"Hehehe..."
"One bottle, two bottles, three bottles... hehehe..."
Venti wore a dazed, intoxicated grin as he manipulated the wind, moving the bottles of the hundred thousand fine wines into his personal space one by one.
In his spare moment, he even turned his head to provoke Zhongli a little.
"Old man, how about I give you some?"
"Alright~"
Zhongli nodded immediately: "I'll take half."
"..."
Venti's eyes bulged.
Wait, was this still the old man he knew?
He actually had the face to say something like that?
Half? You want half??
That's taking my life away!
"Unwilling?"
Zhongli raised an eyebrow.
"One-third, one-third okay?"
Remembering the foolish things he'd done in the past, Venti rubbed his hands nervously, trying to haggle.
"Alright."
Zhongli nodded lightly, agreeing without a shred of hesitation.
After all, free wine—one-third was already plenty.
"..."
Crap, I gave away too much.
My wine, ahhh~
Venti's face fell instantly.
This was wine that had just left his hands—real, tangible wine right in front of him.
And just like that, one-third was gone.
Why did you have to open your big mouth...
"Old man, you're so cruel."
"My wine..."
Venti muttered under his breath, but his hands didn't stop moving as he silently set aside Zhongli's share.
"Past debts are written off."
They say one becomes soft after accepting gifts, and Zhongli was no exception.
After taking Venti's "payment," the foolish debts the bard owed him were cleared today.
"That's great then."
Venti's eyes lit up at once:
"From now on, can I often come over here to drink with you, old man?"
"As long as you don't drink yourself into a total mess, you're welcome." Zhongli nodded.
(Though that was just talk—expecting this drunkard not to drink himself into a stupor was nearly impossible. Back in the old Seven Archons' banquets, when had this bard not gotten completely wasted?)
"That's perfect~"
"This time I really struck gold. I'll definitely come often from now on."
Venti rubbed his hands excitedly, his heart practically bursting with joy.
Before, he'd been too guilty to come visit freely—afraid of being beaten.
Now, he could just drop by whenever he wanted.
What a beautiful thing.
"Taro, if you ever get tired of staying in Liyue, come visit Mondstadt."
"I'll welcome you with open arms."
Having smoothed things over with Zhongli, Venti winked at Taro.
The meaning couldn't be clearer: what's more normal than inviting big bro over to his home?
"I'll think about it."
"I haven't even spent enough time in Liyue yet."
Taro shook his head lightly, refusing the invitation.
He'd only been in Liyue a few days.
He didn't even know everyone yet—why would he run off to Mond?
Aside from Venti, he barely knew anyone over there.
It would just be him recognizing people, while no one knew him back.
Not fun.
"Fair enough~"
Venti scratched his head awkwardly:
"Then I'll just come here to hang out. Taro, you wouldn't kick me out, right?"
"Come whenever you like."
Taro smiled calmly: "Friends visiting my home—I never drive them away."
"Whenever you come, there'll always be good food and good wine."
"It's a deal!"
Venti nodded so fast it was like he was afraid Taro might take it back.
This guy—solid.
He'd definitely come often!
This trade was an absolute win.
"By the way, old man,"
Venti raised his finger toward the Adepti down below at Yujing Terrace.
"Shouldn't you invite them up here for a drink too?"
"They've got their own issues—even if their erosion isn't too severe."
"Oh, and what about that little Yaksha? Shouldn't you bring him over for a drink?"
"That kid's not only heavily eroded, but he's also plagued by karmic debt. Last time in Dihua Marsh he nearly lost himself to it. Lucky I happened to pass by and lend a hand."
"..."
At those words, Zhongli fell silent. He reached out with his divine sense and called upon Xiao in Dihua Marsh.
In just a flash, a swirl of dark-aqua light appeared.
With his Primordial Jade Winged-Spear in hand and his mask still on, Xiao materialized behind Zhongli.
Clearly, he'd just been carrying out his duty of exorcising demons.
Removing his mask, Xiao spoke quietly:
"Does the Lord have instructions?"
Seeing that both Taro and another stranger were present, Xiao immediately cupped his hands respectfully:
"Greetings, Taro."
"And you must be..."
"Just call me Venti."
Venti waved cheerfully: "Come, come—drink with us! This stuff really helps against erosion."
"Mm." Taro nodded. "Sit down, drink with us."
"..."
Xiao hesitated, his gaze drifting toward his Lord in silent question.
"Sit."
Zhongli spoke gently, pouring him a glass:
"This can ease erosion—it will do you much good."
"When you leave, take a bottle with you."
"Thank you, my Lord."
Xiao no longer hesitated, quietly taking the offered seat and carefully holding the glass.
The cool, smooth liquid slid down his throat.
His spirit jolted awake at once.
Looking down at the wine in his cup, Xiao's expression turned a little dazed.
If... such a drink had existed before...
"Don't dwell."
Zhongli, seeing his state, spoke warmly:
"Miracles are here before you. Do not sink into the past."
"Xiao understands."
Drawing a deep breath, Xiao quickly steadied himself.
Yingda was already back. Minuo, Fanan—they would return too.
Definitely.
"..."
Venti watched this scene quietly, sipping his wine.
Then he set his cup down, and the grin returned to his face.
"Taro, you're a man of miracles. Shouldn't we spread the word about this?"
"Some people have a lot of good things on them—maybe some of them are things you'd like."
Spread the word?
Was that even necessary?
Taro just shook his head.
"If word got out..."
"The ones who'd truly come with sincerity would be the minority."
"The majority would be those looking for trouble, or trying to rob me with brute force, or scheming some conspiracy."
"Forget it—don't go causing me trouble."
"Otherwise, I might just cut off your wine supply."
"What?!"
Venti panicked instantly, shaking his head furiously:
"Don't worry, Taro, there's no way the word gets out from me!"
"Absolutely not!"
Cutting off his wine—that'd be like taking his life.
No way, not happening.
Still... maybe that wasn't safe enough.
From now on, he'd have to listen more closely to the winds.
Anyone coming with ill intent, anyone trying to stir up nonsense—he'd filter them first.
Then let the Adepti and the old man filter again.
Every bit of trash gets cut off before it ever reached Taro.
But as for old friends who truly came seeking him, or even those who went directly to Taro...
That might be hard to refuse, huh.
Venti subconsciously turned his gaze toward Zhongli.
"Old man... care to give me some advice?"
"Think for yourself."
"..."
(End of Chapter)
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