The spring pond brimmed with water at dusk, shadows of summer trees overlapping.
Swaying emerald leaves cast mottled patterns over the red pavilion that stood tall on the long street, with carved beams, painted rafters, and glazed tiles. Above hung a lofty plaque, its characters written in bold, flowing strokes.
Liyue Specialty Shop.
What truly shocked Ken, however, was not the grandeur of the storefront.
It was seeing Venti sitting nearby, strumming his lyre and singing, while Zhongli handed out flyers—the two most ancient gods still alive in the world, diligently working as his shop's promoters.
"Hehe, how's the scene?"
Hu Tao tilted her chin proudly, plum-blossom eyes sparkling.
This had been her idea.
At first, she wanted to hire a lion-dance troupe, but Zhongli said he had a friend who could help. So, instead, she let Venti perform.
Now, the bard's melodies with their distinct Mondstadt flair were enchanting the crowd, drawing waves of admiration.
"Wonderful," Ken said sincerely.
As he spoke, Ken pulled out his phone from his system space. Though it couldn't connect to the internet, it could still take pictures.
Such a rare sight—two gods working part-time—was worth capturing.
Business is hard. Gods must busk.
Seeing the lively crowd, Hu Tao felt the moment had come. She hurried to the shop entrance with a specially made signboard and shouted loudly:
"Big discounts at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Buy one, get two free; buy two, get three! The more you buy, the more you get—don't miss out!"
With one hand on her waist and the other holding the sign, she announced cheerfully.
The onlookers immediately darkened.
They had come today because they heard the owner of a Mondstadt specialty shop was opening a branch in Liyue Harbor, and they wanted to try the food.
Yet before they even entered the shop, Hu Tao was already advertising funeral services.
Yes, Hu Tao was lively and cute—but the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor didn't sell food or fun. Who would casually order a coffin? Too unlucky.
"Director Hu really seizes every chance, huh? Even this kind of promotion you can think of!"
"But what are these 'instant noodles'? At Wanmin Restaurant, Chef Xiangling recommended them, saying they're convenient, delicious, and long-lasting."
"I came from Wanmin too. I just had their new noodles, they were excellent. Even Chief Mao recommended Liyue Specialty Shop."
"Come on, Director Hu, don't joke. Move your sign aside, I want to buy a self-heating hotpot. The ads say it's amazing."
"…"
The crowd laughed.
The citizens of Liyue Harbor didn't dislike Hu Tao. She was like a flame of midsummer—bright but untouchable.
So even though she was clearly taking advantage of the moment to promote her parlor, they only teased her lightly, never saying anything harsh.
"Just leave the sign at the door. Passersby will see it."
Ken took the board from Hu Tao and placed it under the shade.
From the conversations among customers, he learned Xiangling had also been helping promote his shop through Wanmin Restaurant.
"How's that? The world's greatest bard, not bad, right?"
Finishing his song, Venti came over with a grin. The emerald-clad figure looked every bit a carefree youth, lacking any "divine aura."
"Why are you in Liyue?" Ken smiled.
"To attend the banquet, of course." Venti glanced at Zhongli and laughed. "Director Hu, have your staff cover for him a bit. I'll introduce Mr. Ken to Zhongli."
Ken turned toward Zhongli. Normally, the Geo Archon was elusive, seen only when Wangsheng Parlor had business.
It seemed that after his identity was exposed, the old man felt a little guilty for all the Mora he'd charged off, and was now helping with trivial tasks.
"Fine, fine…" Hu Tao called staff to handle the goods and let Zhongli step down. Business at Wangsheng had been slow anyway; helping here was better than idling.
"Mr. Ken, I've long admired your name."
Zhongli stepped forward, his calm voice carrying the weight of centuries. His youthful face was tempered with a majesty born of time.
Unlike free-spirited Venti, Zhongli radiated the solidity of stone.
"Let's talk inside."
Seeing Hu Tao itching to keep advertising, Ken sighed, used Anemo magic to sort the goods, and followed Zhongli into the courtyard.
The inner yard was another world: streams winding past pavilions, pines and cypresses encircling the water. One could sip tea under red maples or admire clear springs from the veranda.
Beyond the stream, rockeries and flowers made for refined scenery.
"A fine environment. Thank you, Mr. Zhongli," Ken said sincerely.
Though Zhongli himself had freeloaded from Childe, getting such a place was still a kindness.
"It's nothing. But I do have a favor to ask."
Sitting at a stone table, Zhongli studied Ken's golden eyes, surprise flickering within.
He sensed no godly aura from Ken—yet his strength seemed formidable, perhaps even greater than Barbatos.
"Speak freely."
Ken understood Zhongli must have sensed his power, but he didn't bother hiding it. With gods, equal strength saved much trouble.
