After dinner, Taro and Keqing had spoken at length.
Most of the questions came from her. He only answered what he could, and never tried to "guide" her.
She lacked experience. But really—did he have enough either?
At her age, his past self had only been cramming textbooks at university, not yet battered by the realities of society before suddenly being flung across worlds.
Most of that knowledge was gone now anyway, replaced by layers of grand but hollow "truths."
In practice, Keqing surpassed him.
Better not to speak too much. Best not to make a fool of himself.
"Thank you, Mister Taro, for clearing my doubts today. I've gained a lot."
When the meal was finished, Keqing stood, hand to chest.
"The day after tomorrow, please, you must attend my banquet. I promise you won't be disappointed."
"I'll come," Taro nodded with a grin. "But don't waste time on pomp. Make only as much food as we can eat."
"Keqing understands." She bowed deeply.
"Then I'll excuse myself. Until tomorrow's Rite of Descension, farewell."
As was her way, she left swiftly, without hesitation.
"Good energy," Taro muttered, watching her go. He stood.
"Boss Mao, bill please."
"No need." Mao raised a brow. "Lady Keqing settled it before she left. You've got some charm, kid."
"Tch…" Taro shot him a glance. "Old man, shameless."
"Fine, I'm off. And tell Xiangling thanks for me, will you?"
She must have been swamped—she never came by the back hall.
"Will do. Come again tomorrow."
Taro waved and left.
"Dad, Dad, where's Mister Taro?"
Not long after he left, Xiangling burst out, apron and spatula in hand.
"Too late," Mao chuckled. "He's gone. But he asked me to thank you for the meal. Said he was very satisfied."
"Argh!" Xiangling stomped her foot. "Why'd I miss him? I wanted his feedback today!"
"All Beidou's fault, dragging me upstairs…"
The praise was nice, but without comments to learn from, she could only wait for next time.
"Well now, did I delay you?"
Beidou came striding down with a wine jug, half-smiling.
"You did!" Xiangling glared. "That was my guest. Don't you go interfering."
"Alright, alright." Beidou raised her hands. "My bad. I'll apologize. Don't be mad, or the whole fleet's stomach will pay the price."
Then she hooked an arm around Xiangling.
"Come on, tell us more about this Mister Taro. You don't usually care so much about anyone's opinion—last one like that was Zhongli, wasn't it?"
"Yes!" Xiangling nodded fast. "Mister Taro came on Zhongli's recommendation. He understands cooking deeply, he's knowledgeable, a truly good person. I've learned so much already."
"Really?"
"Of course! Why would I lie?"
"Well then, I'll need to meet him. Next time he's here, drop a word for your big sis, eh?"
"Uh, me?"
"Sure. He's your regular, isn't he?"
"I… guess so."
"Good girl. Come on, let's go back up."
Elsewhere.
Keqing, heading home, suddenly ran into Ganyu.
"Ganyu? Going to eat?"
"No, Lady Yuheng."
She shook her head weakly, as though she might collapse any second.
"Lady Tianquan Ningguang has asked me to invite Mister Taro to the Jade Chamber."
Ningguang?
An invitation?
Keqing's eyes narrowed.
She had just left, and now Ningguang moved in?
So that was her plan. Not stealing, but recruiting.
Hmph. Old tricks. Let's see how badly she fails.
"I just parted with Mister Taro. He should be near Chihu Rock."
"Thank you, Lady Yuheng."
Ganyu smiled softly and hurried off.
Keqing, however, turned straight toward the Jade Chamber.
Home could wait.
This was a show she wouldn't miss.
"Keqing?"
When the door opened and Keqing walked in, Ningguang frowned slightly.
"What, Lady Tianquan doesn't welcome me?"
Keqing smiled lightly, leaning by the window.
"Don't mind me. I'm only here to enjoy the view. Pretend I'm not here."
View, my foot.
Ningguang could only sigh inwardly.
(End of Chapter)
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