Shao Yun returned to Wanmin Restaurant. Looking at the large table filled with fine dishes, the corners of his mouth curved into a faint smile, and he nodded with satisfaction.
His gaze landed on the three plates of delicacies made from Qingxin, Glaze Lily, and Violetgrass. The dishes looked exquisite in color, aroma, and flavor, enough to make anyone's mouth water.
"Jade Fruit Soup," "Stone Harbor Delicacies," "Bountiful Year"...
Wait. Shao Yun suddenly noticed something strange. None of these dishes seemed to use Glaze Lily at all!
At that moment, Xiangling planted her hands proudly on her hips, her face brimming with a smug smile, her voice full of energy as she spoke to Shao Yun.
"Come on, try it out! How does it taste? This is my carefully prepared cuisine! Even Guoba helped out a lot!"
Shao Yun clapped his hands lightly in approval and said with a smile, "It really does look great, and very delicious. Hm? There's even four servings of Noodles with Mountain Delicacies?"
Xiangling nodded with a smile, then explained, "That's right. There's an old saying in Liyue: when you set out on a long journey, you eat dumplings, and when you return home, you eat noodles."
"You've just returned from Inazuma, so by tradition, you should have noodles. That's why I specially made this Noodles with Mountain Delicacies for everyone."
Hearing this, Shao Yun tipped his hat in a courteous gesture and said gratefully, "I truly thank you, Miss Xiangling. Your thoughtfulness is remarkable."
Seeing her cooking recognized, Xiangling was delighted, her face shining with joy.
"No need to thank me. I'll head back to the kitchen—you all take your time and enjoy."
With that, she turned and left.
Shenhe focused all of her attention on the bowl of Noodles with Mountain Delicacies before her.
Her eyes grew deep, as if she were peering through the rising steam into something hidden within.
She quietly stared at the steaming noodles, lost in some memory, her gaze distant.
Paimon, meanwhile, had already grown impatient. She picked up her chopsticks and began eating happily.
While savoring the flavors, she watched Shenhe beside her.
Noticing Shenhe was dazed, Paimon picked up a piece of Wanmin Restaurant's Boiled Fish and placed it in Shenhe's bowl.
"Shenhe, eat up!" Paimon said softly. "Xiangling's cooking is amazing!"
Shenhe returned from her thoughts, nodded blankly, picked up her chopsticks, and began tasting the dishes.
She still only sampled each dish with a few bites, but unlike before, her bowl of Noodles with Mountain Delicacies was eaten completely clean.
...
After the meal, Paimon leaned back in her chair contentedly, patting her round little belly with a blissful expression.
Once everyone was full, their spirits lifted, ready to discuss business.
Paimon was the first to speak. "Oh, right! With our stomachs full, it's time to think about business. Let's see… the Sunset Vermillionite, the Wonder Core, and the Adepti Sigils… Let's follow that order. First, the Plaustrite. Where should we even start looking?"
Lumine stroked her chin in thought, then suddenly remembered someone—Doctor Baizhu at Bubu Pharmacy.
She recalled that back before they left for Inazuma, when helping Yanfei, Doctor Baizhu had shown some knowledge about ores.
"How about we ask him? Doctor Baizhu at Bubu Pharmacy. He might know something."
Hearing this suggestion, Shao Yun couldn't help but marvel inwardly. This Doctor Baizhu really had a wide range of expertise. Not only skilled at treating illnesses, but also dabbling in ores—practically half another Zhongli!
But in the current situation, Shenhe hadn't gone to Bubu Pharmacy for herbs. So why bring up Baizhu?
Besides, if they were really searching for ores, shouldn't the first person to consult be Zhongli?
Shao Yun asked, puzzled, "Although Ningguang did say we should do our best… but if it's about ores, shouldn't we be going to Zhongli?"
Lumine bit her lip, troubled. "Zhongli… well…"
She locked eyes with Shao Yun, then after a moment, continued, "Are you sure? I mean, your relationship with him isn't exactly the best right now, is it?"
Shao Yun waved his hand carelessly, speaking in a light tone. "That doesn't matter. As long as we can find him."
His expression was calm. After all, in their current circumstances, personal matters were separate—business was business.
Lumine nodded, understanding, though she still seemed a little uneasy. "Alright then, let's head to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Hopefully, we'll run into Mister Zhongli."
Shenhe, watching the two of them, keenly sensed something unusual.
She stayed silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Actually, I know a place where the Plaustrite might be found."
Paimon's eyes lit up instantly, and she hurriedly pressed for details.
"Really? Shenhe, you know where we can find the Sunset Vermillionite?"
Shenhe gave a small nod and asked calmly, "Have you ever heard of an adeptus known as 'Sea Gazer'?"
At the mention of this name, Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances and both shook their heads.
Shenhe went on to explain.
"He was very close with the Mountain Shaper, but has long since passed."
"The Sea Gazer once personally built a cave-dwelling, where many rare treasures were stored. Perhaps among them lies what you seek."
Hearing they would have to go into someone else's home and take things, Paimon scratched her head uneasily. "But barging into someone's place to take stuff… isn't that not so good?"
Shao Yun licked his lips and joked, "Then we cover our faces and sneak in quietly to grab it?"
