Zhu Yuan wasn't the only one deeply impressed by the group—Qingyi felt the same after meeting Keqing and the others.
Especially Keqing and Xiao.
From Keqing, Qingyi sensed an Electro attribute like her own—only stronger.
As for Xiao… when she approached the tattooed youth, a faint sense of danger swept over her, as if she were facing a wild, untamed beast that could strike at any moment.
These people were anything but ordinary.
Qingyi sighed and reminded her, "We've got the intel. When should we send it to Hoshimi Miyabi?"
Zhu Yuan snapped out of her thoughts. "Thanks for the reminder, senior. I nearly forgot... I'll send it to her right now."
With that, she forwarded the recently gathered data—names, background info, and supposed purpose of the visit to New Eridu—to Hoshimi Miyabi.
The only problem was...
Aside from their names, everything else was fabricated.
Keqing and the others weren't from the Outer Ring—they came from another world.
And they weren't here to visit Sam Li or explore—they were here to investigate this world.
After sending the report, Zhu Yuan let out a breath. "Alright, but I'm still uneasy. I'll head back to Hare's House again tomorrow…"
Even if they were Sam Li's friends, she couldn't shake the suspicion that they might be connected to the Outer Ring resistance. As a security officer, safeguarding New Eridu was her duty.
With that in mind, Zhu Yuan cast a glance toward the direction of Hare's House, then drove off in the patrol car.
...
Meanwhile, on Keqing and Hu Tao's side.
Led by Billy and Anby, the group took the subway to Lumina Square.
Along the way, Paimon pointed excitedly at everything they passed.
"Traveler, look at that huge doll over there… and those clothes—so pretty!"
Billy said confidently, "That's nothing. Lumina Square is just ahead—it's way more impressive than this. Of course, the most extravagant place is still the city center…"
Soon, the train arrived.
Billy led them into Lumina Square. The broad streets, the crowds, the buzzing plaza—it was all dazzling.
Paimon's eyes lit up. "This place is ten times livelier than Fontaine…"
Billy stopped. "Hold on, I'll check which restaurant Nicole reserved."
After a quick reply from Nicole, he pointed ahead.
"That one, right up front. Let's go."
Paimon turned to the others. "Keqing, Traveler, Hu Tao, Xiao—Nicole already set everything up. Let's hurry! I'm starving."
Keqing nodded. "Mm."
The Traveler said with mock seriousness, "Paimon, we can explore the rest of the area later."
Paimon stared. "..."
Of course, the Traveler was just teasing her and walked on ahead.
Paimon lit up. "Knew it! That area's explorable. Let's move!"
...
A few minutes later, they stepped into the restaurant—only to find the table already packed with delicious dishes. Nicole was there too, having clearly been waiting.
But...
Nicole seemed distracted. Even as everyone entered, she just sat there, dazed, not even noticing them.
Nekomata skipped over happily. "Whoa, mackerel! Nicole, I love you!"
Nicole snapped out of it, turned her head, and forced a smile as she saw the group. "You're right on time…"
Sam Li frowned slightly.
He could tell—Nicole had something on her mind.
Was it… because of Hu Tao's arrival?
Probably not.
When Caesar came the first time, Nicole had acted completely normal. This was different.
It must be something else.
I'll ask her later.
Nearby, Paimon couldn't hold back anymore and zipped toward the table.
"Wow! Look at that giant chicken leg! And that boiled fish—smells amazing…"
The Traveler, Keqing, Hu Tao, and the rest each found a seat.
Back in Teyvat, the Traveler and Paimon had already traveled across six of the seven nations, sampling cuisine from every land...
But now?
Even with all that experience, the food of New Eridu still surprised them. It was just that good.
And the drinks—though different from Fontaine's Fonta—were just as refreshing.
Hu Tao chuckled. "Seeing Sam Li eating so well here puts my mind at ease. I was worried you'd be starving…"
Sam Li: "…"
Then she leaned closer and whispered, "When I leave, I'm taking you with me."
Sam Li: "…"
...
As they ate, the group chatted about their upcoming plans.
Billy smiled. "I wanted to take Arataki Itto to the arcade before, but he left too fast. Since you're Sam Li's friends and it's rare for you to visit, let me take you all tomorrow."
Arcade?
Paimon didn't know what that was, but it definitely sounded fun.
Overjoyed, she held up her chicken leg. "Yay! Don't worry, Billy—when we get back, I'll tell the cowherd to come find you!"
Billy blinked. "Cowherd? What's that?"
Paimon giggled. "It's my nickname for Arataki Itto."
Billy instantly got it.
One's a flying dwarf violet melon, the other's a cowherd… If he remembered right, during that fight in the Hollows, there really had been a weird little bull around.
The Traveler was also curious about the arcade Billy mentioned.
But...
Keqing firmly declined the offer. "Thank you, but we already have plans. There's no need for you to go out of your way, Mr. Billy."
She wanted to return to the Hollows...
Or explore the Outer Ring Billy mentioned, maybe find another Geo Archon's Statue of The Seven...
Or gather more intel—especially anything tied to New Eridu's government—in preparation for their eventual contact with the authorities.
There simply wasn't time for leisure.
Billy sighed. "Alright... what a shame."
...
That night, once they returned to Hare's House, Nicole asked Billy to prepare three rooms—for Keqing, Hu Tao, and the Traveler and Paimon.
As for Xiao, there weren't enough rooms—he had to share with Billy.