While chatting with Yun Jin's father, Makoto's first impression of the couple was that they were knowledgeable and spoke gracefully.
Indeed, from the names they chose, 'Yun from Yunshu Xiajuan (Clouds unfurl and mists roll up), and Jin from Jinse Annian (Years of peaceful brocade),' it was evident that this couple possessed great cultivation.
They always spoke unhurriedly and concisely, occasionally even cracking small jokes to liven the atmosphere.
Chatting with them felt stress-free, and one could quickly become familiar with them.
At this moment, Makoto noticed that all of Yunhan Troupe's wooden boxes had been unloaded from the carriage.
The coachmen greeted Yun Jin's father and then disappeared into the night.
For a moment, Makoto was surprised.
It turned out that the coachmen and carriages did not belong to Yunhan Troupe but were temporarily rented; they dropped off Yunhan Troupe's people and their belongings in Mondstadt City and then left.
That shouldn't be the case.
Yunhan Troupe had a large enterprise in Liyue; there was no reason for them to rent coachmen.
Yun Jin's father also felt the atmosphere was a bit awkward.
He smiled and explained, "This trip to Mondstadt for the performance was quite urgent, and our family's coachmen couldn't make it in time, so we temporarily hired a few coachmen to help."
Makoto nodded, understanding.
He knew that unexpected situations were difficult to handle.
For example, on a certain day in the past, Makoto planned to delve into sword-drawing techniques with Raiden Ei.
However, the Little Ones insisted he coax them to sleep, clinging to him relentlessly.
That's what you call plans not keeping up with changes.
However, looking at Yun Jin's parents, Makoto felt something was off.
Makoto had once heard Yun Jin mention that her father loved to smoke, the kind who was never without a cigarette.
For this, her father had even specially spent a fortune to craft an ebony pipe.
Even when he wasn't smoking, he would hold it in his hand.
It was said that this had become a habit of her father's, one he could never break.
But now, the pipe was nowhere to be found, replaced by a cheap fountain pen clutched in his hand.
And Yun Jin's mother wore no jewelry, looking very plain.
Yet Yun Jin had clearly said that her mother loved jewelry, and no matter where she went, she would at least wear a pair of earrings.
All signs indicated that Yunhan Troupe's current situation was not good.
To summarize in four words: short on cash.
Logically speaking, Yunhan Troupe should not be in such a situation.
After all, Yunhan Troupe's performances every night were always packed, and even Mr. Zhongli occasionally went to listen to the liyue opera.
The current situation must mean that something went wrong in a certain aspect.
Makoto guessed that there must have been a financial deficit within Yunhan Troupe.
To fill that void, Yun Jin's father and mother would cut expenses, sell assets, and even travel all the way to Mondstadt for performances.
Little Yunjin was clearly unaware of these changes at home.
Because the little girl was full of anticipation and fantasy for this trip to Mondstadt, carefree and innocent.
At this moment, Makoto took the initiative to say, "The inn I'm staying at isn't far from here, and the inns in that vicinity are affordable and have a good environment."
"They are genuinely good value for money; perhaps you can stay there temporarily."
"Alright, then we'll trouble Mr. Faxun to lead the way."
Her father spoke as unhurriedly as ever, but a rare hint of fluctuation appeared in his tone.
His focus was not on the good environment of the inn, but on its affordability.
No choice.
To fill a large hole right now, they could only tighten their belts.
And Makoto's words undoubtedly stirred Yun Jin's father's heart.
Upon hearing that she could be neighbors with Makoto, Little Yunjin was overjoyed.
She pulled Makoto's arm, skipping and humming a tune.
Watching the lively and adorable Little Yunjin, her parents behind her exchanged glances, their eyes filled with determination.
Yunhan Troupe had to overcome this hurdle no matter what, so that Yun Jin could grow up carefree.
However, upon seeing the price of the inn, Yun Jin's father began to worry again.
Because the accommodation fee was two, even three times higher than his estimate.
Yet he didn't know how to bring it up to Makoto.
Should he say it's too expensive, or should they look for another place?
No, her father cared about his pride; he would absolutely never say such words.
At this moment, Makoto walked over and said, "Everyone, I just had a chat with the inn owner."
"He heard that you are here to perform in Mondstadt and hopes that you can advertise this inn during your performances."
