"Xiangling is an excellent cook. Apart from occasional inconsistency, it's hard to find anyone in Liyue more talented in the kitchen," Keqing said seriously, silently adding in her mind: no one in Liyue makes Golden Silk Shrimp Balls better than her.
"Inconsistent…" John tugged at the corner of his mouth, recalling the experimental dishes Xiangling had asked him to taste.
Lizard tail… yue~
Apologies, but that level of cuisine was way beyond John's palate—it was just too advanced for him to handle.
"But for normal dishes, Xiangling's cooking is trustworthy. So, shall we go?" Keqing saw his expression and realized he had also been a "victim" of Xiangling's test dishes. She felt somewhat comforted; at least she wasn't the only one.
The two quickly decided to go to Wanmin Hall for lunch and pack a portion to take home for dinner, saving time from going out again at night.
As they stepped out, Keqing noticed John still holding the General Code of Liyue Laws she had given him yesterday.
Noticing her gaze, John explained: "There's a bit of free time while waiting for the food. It shouldn't be wasted. Time is like water in a sponge—you just have to squeeze it, and there's always some, right?"
"Time is like water in a sponge—you just have to squeeze it," Keqing's eyes brightened at his words. She hadn't expected John to speak so philosophically.
No wonder he's a man I value.
Indeed, seeing John's diligence, she decided not to slack off herself. Keqing extended today's work by an hour.
Unaware that he would end up working overtime tonight, John still felt pleased with his own diligence. "See, memorizing the General Code of Liyue Laws in a week isn't unreasonable!"
——————
"Keqing, oh? John, you're here too! Come in, come in. What would you like to eat?" Xiangling asked, putting away her little notebook. She had been jotting something down but brightened up when she saw Keqing and John.
"One order of Golden Silk Shrimp Balls, one order of Yanguang Three Delicacies, and one order of Lotus Seed Egg Custard—make it savory! That's all for me. John, you want anything? I'll treat!" Keqing said skillfully, listing dishes she often ate, then turned to John.
"Add a portion of Dragon Whisker Noodles. But this time, I'll treat," John said. No way he'd let a girl pay—he wasn't short on Mora now.
"No problem. As your superior, it's only right to treat. Besides, I've noticed all the effort you've put in," Keqing said nonchalantly. Mora was just numbers to her.
If a meal could make a subordinate work as diligently as John, Keqing might even consider opening a restaurant just to cook for her team.
"Huh? Superior… Keqing, did you recruit John into Yuehaiting?" Xiangling's ears perked up at the word "superior."
"Yes. John is very capable, learns quickly. In a few days, he should be my reliable assistant," Keqing nodded, not sparing praise.
Xiangling sighed: "Ah, I was a bit late. I was hoping John could help at Wanmin Hall too. He's quite good at hunting wild ingredients."
John smiled awkwardly: "Actually, Xiangling, you can call me to hunt ingredients anytime."
"Hmph, I'll take you seriously then. Don't get annoyed with me later," Xiangling said, smiling.
"Of course not," John said. He could never find Xiangling annoying. Her help during his hardships was something he would always remember.
If he knew Xiangling had a family heirloom spear and he currently didn't have a suitable purple-quality spear, he would definitely get her a weapon as a return. A form of "weapon diplomacy."