When everyone saw the pink little fox land on Ren Kai's shoulder, the situation suddenly didn't seem strange anymore.
"Oh!"
"So it belongs to Mr. Ban."
"Then it must be an immortal beast, haha!"
Uncle Fu immediately spoke with perfect courtesy and diplomacy, transforming the word yokai into immortal beast in a single sentence.
"Alright, everyone, back to work."
"We'll celebrate properly later."
Mingyun quickly dispersed the workers, sending them back to their posts.
He himself was no longer surprised either. In his mind, Ren Kai had already been elevated to the level of an immortal.
With an immortal protecting them—and the Geo Archon watching over Liyue—the future of the Feiyun Commerce Guild would surely be smooth sailing.
"Mr. Ban, I am truly fortunate to have met you."
"And I am grateful for your willingness to join the guild."
"I would like to voluntarily double both your salary and your share of the profits."
Mingyun bowed respectfully as he spoke.
"There's no need for that, Young Master Mingyun."
Ren Kai replied politely.
His goal had already been achieved.
By displaying overwhelming strength, he had raised his status—meaning far fewer future troubles.
"Please allow me to insist on this, Mr. Ban."
Mingyun's tone became unexpectedly firm.
Now that he believed Ban to be an immortal-like figure, paying less would be disrespectful.
Ren Kai was about to say something more—after all, politeness was a long-standing cultural virtue.
"I want fried tofu and skewers!"
The pink fox Yae Miko suddenly interrupted.
"You still want fried tofu and skewers?"
"Did you forget everything I told you?"
"As punishment, you'll watch me eat later."
Ren Kai shot the fox a helpless, slightly annoyed glance.
He hadn't expected her to be this mischievous even as a child.
And apparently, she only got worse when she grew up.
"I don't care!"
"I want fried tofu and skewers!"
The little fox immediately activated her ultimate weapon—adorable pleading.
Her watery eyes looked pitiful.
"I'll ask the kitchen to make more fried tofu and skewers."
Uncle Fu volunteered instantly and headed for the kitchen.
"Mr. Ban, shall we return to my room for tea while we wait?"
"What do you think?"
Watching Ren Kai bicker with the adorable fox, Mingyun became even more convinced that Ban's personality was quite gentle.
"Then I'll trouble you, Young Master Mingyun."
Ren Kai agreed politely.
He also wanted to learn more about the current situation in Teyvat.
Mingyun led the way enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Ren Kai quietly whispered to the fox:
"Don't talk nonsense later."
"Or there will be no fried tofu and skewers."
"Mhm!"
The little fox nodded obediently.
But something strange appeared in her eyes.
Her left eye seemed to contain fried tofu.
Her right eye seemed to contain skewers.
A thin trail of drool formed at the corner of her mouth.
Soon, they arrived in Mingyun's cabin.
This time, Mingyun brought out his most treasured tea leaves.
Normally he wouldn't dare drink them.
He only brewed them during major festivals.
"Please enjoy the tea, Mr. Ban."
"And would the little immortal beast like some as well?"
Mingyun prepared the tea with smooth, practiced movements before placing a steaming cup before Ren Kai.
"Excellent tea."
"The color is clear and bright, the aroma refreshing."
"And the flavor—bitter at first, sweet afterward."
Ren Kai imitated the tea-drinking etiquette he had seen in television dramas.
"Me too!"
Seeing Ren Kai praise the tea, the pink fox immediately jumped onto the table.
"Very well, esteemed Immortal Yae."
Mingyun couldn't help laughing at her proud little expression and poured her a cup as well.
"Don't spoil her too much, Young Master Mingyun."
Ren Kai sighed.
Looking at the little fox left him constantly conflicted.
He wanted to wait until she grew up.
But he also didn't want to offend her.
A difficult situation indeed.
"Hiss—!"
"Hot!"
The little fox hadn't bothered to blow on the tea.
And her tiny paws couldn't lift the cup.
So she simply stuck out her tongue to lick it.
The result—
Her pink tongue immediately turned bright red from the heat.
"Pfft…"
"Mr. Ban, your immortal beast is quite… unique."
Mingyun burst into laughter.
He had assumed the fox was used to drinking tea with Ren Kai.
He hadn't expected her to be so clueless.
The tea was still steaming.
"Let her suffer a little."
"She'll remember the lesson."
Ren Kai calmly blew on his tea and took a sip, ignoring the pitiful gaze the fox gave him.
"Hmph! I can do it too!"
Yae Miko immediately imitated him.
She puffed her cheeks and blew on the tea.
Unfortunately, she blew far too hard.
Tea splashed everywhere across the table.
Mingyun silently mourned his precious tea leaves.
With the way she drank, two-thirds of the tea had probably been wasted.
"Sigh…"
"She's clearly been spoiled."
After spending only a short time with her, Ren Kai had already figured it out.
This little fox knew nothing.
Her talents consisted of mischief and acting cute.
"Bleh!"
The fox stuck out her tongue mischievously.
Then she licked up the little tea that remained.
"One more cup!"
She pushed the cup toward Mingyun proudly.
"…Alright."
Mingyun sighed internally.
My tea leaves…
"Young Master Mingyun, please don't indulge her anymore."
"I've been in seclusion for many years. Could you tell me how Liyue is doing now?"
Ren Kai took the fox's cup away and finally asked the question he had been curious about.
The pink fox became slightly upset.
She jumped onto Ren Kai's shoulder, stretched lazily, and thought proudly:
Fine, I won't drink it.
I'll conserve my energy for fried tofu and skewers.
"Well…"
"It's a long story."
"The Geo Archon learned of the War God Rexas's death."
"In his rage, he fought the Sustainer of the Heavenly Principles."
"The result was mutual injury."
"Though it's said the Geo Archon was hurt more severely."
"And Azhdaha was gravely wounded while assisting him."
Mingyun paused to take a sip of tea.
"The result is that nearby gods and criminals have become more active."
"Now the Liyue Qixing, the adepti, and the Yaksha are all busy resisting external threats."
"Because of that, the Feiyun Commerce Guild cannot trade with Mondstadt or Sumeru."
"That's why I risked coming to Inazuma to establish new trade partners."
Mingyun's tone was filled with helplessness.
"…."
Ren Kai felt slightly awkward.
After all…
This whole mess was technically caused by the system.
And now he was the one dealing with the consequences.
He quietly opened his interface.
[Uchiha Madara]
Role-playing Progress: 16%
Strength: Quasi–Super Kage Level
Dojutsu Power: Mangekyo Sharingan
At that moment, the pink fox began performing again.
"Hmph!"
"When my lord recovers his power, he'll send them all flying!"
She waved her tiny paws proudly.
"You little fool!"
"What nonsense are you saying?"
"No fried tofu or skewers for you!"
Ren Kai was so exasperated that he grabbed the fox and gave her a light smack on her soft little backside.
Thankfully, he held back his strength.
"I know I was wrong!"
"Waaah…"
The little fox instantly regretted her words.
She unleashed her ultimate move once again—
Pitiful crying.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Combined with that expression…
It was absolutely devastating.