After finding Zhongli, the Traveler handed the bamboo shoot—uncertain if it was still 'sprouting'—to Zhongli, who directly tossed it into the pot.
Xianyun, who had just returned, saw this segment and was very pleased; hmph, this one's invention is indeed impressive.
Paimon in the story said: Your Majesty, no, Hu Tao asked me to pass a message to you.
["She said, 'Whether you come to cheer today is up to your heart; but for tomorrow's dinner gathering, don't refuse.'"]
Zhongli agreed, while on the other side, the immortal deer and immortal bird were whispering, and the Traveler overheard a bit.
Mountain Shaper said that he had known that woman had good stuff and should have borrowed some to use.
Moon Carver was somewhat puzzled: you don't like mechanism arts anyway, and you have no desire for fine food; what would you borrow it for?
[Mountain Shaper: "If I had even a bit of culinary skill, when that child Shenhe trained with me, why would she have to eat only wildflowers and wild grass... cough..."]
Case cracked! Case cracked, isn't it!
No wonder Shenhe eats grass every day; it turns out she learned it from you two!
The two immortals in the real world looked embarrassed and glanced at Shenhe; fortunately, Shenhe didn't mind.
Her seven emotions and six desires were all very faint, naturally including the desire for food; whether she ate grass or not was inconsequential.
At the end of the story was a comic strip: Hu Tao and Xinyan singing on stage, Ningguang, Keqing, and Beidou overlooking from upstairs, the three agreeing to a small gathering.
Behind them, Yelan received new intelligence, but Lucian had given her a sense of mystery, so everyone only saw her back.
It seemed she had to work overtime; the boss is eating while I work overtime, CTNND1! (Referring to the CTNND1 gene on chromosome 11)
Baizhu and Qiqi also made an appearance; they were delivering sky lanterns to children.
There seemed to be envy in Qiqi's eyes; the readers' hearts softened immensely—quick, give her the biggest one!
Turning the page again, Xiao appeared, not much taller than Qiqi—not here to claim a sky lantern for children; he was also 'working overtime'.
In these peaceful days of universal celebration, he was still shining brightly.
Leaping up, he thrust his spear through an Ironstain Anemograna, Xiao removed his mask and looked up at the sky; fireworks burst in the air, a moment of beauty.
After the fireworks came the sky full of sky lanterns; this was not a moment, but enduring beauty.
Ganyu held a sky lantern, slowly releasing it, her movements gentle.
'Like falling glass'
[Shenhe looked at the sky lantern with some envy: "Master, sky lantern... I"]
[Cloud Retainer jumped: "Hmph, a mere sky lantern; this master will make you one right now that's earth-shattering, unprecedented, and unparalleled! Wait and take it to Liyue Harbor to let everyone see and admire."]
The tsundere woman was competitive again; what my disciple likes can't be inferior to others!
For the final ensemble, the readers only saw the conductor's actions; just as the readers' attention was fully on the conductor, Dvorak turned back, his expression surprised.
The readers were puzzled: what happened to make him so surprised?
Paimon explained for everyone.
["It's Granny Ping!"]
In an instant, emotions surging straight to the crown of the head filled the readers' thoughts; although they heard nothing, the imaginative space of this scene made it feel even more romantic to them.
The human brain is wondrous; at this moment, different melodies rang in everyone's minds, yet they were all the most touching ones for themselves.
Furina was moved; she had collaborated with Streetward Rambler, and with her own high musical literacy, she instantly imagined many sounds.
Romantic, touching—for the 'Lantern Rite gift' Lucian sent, everyone was still very satisfied.
Although making people tear up during such a big holiday was a bit beastly, these were tears of emotion, so it was acceptable.
Yes, everyone thought the story had ended here, after all, the Lantern Rite was over.
But turning the page, there was more: 'In Public and In Private'.
This story was about the day after the Lantern Rite; Hu Tao invited everyone to Yuehai Pavilion for a meal.
This immediately reminded the readers of Guizhong; she also liked inviting relatives and friends for small gatherings.
When the Traveler arrived at Yuehai Pavilion, Xiangling, Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Zhongli had already been chatting for a while.
When immortals gather, they like to boast about their own specialties.
When these young talents gather, they instead like to praise others' specialties.
Xiangling and Xingqiu were praising Zhongli's culinary skills.
[Zhongli: "Where. Everyone here is a young talent, each with their strengths; I too have areas where I fall short, so it's only right that we learn from each other."]
After knowing Zhongli's identity, seeing this line left everyone unsure of what expression to make.
Chongyun also mentioned exorcism techniques to Zhongli, wanting to seek some guidance.
[Zhongli: "Exorcism as a fangshi? In this aspect, I can only say I have a slight involvement. If you don't mind, we can discuss it slowly..."]
Slight involvement? The readers' vision went black; not just the readers—even the Archons would see stars.
You call that a slight involvement? Then what are we? Have we even entered the door?
The arrival of the Traveler and Paimon interrupted the few's pleasantries with Zhongli, then they started exchanging pleasantries with the Traveler.
Upon inquiring, they learned that just now, the few had been chatting about culinary topics because Xiangling had come up with some more 'wonderful dishes'.
Usually, it's Chongyun who taste-tests (poisons); this time, with Zhongli's 'guidance', the experimental dishes probably wouldn't be too bad.
So Xingqiu immediately said: this time, why don't I taste-test?
If it's good, I'll eat it; if it's bad, give it to Chongyun, heh heh heh.
At this point, Paimon also spotted the blind spot: as the organizer of this gathering, why wasn't the schemer Hu Tao here?
Xiangling told Paimon that Hu Tao had gone to pick up a guest and should be back soon.
The readers couldn't help but be curious: exactly who needed Hu Tao to personally pick them up?
This wasn't about status, but rather—how many Liyue people didn't know where Yuehai Pavilion was? Needing someone to escort them.
Right in the midst of their curiosity, the next segment of the text had the guest room door 'bang' open, and a gust of wind rushed in.
Wind! The readers exclaimed; could it be the neighboring Anemo Archon?
It was understandable to think of the Anemo Archon; after all, who else but that guy shows up so often outside of Mondstadt.
However, although the wind was strong, it wasn't blown by the Anemo Archon; it was just the wind stirred up by Hu Tao pushing the door too forcefully.
[Hu Tao: "Ta-da! We're—here!"]
["Not late, right? Not late, right?"]
["Mm, thanks to the Great Saint being as swift and gusty as me, right on time."]
Even just reading the text, Hu Tao's lively energy came 'rushing at them'.
Seeing the words 'Great Saint', the readers also figured out who she went to pick up; indeed, an immortal like Xiao might truly not know where Yuehai Pavilion was.
[Paimon was also very surprised to see Xiao: "!"]
[Xiao looked at the Traveler and Paimon, then at Zhongli: "!"]
===
Character Voice Line · Xiao: About 'In Public and In Private'
"...The Lord watches with great joy; I... am also joyful."