Hearing Keqing's question, Ningguang frowned slightly, pondering as she spoke: "As expected, do you share this premonition as well?"
Actually, after listening to Yelan's account last night, she had already considered this possibility.
However, if she thought about it alone, it was inevitable that subjective emotions would interfere. Now that even Keqing thought so, then this matter could not be such a coincidence!
Ningguang sighed and said, "I don't understand. During the Rite of Descension, Rex Lapis died right in front of us."
"To say now that Rex Lapis is still alive is truly inconceivable."
Keqing, however, did not think so.
"Rex Lapis survived the Demon God War and endured the cataclysm five hundred years ago."
"He brought Liyue thousands of years of history, so how could he be easily harmed?"
"The Adepti are still alive, so how could Rex Lapis pass away before them!"
"There must be another reason!"
Next, Keqing explained all the suspicious points she had encountered over these past few days.
From Ganyu's abnormality at The Chasm in the beginning to the Conqueror of Demons' slip of the tongue.
After listening to Keqing's words, Ningguang pinched her exquisite chin, recalling some events: "Come to think of it, when Ganyu introduced Ye Xi to me, she was also very vague."
Suddenly, Ningguang and Keqing's eyes lit up, their gazes meeting.
"You've figured it out?"
Ningguang nodded with a smile upon hearing this: "Assuming Rex Lapis knows Ye Xi, and introducing Ye Xi to Liyue was Rex Lapis's intention, then Ganyu's abnormality makes sense!"
"To think we only figured it out now; we were truly blinded by being in the game."
Keqing crossed her arms: "What do you plan to do next?"
"Naturally, invite Mr. Zhongli over!"
Ningguang waved her hand, and Baixiao leaned in to listen.
"Baixiao, after the meal, invite Consultant Zhongli of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to Yuehai Pavilion for a chat!"
"Yes! Lady Ningguang!"
Keqing also began to look forward to it at this moment; she really wanted to know what would happen in a while!
Lunch was not held at Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk.
Mainly because it was too troublesome.
Ningguang directly spent money to hire chefs to cook at Yuehai Pavilion.
Before long, Dehya and the others picked up their chopsticks.
"Mmm~ It's so delicious! This Grilled Tiger Fish is really tasty!"
"Liyue really has so much gourmet food! Is this called Mora Meat?!"
"It's a bit spicy, but delicious! Collei, you taste this!"
"Miss, look at you, your face is red from the spice!"
The girls ate with great satisfaction, all full of endless praise.
On the contrary, Amber and Eula felt somewhat embarrassed.
"I feel like we're benefiting from Master Ye Xi's light; such a big table must cost quite a lot!"
Eula nodded busily upon hearing this, echoing: "How about we contribute some Mora? Otherwise, I feel embarrassed to eat."
Hearing the two girls' words, Ye Xi smiled and said, "If you feel uneasy about it, then when I go to Mondstadt, wouldn't it be fine if you treated me back?"
"Eh!? Is Master Ye Xi going to Mondstadt?!"
Amber was somewhat surprised; after all, Mondstadt was quite far away.
Of course, having been treated so enthusiastically by Ye Xi over the past two days, if Ye Xi was willing to go to Mondstadt, she would definitely not be stingy!
Even if she had to take out a month's salary, it would be no problem!
Ye Xi nodded: "Of course I'm going, so that meal from you guys won't be avoidable then."
"Okay, then when you go to Mondstadt, I'll treat you to Dandelion Wine!"
Eula breathed a sigh of relief; now she could taste the delicious food with peace of mind!
It was her first time eating such delicious Liyue cuisine!
Previously when she came to Liyue, she just ate something to fill her stomach, but what was before her eyes was a grand feast!
To the side, Paimon ate until her belly was round. After taking a sip of juice, she exclaimed: "Ah~ I get to eat Liyue's delicious food again!"
"I've been eating Sweet Madame every day recently, I'm getting sick of it~ Finally, I can improve my taste buds!"
Lumine looked speechless: "Clearly, every time we eat Sweet Madame, you are the first to say it's delicious."
"Now that we're in Liyue, you say you're sick of it! Don't eat it in the future then!"
"Eh——!?"
Paimon looked like she was about to cry instantly, looking at Ye Xi pitifully: "Master! Look at the Traveler, she just knows how to bully me!"
Lumine huffed: "Paimon really is a glutton!"
At this, everyone at the dinner table laughed.
After finishing the meal, the Instructor of the Millelith came to report: "Lady Ningguang, the fruit cargo has all been unloaded and handed over to the fruit vendors!"
"They will start selling in the city very soon!"
"Mn."
Ningguang nodded gently, then stood up and said: "Master Ye Xi, allow me to excuse myself first."
"It's fine."
Ye Xi waved his hand and said: "You guys go get busy; the work of the Qixing shouldn't be easy. You don't need to mind me."
"In the afternoon, I'm going to take them to tour Liyue Harbor."
"Okay!"
Ningguang's eyes were filled with gratitude.