"In exchange, Yunhan Troupe can stay at the inn for free until the Windblume Festival ends."
As his words fell, both Yunhan Troupe and the inn owner were dumbfounded.
The people of Yunhan Troupe were surprised that they could stay for free just by advertising during their performances?
Was there such a good thing?
Could it be a trap?
But they heard that there was a Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt; merchants shouldn't dare to cheat people like this.
So, was the owner simply fond of liyue opera and doing a good deed?
Meanwhile, the inn owner was also full of questions, thinking to himself that he hadn't said anything about it being free.
However, before the owner could speak, Makoto discreetly slipped him a money pouch containing Mora.
At the same time, Makoto lowered his voice and said, "I've paid for their stay at the inn. From now on, you just need to remain silent throughout, understand?"
The owner was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
As long as the customer pays, the customer is God, and God calls the shots.
In fact, even if Makoto asked the owner to sing a song right now, the owner wouldn't hesitate.
Because Makoto had given him too much.
However, Makoto thought the owner's singing was terrible, so he decided against it.
Next, Makoto looked up at Yun Jin's father and mother, watching how they would decide.
The Yunhan Troupe members also said nothing, their gazes turning to Yun Jin's mother.
They clearly knew that in Yun Jin's family, her mother was the head of the household.
Yun Jin's mother was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Then thank you for the owner's kindness; Yunhan Troupe accepts this deal."
As her words fell, the Yunhan Troupe members cheered joyfully.
Moving luggage back and forth late at night was tiring; at last, they could rest.
And the happiest person was Little Yunjin.
Because this inn was very close to the inn where Makoto was staying.
It was no exaggeration to say that as soon as Makoto called out for a late-night snack, Little Yunjin could be there in an instant, making it convenient for visiting.
Seeing Little Yunjin laugh happily, Makoto felt that it was all worth it.
As long as Little Yunjin could be carefree and smile sweetly like tonight, that was enough.
...
Before long, the Yunhan Troupe group entered the inn with their luggage.
They looked around the inn's environment, letting out exclamations of surprise.
Because the inn's environment was truly excellent, far exceeding their expectations.
In Liyue, this would also be a top-tier inn.
Was this really an inn where they could stay for free? It was incredible.
Little Yunjin happily lay on the clean and tidy bed, sighing, "The owner is so nice, letting us stay at the inn for free~"
Her mother looked at Yun Jin and smiled for no apparent reason.
Perhaps only an innocent child like Yun Jin would believe that an expensive inn would be free.
"Yun Jin, do you think these are free?"
Facing her mother's question, Little Yunjin paused, then nodded: "Didn't Brother Makoto and the owner say so?"
Her mother said nothing, leading Little Yunjin downstairs.
"Owner, I've thought about it for a long time, and I've decided to settle the bill."
"Letting us stay at the inn for free, I really feel uneasy about it."
The inn owner looked up, a puzzled expression on his face: "Huh? That young man earlier already settled the bill; there's no need to pay again."
Yun Jin's mother said nothing, looking down at Yun Jin.
Yun Jin froze, not expecting that there was no such thing as 'free' at all.
The inn owner thought it was because his Liyue accent was poor.
He patiently explained again: "The young man who was with you earlier, he paid for your stay at the inn, from today until the end of the Windblume Festival."
Yun Jin knew the young man the owner was referring to was Makoto.
Her mother said nothing more, pulling Yun Jin back to their room.
"Makoto was afraid of putting us in a difficult position, which is why he told us that advertising would get us a free stay."
"This method both preserves our dignity and helps us."
"Just as you said before, Makoto is a very kind person."
Yun Jin's mother softly voiced her thoughts.
She clearly understood that Makoto was not helping Yunhan Troupe, but Yun Jin.
These two were distinctly separate.
She didn't want Yun Jin to be in the dark; she needed to know about Makoto's help.
Yun Jin's father clenched the cheap fountain pen in his hand: "No matter what, this money is considered a loan from Makoto. I'll pay him back once we return."
Yun Jin's mother asked, "What if the money isn't enough?"
"Then I'll sell everything I have to pay him back. I don't like owing people things, especially favors."
"In short, this favor must be repaid. If the money still isn't enough, I'll find other things to make up for it."
Yun Jin's father paused, then smiled bitterly and said, "Free is often the most expensive. I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems it's true."
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