At Wan Shi House,
Cao Zhong closed the chat group.
Although the people there were fun and entertaining, sitting too long wasn't good for the body.
"Life lies in movement!"
He turned on the music device he bought during his travels in Fontaine. A familiar tune played.
"National Student Radio Exercise—The Era is Calling!"
"Section 1… (something something)… 1234… 2234…"
After finishing the full set of exercises, that was basically all the exercise Cao Zhong would do for the day.
"Not bad… feels a lot better."
He looked outside. It was already noon.
Recently, because of those videos, his reputation had taken a hit.
No pretty girls came to chat about life or the future anymore.
Now he even had to prepare lunch himself.
Previously, Lumine would cook at home. Her cooking wasn't great, but it was edible.
But today, the Knights of Favonius sent her and Paimon on a commission for Lisa.
So now, he was alone again.
"No lunch… troublesome."
"Hmm… it's been a while since I went to Good Hunter. I wonder if Sara missed me."
"Alright, I'll go help her relieve her longing."
"Ah… I'm really such a thoughtful person."
With that, Cao Zhong headed toward the Good Hunter restaurant.
At noon, most Mondstadt citizens were eating or resting.
Some passersby reacted differently when they saw him.
Men looked angry, disgusted, and jealous.
"Jealousy. Pure jealousy."
Cao Zhong ignored them.
Women, however, showed surprise at first—then quickly avoided him.
"…Wait. Why are they avoiding me?"
"Shouldn't they be hugging me instead?"
"Something's wrong."
He decided to ask Sara.
At Good Hunter,
It was peak lunch hour.
"Here is your takeaway Sweet Madame, thank you!"
Sara finally finished serving the last customer and let out a long sigh.
She looked down the street, as if searching for someone.
"…Looks like Mr. Cao Zhong isn't coming again today."
"It's been a whole week… I wonder if he misses me…"
Then she suddenly got annoyed.
"It's all that stupid chat group's fault!"
"They're ruining my brother's reputation!"
"So what if he likes women? What man doesn't?!"
"He just made the mistake all men make—what's wrong with that?!"
"They're all haters!"
"Especially Kaeya and Venti—number one haters!"
"They're just jealous of his looks and talent!"
Sara kept mumbling.
Suddenly—
"Oh? My dear Miss Sara, what made you so angry?"
"Eh—M-Mr. Cao Zhong?!"
She was shocked—and happy.
"Are you here to eat?"
"Of course. I've missed your cooking."
Cao Zhong smiled.
Sara's face lit up instantly.
"Then… I'll make Almond Tofu and Cold Cut Platter for you, okay?"
"Perfect. I trust your cooking completely."
"Then… please sit. I'll prepare it right away!"
She ran off, flustered but excited.
Cao Zhong sat by the street.
Soon, the food arrived.
He gave a thumbs-up while eating.
"Delicious. Mondstadt's number one chef."
"N-no… not really…"
But she was clearly happy.
"By the way, I wanted to ask something."
Cao Zhong smiled.
"W-what is it?"
(He smiled at me… I'm going to die…)
"Why are all the girls avoiding me lately?"
Sara hesitated.
"This… well…"
Cao Zhong sighed softly.
"If you can't say, it's fine… I just wanted to get closer to everyone again. If they hate me, then forget it…"
He acted sad.
"No! That's not it!"
She quickly waved her hands.
After hesitating, she finally spoke.
"It's Amber… she told everyone to stay away from you… to teach you a lesson."
"…Ah."
Cao Zhong understood instantly.
"Amber… you've learned some tricks, haven't you?"
Just then—
"Miss Sara, we need something."
"Eh? Big scumbag, why are you here?!"
Paimon appeared, shocked.
Cao Zhong's face darkened.
"Paimon… today you're becoming my side dish." 😄