During the meal, someone who appeared to be Xinyue Pavilion's owner came to pay his respects, accompanied by what looked like the head chef.
Zhongli offered numerous suggestions, causing the chef to constantly take notes. When they left, they were extremely grateful.
Though Jiang Ning couldn't understand everything Zhongli was saying, seeing their delighted and admiring expressions was enough to know it was impressive.
However...
After leaving Xinyue Pavilion, Jiang Ning smacked his lips and said:
"Mr. Zhongli, I don't see much difference between the food here and at Wanmin Restaurant. Some dishes aren't even as good as Wanmin's. Why is this place so expensive and requires reservations?"
Zhongli explained: "That's simple to explain. While common folk need establishments with a homely atmosphere, the nobility and wealthy require luxury for their grand discussions."
"Xinyue Pavilion isn't selling just taste, but a quiet environment and face value for social occasions."
"I see..." Jiang Ning realized.
"Then I'll stick to Wanmin Restaurant in the future. I feel it suits me better."
Jiang Ning said, scratching his head.
"Everyone has their own preferences, just follow what makes you comfortable... Let's part here. Feel free to visit me at the funeral parlor when you have time. Also, though you've entered the mortal realm, don't neglect your spear arts and adeptal techniques."
Zhongli spoke like an elder, looking after Jiang Ning.
"Yes, Mr. Zhongli!" Jiang Ning replied.
"Then, farewell."
With that, Zhongli departed, hands clasped behind his back, strolling away leisurely.
Watching Zhongli's retreating figure, Jiang Ning strangely felt that he wasn't looking at a man in his twenties, but rather at an elderly gentleman...
Perhaps this was expected of an adeptus who was an old friend of his master?
"Senior Sister, anything you'd like to do this afternoon?" Jiang Ning asked.
Shenhe shook her head.
Jiang Ning felt troubled. Truth be told, when usually busy people suddenly have free time, they often don't know what to do with themselves.
While he was pondering this, a pretty young woman in a green dress, white shirt, and small green hat approached them, full of energy:
"Hi! Interested in adventure?"
Caught off guard by the sudden greeting, Jiang Ning hesitated: "You are?"
The young woman said: "I'm Sweetie! A new promoter for the Adventurers' Guild! I'm recruiting new members as per our requirements!"
"Adventurers' Guild?" Jiang Ning had never heard of this organization.
Though he had seen many people in similar uniforms around Jueyun Karst before.
They must have been from the Adventurers' Guild too?
"Yes! If you enjoy night adventures, mountain climbing, diving, wilderness survival, and exciting experiences, you can join the Adventurers' Guild!"
"Plus, many people post commissions at the Adventurers' Guild. Complete them and earn rewards!"
"If you're strong enough, you can take on monster extermination, wilderness collection, cargo protection, or client protection missions! If you don't like fighting, you can also find lost cats and dogs, do household chores, manual labor, or paperwork - it's all within our commission scope!"
The girl called Sweetie's eyes sparkled as she looked at the two expectantly:
"So? Want to join the Adventurers' Guild?"
Jiang Ning pondered. Everything she described sounded like his daily life - wilderness survival, fighting monsters, saving people...
And he could get paid for it?!
He felt like he'd missed out on a fortune these past two years.
Though Ganyu had given him plenty of Mora, Jiang Ning had only briefly enjoyed spending others' money before feeling uncomfortable about it, thinking he should earn his own.
Now, it seemed a good opportunity had presented itself?
"Where can we register?"
Jiang Ning showed interest, thinking it would be a good way to pass time.
"Just follow me! It's not far!" Sweetie's smile grew even sweeter.
"Alright. Senior Sister, what about you?"
"I'll come too..." Shenhe said.
The two followed Sweetie to Liyue's Adventurers' Guild, with Sweetie chattering away.
"The Adventurers' Guild spans all seven nations of Teyvat! Each country has its own branch!"
"You two look really capable, that's why I approached you! If you join, I'll have completed my recruitment quota!"
Sweetie bounced along, looking very lively and adorable.
"Here we are."
Sweetie led them upstairs, and Jiang Ning was surprised to find the Adventurers' Guild was near Wanmin Restaurant.
Upon reaching the second floor, Sweetie called out:
"Sister Lan! I brought new recruits!"
A short-haired woman with a somewhat heroic air stood in front of the Guild's notice board.
Hearing Sweetie's voice, she turned and said:
"...For adventurer matters, go find Katherine. I don't handle those things."
"Oh, okay, Sister Lan."
"This is our Liyue branch master. Just call her Sister Lan. Though she doesn't pay much attention to Guild matters, she's a really nice big sister!"
Sweetie introduced them.
"Katherine! I brought new people to register!"
Katherine wore the Guild uniform but appeared more fair-skinned, and her outfit looked less like the standard adventurer gear and more like a maid's uniform.
However, strangely, Jiang Ning felt Katherine seemed somewhat... rigid and stiff?
"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. Sweetie, are these two here to register?"
"Yes, yes!" Sweetie said, "I'll leave them with you then! I have more promotional work to do! Goodbye, you two!"
Watching Sweetie's whirlwind departure, Jiang Ning couldn't help wondering if she might be a bit unreliable.
But since they were already here, might as well register.
The process wasn't complicated, taking only a few minutes to complete.
They received their adventurer certification and two sets of uniforms.
Jiang Ning had no intention of wearing the uniform - it was too ugly.
"Senior Sister, let's check what missions are available!"
Jiang Ning pulled Shenhe to the notice board, which was covered in various commissions.
From finding lost cats to clearing Ruin Guards in the wilderness - there really were all kinds of requests.
"This one!"
Jiang Ning made his decision. There were two Ruin Guards wandering in the outskirts, threatening the safety of nearby residents, so they needed to be eliminated.
Jiang Ning had dismantled plenty of Ruin Guards before, so this wouldn't be a difficult task. They could treat it as a countryside excursion.
Just as Jiang Ning was about to accept the commission, a voice spoke up from beside them:
"Wait."