Hu Tao spoke about the "movement" and "stillness" of ingredients, and for some reason, even a single dish could sound philosophical when she described it.
They stood quietly discussing, while Guoba bounced around energetically, looking left and right.
The readers were somewhat puzzled—why did it feel like there was so much focus on Guoba in this chapter?
Although the surface narrative revolved around Xiangling and Hu Tao's discussion, descriptions of Guoba kept sneaking in at every opportunity. Why was that?
No one could figure it out, as Guoba's current behavior was just running around and observing things.
Aside from its bouncy movements, there didn't seem to be anything particularly notable about it.
[Xiangling: "So that's how it is! It sounds like nonsense, but it's actually enlightening. As expected of Hu Tao—thank you!"]
[Paimon: "When it comes to spouting nonsense, even a professional storyteller can't beat Hu Tao."]
[Lumine: "Hu Tao must be well-versed in philosophy."]
[Hu Tao to the Traveler: "Oh—! You really get it, don't you~!"]
["All things in heaven and earth, from life and death to salty, sweet, fragrant, and spicy—each has its own rules! Those who understand, understand."]
"Truly words worthy of this Funeral Parlor Director." Hu Tao was very pleased. "Little Lucian wrote this well."
"It's still nonsense," Paimon retorted. She and the Traveler had already returned to Liyue.
"Hmm... By common reasoning, indeed, what Hu Tao said was—nonsense." Lucian stroked his chin as he evaluated.
"..." Zhongli had no comment, but he wasn't going to stick around. "I'll go listen to Iron Tongue Tian's storytelling instead."
"Such a cold joke, Little Lucian!"
In the story, after the Traveler and Xiangling finished their discussion with Hu Tao, they headed to Bubu Pharmacy.
[Baizhu (?): "Oh? Rare guests. It seems you're not busy today."]
[Paimon was shocked—why did Baizhu's voice sound like a woman's?]
["Wah! Why does Baizhu sound like that now!?"]
[Changshang: "Hey! Look at his neck!"]
Only then did Paimon in the book realize—the one speaking was actually Changshang, the snake around Baizhu's neck.
[Baizhu: "Are you here to pick up medicine?"]
The question wasn't unreasonable—after all, this was a pharmacy, and people usually came here for medical treatment or medicine.
However, the Traveler had visited Bubu Pharmacy many times, and not once had it been to pick up medicine.
This time was no exception. She and Xiangling had come to discuss food with the doctor.
Qiqi mentioned that she couldn't taste flavors and could only perceive texture, so she liked things that were cool... like coconut milk.
This finally explained why Qiqi loved coconut milk—it was because she couldn't taste anything and could only feel the coolness.
Baizhu, from a doctor's perspective, was more concerned with whether dishes were easy to consume.
The book described how the Traveler and the others chatted happily while Guoba tilted its head and looked into a mirror.
Then it ran to another spot, giggling as it "read" a book.
Lucian kept giving Guoba little moments like this, making it feel as if Guoba was constantly stealing the spotlight—further piquing curiosity.
Could Guoba be the "red herring" in this book? A distraction?
Readers continued with curiosity as Paimon suggested finding someone with a picky palate to ask for opinions.
And so, they went to Ningguang and Keqing.
This left Ningguang speechless—was she really considered picky?
As for Keqing? With the Moonchase Festival approaching, she had no time to read. She was currently working overtime with Ganyu.
"What! You're saying Mr. Zhongli is the Geo Archon!?" Keqing was stunned.
She had only just learned this while chatting with Ganyu.
"Oh no, oh no... I even said he was indecisive before. This is bad, this is bad..." Keqing paced around the room.
"Rather than that, Lady Yuheng, the Prophet's new book is about the Moonchase Festival. Would you like to take a look?" A secretary from the Yuehai Pavilion brought the book over.
Since Keqing and Ganyu were working on the Moonchase Festival preparations, and this story coincidentally covered the same event, the secretary thought it was work-related.
"It's about this year's Moonchase Festival? Let me see." Hearing it was work-related, Keqing grew interested.
Back in the story, the Traveler and the others arrived at Yujing Terrace, where Keqing and Ningguang were, and found Beidou there as well.
There seemed to be an unidentified stone of unknown origin there, and Keqing stated she would handle it.
[Beidou: "Keqing's always quick and decisive. I'll leave it to you with confidence."]
[Ningguang: "What's that supposed to mean? Don't you trust my methods?"]
[Beidou: "Hah? Keqing's always out and about—of course it's different from you! Besides, you don't even care about this, so why nitpick?"]
[Ningguang: "Just a joke. You're really quick to jump on me, though."]
[Lumine: "Did we come at a bad time...?"]
Beidou explained the stone's origin to the Traveler—it had been fished out of the sea by a fisherman.
No idea if he caught any fish, but he did pull up this strange-looking stone.
The most unusual thing about it was that no method could break it.
This was why Keqing was working overtime—the mysterious stone had just been delivered to her.
With the Moonchase Festival approaching, such an unknown object suddenly appearing was reason enough for overtime.
Upon reading about the stone, Zhongli understood—so this time, it's about this old friend...
After discussing the stone, the Traveler finally explained their purpose to Ningguang—to ask about their food preferences.
[Ningguang: "My tastes are simple: refined, minimal, pure, and delicate."]
Readers broke out in a cold sweat at this—this was simple? Thankfully, Beidou voiced their thoughts.
[Beidou: "That's simple? Spend a few weeks at sea, and that noble palate of yours will be cured."]
[Xiangling asked: "What about you, Sister Beidou?"]
[Beidou: "Me? Anything fresh and hot is fine. A bit of spice would be even better."]
[Keqing: "For me... definitely seafood."]
"Seafood, huh..." Zhongli fell silent. Even in culinary tastes, the Yuheng was different from him.
Keqing had no idea that the Archon she admired disliked seafood entirely—the opposite of her preferences.
Meanwhile, Yelan's tastes aligned with Beidou's—both liked spicy food.
In the story, the Traveler summarized the three's preferences and felt there wasn't much overlap.
But Xiangling disagreed:
["Not necessarily. Have you heard of Golden Shrimp Balls?"]
Hearing the name, Keqing's eyes widened—That's my favorite!
Xiangling explained the preparation and deliciousness of Golden Shrimp Balls, making Keqing's stomach growl—she hadn't eaten yet due to overtime.
[Keqing: "Indeed. Golden Shrimp Balls balance aesthetics and flavor, making them a dish of exceptional value."]
[Xiangling translated: "Mhm, got it. Keqing loves Golden Shrimp Balls the most."]
"So Keqing likes Golden Shrimp Balls." The "Translation Master" Xiangling nodded thoughtfully.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline·Keqing: About Golden Shrimp Balls
"Ah... I do like them, but did Lucian have to make such a big deal about it in the book?"