Logically speaking, for a distinguished guest like Ye Xi, she should personally accompany and entertain him.
But the work of the Qixing was actually very heavy.
That Ye Xi could be so considerate of her made her feel very gratified.
At this moment, Keqing suddenly thought of something and said with a smile: "By the way, Ye Xi, didn't you just say you wanted to go find Miss Ying'er to buy perfume balm!"
"I remember that one needs to bring their own materials to her place; Silk Flowers will be needed!"
"There are many planted at Yujing Terrace; everyone can gather some!"
"If it's not enough, you can also go to the Wanyou Boutique at the port; they sell them there too!"
Ye Xi nodded slightly: "Okay, I've noted it."
Keqing stood up upon hearing this, preparing to follow Ningguang upstairs. After all, they were about to meet Rex Lapis soon!
At this moment, Dehya suddenly spoke loudly: "Keqing, you're leaving just like that?!"
"Eh?"
Keqing thought she had done something wrong and hurriedly turned back to ask: "De—Dehya, is there something else?"
"Of course! Did you forget something!"
Saying that, Dehya pointed to her cheek and smiled: "Where is the goodbye kiss for Master?"
"Eh——!?"
Keqing hadn't expected it to be this matter, and her small face was instantly covered in a flush: "H-Here!?"
Dehya nodded seriously.
Although it was inside a private room, everyone was there!
And there were Amber and Eula, whom they just met yesterday!
This was too shameful!
Dehya joked: "If you don't give a kiss, Master won't be happy!"
"I... I know..."
Keqing stammered, unable to speak clearly. Suddenly, as if launching an attack, she bent down and pecked Ye Xi on the face, then fled in a panic.
Seeing this scene, the girls all laughed heartily.
Meanwhile, Amber and Eula unconsciously blushed, lowering their heads and pretending not to see.
Although it felt very shy, this sweet feeling was truly something to yearn for!
Especially Amber.
She couldn't help but fantasize, if she could have such a handsome good brother, she would definitely secretly kiss him a few more times!
However, Ye Xi was already Collei's brother. Although Collei said she didn't mind, she didn't want to fight for the person she liked with Collei, whom she also liked.
Moreover, having known him for less than a day, she had to be a bit reserved!
Ye Xi looked at Keqing's graceful retreating figure and smiled knowingly, thinking this girl was very cute.
Keqing fled with a flushed face, running right into Ningguang who was waiting outside the door.
Seeing her pink cheeks and face full of shyness, Ningguang couldn't help but tease with a smile: "As expected of a newlywed woman, truly stuck together like glue and lacquer."
"Woo..."
Keqing covered her face, not even daring to look Ningguang in the eye!
However, she quickly counterattacked: "You're still laughing; you have no sense of crisis at all!"
"Didn't you hear Master say just now that he's going to Mondstadt? If Master goes to Mondstadt, we'll be left crying!"
"Besides, didn't you also say just now that someone from Inazuma came too?"
"If you don't make a decision faster, Master will be snatched away by others!"
Hearing Keqing's words, Ningguang fell silent.
Indeed.
These words were not wrong at all.
She had to make up her mind as soon as possible!
Sooner or later, she would have to speak up, and the outcome wouldn't change.
If she was earlier, perhaps there was still a chance to gain Ye Xi's regard.
If she was late, Ye Xi might really leave Liyue!
"Lady Ningguang!"
At this time, Baixiao hurried back and reported: "I have already told Instructor Feng that he must invite Mr. Zhongli with the utmost caution!"
"Mn."
Afternoon.
Business in Liyue Harbor became lively again.
As the capital of commerce, trade and contracts never ceased for a moment.
In the market, several fruit stalls suddenly opened. The signs hung out surprised the passersby greatly.
[Sumeru Specialty Fruits!]
People passing by all stopped in their tracks.
"Fruits from Sumeru?!"
"I heard Sumeru's fruits are especially delicious!"
"But, how can there be so many!? It's not a scam, is it? And so fresh! There are so few merchants coming from Sumeru!"
"Exactly, it couldn't be fake, right!"
For a time, there were many onlookers, but no one dared to step forward to buy easily.
Within the crowd, a wealthy young master stepped out.
"Everyone, since everyone is worried about stepping on a landmine, let me test the waters."
Upon seeing this young man, the surroundings immediately erupted in discussion.
"It's the Second Young Master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild!"
"To think Young Master Xingqiu would be here, what a surprise!"
"Young Master Xingqiu, please test the trap for everyone! Thank you!"
Xingqiu bowed slightly, arriving in front of the fruit stall and smiling: "Boss, are your watermelons guaranteed ripe?"
The boss was a young lad, and he hurriedly smiled apologetically: "Young Master, look at what you're saying. I open a fruit stall; would I sell you a raw melon egg?"
"Then..."
Xingqiu picked up a fruit knife from the side and cut open a piece of watermelon. Immediately, the watermelon juice flowed out, visible to the naked eye.
The stall owner was startled: "Cough... Young Master, you split my melon; this isn't appropriate, right?"
