Through this period of interaction, Zhongli was no longer as polite as before, and rarely spoke to him in such a manner.
So Xavier asked, a bit strangely, "What's wrong? You didn't run up a tab somewhere and now want me to pay for it, did you?"
That was probably the only thing Xavier could think of.
However, a second thought told him that wasn't quite right; aside from eating and drinking, Zhongli didn't seem to do anything else, and those old men should have already covered all his expenses.
Indeed, Zhongli's answer was exactly as he expected: "I do not have many large expenses outside. Even if there are occasional needs, my chess friends are generous."
"Then you are…?"
Zhongli paused, as if this matter was quite important.
"If possible, I hope you can bring someone to Blue Star for me…"
"Don't speak!" Zhongli was interrupted by Xavier halfway through his sentence.
He stroked his chin, muttering to himself while pondering, "Who could it be…?"
"For Zhongli to ask, it must be an Adeptus, right?"
"Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper are probably unlikely, so it's most likely that woman or the tattooed guy, right?"
Zhongli couldn't understand what Xavier was saying at all; it was all fancy terminology that sounded familiar yet very strange.
"I guess you probably want me to call Xiao over, right?" Xavier finally gave his answer.
Zhongli didn't hesitate, nodding, "Xavier, you are indeed exceptionally clever. You guessed my thoughts and intentions so quickly."
"It's not that I'm clever; it's just that there are only a few people you can call."
After Xavier finished speaking, Zhongli sighed, probably thinking of how many of his old friends had already departed.
"Xiao has fought alongside me for many years, and his karma is extremely deep. Even I can only alleviate it, without a method for a complete cure."
"But strangely, after coming to Blue Star, my erode has shown signs of stopping. I think this will also be of some help to Xiao."
"Now that Liyue has entered an era of human governance, the Adepti's duty of protection has naturally diminished. There is no harm in letting Xiao come to Blue Star to seek an opportunity."
Xavier didn't expect Zhongli to care so much about his adopted son.
After all, Xiao's situation was indeed quite special; compared to other Adepti, he himself had significant problems.
"I can do it, but he's so reclusive. If I go to find him, he probably won't even see me, right?"
Xavier thought of the most troublesome part of the matter.
Zhongli immediately responded, "You don't need to worry about that. I will naturally explain it to him when I return."
"Alright, but this will have to wait for a while, because currently I can't guarantee that I can definitely call him over."
Although Xavier made a promise, he didn't speak too definitively.
He couldn't specify invitations yet, so naturally, he couldn't guarantee it.
"No matter, your word is already enough."
After saying that, Zhongli picked up his teacup and fan, then left the house.
Xavier couldn't help but complain, "What kind of weather is this, and he's still carrying a fan…"
As previously agreed, Ayaka arrived in the evening.
And most people seemed to have coordinated, arriving within an hour of each other.
"Xavier, is dinner ready? I can't wait!"
Not only did Venti come over, but he also came prepared with his own knife and fork.
The knife and fork clinked together, and he licked his lips as he sat down at the table.
"That's right, that's right, Hall Master is hungry too! I've been busy all day today!"
Hu Tao also sat down, tapping her chopsticks around.
Yoimiya asked Hu Tao, "Hu Tao, it seems your business has been doing well recently."
Hu Tao nodded repeatedly, "Mmm hmm, of course! Because I learned some marketing methods from Blue Star, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's performance has improved, but I still need to keep working hard!"
This question piqued Xavier's curiosity: "What marketing methods?"
Hu Tao giggled, "For example, exotic funerals, where several people in suits carry a coffin. That scene is quite spectacular!"
"And also, making the deceased into mummies and then placing them in exquisite coffins."
"Oh, and I also improved cremation, scattering the ashes into the sea afterward, and promoting it vigorously!"
Xavier almost fell over; Hu Tao really dared to imitate anything.
Xavier's villa had many advantages, one of which was that it had gardens both in the front and back, and each was quite spacious.
After dinner, Xavier called Ayaka to the backyard.
The environment here was beautiful, perfect for filming.
"Xavier, why do videos require so many things…?" Ayaka stood among the flowers, looking a bit flustered.
Because Xavier not only held a camera but also many other things.
When General was filmed last time, there clearly weren't these; at most, it was just some lighting.
Xavier cleared his throat and said, "This is called professionalism. To shoot a good film, you must have complete equipment!"
When Xavier was learning photography online, he envied the various equipment of those masters. Now he finally had the chance to buy them.
Ayaka's flusteredness was not just because of the abundant equipment; another reason was that many people were staring at her.
Even Hu Tao and Furina were sitting on small stools, eating fruit, as if they were watching a show.
This made it difficult for Ayaka to get into character, and she only managed to get into the zone after several attempts.
Ayaka had practiced martial arts since childhood, and her control over her joints and muscles far exceeded that of ordinary people.
Not to mention, she was a Vision wielder, and her dance possessed a charm that ordinary people could hardly achieve.
During the dance, Ayaka's fingertips occasionally showed ice flowing, as if special effects were applied.
At the end, a huge ice flower rose from beneath her feet, finally transforming into an icy mist.
Such a beautiful scene would surely make everyone scream wildly.
And just like before, many people would definitely ask if this was a special effect or real.
As soon as he thought of this, Xavier couldn't help but smirk.
He loved this feeling!
"Thank you for your hard work, Ayaka. Tomorrow at the BBQ, I'll definitely grill more for you!"
Hearing Xavier thank Ayaka in such a way, Yoimiya complained, "Hey, Xavier, that's too perfunctory."
"How is this perfunctory? Barbecue is a very difficult thing. I'm very sincere!" Xavier didn't blush at all.
Although she knew they were joking, Ayaka still shook her head and said, "It's fine. I haven't danced in a long time. I'm already very happy to receive everyone's approval today."
The magnanimity of a noble young lady was indeed different.
Looking at Ei beside her, one would know she definitely had the world in her heart!
Xavier was very satisfied with today's work and planned to edit it well after returning.
But as soon as he returned to the room, Xavier felt something was off.
"Ayaka, do you smell anything?"
Xavier sniffed, but he wasn't quite sure, so he asked Ayaka beside him.
"It seems there is indeed some smell." Ayaka also smelled it.
Xavier had a very bad premonition; someone must be causing trouble for him for no reason!
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What do you think the main character will do next? 👀 There's only one way to find out — the new chapter is up on Patreon! [patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]