Paimon shook her head firmly, waving her hands. "That would be burglary! Absolutely not!"
Shao Yun thought about it. Since the adeptus had already passed away, technically speaking, this would be closer to grave robbing.
Shenhe waved her hand, telling Paimon not to worry so much.
"It's fine. As I know it, the Sea Gazer was open-minded and unrestrained. If he were alive, he wouldn't mind such small matters."
Shao Yun felt a trace of doubt at her words.
What she said wasn't impossible, but it did feel odd.
Even the most open-minded adepti wouldn't usually be that generous, would they?
But then again, the world was vast—nothing was impossible.
Shenhe set down her emptied bowl and said, "I'm full. Once you finish, we can set out."
Paimon nodded eagerly, gratitude plain on her face.
"Thank you so much, Shenhe! Without your help, we wouldn't even know where to begin."
Shenhe placed her right hand gently against her chest, her tone soft but a little stiff. "No need to thank me. Didn't we already become friends at the table? This is simply what I should do."
...
After their meal, the group set off toward the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. The path connected Chihu Rock with the city's outskirts.
When they arrived, they saw the abandoned Blackcliff Forge, the very construction site Ningguang had mentioned in connection with the Jade Chamber.
Even from afar, the clamor of the site was audible: hammers striking, the grinding of gears from massive hauling machines, and more.
Shenhe pointed toward the Lisha Suburb near Mt. Tianheng, saying that the Sea Gazer's cave-dwelling was located atop a mountain there, and that it would take some time to reach from here.
Upon hearing this, Paimon turned to Shao Yun with a mischievous smile. "Shao Yun, it's your turn now! Should we close our eyes?"
Shao Yun blinked, confused. "My turn?"
I don't know any spirit-summoning rituals. How am I supposed to perform?
But when he heard her mention closing their eyes, he immediately understood and replied, "Oh, I get it. But no need to close them anymore."
Back in Inazuma, he hadn't ridden for so long he had forgotten about this.
Shao Yun let out two light whistles. Soon, a red-brown horse, "Boadicea," and an ivory-gold horse, "Buell," came galloping from nowhere.
Shao Yun led Buell to Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe, then handed the reins to Lumine with a smile. "Come, get on."
As he passed the reins to her, he noticed Lumine's white dress and teased, "If I had known, I would've insisted you wear the outfit I prepared for you."
Lumine gave a soft huff. "I'll wear whatever I want. You promised you wouldn't interfere with my clothing choices."
Meanwhile, Paimon eagerly introduced Buell to Shenhe.
"Shenhe, this is 'Buell,' the horse Shao Yun gave to me and Lumine."
Hands on her hips, she muttered in a low voice toward Shao Yun, "Though, really, it's always you taking care of them. I have no idea where you even hide the horses most of the time."
Shao Yun chuckled, wagged a finger, and quipped, "Same old saying—don't ask. It's Indian shaman sorcery!"
"What? There you go again with your nonsense!" Paimon threw up her hands in exasperation.
Just as Shao Yun was about to mount, Shenhe suddenly stepped forward and grabbed his coat, stopping him.
Shao Yun turned, puzzled. "What's wrong?"
Shenhe let go, her gaze shifting to Boadicea. "I don't like seeing you ride that red-brown horse."
Shao Yun looked at her in surprise, then chuckled awkwardly. "Why? Is there something wrong with this horse?"
He patted Boadicea's neck, and the horse neighed loudly in response.
Shenhe stared at Boadicea, swallowed, and clenched her fists, her voice wooden.
"It's just… a feeling. This horse makes me very uneasy. It feels as if… it doesn't belong here."
Shao Yun frowned, baffled at her aversion.
Could it be because of its vivid red coat, triggering some memory deep inside her?
Or perhaps it was the red cord binding her destiny of solitude and misfortune, making her instinctively reject the color red?
The questions circled in his mind, but no answer came.
If I can't figure it out, then I won't dwell on it.
He shrugged helplessly. If Shenhe didn't like Boadicea, he could switch.
After all, he had another fine Andalusian horse—no need to stick to one.
So, he patted Boadicea, signaling it to leave, then whistled again.
Not long after, a pale pink Andalusian mare, Carrot, galloped swiftly toward them.
Shao Yun's heart swelled with joy at the familiar sight. He stroked Carrot's neck gently, affection clear in his eyes.
After caressing her, he looked at Shenhe. "How about this one?"
Shenhe instinctively stepped forward and stroked Carrot's head.
The mare leaned into her touch, calm and obedient.
Shenhe felt a sense of sacredness and security emanating from her.
"This horse is wonderful. She gives a reassuring feeling."
Then, Shenhe looked at Shao Yun, the corner of her lips lifting ever so slightly. A rare smile appeared on her face.
"I hope you'll ride this horse from now on," she said softly.
Shao Yun blinked in surprise, curiosity rising. "Can you tell me why?"
Shenhe fell silent for a while, gazing into the distance before answering slowly.
"Because she suits you better."
Her eyes were firm and resolute as she spoke.
Shao Yun found it strange. This woman was usually cold and detached—why suddenly insist on this?
Was it just because of the color? Pink did match the aesthetics of many Teyvat girls…
Still, he decided to humor her. "I'll do my best to get used to it."