Onlookers' Grievance: Why do I have to suffer like this just for reading a comic?!
Venti slapped his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
Earlier, when he went to deal with the Stormterror incident, he'd left it temporarily at Diluc's tavern.
After coming back, he got completely absorbed in reading comics and forgot to go fetch it.
And now—
Night had already fallen...
"It can't possibly think I abandoned it, right?"
That thought made Venti uneasy.
He might not like cats, but that Digimon was, after all, something he had summoned.
They'd even reached a friendly agreement.
If it misunderstood and thought he'd left it behind on purpose, that would be a problem.
With that in mind, Venti hurried toward the tavern.
At the Solace Book House.
After Venti left, Han Feng also remembered something.
He'd been thinking Venti's promotional effect was great, so he wanted to find another person to help advertise.
And that person was none other than Barbara.
After all, as Mondstadt's national idol, her popularity was no small thing.
When Han Feng told Barbara about his idea, her eyes went wide in surprise.
"Boss Han, you want me to promote your shop?"
"Yes. I'll pay you Mora as a fee."
Han Feng nodded.
"No, no, that's just a small favor. I can just mention it during my concert. How could I take your money for that?"
Barbara waved her hands quickly with a smile.
"Besides, Boss Han, you've helped us so much already. Being able to help you in return makes us very happy."
"A concert?" Han Feng asked, curious.
"Mm. Because of the Stormterror incident, the people have been quite shaken, so I want to hold a concert to comfort them."
Barbara explained.
"I see."
Han Feng nodded thoughtfully, then an idea struck him.
"Since you don't want payment, I'll write you a few songs instead."
"You'll write me songs?"
Barbara's face lit up with excitement.
She didn't know what kind of music Boss Han could compose, but anyone who could run such an amazing comic shop was surely no ordinary person.
Her expectations were already climbing.
"I'll need some time. Come back in two days to get them."
Han Feng smiled.
In truth, the reason he offered to write songs was partly as a "payment" for the promotion.
But more importantly, he wanted to see what kind of stir songs from his previous life might cause in Teyvat.
Of course, the songs he referred to were ones he'd heard in his past life—
Not just timeless classics, but also ones made specifically for Genshin Impact characters.
Like Hu Tao's exclusive song — Ao!
Back on a certain video site, it had over 20 million plays.
Terrifying!
"Then it's settled!"
Barbara gave a sweet smile.
While the two were chatting, little Klee came running over with a comic book in her arms.
"Brother Han Feng, I've finished Cooking Master Boy. Is there a tasty reward?"
She looked up with pitiful eyes.
She had no idea how she even managed to finish it—
The food inside looked way too delicious, but she couldn't eat any of it.
It was torture!
"Don't worry, let's see."
Han Feng smiled, comforting her before checking the system panel.
Sure enough, the system updated:
Customer Klee finished reading Cooking Master Boy and received the reward — One serving of Magical Mapo Tofu with rice.
Magical Mapo Tofu: Possesses six qualities — spicy, aromatic, colorful, scalding, crispy, and numbing — hence the name "Magical." Created by Sichuan fairy chef Chen Bangling.
Note: This dish is personally made by Liu Maoxing. Its taste is unparalleled and can lift one's spirits.
"Talk about wish fulfillment."
Han Feng chuckled.
Klee had just been craving food, and now Mapo Tofu appeared—
And not just any Mapo Tofu, but one cooked by Liu Maoxing himself!
This was different from Sara's Golden Fried Rice recipe reward.
Even with the same recipe, a different chef could produce a completely different result.
And as a future Special-Class Chef, Liu Maoxing's cooking was bound to be extraordinary.
A radiant beam of light descended onto Han Feng's counter.
When it faded, a plate of food sat there—
Covered, so the other two couldn't see what it was yet.
"This is Klee's reward? What dish is it?"
Klee eyed the covered plate curiously, and Barbara leaned in too.
What kind of food could tempt Klee this much?
"You open it and see."
Han Feng gestured with a smile.
"Okay!"
Klee eagerly approached the counter and gently lifted the lid.
In an instant—
A golden light burst from the dish, illuminating the entire shop.
A brightly colored Mapo Tofu appeared before their eyes, accompanied by a rich, mouthwatering aroma that filled the air.
"What's with the golden light? Did she just get a rare reward?"
"Smells amazing! I've never smelled anything this good!"
"Just one whiff and I'm starving."
"I need to try my luck tomorrow!"
Several customers were immediately distracted from their comics, staring at the dish with undisguised longing.
If they were reacting like this, Barbara and Klee's expressions were on a whole other level.
"What kind of dish is this? It smells incredible and looks so appetizing."
Barbara couldn't help swallowing.
Now she understood exactly why Klee had been so desperate for food—
This was something else entirely.
"I know! It's Mapo Tofu!"
Klee waved her hand excitedly.
She had been craving it ever since she saw it in the comic, so of course she remembered.
"This is your reward, Klee. Dig in."
Han Feng smiled.
But instead of starting right away, Klee looked at the two of them.
"Brother Han Feng, Sister Barbara, you should eat with me."
"Is that okay?"
Barbara was tempted.
Normally she wouldn't compete with a child for food—
Especially not Klee's food—
But this Mapo Tofu was just too tempting.
And it was dinnertime...
"It's fine! I couldn't finish it all myself anyway."
Klee grinned.
"Then I won't hold back!"
Barbara patted her head, then looked toward Han Feng.
"Boss Han, will you join us?"
"Yeah! Come eat with us, it's my thank-you gift to you, Brother Han Feng!"
Klee blinked up at him.
With both of them inviting him, Han Feng had no reason to refuse.
And, truth be told, he was getting a bit hungry himself.
"Then thank you, Klee!"
He crouched down, ruffling her hair, then whispered in her ear:
"When I get a comic about bombs, I'll tell you secretly."
"Yay!"
Klee's eyes curved into happy crescents.
And so, the three of them happily began enjoying the Mapo Tofu, with cheers and laughter filling the air.
The rest of the customers, however, just stared at them with miserable expressions.
Why do we have to suffer like this just for reading comics?
This is too cruel...
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