taken aback and recoiled slightly, exclaiming, "Ah! Those herbs... That snake just s-spoke!"
Lumine, equally astonished, echoed, "The snake spoke!"
The white snake let out a slight cold snort and said, "Hmph, I didn't want to speak initially. Regular customers are fine, but newcomers tend to get startled. However, if I didn't say anything, you might start comparing me with those dried snakes in your drawers."
Baizhu smiled and continued, introducing the snake, "Ha ha ha... This is Changsheng; she means no harm. Now, may I ask, aside from indulging Qiqi's antics... what brings you here today?"
Zhongli looked at Baizhu and asked mildly, "Does your esteemed establishment happen to have the Perfume of Longevity?"
Baizhu pondered for a moment before nodding, "Oh, the Perfume of Longevity? Certainly, we do indeed carry it."
Upon hearing Baizhu's response, Paimon sighed in relief, saying, "Phew... Great! At least our efforts weren't entirely wasted."
However, Baizhu suddenly grinned and announced, "Three million Mora, top quality."
Lumine was shocked by this revelation and confirmed, "Three million?"
Paimon angrily stomped her feet and exclaimed at Baizhu, "Go rob the Golden House then! Hmm... But with it currently requisitioned by the Seven Stars, I bet it'd be even harder than usual."
Zhongli nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed... Three million Mora... At first glance, it doesn't seem much, but considering general economic principles, it is quite challenging."
Paimon glared at Zhongli and shouted, "That's such a huge amount of Mora! We can't possibly afford it! And don't even mention Mr. Zhongli!"
Zhongli nodded, concurring, "True enough."
Lumine couldn't help but sarcastically remark, "Well... How straightforward."
Paimon scratched her head and turned to Lumine, "What should we do... Ah, looks like our only option this time is seeking Childe's help again..."
Sometime later...
After hearing Paimon's account, Childe burst out laughing, "Ha ha...!"
He couldn't resist repeating, "Cocogoat... Cocogoat! That's hilarious; you were truly played by something so absurd!"
Paimon kicked her legs indignantly, retorting, "Don't laugh at our misfortune!"
After a moment, Childe shook his head and sighed with laughter, "Ah, I almost laughed so hard tears came out. Alright, to thank you for bringing me such amusement, I'll take care of all these issues."
He turned towards Baizhu, smiling warmly. "This gentleman... Mr. Baizhu, correct? I am Childe, a Harbinger of the Fatui. If you're open to it, we could collaborate more in the future."
Childe continued, still grinning, "If Bubu Pharmacy needs assistance, the Fatui can help establish swift supply channels for coconut milk."
Nodding, Changsheng flicked his tongue thoughtfully before looking at Childe. "Hmm? I've heard that the Fatui often seeks alliances on the fringes, but is Bubu Pharmacy so easily swayed by just some coconut milk?"
Before Changsheng finished speaking, Qiqi chimed in as if triggered by a command, gazing at Baizhu, "Coconut milk, coconut milk. Dr. Baizhu, coconut milk."
Baizhu couldn't help but smile gently at the adorable Qiqi, responding, "Alright, alright... Then my sincere thanks to Mister Childe. Here's to a fruitful collaboration in the future. As a gesture, I'll offer a discount on this Perfume of Longevity—let's say two million nine hundred ninety thousand."
Paimon looked at Baizhu with confusion and loudly asked, "Hey, what's the difference between three million and two hundred ninety-nine thousand?"
Zhongli nodded slightly, responding calmly, "Hmm... Two hundred ninety-nine thousand... At first glance, it might not seem significant, but by general reasoning, indeed, it is one thousand less than three million."
Shaking his head, Zhongli glanced at both parties and said, "Very well, since matters have been resolved, we should return to Yujing Terrace now. Mister Childe, Dr. Baizhu, young Qiqi, until our paths cross again."
After they left, Childe approached the Fatui waiting outside Bubu Pharmacy and, with a smile, inquired, "Did you follow them and overhear anything?"
The Fatui immediately nodded and replied, "Yes, Lord Childe. They mentioned that the Golden House was infiltrated by the Seven Stars..."
Childe nodded, letting out a soft chuckle, "Ah, I see, so that's how it is. Ha, Ningguang and the Seven Stars. What else could be hidden within the Golden House besides the Exuvia of the Ancestral Immortal?" He shook his head, murmuring, "My apologies, Traveler. But didn't I warn you earlier? Remember the ancient Liyue saying: 'These walls have ears'!"
With that, Childe swiftly headed towards the Golden House.
***
After placing the Perfume of Longevity, Zhongli turned to Lumine and asked mildly, "So, Traveler, did you gain anything from this journey bidding farewell to the gods?"
"It was quite an odd adventure, feeling like I experienced the life of luxury!" Lumine looked at Zhongli, shaking her head.
Zhongli shook his head as well, responding slowly, "The fruits of your journey should be savored gradually!"
"Oh right, as compensation for assisting with the Rite of Parting, I've decided..."
Before Zhongli could finish, Paimon eagerly interrupted, "To treat us, right?"
"Zhongli...treating us?" Lumine glanced at Paimon, somewhat doubtful; Zhongli usually freeloaded off others, so offering to treat them seemed unusual.
Noticing Lumine's confusion, Zhongli nodded gently, "Indeed? Rest assured, this time I will bring money!"
"This evening, I'll take you both to the renowned Old Cellar by the Port!" Zhongli paused briefly, then agreed upon a specific time and location with them.
"The Old Cellar, for drinks?" Paimon looked at Zhongli, seeking confirmation.
"That's correct! Three bowls won't stop our meeting - see you there!" With that, Zhongli departed.
Later that night...
"As all of you know, above our port lies the Cloud-Top Immortal Palace, home to celestial wanderers..." Tian Tiezui enthusiastically narrated his storytelling, with a smartphone set up before him for live streaming—a sign he embraced modern trends.
However, Zhongli appeared discontented. He sighed and shook his head, wondering if perhaps his own legendary tales had become outdated.