Xingqiu gave a look to the attendant beside him, and the attendant immediately took out a bag of Mora and handed it to the boss.
Now, the boss nodded with satisfaction: "Yo~ Master! As you please!"
Xingqiu picked up the watermelon and displayed it to the surrounding passersby: "Everyone look, this melon is full of juice and ruddy in color; it's definitely delicious!"
"I know everyone is worried about encountering fakes. After all, according to historical records, Sumeru's fruits haven't entered the Liyue market for hundreds of years."
"However, I have done some research."
"Sumeru's fruits are born in the rainforest, with sufficient rainwater and natural growth."
"So the size is large, the juice is plentiful, and the color is fresh and beautiful."
"Everyone can rest assured!"
Saying that, he cut a piece off and tasted it.
That expression of enjoyment did not seem like a lie in the slightest.
Now, the surrounding passersby all believed it.
Instantly, they swarmed up and began buying and buying.
Xingqiu squeezed out of the crowd. Chongyun, waiting at the side, was very puzzled.
"Xingqiu, why did you suddenly get interested in fruit?"
"Eh?"
Xingqiu chuckled and said: "Because this stall belongs to my family."
Chongyun: ...
"Isn't this just like Old Wang selling melons, praising his own goods!"
"It looked full of sincerity, but actually, it was all acting! Too bad!"
Hearing Chongyun's retort, Xingqiu laughed loudly: "When a batch of unfamiliar fruits appears in the market, there always needs to be someone to take the lead and test the waters!"
"Besides, these fruits are really delicious. If you don't believe it, taste one?"
Chongyun tasted a mouthful skeptically, and his eyes lit up instantly.
"Mm! It's true!"
The two were chatting happily when suddenly, a squad of Millelith came out from the main gate of the General Affairs Office nearby.
The leader in the army was actually the Head Instructor, Feng Yan!
And the few of them were in a rush, seemingly about to do something important.
This made Xingqiu very curious, so he pulled Chongyun and followed.
Three Bowls Drunk.
At the roadside tea stall.
[...A flash of astonishment passed through the Lord of Geo's eyes. In the nick of time, a rock spear that pierced the sky emerged from the clouds!]
[Seeing this, the great serpent in the sea was terrified out of its wits and hurriedly fled toward the open sea, but it was too late!]
[One only saw the rock spear fall boldly!]
[Crack, crack, crack—]
[The rock spear shattered rapidly upon striking the serpent's body, but it also left a long gash...]
The storyteller spoke with emotion and color, while at the tea stall to the side, Zhongli held a teacup, listening with keen interest.
Many past events, if he didn't listen to them often, would be forgotten due to erosion.
Just as everyone was listening intently, a squad of Millelith approached cautiously.
They didn't dare to step forward to disturb, just waiting quietly.
However, seeing the Millelith, the storyteller Iron Tongue Tian panicked.
His train of thought couldn't help but break, and he stopped.
The crowd originally listening to the story opened their eyes, very puzzled.
But seeing the Millelith behind them, they instantly shivered with fright.
"Yo, Lord Soldier! You are..."
"Head... Head Instructor Feng!? I didn't commit any crime, right?"
"I... how about you sit?"
If it were other Millelith, it would be one thing.
This was the Head Instructor of the Millelith! He handled matters seriously and diligently, and his prestige was very high.
Feng Yan hurriedly bowed and looked at Zhongli to the side.
"Mr. Zhongli, Lady Tianquan invites you; she invites you to Yuehai Pavilion for a chat!"
Zhongli, who was recalling the past, slowly came back to his senses. Hearing Feng Yan's words, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.
"Oh?"
"What important matter does Lady Tianquan have with an idle person like me?"
Feng Yan lowered his head and apologized busily: "Mr. Zhongli, I do not know. The order I received was only to invite Mr. Zhongli!"
Now, Zhongli's thoughts were a bit mixed.
'Could it be that my identity has been seen through?'
He shook his head secretly; this matter shouldn't be known by the Liyue Qixing.
Thinking it over, he still decided to make the trip.
Perhaps it was something else?
Thinking of this, Zhongli stood up calmly and said: "Then I will trouble the Head Instructor to lead the way."
"Yes!"
Feng Yan extended his hand: "Please."
Watching Zhongli leave under the lead of the Millelith, the surrounding tea guests all panicked.
"Bad news! Was Mr. Zhongli really arrested for defaulting on debts!"
"It must be! This time it's even Lady Tianquan interrogating personally!"
"It's over, no running away this time!"
"Sigh... Mr. Zhongli is a pretty good person, refined and easygoing, he just always owes money everywhere. What to do!"
"He won't be thrown in jail, right!"
"..."
Xingqiu, who had followed all the way from the General Affairs Office, had a change in expression. He hurriedly pulled Chongyun and said: "Go, quick, go to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
"We have to tell Hall Master Hu about this matter!"
"Eh——?"
Chongyun looked crestfallen; being dragged by Xingqiu, his legs were about to break from running.
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