Hu Tao spoke of the 'movement' and 'stillness' of ingredients, and for some reason, she could infuse a philosophical sense into a single dish.
They stood quietly, discussing, while Guoba bounced around, looking left and right.
Some of the readers were confused, wondering why there seemed to be so much written about Guoba in the book this time.
Although the surface narrative focused on Xiangling and Hu Tao's discussion, descriptions of Guoba always appeared whenever there was an opening. Why was this?
Everyone was at a loss, as Guoba's current behavior was just running and looking around.
Aside from being very bouncy when he ran, he didn't seem to have any other notable characteristics.
[Xiangling: "So that's how it is! It sounds like nonsense, but it's inspiring. As expected of Hu Tao, thank you!"]
[Paimon: "When it comes to spouting nonsense, even the storyteller can't beat Hu Tao."]
[Lumine: "Hu Tao must know a lot about philosophy."]
[Hu Tao to Traveler: "Oh—! As expected, you're the one who understands me best~!"]
["All things in heaven and earth, birth, aging, sickness, death, sweet, salty, spicy, all have their own rules and boundaries! Those who know, know."]
"Truly words befitting this Hall Master." Hu Tao was very satisfied. "Qiu Qiu wrote it well."
"Still just spouting nonsense," Paimon grumbled. She had already returned to Liyue with the Traveler.
"Hmm… from a universally rational perspective, indeed, what Hu Tao said was—nonsense," Lin Qiu commented, stroking his chin.
"..." Zhongli indicated that he had no opinion, but he wouldn't be accompanying them. He would go listen to Tian Tiezui's storytelling instead.
"What a cold joke, Qiu Qiu!"
In the story, after the Traveler and Xiangling finished their discussion with Hu Tao, they went to Bubu Pharmacy.
[Baizhu (?): "Oh? Rare guests. It seems you're not busy today."]
[Paimon was surprised. How was Baizhu's voice a female voice?
["Waaah, how did Baizhu's voice change like that!?"]
[Changsheng: "Hey! Look~ at~ his~ neck~!"]
Paimon in the book then realized that it was Changsheng, the snake around Baizhu's neck, who was speaking.
[Baizhu: "Are you here for medicine?"]
His question wasn't problematic, as this was a medical hall, and people came here mostly for treatment or medicine.
However, the Traveler had been to Bubu Pharmacy many times, and not once was it to get medicine.
This time was no exception. She and Xiangling came to the medical hall to discuss what to eat with the doctor.
Qiqi stated that he couldn't taste anything, only feel the texture, which is why he liked cool… coconut milk.
This finally let everyone know why Qiqi liked coconut milk: it was because he couldn't taste anything… only feel the coolness.
Baizhu, from a doctor's perspective, considered more whether the dishes were easy to consume.
The book described the Traveler chatting happily, while Guoba tilted his head, looking in a mirror nearby.
Then he ran to the other side, giggling as he 'read' a book.
Lin Qiu occasionally gave Guoba some lines, making it feel as if Guoba was constantly stealing the spotlight, which made people even more curious.
Could this Guoba be the 'red herring' in the book? Was he meant to distract attention?
People continued reading with curiosity. Paimon suggested they ask someone with a picky palate.
Then, they went to find Ningguang and Keqing.
This made Ningguang somewhat silent. 'Am I considered someone with a picky palate?'
As for Keqing? The Moonchase Festival was about to begin, and he had no time to read. He was currently working overtime with Ganyu.
"What! You said Zhongli is the Geo Archon!?" Keqing was greatly astonished.
He had just learned this news while chatting with Ganyu.
"Oh no, oh no, I even said he was indecisive. Oh no, oh no." Keqing paced back and forth in his room.
"Compared to that, Yuheng, the Prophet's new book is a story about the Moonchase Festival. Would you like to take a look?" The Yuehai Pavilion secretary brought the book.
The content Keqing and Ganyu were working overtime on was the Moonchase Festival, and this story happened to be about the upcoming Moonchase Festival, so the secretary believed it was work-related.
"It's about this Moonchase Festival? Bring it over, I want to see." Keqing became interested when he heard it was related to work.
Returning to the story, the Traveler and his companions arrived at Yujing Terrace, where Keqing and Ningguang were, and found Beidou also there.
There seemed to be an unknown stone here. Keqing said he would handle it.
[Beidou: "Keqing always acts decisively, so I'm relieved to leave it to you."]
[Ningguang: "By saying that, are you implying you don't trust my capabilities?"]
[Beidou: "Huh? Keqing is always out and about, of course he's different from you. Besides, you don't even care about this matter, why are you arguing!"]
[Ningguang: "It was just a joke, but you're taking advantage and lecturing me now."]
[Ying: "Are we here at the wrong time…"]
Beidou explained the origin of the stone to the Traveler: it was fished out of the sea by a fisherman.
It's unknown if he caught any fish, but he did pull up a stone that looked out of the ordinary.
The most unusual thing about this stone was that it couldn't be broken by any means.
This was also what Keqing was working overtime on at the moment; this mysterious stone had just been delivered to him by the fisherman.
With the Moonchase Festival approaching, and suddenly this unknown object appearing, no wonder he had to work overtime.
Seeing the part about the stone, Zhongli understood. So, it was this old friend's turn this time…
After the book finished describing the stone, the Traveler finally explained the purpose of his visit to Ningguang, asking about their food preferences.
[Ningguang: "My taste is very simple: refined, concise, pure, and delicate. That's all."]
Upon seeing this, the readers broke out in a cold sweat. Was this considered simple? Thankfully, Beidou helped them complain.
[Beidou: "This is simple? Spend a few weeks at sea, and I guarantee it'll cure your pampered habits."]
[Xiangling asked: "What about Sister Beidou?"]
[Beidou: "Me? Fresh, hot dishes are fine. It'd be even better if they could add some chili."]
[Keqing: "As for me… still seafood, of course."]
"Seafood, huh…" Zhongli fell silent. This Yuheng was even different from him in terms of food preferences.
Keqing still didn't know that the Archon he admired completely disliked seafood, the opposite of his taste.
Yelan, however, had a taste very similar to Beidou's, both preferring spicy food.
The Traveler in the book summarized the three people's favorite dishes, feeling there was no common ground.
Xiangling, however, retorted: ["Not necessarily! Do you know about golden shrimp balls?"]
Upon hearing the words 'golden shrimp balls,' Keqing's eyes widened. 'That's my favorite!'
Xiangling explained the preparation and deliciousness of golden shrimp balls, making Keqing's stomach rumble. He hadn't eaten due to overtime.
[Keqing: "Exactly. golden shrimp balls combine both aesthetic appeal and taste; they are an extremely valuable dish."]
[Xiangling translated: "Mm-hmm, understood. Keqing likes golden shrimp balls the most."]
"So Keqing likes golden shrimp balls." 'Translation Master' Xiangling mused.
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Character Voice Line · Keqing: About golden shrimp balls
"Ah… I do like them a lot, but Lin Qiu didn't have to publicize it so much in the book!"