Hearing Keqing's analysis, Ningguang nodded again and again. "That makes sense."
"Alright, let's go to Wanmin Restaurant, then!"
Hearing this, the Millelith instructor hurriedly led the way up front.
Under the Millelith's escort, the group disembarked together.
The moment Ye Xi appeared, an uproar broke out among the onlooking crowd.
Especially those teahouse patrons from Three Bowls Drunk!
The more they looked at Ye Xi, the more familiar he seemed!
Then all at once, it suddenly clicked!
"Heavens above! It's him!?"
"Isn't this the lad who very nearly got swindled by Mr. Zhongli the other day?"
"Shh! Have you forgotten? That day he slipped away using adept arts! He might well be one of the Adepti!"
"Right, right, right! No wonder there were Adepti about just now — because this gentleman is an Adeptus too!"
"My goodness, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be him——!"
The instant Chef Mao saw Ye Xi's face, his heart gave a violent start!
He had seen Ye Xi before!
These past couple of days, he'd noticed a young lad hanging around his daughter, seemingly on quite familiar terms with her.
At the time he'd been somewhat on his guard, worried this was some good-for-nothing brat from who-knows-where, out to sweet-talk his daughter away!
Who would have thought that Ye Xi was a person of such standing!
Looking all around, every single one of his companions was more impressive than the last!
Ningguang, the Tianquan Star of the Liyue Qixing; and Keqing, the Yuheng Star, likewise of the Qixing.
On top of that, there was the big sister boss of the renowned Southern Cross fleet of Liyue Harbor!
And another was a secretary of the Liyue Qixing!
With these four accompanying him at his side, Ye Xi's status needed no further proof whatsoever!
This was, beyond all doubt, the most distinguished guest in all of Liyue Harbor!
What's more, there had even been a visit from the Adepti!
"Heavens, who'd have guessed he was such a big shot!"
Chef Mao muttered to himself; at the mere thought of his own daughter being on friendly terms with such a personage, his heart swelled with more pride than words could ever tell!
Just as he was thinking this, a cry of astonishment suddenly reached his ears.
"Chef Mao! How is it these distinguished folk have walked into your Wanmin Restaurant!?"
"Huh!?"
Chef Mao snapped back to his senses all at once.
He saw that the Millelith were already stationed before the very entrance of his own Wanmin Restaurant.
And several of the esteemed Qixing had, lo and behold, already stepped inside his shop!
Chef Mao felt as though he were dreaming!
Personages of such importance had actually come to his own shop——!
What an incredible honor it was!
By now, voices of flattery were already ringing in his ears.
"Quick, look, everyone — the Lords have gone to Wanmin Restaurant for a meal!"
"Wanmin Restaurant's cooking really is quite good, but who'd have thought even the esteemed Qixing would fancy it!"
"I thought the Lords would head back to Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk! And yet they went to Wanmin Restaurant!"
"Wanmin Restaurant's great! Affordable prices, and good cooking too! I'm going to eat at Wanmin Restaurant as well!"
"Once the Qixing have left, I'll go grab a bite!"
"..."
Hearing all this chatter, the several teahouse patrons sighed in admiration one after another.
"Chef Mao, now your Wanmin Restaurant's really made a name for itself!"
"Indeed — with several big shots paying a visit, they've handed you free publicity!"
"Now all of Liyue Harbor knows about your Wanmin Restaurant! You're about to strike it rich!"
"At this rate, Wanmin Restaurant's bound to become a third [Xinyue Kiosk] or [Liuli Pavilion] sooner or later!"
"The teahouse owner next door must be weeping with envy!"
"..."
Hearing these flattering words, Chef Mao was overjoyed beyond measure, growing a touch giddy with it all.
Never in his dreams had he imagined that the gossip he loved to watch unfold would come right to his own doorstep!
"Everyone, I'll be heading back now to attend to the distinguished guests!"
"I'll have to take my leave of you all!"
With that, he hurriedly hefted his vegetable basket and rushed off toward the shop.
....
Wanmin Restaurant.
The moment Xiangling caught sight of Ye Xi's figure, her eyes lit up, and she hurried over to greet him.
But the instant she emerged from the back kitchen, she realized — Ye Xi hadn't come alone!
"La-Lady Ningguang!"
"And Keqing, and Big Sister Beidou..."
Ningguang was a little taken aback. "Why call me 'Lady,' yet call Keqing by name? Am I so frightening?"
"Eh!?"
Xiangling was instantly at a loss for words.
Just consider Ningguang's status — she was the Tianquan Star!
Every little stir and rustle in all of Liyue Harbor lay right beneath her gaze, perfectly clear to her!
And so, every time she spoke of Ningguang with others, she was ever so careful.
Terrified that if she were too loud, Ningguang might overhear.
Seeing the awkward look on Xiangling's face, Ningguang let out a soft sigh.
Come to think of it, she'd already come to regard Xiangling as one of her own, which was the only reason she was being a bit warmer.
On any ordinary day, most people were probably quite wary of her status as the [Tianquan Star].
If this little cook were to learn that she, the Tianquan Star, often secretly funded Wanmin Restaurant, there was no telling what she would think.
Seeing that the atmosphere had turned a little stiff, Keqing spoke up of her own accord to ease the tension. "Xiangling, there's no need to be so reserved — we've simply come for a meal!"
"In fact, it was that fellow Ye Xi who said he wanted to come eat at your place!"
At these words, Xiangling's eyes immediately lit up.
"Really?"
"Hee hee, what would you like to eat today? I'll go make it for you!"
For Ye Xi to come of his own accord meant that he truly liked the dishes she made!
At this thought, Xiangling felt all warm and delighted inside!
Her goal, after all, was to capture Ye Xi's appetite and his tastes!
Ye Xi said with a smile, "Just whip up a few home-style dishes — enough to fill us up will do."
"Got it! In that case — Crystal Shrimp, Fragrant Tender Pepper Chicken, and a mildly spicy Grilled Tiger Fish!"
Xiangling remembered it all perfectly.
The first time Ye Xi came to Wanmin Restaurant, of all the dishes he'd ordered, these three had been polished off completely, while the rest had leftovers.
And when he came yesterday, among the great spread of dishes Ye Xi ordered, these three had been included as well.
That meant, at the very least, that Ye Xi enjoyed them.
Ye Xi hadn't expected Xiangling to understand him so well, and he nodded in satisfaction.
Beidou, off to one side, sensed this subtle atmosphere, and a smile couldn't help but spread across her face.
Hefting the bucket in her hand, she said with a smile, "Xiangling, here's some fresh seafood I brought back for you from my voyage — I've set it in the back kitchen for you."
Every time she put out to sea, she'd bring back some seafood for Xiangling.
This was the special friendship between her and Xiangling.
In her eyes, she'd always had great faith in Xiangling's culinary skill; she even believed that Xiangling's cooking would one day shake all of Liyue Harbor with its fame!
"You got it~ Big Sister Beidou!"
Xiangling followed Beidou into the back kitchen.
No sooner had they stepped inside than Beidou said with a grin, "Xiangling, have you gone and fallen for Master Ye Xi?"
"Eh——!?"
Xiangling was caught completely off guard by this abrupt remark!
It was all far too sudden.
One second they'd been catching up and exchanging pleasantries, talking of the sights seen out at sea.
And the very next second, the topic had shifted onto this matter!
"H-how does Big Sister Beidou know! You only just got back from your voyage!"
Beidou burst out into hearty laughter. "Oh, Xiangling, those little feelings of yours are written all over your face."
"You're far too easy to read!"
At these words, Xiangling's face flushed red at once.
....
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