Lovia quietly listened to Xiangling's words, her small head under the hat nodding continuously. A sense of closeness, as if meeting a "Kindred Spirit," arose spontaneously.
Although Hu Tao, relieved of her "Director" identity, was enthusiastic and lively, Xiangling, immersed in the world of cooking, possessed an equally powerful infectious passion and focus.
Moreover, listening to Xiangling's descriptions gave her a deeper understanding of her own (Melusine) sense of taste, and she became even more certain that Wanmin Restaurant would become her "canteen" in Liyue Harbor.
Although they belonged to different races, they shared an astonishing tacit understanding when it came to exploring "unconventional delicacies."
Xiangling approached it from the perspective of creativity and fusion, while Lovia's insights originated from the Melusine bloodline's instinctual taste for those ingredients.
When Xiangling mentioned trying to use Cryo Slime Condensate to make a Cold Dish but always felt something was missing, unable to perfectly lock in the chill, Lovia spoke almost without thinking: "Sister, does Cryo Slime Condensate... melt easily, making the flavor watery?"
Xiangling abruptly stopped talking, her eyes widening in surprise: "Exactly! How did you know, little one? The texture is completely lost as soon as it encounters heat or sits for too long!"
Lovia felt more confident after receiving confirmation; this knowledge was as clear as if it were engraved in her DNA. She leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice: "I think it might be because the Slime's power is too dispersed. Maybe... you could try adding something equally cold, but more'solid'?"
"Something equally cold, but more'solid'?" Xiangling tilted her head, lost in thought, unconsciously twirling a strand of hair. "Mint? Qingxin? Hmm... that doesn't feel like enough to 'lock in' the chill..."
Seeing Xiangling seriously considering it, Lovia grew bolder and continued to hint: "Not a plant... maybe a rock, the kind that's buried in a very, very cold place, that won't melt, a shiny rock?"
She tried hard to describe it using vocabulary a child would know, but what she was actually thinking of was "certain Mineral Fragments containing stable Cryo Element," which are excellent seasonings for a Melusine who can digest Elemental Power and minerals.
As for humans... it's still not recommended to try.
Xiangling wouldn't actually serve that to others, right? Huh?
"A shiny... rock that won't melt..." Xiangling's eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had been enlightened. "You're right! Why didn't I think of that! Like a tiny bit of Everfrost Essence powder? Or... no, no, the energy is too strong, it would freeze people's teeth... but the idea is correct! We need an ingredient that can stabilize the Cryo Elemental Power!"
She clapped her hands excitedly, looking at Lovia with the surprise of discovering a treasure: "Little one, you have great ideas! You're practically a little Gourmet! This line of thought is brilliant!"
Lovia felt a little embarrassed by the praise, her cheeks warm under the Hood. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to focus on eating a bite of rising mist, and mumbled, "I... I was just guessing..."
She genuinely hadn't expected Xiangling to follow her train of thought. After all, who would think of putting Everfrost Essence powder into a dish?
"If you can guess so accurately, that just proves you have Talents!" Xiangling's enthusiasm was completely ignited. She simply pulled her stool closer and began discussing passionately with her "Little Confidante."
"What do you think? If we use Geo Slime Condensed Condensate for thickening, would it give the soup a richer texture and also carry a mineral aftertaste?"
Lovia nodded in affirmation: "Mm! It should be very solid."
"What about Electro Slime? Is that slightly numbing sensation suitable for an Appetizer? The only thing is how to control the electric charge so it doesn't shock people..."
Lovia considered it, factoring in Melusine tolerance: "A tiny bit might be quite invigorating?"
"Oh, and also, if we stew Dendro Slime and Violetgrass together, would it have a particularly fresh fragrance?"
Lovia imagined it: "It might taste like a forest after the rain!"
"Hey, I don't even know your name yet! I'm Xiangling, what about you?"
"My name is Lovia!"
The two (or rather, one person and one Melusine) exchanged words, becoming more and more engrossed in their discussion.
Lovia gradually forgot that she had only come to eat delicious food, and also gradually forgot that she was actually a Little Melusine. Her suggestions began pointing directly toward Elemental Power Ingredients; although her wording was simple, they always brought new inspiration to Xiangling.
The more Xiangling talked, the more excited she became, as if she had found a Creative Cooking Partner lost for many years. She couldn't wait to drag Lovia into the kitchen right now to experiment together.
As for the slight oddity in Lovia's description of ingredients? Xiangling, in her state of excitement, didn't think much of it.
Guoba cried out "rua rua" nearby, looking first at the animated Xiangling, then at the mysterious little guest who was heavily bundled up but always managed to spark Xiangling's excitement, his small eyes filled with confusion.
Before she knew it, both plates of Specialty Dishes had been completely devoured by Lovia. Having eaten her fill, she finally put down her chopsticks with satisfaction.
"Are you full?" Xiangling asked with concern, her face still showing the excitement of meeting a Kindred Spirit.
"Mhm, it was delicious, thank you, Sister Xiangling." Lovia said sincerely, unconsciously patting her stomach lightly. This slightly childish action made Xiangling smile even more happily.
"That's wonderful! Come anytime you want to eat something, and I'll make it for you!" Xiangling promised, patting her chest. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she lowered her voice and continued mysteriously, "By the way, Lovia, I see you really like these unique flavors... I'm currently researching a New Style Dessert using valberry nectar and Sweet Flower. How about I treat you to a sample next time you visit?"
valberry nectar? Lovia's antennae under her Hood twitched slightly. That sounded like another thing that might suit her taste!
She suppressed the urge to agree immediately, maintaining a well-behaved posture as she nodded: "Okay, I'll definitely come if I get the chance."
When it came time to pay the bill, Xiangling insisted on treating her and refused to accept money, saying it was thanks for the "Little Confidante's" appreciation.
Lovia couldn't refuse, so she just thanked her repeatedly and carefully put her Money Pouch away.
When she left Wanmin Restaurant, the sun was already setting. Lovia walked home, feeling lighter than when she arrived.
She had the Manuscript Fee tucked away, delicious food in her stomach, and had even received a "Gourmet Invitation" from the Chef.
Although the process was a bit risky, the result was undoubtedly perfect.
"It looks like I'll have to 'inspect' Wanmin Restaurant often from now on," Lovia thought happily. "But I need to figure out a safer method—one that won't arouse too much curiosity from Xiangling, but still lets me eat delicious food regularly..."
"Why don't I write her a copy of 'a bite of liyue'? Part One covers the cuisine of the Original World, and Part Two will be Legendary Melusine Cuisine!"
Lovia thought happily, then tightened her Hood and merged into the bustling crowd.
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