[It's already version 2.1, and I still don't know what Paimon's use is.]
[For roasting purposes. Being a guide is out of the question.]
[Unethical navigation, continuously guiding you astray.]
Xiangling followed up on what Lumine had said, "But if it was Mu Yang who invited you, he should've appeared directly. He came to Wanmin Restaurant just yesterday, so he should still be in Liyue Harbor."
Lumine grew even more puzzled. "Mu Yang came to Wanmin Restaurant yesterday?"
"Yep, he came to deliver the mooncakes mentioned in the letter."
At this point, Xiangling's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Let me tell you, those mooncakes were so delicious!"
"Our whole family loved them!"
"Indeed, this Adeptus Mu Yang is truly remarkable. Even I couldn't help but eat a few extra," Chef Mao chimed in as he brought dishes to the table.
"Though I tried making some myself early this morning, the taste was far from his..."
The praise from Chef Mao and Xiangling only made Paimon even more eager.
"Xiangling, um—"
"Pai~mon~" Lumine's voice and gaze were full of warning.
Those were gifts Mu Yang gave to Wanmin Restaurant—how could you even think of asking for some?
Have some dignity, please...
The scolded Paimon buried her face in her food, not daring to speak another word.
Lumine asked, "By the way, Xiangling, did you say you needed us for something earlier?"
Xiangling explained that she was participating in Liyue's "Ultimate Cook-Off" and wanted Lumine and Paimon to serve as her food consultants.
Chef Mao fully supported his daughter's decision. "Yes, yes! Getting advice from friends will broaden your perspective."
"Ultimate Cook-Off? Liyue has competitions like that?"
"Ah, sorry, I only mentioned the Moonchase Festival customs earlier."
"Actually, every Moonchase Festival has a different theme, usually decided by the Qixing."
"This year's theme is 'Cuisine and Scenery,' and to celebrate it, the Qixing specially organized this cooking competition."
Paimon pretended to ponder. "'Cuisine and Scenery'... Food and the beauty of one's homeland—what a great theme!"
Xiangling agreed. "I heard Lady Ningguang personally finalized this year's theme. She's so impressive..."
"Always so inscrutable..."
Lumine didn't think much and agreed.
After all, she was already back in Liyue Harbor. Given Mu Yang's immense power, as long as she was within the city, he'd definitely sense her presence.
So there was no need to wait around Chihu Rock.
Xiangling was overjoyed. "Really? That's great!"
"We've got nothing else to do anyway. When Mu Yang arrives, let's drag him into this too."
Paimon added, "That's a great idea! With Mu Yang's cooking skills, he'd definitely be a huge help to Xiangling."
"Hahaha, that'd be even better!"
Though Lumine had agreed, she still didn't know what being a "food consultant" actually entailed.
Xiangling admitted she was feeling a bit stuck.
When she first heard about the competition, she had already decided to participate.
But honestly, coming up with new dishes was really mentally taxing.
After that, there was still cooking and taste-testing...
Over time, with so much on her plate, Xiangling's judgment had started to slip.
"So, I wanted to ask you to help me gather everyone's thoughts on food."
"This time, I want to break out of my usual mindset, so I need to ask more people and collect different ideas."
So that was all she wanted—that was easy enough.
After all, as Liyue's great hero and someone who had taken on countless commissions here, Lumine had friends everywhere.
Lumine placed a hand on her hip and smirked smugly. "What can I say? I'm just too popular."
[Why are the little sister's dialogue options getting sassier?]
[That smug look—feeling pretty good about myself.jpg]
[From the Treasure Hoarders' Bao'er to Liyue's Geo Archon, she really does know everyone!]
"Oho, so confident!"
Paimon laughed. "No need to be so modest—it's nothing, really!"
"After we finish eating, let's go visit our friends in Liyue and ask for their thoughts one by one."
Lumine never missed a chance to tease Paimon.
"Looks like eating is more important than Xiangling's request, huh?"
"That's not true! Are you saying we should waste food? Waste is shameful!"
Xiangling giggled happily. "Mhm, perfect! Once Guoba gets back, we'll all head out together!"
As expected, these two could bring joy wherever they went.
After Paimon had her fill—
"Wow, that was so good!"
Chef Mao walked over. "Glad you liked it."
He turned to Lumine. "My Xiangling's a real handful. When you're out and about, please look out for her, you two."
Xiangling pouted at his words.
Weakly protesting, "Dad, why say it like that...?"
Chef Mao knew his daughter all too well.
"Do you think I don't know how you are? When you're outside, you can't just do whatever you want. Learn a thing or two from Lumine—see how reliable she is?"
Lumine smiled. "Don't worry, Chef Mao. Xiangling's our friend—we'll take care of each other."
"Guoba's back—he's doing cartwheels at the door right now."
"Then let's clean up and get going!"
[Cartwheels? Three-stage Elemental Skill!]
[Guoba: Judgment! Hah!]
[Again? Alright, alright—another Diluc main quietly shattered.]
"Moonchase Tales · Part 1"
One bite, two rounds of cooking, three meals of joy,
Four seas of fame, five flavors perfected.
[Quest Unlocked]
[This name is amazing—so cool!]
[Is this a couplet? Nice touch.]
[So well-structured! Quick, counter with another couplet and outdo him!]
Lumine, Paimon, Xiangling, and Guoba—the party of four—left Wanmin Restaurant.
They began discussing where to go first.
Paimon suggested, "When it comes to interesting ideas, Hu Tao is definitely the one who can give the most refreshing suggestions. I say our first stop should be Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Though Lumine found the phrasing odd, she didn't comment.
Hu Tao's way of thinking was unconventional—she might actually come up with something interesting.
——————
Guinaifen couldn't help but roast Paimon.
"As expected of a professional guide—first stop is the funeral parlor. Life's complete!"
[LMAO, I didn't even notice until the streamer pointed it out.]
[2333]
[That's what unethical navigation does—just leads people into ditches.]
[Hahaha, no wonder it sounded so weird.]
——————
As they chatted, none of them noticed a girl popping up beside them.
"Hm? Did someone just say this director's name?"