Chapter 188: ICISEI Episode 174.14

Episode 188: Unusually obedient little darling『 Then, Venti picked up a cup of tea from the table and smiled helplessly at everyone present.

"In Mondstadt, we usually raise our glasses and drink heartily at this time, but today Mr. Zhongli insisted on drinking tea."

"Then I’ll follow suit and use tea instead of wine to toast everyone, thanking you for your kind hospitality!"

With that, Venti tilted his head back, drained the tea in one gulp, and then sat down, still feeling unsatisfied.

Only Venti, perhaps, could drink tea with such a heroic flair usually reserved for alcohol. 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "As expected of you, drinking tea like it’s wine." ]

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, haven’t I gotten used to it?" ]

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "But, when we have the chance, we must drink alcohol." ]

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "No more tea." ]

[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Easy, easy..." ]

[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "Just don’t end up like some adults after drinking." ]

[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "Um, what, hahahaha," ]

[ Kiryu Sento (Kamen Rider): "Drinking, it’s best not to drink such things, it affects one’s ability to think." ]

[ Kaminaga Shinji (Shin Ultraman): "What is alcohol?" ]

[ Hiroko Asami (Shin Ultraman): "?????" ]

[ .....]

『 Seeing this, Hu Tao stood up with a smile and offered blessings to everyone.

"Everyone, please don’t be shy. Today, this Director will be hosting, so please enjoy the food to your heart’s content, and may the New Year bring you even greater heights!"

"Only tea is prepared today, also considering that everyone might have other activities planned afterward..."

Xiao was at a loss for words for a moment, only managing an awkward "uh."

Paimon looked at Lumine somewhat anxiously, muttering softly:

"They suddenly toasted with tea, should we also...?"

Just then, Lumine suddenly stood up and called out to Xiao.

"Xiao!"

Xiao turned around, looking puzzled.

"What makes you so urgent?"

Lumine said earnestly to Xiao, "Are you full? How about we go for a walk?"

Xiao, relieved, gladly agreed: "Phew~! Good idea."

Hu Tao, hearing their conversation, joined in with a smile:

"Have you two finished your meal? Getting some fresh air outside is also an excellent choice."

Paimon, however, seemed torn, her eyes darting between Lumine and the table full of delicacies.

"Eh, eh? What about me... that..."

Lumine understood and turned to ask Paimon:

"Paimon, are you still not full?"

Paimon hesitated slightly, saying:

"Um, well, actually it’s..."

Her gaze unconsciously fell upon the delicacies on the table, full of anticipation.

Lumine understood Paimon’s thoughts and gently reassured her:

"Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon."

Hearing Lumine’s assurance, Paimon still looked at Lumine with some reluctance.

"Alright then, you two must come back early~!"

But as they were about to leave,

Lumine also heard Zhongli and Venti exchanging pleasantries.

Zhongli: "This new friend seems to know a lot about wine, doesn’t he?"

Venti: "Oh no, not at all. I just drink for the lively atmosphere, I can’t compare to Mr. Zhongli’s refined taste."

Venti: "It’s a good thing we’re drinking tea this time. If my alcohol tolerance wasn’t good, and I accidentally said something foolish, wouldn’t that make Mr. Zhongli, whom I’ve just met, laugh at me?"

Zhongli: "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. You are a guest invited by Director Hu; how could I possibly laugh at you?" 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Does this old man’s words mean?" ]

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "You can’t hit me inside." ]

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "But you can outside..." ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "How could that be?" ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "But why does it sound so similar?" ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I’m giving face to the Director, I won’t lay a hand on you, I think..." ]

[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Oh dear, then I have to worry about myself." ]

[ .....]

『 As they turned around, Paimon still wasn’t completely at ease, and she reminded Lumine again: "Remember, come back early! Don’t make me worry~."

"Hehe, to be honest, I’m a little nervous too." Lumine smiled, nodded, and then started walking away.

And Xiao stood quietly by the door, waiting for Lumine. Seeing Lumine approach, he gracefully made an inviting gesture: "Let’s go, you first."

The two stepped out of the Xinyue Kiosk’s main entrance together.

Walking along the road, Xiao couldn’t help but feel a little worried and asked Lumine:

"Are you alright? Is there anything uncomfortable?"

Lumine, in turn, looked at Xiao with a hint of helplessness and amusement.

"Shouldn’t I be asking you that? The way you were just now..."

She had originally intended to help Xiao out of an awkward situation by taking him outside, but unexpectedly, as soon as they left, Xiao began to worry about her instead.

(Xiao... he’s worried about me! Oh, I feel a little excited inside!)

At this moment, Xiao seemed unsure of what to say.

"I, it’s really hard to explain."

Lumine blinked her big eyes, asking Xiao with a curious expression: "Could it be that you’ve never experienced such a lively atmosphere?"

Xiao, who always existed like a lone wolf, indeed had few opportunities to immerse himself in such a bustling environment. He gently shook his head, explaining: "It’s not that I’m unaccustomed to such scenes."

