Chapter 238: A Generous Friend
Natsume's words seemed to untie a knot in the air. A visible wave of relief washed over Sonoko and Ran, who exchanged a relieved glance. The thought of two good friends having a serious falling out had been genuinely upsetting.
Okiya Subaru, however, processed the information with a different kind of focus. He had never considered the possibility that Kaveh and Alhaitham had a strained relationship. If that were true, did Alhaitham's recruitment into the Black Organization have some connection to the Teyvat Organization after all? Was it a defection? A double cross?
He was also taken aback to hear Alhaitham's name fall so casually from Natsume's lips. Her tone suggested she was not only close with Kaveh but also on familiar terms with Alhaitham. The network of strange and formidable people this girl had assembled was baffling. And at the center of it all was always the Teyvat Organization.
'Is she truly not a member?'he wondered, his gaze sharp behind his glasses.'Or perhaps possessing a Vision isn't a mandatory requirement for entry?'
His thoughts were soon interrupted as a parade of exquisite dishes began to arrive, their aromas filling the private room. Once the table was laden with culinary art, everyone picked up their chopsticks, ready to begin.
With a look of keen anticipation, Okiya Subaru selected a piece of glistening, sauce-coated meat. He placed it in his mouth, closing his eyes for a moment to properly appreciate the burst of flavor.
Seeing his reaction, Sonoko leaned forward curiously. "So, how is it? Amazing, right?"
Subaru nodded, a genuine note of admiration in his voice. "Mm, it's truly delicious. The color, the aroma, the taste... everything is in perfect harmony. It certainly lives up to your glowing recommendation."
He truly hadn't expected this. A member of a clandestine, powerful organization who was also a master chef? This was, without a doubt, the finest Chinese food he had ever tasted.
A self-satisfied grin spread across Sonoko's face at Subaru's praise. Before long, the lively chatter subsided into the pleasant sounds of a shared meal, and the plates were steadily emptied.
Just as they were finishing up, Xiangling bustled over from the kitchen during a lull in service. "I knew it! The picky guest Natsume mentioned had to be Mr. Zhongli," she said with a cheerful smile, before turning her full attention to the man in question. "How was everything today? Is there any room for improvement?"
Zhongli met her earnest gaze. "The flavors were excellent. Master Xiangling, your culinary skills have improved yet again." He then gestured gracefully toward one of the empty serving plates. "However, I believe this particular dish would achieve an even greater depth if it were prepared with a touch more spice."
Xiangling nodded slowly, her expression turning thoughtful as she absorbed his critique. "Hmm, you're right," she murmured, almost to herself. "Asking Mr. Zhongli always yields the best answers."
All the while, Okiya Subaru observed their exchange in silence. The back-and-forth was utterly seamless, looking for all the world like a simple conversation between a dedicated chef and a discerning regular. There was no hint of any deeper connection.
'Is their acting simply that good?' he mused. If he hadn't already known they belonged to the same organization, he would never have detected a single flaw in their performance. But it was precisely this flawless facade that stoked his curiosity, making him all the more determined to uncover the secrets they so carefully concealed.
As their culinary discussion wound down, Zhongli slowly turned his head, his amber eyes settling on the others waiting patiently nearby.
He offered a gentle, apologetic smile. "My apologies for taking up so much of your time. Please, allow me to treat you to this meal." His tone was sincere, as if he were deeply sorry for the minor inconvenience.
Before Sonoko or Ran could even think to decline, Kaveh spoke up eagerly. "No, let me! Mr. Zhongli, all the work on our last project was thanks to your help. We never would have finished it without you. It's a shame there wasn't anyone else available to lend a hand... you worked far too hard. So please, let me treat you. It's just a small token of my gratitude."
As he spoke, Kaveh gave Zhongli a look of deep reverence and thankfulness.
Natsume suddenly found herself intensely fascinated by a loose thread on the tablecloth, guiltily averting her gaze.
[Traveler, Kaveh is talking about you,] Paimon's voice echoed in her mind, dripping with scorn. [I can't believe you actually left Zhongli without any help. I never took you for that kind of person!]
'The... the more capable one does more work,'Natsume shot back, her reasoning flimsy but her mental tone firm.'There weren't many people available at first, and then... I forgot. Besides, the base is already built now, isn't it? And you didn't object back then, either!'
[I... I was trying to maintain secrecy!] Paimon retorted weakly.
"But as far as I know, Kaveh, your financial situation seems a bit tight at the moment," Zhongli said tactfully, his voice gentle but firm. "So, I will pay."
Natsume's head snapped up, her internal bickering with Paimon forgotten. She stared at Zhongli with a complicated expression, a single, incredulous question bursting from her lips. "Zhongli, do you have money?!"
At her blunt query, Zhongli paused, frowning in thought for a moment. He then looked back at the group with a hint of apology. "My apologies. I left in a hurry today and seem to have forgotten my wallet..."
Everyone's eyes darted from Natsume to Zhongli, their expressions a mixture of confusion and bewilderment.
Sonoko couldn't help but speak up, her voice a little awkward. "Um, how about... we just pay for it...?"
"Thank you, but there is no need to trouble yourselves," Zhongli replied, giving Sonoko a slight nod and a reassuring smile. He then turned back to the waiting chef. "Xiangling, please put the bill under Tartaglia's name."
"Alrighty," Xiangling chirped, nodding decisively as if this were the most normal request in the world.
"Who is this... Tartaglia?" Sonoko asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh," Zhongli replied, the corner of his mouth twitching into a faint, knowing smile. "He is a friend of mine. A very generous friend."
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