Just as Venti claimed, his voice and music could captivate anyone in Teyvat.
After only a short while of singing at the door, he'd gathered a massive crowd.
In no time, the entrance to Wanmin Restaurant was packed.
"High tales and legends sung across the sky..."
"..."
"Praised by thousands, the lone king of the tower, the young bird in flight, the kingdom never the same..."
When Venti stopped, the bystanders all began talking at once.
"What were you singing? It sounded great."
"Yeah, that style feels foreign."
"…"
Venti put away his Lyre and gave a polite bow.
"I'm a bard from Mondstadt. This song tells part of Mondstadt's history. Thank you for listening."
The crowd applauded.
"Oh? It's about Mondstadt's history? Fascinating..."
"This is different from our storytellers and operas. You explain a whole story in just a few lines..."
Liyue locals seemed very interested in this new style of performance.
Inside the restaurant, Xiangling peeked out and was shocked by the size of the crowd.
"Big bro, your friend… he's impressive."
Kael hadn't expected Venti's songs to catch on so easily.
He'd thought Liyue people might find the style too foreign.
In the end—he really was the Anemo Archon Barbatos.
Mortal hearts couldn't resist a god's charm.
But seeing the crowd swell to the point it was about to block all of Chihu Rock, Kael hurried outside.
"If you like our new performer, feel free to come to Wanmin Restaurant tonight for dinner! Venti will be putting on a show during the evening rush."
"Great! I want to reserve a table for seven!"
"Me too!"
People immediately began booking seats.
"Xiangling! Come take down reservations!"
Xiangling rushed out with a notepad and started recording names one by one.
In the blink of an eye, every dinner table for the entire month was booked.
Chef Mao stood there in awe.
He'd run his restaurant honestly for his entire life, never imagining something like this was even possible.
Venti glanced proudly at Kael's conflicted expression.
"Well? Traveler?"
Kael gave him a thumbs-up. "You're amazing. I'm convinced."
Venti seized the moment.
"If there's good wine tonight, I'll sing even better."
"No problem," Kael said immediately. "I'll go buy some."
Just then, a young woman stepped out of the crowd—black hair with straight bangs, dressed in a half-skirt decorated with cloud and square knot patterns, wearing an opera headpiece.
"Excuse me, are there any tables left? I'd like to make a reservation too."
The Liyue crowd instantly recognized her.
"Yun Jin is here too!"
Yun Jin had been born into a prestigious Liyue performing family, following her mother onto the stage from a young age.
She gained fame early and was now one of the most celebrated stars in all of Liyue Harbor.
Whenever she appeared, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
"Miss Yun, take my reservation! I booked for tonight, you won't have to wait if you use mine!"
"No, use mine! I booked a big table, it'll be more comfortable for you, Miss Yun. All I ask is a signature!"
"Take mine! I booked a big table too, and you don't need to do anything for me, Miss Yun. I don't even need a signature…"
"Mine!"
"..."
Many people in the crowd were devoted fans. The moment their goddess spoke, they all rushed forward, hoping to win a smile from her.
Yun Jin looked at their enthusiasm and offered a graceful, delicate smile.
She placed her left hand over her right, bent at the knees, and bowed her head politely.
"Thank you for your kindness. However, this master's performance today is a rare treat. I would hate to take his audience from him."
She turned toward Chef Mao, who was standing nearby.
"Chef Mao, would you be willing to arrange a seat for me tonight? If so, I'd be happy to perform at Wanmin Restaurant for a day."
"Huh?"
Chef Mao froze. He had not expected such a miracle.
The Yun-Han Opera Troupe currently partnered with Heyu Tea House, and every time Yun Jin performed, the place was packed to the point of suffocation.
Tickets for Miss Yun's shows were nearly impossible to get.
Chef Mao loved opera himself, but between Wanmin Restaurant and Yun Jin's overwhelming popularity, he'd never managed to see her on stage.
Even setting aside how much fame her appearance would bring to Wanmin Restaurant…
Just for his own love of opera, he had to agree.
He nodded eagerly. "Of course, Miss Yun! I'll set aside a seat for you right away. It's our honor if you're willing to grace our humble restaurant with a performance."
Yun Jin smiled and thanked him.
"I'll be here tonight."
Originally, people had only booked seats out of curiosity about the unusual performance.
But Yun Jin's arrival threw everyone into excited frenzy.
If even Yun Jin herself wanted a seat to watch, then the performance had to be truly extraordinary.
Xiangling didn't know how long Venti would stay at Wanmin Restaurant, so she only registered reservations for one month.
Those who missed their chance were now hitting their chests in regret.
Kael never imagined that Venti's little performance would draw Yun Jin out, let alone boost Wanmin Restaurant's reputation so dramatically.
As the Anemo Archon, Barbatos governed Mondstadt by letting things develop naturally, which eventually led to Mondstadt's god becoming more of a spiritual symbol than an authority.
But as a wandering musician, Barbatos had always been exceptional.
Now it seemed conquering Liyue would only be a matter of time.
Kael clapped Venti on the shoulder. "I really think the bard profession suits you perfectly."
Venti shot him a knowing grin.
"I'm just an ordinary bard, after all."