However, Young Master Zhongli's "fastidiousness" regarding seafood sometimes put quite a bit of pressure on shopkeepers.
He believed that maoving from "edible" to "delicious" was a form of survival wisdom.
Thus, thousands of years later, Young Master Zhongli's tastes became increasingly refined. What he scrutinized was not the price of the ingredients, but whether that mouthful of flavor still held the memories of Liyue people coexisting with the sea.
Once, he heard of a newly opened seafood restaurant famous for preparing a certain type of shellfish. The meat of this shellfish was sweet, crisp, and tender, but extremely difficult to handle; if the heat was off by even a fraction, it would become as tough as leather.
Young Master Zhongli went there gladly and ordered a clear soup dish.
When the dish arrived, he observed the color of the broth; it was crystal clear, and the shellfish meat was plump, appearing flawless. However, he picked up his spoon, scooped up some clear broth, and did not rush to taste it. Instead, he first held it under his nose to lightly sniff, and then his brow furrowed slightly.
He called for the manager, his tone peaceful yet brook no argument: "Was this soup made by rapidly scalding the shellfish in boiling water to extract its fresh juices?"
Seeing his extraordinary bearing, the manager did not dare be negligent and hurriedly replied, "The guest has a keen eye. It is indeed so; only this way can the freshness of the shellfish be locked in."
Young Master Zhongli shook his head. "Though this method is fast, it lacks depth. The essence of the shellfish requires a slow simmer over a gentle flame, allowing its freshness to gradually melt into the soup. Though the broth may be slightly cloudy, the flavor will have distinct layers and a long-lasting aftertaste. This soup now appears clear, but in truth, the flavor is superficial, lacking that sense of settled resonance."
Hearing this, the manager broke into a cold sweat, knowing he had met an expert among experts. He repeatedly said, "The guest's guidance is correct. Our shop will certainly improve in the future."
There was another interesting story quietly circulating among the seafood vendors of Liyue.
It was said that Young Master Zhongli once personally went to the docks to purchase a batch of "Moonshadow Cuttlefish." This creature only appeared in shallow seas on specific moonlit nights; its body was translucent and emitted a faint glow, making it extremely rare. (Note: Now extinct, cannot be verified.)
He not only demanded that the cuttlefish be caught that very day and full of vitality, but he even made nearly harsh requirements regarding the mesh size of the nets used and the temperature and humidity of the seawater stored on the boat.
The fisherman had never seen a buyer so knowledgeable. Every word hit the mark, as if he understood the nature of sea creatures better than those who had fished for generations. In a mix of awe and trepidation, the fisherman practically presented the batch of cuttlefish to him, and the price was exceptionally fair.
Afterward, the fisherman sighed to others, "That young master... I wonder if he's the Dragon King in disguise, come to inspect us?"
[Chapter Four: Morax, the God of Seafood]
What is most praised, however, is the anecdote between Young Master Zhongli and the "Sovereign of the Sea," the Titan Macrura.
This lobster was massive, its shell harder than fine steel, and the power of its claws could snap metal and stone. It lived year-round in deep-sea trenches and was extremely difficult to catch. (Note: Now extinct, cannot be verified.)
Once, Ningguang, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue, went to great lengths to net a live one and held a private banquet, inviting Young Master Zhongli to critique it.
During the meal, everyone marveled at the gargantuan creature that required several people to lift onto the table.
Only Young Master Zhongli's expression remained normal. He took up specialized tools, his movements as skilled as if he had practiced ten thousand times, precisely dismantling the lobster's joints and peeling back the hard shell to reveal the crystalline, plump meat within.
He did not rush to enjoy it, but first observed the color of the meat, then sniffed its scent, and finally took a small piece into his mouth.
After a long while, he slowly spoke: "Hmm... It has absorbed the spiritual rhythm of the deep sea and settled through a thousand years. Its flavor is mellow, and its texture is sweet and moist. It is indeed rare. It's just a pity..."
Ningguang hurriedly asked, "What does the gentleman find improper?"
Young Master Zhongli said, "The capture must have been quite a struggle, causing it to be startled and its muscles to tighten slightly. If, after being caught, it could be placed in still water simulating the deep-sea environment to be soothed for a few days until its hostility vanished, the meat would be more relaxed and tender."
This speech left everyone present, including the well-traveled Tianquan Star Ningguang, secretly clicking their tongues in amazement.
This was no longer mere critiquing; it was almost an understanding of the world's creations.
Since then, an unwritten rule appeared in the Liyue seafood trade: if you see a young master who knows the nature of seafood like the back of his hand, you must respond with twelve-tenths of your focus.
Because that is very likely "Lord Jueyun Chili" traveling incognito—a truly "knowledgeable" gourmet.
As for Young Master Zhongli himself, he still often strolls through the dock markets, looking at the dazzling array of seafood with a deep attachment to this land and sea in his eyes.
To him, tasting seafood is perhaps also a way of fulfilling the ancient contract with Liyue.
Remembering its gifts and understanding its temperament, thereby better guarding the prosperity and vitality of this land and water.
(End)
Lovia put down her pen, looking at the newly written chapter, the corners of her mouth unable to stop curling upward.
"I wonder how that Liyue street-wanderer will feel when he sees this..." She imagined the scene and almost laughed out loud.
As for how to prevent the Rex Lapis from coming to her door after she dropped this "bomb"?
She only needed to wait until just before leaving to give the manuscript to the shopkeeper and tell him to start selling the first copies in two weeks.
That way, it would be foolproof! she thought lightheartedly.
Besides, although Rex Lapis has now retired from the mortal world, he wouldn't exactly squat in front of the Bookshop every day waiting for Mr. Lovia to release a new book. By the time he feels something is wrong, she'll already be in Fontaine.
Ehe! Plan complete!
Having completed this planned "bomb," the prankish impulse in her heart did not subside.
"Just this kind of 'detailed and factual' travelogue is interesting, but I feel... it's missing something." She stood up and paced in the small study filled with books and manuscripts.
Outside the window were the lights of Liyue Harbor, turning on one by one.
A bolder idea, one that made her own heart race, bubbled up like bubbles in deep water.
The Rex Lapis shipping fanfic I thought of before hasn't been written yet! Should I write my fill this time?
No, no, I can't always target Rex Lapis. How about someone else this time? Why not tell a story about Ningguang when she was little?
And then, write out some "scraps of history" as well?
She spread out a new sheet of manuscript paper but couldn't help laughing before she even put pen to paper.
"It's just a pity that time is tight. I don't know how much more fun stuff I can write before I leave." She looked forward to it, yet felt a trace of melancholy about her upcoming journey. "Whatever, I'll write as much as I can, ehe!"
Writing is like that; once the pen touches the paper and inspiration strikes, it becomes unstoppable.
The number of planned "bombs" was likely going to increase.
And there would probably be more than one.
What flowed from her pen would be a continuous string of brilliant and "dangerous" fireworks.
[Bonus Chapter Progress Bar: 27%]
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