Chapter 18
It seemed like he had been blacklisted.
Shen Xing wasn't sure what expression to wear. Should he laugh because Diluc finally couldn't tolerate Venti anymore, or should he feel sorry for Venti being turned away by the few places that loved serving alcohol?
Seeing Venti's rather aggrieved expression, it was hard to believe he was nearly three thousand years old. Shen Xing even felt that Venti seemed younger than himself, especially when he was upset about not getting any wine.
Giving Venti some face, Shen Xing didn't laugh. "What did you do to get your name posted at the door of the tavern?"
Venti glanced at him, then at the sign, looking a bit embarrassed. "Nothing much, really. I used to drink without paying Mora, and I sang here to pay off my tab while also asking for more drinks... Uh, a few days ago, I accidentally got drunk and fell asleep at the bar, and then knocked over a freshly mixed drink by Master Diluc."
Hearing this, Shen Xing thought there must be more to it. According to the story, Diluc already knew Venti was the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, so he wouldn't truly kick him out of Angel's Share.
But seeing Venti's guilty expression, Shen Xing had a feeling that was indeed the case.
That drink was probably a new creation, untouched, and it got smashed by Venti, who always freeloaded drinks. No wonder Diluc was angry. Still, it was amusing that the Anemo Archon got kicked out by his own people.
No other god had fallen so low.
Venti's eyes wandered. He hadn't meant to do it. How was he to know a drink would suddenly appear by his elbow? He just moved his arm and heard the sound of glass breaking. It wasn't entirely his fault.
After explaining, Venti remembered that Shen Xing had never been to Angel's Share and didn't know who Diluc was, so he clarified, "Master Diluc is the owner of this tavern and the master of Dawn Winery. He occasionally comes to Angel's Share to mix drinks."
Venti then looked at the closed wooden door. "I wonder if he's here today. Usually, it's bartender Charles."
If Diluc wasn't there, Venti thought with a grin, he could drink his fill. Charles was soft-hearted and would probably turn a blind eye if he begged enough.
Unaware of Venti's plan to plead with Charles, Shen Xing pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside, leading Venti into the bustling tavern.
Charles heard the door open and the footsteps of two people. Turning around, he greeted them, "Welcome to Angel's Share. What can I get for you—Venti?!"
He stopped mid-sentence upon seeing the green-clad bard behind the unfamiliar face.
Venti scratched the back of his head. "It's me."
Charles looked at the guilty-looking Venti for a moment and sighed. "Master Venti, our master has said that Angel's Share will no longer serve you. Please leave."
He glanced at Shen Xing, standing in front of Venti. Another new friend?
"Even if you've brought a new friend today, it won't work," Charles emphasized. "I'm very sorry, but this is a direct order from the master."
Venti didn't want to lose face in front of Shen Xing and pleaded, "Just this once. We'll leave right after we finish. Master Diluc won't find out. Please, just this once~"
Shen Xing: "..."
This was a sight to behold, seeing the Anemo Archon begging a human.
Before Shen Xing could say anything, rhythmic footsteps sounded from the staircase, followed by a deep male voice. "Won't find out? Are you sure?"
Venti froze, slowly turning toward the voice.
Shen Xing turned with him.
Diluc, wearing a bartender's outfit, had his striking red hair tied up, looking less lazy and more sharp. From his vantage point on the stairs, he gazed down at them, giving Shen Xing the eerie feeling of being watched by a large predator.
Yikes, Master Diluc was terrifying.
He was indeed in the tavern. Today was not their lucky day. Venti had just mentioned Diluc, and there he was.
Venti forced a laugh, his expression pleading in a way only Shen Xing could see. He hoped his sincere eyes would change Diluc's mind. "Hehe, Master Diluc, what a coincidence you're not at Dawn Winery today. I brought a friend to have a drink here. I told him the wine here is especially pure..."
Venti hoped Diluc would give him some face, considering he was the Anemo Archon.
Understanding Venti's implication, Diluc's gaze fell on Shen Xing. Another unfamiliar face. Where did Venti find this friend? But Diluc was a man of principle. Even the Anemo Archon's plea wouldn't sway him. "No."
Venti was dumbfounded, his eyes full of disbelief.
Shen Xing had seen enough. He felt that if he waited any longer, he might be kicked out with Venti. He stepped forward, took out a large pouch of Mora from his pocket, and placed it on the bar, ignoring Charles's wide eyes. Shen Xing smiled at Diluc. "Is this enough to cover our expenses for tonight? If not, I can add more."
Such a lavish statement shocked not only Venti but also made Diluc pause. He hadn't expected Venti to have such a wealthy friend.
For some reason, Diluc felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with Shen Xing, a dangerous feeling that made him want to trust and follow whatever Shen Xing said.
"Of course." Diluc frowned slightly, silent for a moment, then glanced at the stunned Charles. "Seat them and take their order."
Once again experiencing the power of money, Shen Xing was more determined than ever to keep earning. "Also, I'll cover the Mora Venti owes from before, and any future debts... put them on my tab too."
