While Han Feng was still chatting with Jean,
a tall figure appeared outside the Liyue branch of the Solace Book Store.
"Solace Book Store… hmm, this should be the comic shop the Hall Master mentioned."
Zhongli's amber eyes calmly scanned the storefront.
From the outside, it looked like an ordinary bookstore— quiet, understated, and unassuming.
If not for its remote location, one would never guess there was anything unusual about it.
"Let's go in and see for myself."
Without hesitation, Zhongli stepped through the door.
A flash of light surrounded him— and when it faded, he found himself standing in a spacious, well-lit shop interior.
"A teleportation device?"
His normally composed expression showed a hint of surprise.
The scenery outside and the place he stood now were completely different— it was clear he'd been transported elsewhere entirely.
"Strange… the Hall Master never mentioned this."
No wonder Hu Tao hadn't noticed.
She had probably assumed it was just a normal bookstore.
"Welcome! Would you like to read a manga?
100,000 Mora per person—only one reading per day."
A polite young maid, Noelle, walked up to him with a gentle smile.
"Ah. A friend recommended this place to me."
Zhongli nodded.
"The comics are on the shelves over there.
Once you've paid, feel free to choose whichever you like."
"Much obliged."
He gave a courteous nod in return and began walking toward the shelves.
But when his gaze landed on the young man behind the counter, he paused.
"That must be the owner of this shop…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yet I sense no divine aura from him.
Is his concealment that profound?
Or is there another explanation?"
Zhongli frowned faintly.
The young man before him seemed veiled in mystery— as if an unseen fog surrounded him, hiding his true nature.
Han Feng, noticing Zhongli's arrival, also felt a bit amused.
"Well, well… even the old man came to read comics."
He put down his phone and smiled warmly.
"Welcome, Mr. Zhongli.
The manga section is just over there."
Zhongli's eyes flickered.
"The shopkeeper… knows who I am?"
He hadn't introduced himself— and yet, something in the man's tone told him this wasn't a guess.
Even the Liyue Qixing didn't know his true identity as Morax, so this was quite the revelation.
His suspicions were confirmed when Han Feng added with a faint smile:
"Who in Teyvat doesn't know the great Geo Archon?
But here, all who enter are simply customers.
No need to concern yourself with titles—please, enjoy the manga."
Zhongli's eyes softened.
Though he didn't understand how Han Feng knew his secret, his words rang with calm reason.
"Indeed… once inside, there is no status, only curiosity."
He placed 100,000 Mora neatly on the counter and walked toward the shelves.
Han Feng blinked in mild surprise.
"He actually brought money?"
He had half-expected the old man to forget again and suggest, 'Just send the bill to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.'
If that had happened, well… no credit allowed— not even for the Geo Archon himself.
Meanwhile, Zhongli was browsing the shelves.
There were only six books left.
One in particular caught his attention.
"『Runeterra』? The story of another world, perhaps?"
He murmured thoughtfully, running his fingers across the cover.
That title suggested to him that Han Feng might not be a god of this world— but rather, an outsider, a being from beyond Teyvat itself.
With that quiet thought, he took the manga and walked into the reading area.
As the Geo Archon settled down to read, another god arrived not long after.
"Ehehe~ Han Feng! I'm back again!"
A cheerful voice rang out as Venti, the carefree bard of Mondstadt, sauntered in with his companion — the Maine Coon beast perched on his shoulder.
He waved energetically at the counter.
Today, like every day, he had been performing under the statue of Barbatos, retelling the tale of One Piece: East Blue Arc to promote Han Feng's shop.
His plan had been simple: tell a short bit of the story, then sneak away to read new comics.
But this time, his audience had come prepared.
They blocked his escape, demanding he continue.
So Venti had been forced to perform an encore, only just managing to slip away moments ago.
As soon as he stepped inside the shop, his eyes widened.
"Whoa! The place has changed so much!"
The store was now filled with countless small figurines and decorations based on characters from various mangas.
It was like a miniature museum— colorful and full of life.
"Hehehe, neat! But first—manga time!"
Venti skipped up to the counter.
"Han Feng, do you have Doraemon today?"
"I do. It's on the shelf over there."
Han Feng nodded.
Though many customers had visited earlier, none had picked that particular manga yet.
If they knew what kind of miraculous gadgets it contained, they might regret their choice.
"Really? You actually have it?!"
Venti's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement.
Could it be? The legendary Gourmet Tablecloth?
With that, he'd never need to spend Mora on wine again!
Thrilled, he dashed toward the bookshelf.
"Wait, is that… a cat?"
Seeing the blue, round figure on the cover, Venti froze.
He was terrified of cats.
But this one… looked different.
It had no ears.
"Yeah, but Doraemon isn't a normal cat," Han Feng explained, amused.
"He's a robot cat."
"A… robot cat?"
Venti's curiosity flared.
He'd heard of mechanical weapons before, but never mechanical cats.
He stared at the cover for a moment, then grinned.
"Heh, interesting!"
Grabbing the book, he headed into the quiet reading area.
In the past, his cat allergy would've stopped him cold— he'd start sneezing the moment he saw or heard one.
But after spending time around his Maine Coon companion, his immunity had improved.
Thanks to that, he could finally face this feline story— and maybe, just maybe, earn that Gourmet Tablecloth.
"Guess you helped too," Venti said, patting the creature beside him.
"If I get the prize, I'll treat you to something delicious!"
The Maine Coon let out a proud little meow.
Then, stepping into the reading zone, Venti spotted a familiar silhouette in the corner—and froze for half a second.
"Wait… that old guy's here too?"
A mischievous grin spread across his face.
He strolled over lightly and called out:
"Ehehe~ Old man! You came to read manga too?"
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