"Back in the day, in the realm of the Adepti, there were many colleagues who enjoyed gatherings and conversations, often pulling everyone together to enjoy wine and tea, and I was dragged into it quite a few times." Xiao’s tone carried a hint of nostalgia.

"It’s just that the Adepti each have their own unique qualities, and most are quite proud, speaking directly and without ambiguity, unlike all these twists and turns."

"But this time..." Xiao paused here, his gaze deepening.

Lumine understood, and an unreliable green-clad figure involuntarily popped into her mind. She smiled wryly, "I get it, it’s all Venti’s fault..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao quickly waved his hand in denial: "No, no, that’s not what I meant."

After all, how could the Anemo God, through the whispers of the wind, not hear words spoken so close by?

Xiao secretly congratulated himself for not saying more. However, he also confirmed that Lumine knew Venti’s true identity.

Xiao took a deep breath and looked directly at Lumine: "You do know their identities, so I’ll be direct."

"The Anemo Archon is naturally free-spirited, and his temper is as unrestrained as his flute music."

"Such an Archon finds it effortless to get along with humans."

"And that is probably something I will never be able to do."

Lumine gazed at Xiao, who now seemed a little self-reproachful, and said earnestly: "You don’t need to imitate them. Being yourself is enough, Xiao. You are unique."

Just be yourself; no need to learn from others.

This was what Scummy Lumine was thinking at this moment.

(After all, it’s me!) 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "That’s right, Xiao, just be yourself." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, exactly. Look at the Traveler, even like this, she’s happy every day." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Traveler! I was wrong! Let go of me!!" ]

[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "Uh..." ]

[ Barbara (Genshin Impact): "????" ]

[ Barbara (Genshin Impact): "Why can’t I hear what they’re saying?" ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Huh? Can’t hear? This speech is very clear." ]

[ Daigo (Ultraman): "It seems it’s the same as that time." ]

[ Rena (Ultraman): "Last time?" ]

[ Daigo (Ultraman): "Nothing, I was talking about that voice in the machine." ]

[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "It seems that this time, we still can’t know their identities." ]

(I forgot that the Anemo Archon’s identity would be revealed here. Let’s make do with this clumsy excuse.)

[ .....]

『 Xiao looked at Lumine’s serious expression and couldn’t help but nod gently at her.

"Hmm, you’re right, you always speak words of wisdom."

"It’s okay, I know my own situation."

"So, whenever I imagine us interacting like ordinary people, it always feels both strange and novel?"

Lumine’s eyes were full of curiosity as she pressed on:

"Is it a good kind of strange?"

Xiao nodded affirmatively.

"Yes, it’s the good kind."

"Director Hu Tao’s invitation was truly hard to refuse. Before coming, I had already prepared myself mentally."

"She said she only invited those connected by elemental power, so I guessed that you would definitely appear."

"I just didn’t expect other guests to come."

Lumine spread her hands, appearing somewhat helpless:

"Who could have predicted that?"

Who would have thought that Hu Tao’s banquet today would be filled with so many distinguished guests?

Xiao listened, then fell silent for a moment before slowly recounting a story from the past.

"General Alatus often said to seize the day and embrace surprises."

"Perhaps, this is that feeling?"

Xiao paused slightly, then changed the subject, "However, his words probably referred to the clothes he designed for others."

"Those garments were exquisitely designed, but quite inconvenient to wear. Brother Bosacius didn’t buy into that at all, never paying for them."

Mentioning Bosacius, an unusual emotion flickered in Xiao’s eyes. Then, he continued.

"On the other hand, the Rex Lapis greatly appreciated them and collected quite a few."

"The outfit he’s wearing now was made by General Alatus."

"During the years of war, I never saw him wear that outfit, but unexpectedly, it came in handy later." 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "So, Zhongli, all your clothes are..." ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I didn’t expect this matter to be brought up either?" ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, General Alatus’s craftsmanship is quite good." ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Plus, it also serves as a memento." ]

[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "No wonder, when I wanted to buy you clothes, you said no." ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I appreciate the Director’s kindness." ]

[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "However, my clothes are sufficient for me to wear." ]...

[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Forget it then, I was kindly offering to buy you clothes, and you don’t want them!" ]

[ .....]

『 Lumine remembered the solemn and grand attire Zhongli wore, initially thinking it was the work of some famous designer.

Unexpectedly, it was the masterpiece of a Yaksha expert from thousands of years ago, and Zhongli still treasured it to this day, likely as a remembrance of bygone years.

Just then, Xiangling’s astonished voice suddenly rang out in their ears.

"Found you! So you two were here!"

The two turned around to see Xiangling pushing open the door of Xinyue Kiosk, a smile on her face as she walked out.

Seeing the two of them, Xiangling’s face also broke into a smile.

Seeing the two talking animatedly, Xiangling cautiously asked:

"Um, I’m not interrupting you two, am I?"

Xiao quietly shook his head, his tone much colder than when he spoke to Lumine just now, replying:

"No, is something wrong?"