Venti's eyes widened again.
Was he essentially sponsoring Venti? Shen Xing laughed internally. Spending money didn't make him feel the least bit pained; instead, it brought him a strange sense of satisfaction. Was this the joy Childe experienced?
It was like the wool coming off the sheep's back.
He used Venti as inspiration for his novels, so spending the money he earned on him was only fair. Consider it an advance payment.
Later, when Venti read the novel, Shen Xing wouldn't pay for any emotional damages.
Charles carefully collected the Mora pouch and then asked Shen Xing to write down an address for future bills. Once done, Shen Xing led the still-dumbfounded Venti to a quiet spot to sit.
Charles followed them and asked what they wanted to drink.
Shen Xing took the menu, glanced over the list of brews, and ordered, "Two apple ciders, one Cryo Berry Juice, one Sparkling Berry Juice, and two bottles of Dandelion Wine."
After listing the drinks, Shen Xing turned to Venti. "Do you want anything else?"
Venti shook his head.
What he wanted was already included.
"That's it. If it's not enough, we'll order more."
After the bartender left, Venti couldn't help but ask, "Why are you so good to me?"
"Is there a problem?" Shen Xing replied. "Just think of me as someone with more money than sense who can't stand seeing you bullied. Besides, I also cover Mr. Zhongli's expenses."
Venti was shocked again.
The last time he visited Liyue, it was when the Traveler was around. He had heard that Zhongli's expenses were covered by Childe through the Northland Bank.
He had even envied Zhongli for having someone willing to cover his costs. He hadn't expected that in the short time he was away, Shen Xing had taken over Childe's role.
Where did he get so much money?
He wasn't the former god of Natlan, nor was he a merchant. If Venti guessed correctly, Shen Xing hadn't been awake for long. Otherwise, why hadn't Zhongli mentioned him?
Shen Xing didn't blink. "We're friends, aren't we? Isn't it normal to be good to friends?"
As they chatted, the drinks arrived.
Shen Xing pushed the apple cider and a bottle of Dandelion Wine toward Venti. Seeing Venti's stunned expression, Shen Xing said, "I wasn't sure about your taste. Do you have any dietary restrictions?"
Venti's doubts arose but quickly dissipated. "No, what you gave me is exactly what I love to drink."
"That's good."
Suddenly, Shen Xing grinned. "I thought you looked like an apple, so I guessed you'd like it."
Venti: "...?"
Ignoring Venti's puzzled expression, Shen Xing opened the famous Dandelion Wine, his curiosity piqued. Venti always said it was delicious—how good could it be? He uncorked it and took a swig directly from the bottle.
His actions were bold, contrasting with his delicate face.
Venti was stunned. After Shen Xing gulped down a third of the bottle, he placed it on the table, his crimson eyes shining. "Delicious!"
No wonder Venti liked it.
He liked it too.
It was a completely different taste from Liyue's wines.
Venti, feeling a connection with a fellow enthusiast, opened a bottle and started drinking with Shen Xing.
...
Two hours passed.
Angel's Share had mostly emptied out, leaving a table in the corner cluttered with empty bottles. Not only were they on the table, but they also littered the floor. The last patron, though tipsy, couldn't help but be shocked at the sight.
The culprits were two young men.
Diluc glanced at the chaotic scene but silently continued cleaning up the other tables.
Shen Xing, resting his chin on one hand, occasionally sipped the spicy wine, feeling a bit dizzy. It was an experience he'd never had before.
He had indeed drunk quite a bit with Venti today.
But it was fine. He was just a little dizzy, not drunk.
Squinting at Venti, who had his head down on the table, Shen Xing laughed. Venti couldn't outdrink him—how unbelievable!
Venti couldn't hold his liquor better than him!
After checking on the unresponsive Venti, Shen Xing's gaze returned to the bottle in front of him. There was still a bit left.
He couldn't waste it, he thought.
Picking up the bottle, Shen Xing poured the remaining wine into his glass. The sound of the liquid pouring woke Venti from his stupor.
He moved slightly, his green hat slipping onto the table. Raising his flushed face from his arms, his unfocused gaze settled on Shen Xing.
Venti spoke, "You're still drinking."
His voice was slurred, clearly drunk.
Shen Xing lifted his eyelids to glance at him. "Just a little left. Can't waste it."
With that, he downed the small glass, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. Venti watched in a daze, suddenly smacking his lips and blurting out, "I really am the Anemo Archon."
"Poof—" Shen Xing quickly turned his head, spraying wine onto the floor. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, and any trace of drunkenness vanished with Venti's words.
Dear heavens, he had hoped Venti wouldn't bring this up again, but he couldn't escape it.
Even Diluc, cleaning up, heard it. His eyes widened momentarily, looking at Venti.
"...I'm serious. I'm not lying. I am Barbatos."
Venti's half-lidded emerald eyes, his head tilted, spoke just loud enough for the only two remaining people in the tavern to hear.
The tuft of hair on his head tilted with his movement, making him look even younger and somewhat adorable.
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