"I've heard you wield prophecy, foretelling the future. I ask that if the Qixing ever come, you refrain from predicting Liyue's affairs to them."
Zhongli spoke slowly.
Even if he revealed his false death later, now was not the time. It was also a test for the Qixing.
"I understand. Regarding your faked death, I'll keep the secret. Hu Tao knows, but she has discretion."
Ken spoke plainly. No point in dancing around with such an old fox.
Zhongli smiled faintly. "Then I thank you. Liyue's future hinges on this. Your understanding honors me."
"If you're grateful, come to Blue Star someday and help me out," Ken teased. "When your banner drops, it'll be better if the Geo Archon himself does the promo."
Zhongli: "…"
The solemn air broke instantly. He realized Ken wasn't joking.
No wonder he gets along with Barbatos—they're alike at heart.
Still, he didn't mind. With someone so powerful, friendship should be free and easy, not bound by formality.
And truthfully… he did want to experience for himself the lessened erosion Barbatos spoke of on Blue Star.
"Stop the pleasantries. Did Mr. Ken bring wine? Let the old man taste Blue Star's red wine," Venti chimed in cheerfully.
Compared to Zhongli's gravitas, Venti was pure youth and freedom.
"Your love for wine never fades."
Ken sighed, but pulled out a vintage bottle.
As the rich fragrance spread, the distance between him and Zhongli faded with each sip.
They say women make fast friends—but men are the same.
"Wait a sec… doesn't the Traveler also know about Liyue? What if she lets something slip…"
Venti suddenly remembered.
"Traveler?" Zhongli raised a brow.
"Another visitor from another world," Ken explained, thoughtful. "By my guess, she should be arriving soon."
…
Liyue Harbor.
After long mountain roads and endless beaches, Lumine and Paimon finally arrived.
Compared to freedom-loving Mondstadt, contract-bound Liyue was far more prosperous.
"Wow… so this is Liyue? Such a bustling place must have tons of good food. Let's eat first, I'm starving!" Paimon chirped.
Though they'd eaten at Stone Gate, it couldn't compare to the richness of Liyue Harbor.
"All you think about is food," Lumine sighed, though she too glanced around.
She'd visited Liyue in the game. Reality's Liyue was bigger, but its landmarks were the same.
"I heard Wanmin Restaurant has the best value! Let's go there?" Paimon tugged her arm, begging.
"…Fine, fine! Wanmin it is!" Lumine relented.
Wanmin was famous. Their ingredients weren't as fine as Xinyue Kiosk or Liuli Pavilion's, but their cooking made common foods shine.
Following directions, they soon reached Chihu Rock—only to see a long line outside Wanmin.
"So many people?" Paimon drooled. If this many line up, it must be delicious.
"You're outsiders, right? Wanmin launched new noodles today. We're here to try them," a kind local explained.
Paimon's eyes lit up. "We're lucky! Just arrived and already a new dish!"
But unlike her, Lumine was distracted.
She most wanted to tell Ken she'd reached Liyue. She didn't know why—but she wanted to share.
Still, with Paimon's hungry face, she stayed to wait.
…
Half an hour later—
"Eight bowls of beef noodles!" Paimon cried when their turn came.
"…Eight? Can you finish that?" Chief Mao asked.
"Of course! Paimon can eat seven alone!" she declared proudly.
The crowd laughed. Lumine blushed with shame. Is that something to brag about?
But Paimon didn't mind, happily chatting until the steaming bowls arrived.
"So fast?" She was surprised—until she saw the noodles.
Wide, familiar noodles.
Lumine's eyes narrowed. She stirred with chopsticks and took a bite. The chewy texture, the savory beef topping—it was exactly like what she'd eaten on Blue Star.
"Chief, where did these noodles come from?" she asked.
Chief Mao smiled but shook his head. "Not convenient to say."
Of course—this was Wanmin's new signature. If word spread, people might pester Ken for cooperation. Even with a contract, he didn't want to trouble him.
But Paimon whispered after slurping a bowl: "Hehe… it's from Blue Star, isn't it? Related to Mr. Ken?"
"You—how do you know?" Mao grew wary.
Lumine's heart leapt. "We're Mr. Ken's friends! Is he in Liyue too?"
"Mr. Ken opened a specialty shop at Feiyun Slope. You can visit. Just follow the signs outside."
Learning they were friends, Mao became warm again. Though he wouldn't reveal noodle sources, Wanmin knew gratitude. They'd even replaced their signboard with Liyue Specialty Shop's advertisement, complete with a drawn map to guide customers.
"Wow! Mr. Ken's here too? Then we'll never lack food again. Let's hurry once we finish!" Paimon bounced excitedly.
But Lumine stared at the map, her heart stirring.
She had just arrived in Liyue—and Ken had opened a shop here.
Was it… for her?
It had to be.