Xiangling had never interacted directly with Ningguang before.
Unaware that the Tianquan presented a completely different demeanor among acquaintances, she hurriedly explained:
"N-no, it's nothing that serious! Paimon made it sound way more dramatic than it is... I just came to ask about your food preferences."
"Food? That's quite a sudden question..." Keqing pondered.
She likely hadn't connected Xiangling with the Liyue Chef King Competition.
Ningguang responded: "My tastes are simple—refined, minimal, rustic, and precise."
Beidou: "You call that simple?"
Ningguang: "Four words summarize all my requirements. Isn't that simple enough?"
Beidou scoffed: "Spend a few weeks at sea—that'll cure you of these aristocratic habits."
Seeing the growing tension between them, Xiangling quickly redirected the question to Beidou.
After some thought, Beidou said: "Me? Anything fresh and hot works. Some chili peppers would be even better."
Finally, Keqing mentioned she enjoyed seafood.
Seafood, hot dishes, refined-minimal-rustic-precise...
"These keywords don't seem to have much in common..."
"Not necessarily! Lumine, you know about 'Golden Shrimp Balls,' right?"
The moment Xiangling brought up Golden Shrimp Balls, Mu Yang's gaze shifted to Keqing's face.
Sure enough, her expression changed instantly—it was absolutely hilarious.
(How much do you love these? Next time, I'll gift you a whole box of Golden Shrimp Balls!)
The players were treated to an extreme close-up of Keqing's face, complete with internal monologue subtitles:
(Eek! It's... it's my favorite...)
[This expression is a complete 180 from her usual competent self!]
[Hahaha, Keqing's so cute—total gap moe!]
[AAAAH I can't pull her! My wishes keep getting ruined! I want Keqing too!]
Xiangling shared her analysis:
Golden Shrimp Balls require meticulously cleaned shrimp wrapped in ultra-thin potato strands, then deep-fried.
They're the definition of a labor-intensive dish.
Visually exquisite, rich in aroma, deceptively simple in presentation yet demanding precision in technique.
All these qualities perfectly match Ningguang's four-word standard.
Plus, they're hot and made with seafood.
Somehow, she'd connected all the dots.
Keqing nodded repeatedly: "Exactly. Golden Shrimp Balls balance aesthetics and flavor—they're dishes of tremendous value."
Mu Yang remarked: "Judging by the Yuheng's expression, you really love Golden Shrimp Balls, don't you?"
Keqing was internally screaming.
(Does every encounter with Mu Yang have to expose one of my secret preferences?)
Xiangling cheerfully added: "Yep, they're her absolute favorite!"
Keqing desperately tried to deny it: "I-I never said that!"
"Hahaha, mission accomplished either way," Beidou mediated.
"Alright~ All three opinions collected! Thank you—I'll take them to heart."
Before leaving, Keqing caught up to them to thank Mu Yang for yesterday's mooncakes, which she'd loved.
Then, turning serious: "Lumine, Mu Yang—do you have plans later?"
Lumine glanced at Mu Yang: "Nothing urgent. Just helping Xiangling with surveys, then enjoying the Moonchase Festival. Right?"
Mu Yang guessed: "The Yuheng wants to investigate the stone?"
Keqing didn't beat around the bush.
Officially, as Qixing, they owed the fishermen an explanation.
Personally, she had theories to verify.
Her reasons for requesting their help:
Lumine and Mu Yang's capabilities were undeniable.
This involved Adeptal secrets.
Seeing Mu Yang's earlier expression had pained her.
Solving the stone's mystery might help restore his memories.
"Evidence?" Lumine frowned at Mu Yang.
Of course Mu Yang had no idea—how could he possibly follow Keqing's logic? He gestured for her to explain.
Keqing began:
Her grandfather was a scholar of Liyue's traditional culture.
His notes mentioned an ancient "Hearth God" worshipped during specific festivals.
However, records about this deity were scarce and contradictory—some schools believed the Hearth God was Rex Lapis, others insisted they were separate entities...
"One folktale claims people once found the Hearth God's shrine, which contained no statue—just a smooth-surfaced boulder."
"Reportedly lost during transport, its whereabouts remain unknown. This stone shares identical characteristics—it might be that very relic."
Keqing's grandfather hypothesized:
The "Hearth God Festival" might have been the precursor to the Moonchase Festival.
——————
Guinaifen nearly spat out her milk tea:
"Wait WHAT? Mu Yang's the Hearth God???"
[Chill streamer, that's not what Keqing said]
[See? Getting ahead of yourself. Mu Yang said it was an old friend's power]
[Exactly, even with amnesia he'd recognize his own energy]
Guinaifen coughed awkwardly: "Well... maybe..."
[Wanna bet? I'll do a chest-shattering-boulder stunt if true]
[If Mu Yang's the Hearth God, I'll eat instant noodles upside down!]
——————
"With Rex Lapis departed and Liyue in its era of human governance, we descendants should honor cultural traditions as he did."
"My investigation could verify history, revive traditions, test my grandfather's theory..."
Keqing looked at Mu Yang: "...and potentially help Mu Yang. Four achievements with one action."
Mu Yang thought: (That's one hell of a combo.)
Paimon, chin in hand, voiced everyone's confusion:
"Still don't see how this involves Mu Yang. Is he the Hearth God?"
The question plunged the group into stunned silence.
Mortified, Lumine clarified:
"Keqing means clues about the Hearth God might be inside the stone."
"Given Mu Yang's culinary mastery and familiarity with its energy, he might have connections to the deity?"
Keqing nodded.
Even Mu Yang hadn't anticipated this level of speculation.
(True, much of my cooking knowledge came from Marchosius... but it's not time yet. Baby steps.)
He pretended to murmur: "Hearth God... Marchosius..."
Keqing's eyes lit up: "Marchosius?!"
(Jackpot! Bringing Mu Yang was genius!)
"The name surfaced when I heard 'Hearth God'..."
Mu Yang gave the bare minimum—but "Marchosius" instead of "Morax" was enough to fuel Keqing's investigation.
Keqing declared: "This year's Moonchase theme is 'Cuisine and Scenery.' The threads of fate are clear."
Since the investigation might restore Mu Yang's memories, Lumine agreed immediately.
Xiangling, however, protested: "Narrow vision! How can the future Chef King miss out on Hearth God research?"
(Who knows? This might spark new culinary inspiration!)
Clasping her hands, she begged Keqing: "Please, take me along!"
"Since you insist... very well."
Thus, the Hearth God Investigation Squad was formed!