At this moment, Xiao’s tone was cold, a stark contrast to the warmth he had displayed when speaking with Lumine earlier, as if he had reverted to his distant self.

Xiangling explained the reason with a hint of shyness: "Just now, I saw that everyone had pretty much finished eating, so I asked the staff to serve dessert directly."

"You two didn’t come back for a long time, and Paimon was so anxious that she couldn’t even taste the dessert, unable to tell if it was sweet or salty," she added.

Lumine seemed indifferent: "It’s fine, as long as she can eat."

In Lumine’s eyes, as long as Paimon could eat, everything was fine.

Being unable to eat and not tasting good were two different things. 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "..." ]

[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "No big deal, if she can still eat, it’s fine." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Forget it, as long as you’re happy." ]

[ Yuriko (Dropkick on My Devil): "That’s right, if you can eat, it’s no problem, right, Jashin-chan?" ]

[ Jashin-chan (Dropkick on My Devil): "Huh?" ]

[ .....]

『 As Lumine said that, Xiangling’s cheeks flushed even more.

She put her hands behind her back, lowered her head, and confessed softly to the two:

"Actually, I was quite worried about you two. Just now, Adeptus Xiao was restless, and I thought he couldn’t get used to the food here and was eager to go back to Wangshu Inn to find Chef Yanxiao to cook."

Xiao heard Hu Tao’s concern, silently turned around, and simply replied: "That’s not it, you’re overthinking."

Lumine seemed to see through Xiao’s thoughts and quickly warned him:

"Xiao! No sudden Windwheel Asters."

Xiao turned his head, his gaze meeting Lumine’s quietly: "How could I?"

"Alright, let’s go back then." As soon as Xiao finished speaking, he was about to lead Lumine back into the Xinyue Kiosk, but Xiangling stopped them just in time. 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "Wow! So obedient." ]

[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "This feeling is so unique." ]

[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "She seems even more obedient than Paimon." ]

[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "...." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hmph!" ]

[ .....]

『 "Oh! Please wait a moment!" Xiangling called out anxiously.

The two looked at her in confusion, only to see Xiangling scratching the back of her head, saying shyly, "Actually, there’s another reason why I volunteered to come find you two."

"Here, this is what I specially prepared for you today." Saying that, she showed them what was in her hands.

Xiao glanced at the few items in Xiangling’s hand, his mouth slightly agape, and asked in surprise:

"This is Almond Tofu?"

Xiangling nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with earnestness.

"That’s right!"

"Ever since the last cooking competition, Yanxiao and I have become good friends. Sometimes I go to Wangshu Inn to find him and chat about cooking."

"He said that a distinguished guest on the top floor of the inn particularly loves his Almond Tofu, so I asked him for some tips."

"Speaking of which, Hu Tao actually secretly approached me before this banquet."

"She asked about the preferences of the guests coming this time, wanting me to recommend some suitable dishes."

"So, I pre-ordered a few servings of Almond Tofu, planning to bring them to everyone as a thank you for their usual care."

"Guoba knew this was for you two and happily bounced around, putting in a lot of effort."

Xiangling said, putting her hands behind her back, looking at them both with anticipation.

Lumine gently said:

"Thank you, Xiangling, and Guoba!"

Xiao, however, seemed a little uncomfortable, saying in a low voice:

"You shouldn’t have bothered, really..."

Lumine suddenly coughed, as if reminding him.

"Cough cough!"..... 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "The Traveler is so majestic." ]

[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Will the Conqueror of Demons listen?" ]

[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "I don’t know." ]

[ .....]

『 Hearing this, Xiao immediately changed his words to thank her:

"Then I’ll accept it, thank you, and... Guoba."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao put the boxes of Almond Tofu into his portable pouch.

(After all, a Vision can hold things, so carrying a few snacks should be fine.) 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Verr Goldet (Genshin Impact): "So the Traveler can manage distinguished guests." ]

[ Verr Goldet (Genshin Impact): "Please come visit Wangshu Inn more often in the future~!" ]

[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Okay." ]

[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "..." ]

[ .....]

『 Seeing Xiao accept it, Xiangling smiled at them.

"Hehe, don’t be shy."

"Oh dear! I almost forgot, the Almond Tofu I made might not taste or have the same texture as Yanxiao’s original version."

"If you’re not satisfied anywhere, remember to come find me, and we can discuss how to improve it together!"

Xiao nodded slightly, simply saying one word: "Good."

With the matters settled, Xiangling urged them with a beaming smile: "Hehe, that’s all."

"Quick, quick, if we don’t go back, Paimon will get anxious!"

Since the miscellaneous matters were resolved, Xiangling naturally no longer delayed their time.

Thinking of this, Xiangling turned and pushed open the main door of Xinyue Kiosk for the two of them.

The two silently stepped in, and the door slowly closed. 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Wow! So obedient." ]

[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "She seems even more obedient than Paimon." ]

[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "...." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hmph!" ]

[ .....]