"Welcome, all four of you, to the Wanmin Restaurant loved by the people! We're an established brand with many signature and innovative dishes, guaranteed to make you reluctant to leave!"
The moment the four entered, Chef Mao rubbed his oily, calloused hands together, squinting his eyes which gleamed with enthusiasm as he warmly welcomed their arrival.
Wanmin Restaurant was always passionate about its customers. This was a must-have for all establishments, the most basic requirement. After all, no one would willingly enter a restaurant where people always wore bitter faces.
Because that would affect the diners' mood while eating.
"Owner, we would like to order. For four," Zhongli gave Chef Mao a slight nod. He rested one hand on his chin, quietly observing the decor.
It had been a while since he last visited Wanmin Restaurant. He wondered if any new dishes had been added. It was something to look forward to.
He had heard that Chef Mao's daughter, Xiangling, had recently returned from gathering ingredients elsewhere. She was a culinary genius. He was confident her creations would please these three friends.
"Oh! If it isn't the exceptionally knowledgeable Mr. Zhongli from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Welcome, welcome!"
"You haven't been here since your visit three months ago! It's rare to have the time now!"
Chef Mao continued rubbing his hands together, speaking with a cheerful smile. Although Mr. Zhongli often dined without Mora, Liyue always held great respect for erudite scholars.
His eyes subconsciously moved to the three individuals behind Zhongli. The moment he saw them, he froze.
He wasn't very familiar with the other two, but that green-haired youth... he definitely recognized him. In the past, when he accompanied his daughter to gather ingredients outside, they had encountered danger.
At that time, although his daughter had been studying spear techniques under an elderly master and had the fire-breathing Guoba by her side, they were still helpless against so many foes.
It was then that they were fortunate enough to encounter the legendary Conqueror of Demons.
"A-Adeptus!"
Chef Mao's voice even stammered a bit. W-what monstrous crime had his restaurant committed? To warrant a personal visit from an adeptus!
Thinking this, Chef Mao immediately clasped his hands together, bowing his head deeply with an innocent expression.
"This establishment has always operated with integrity and has never engaged in any wrongdoing!"
The three Yakshas had different reactions to this scene. Bonanus awkwardly massaged her forehead. I knew it!
Coming to the mortal realm in this form would inevitably cause some commotion.
Compared to Bonanus, Xiao's expression was much cooler. He clearly recognized the man before him—more accurately, he had a very vivid impression of his daughter.
He remembered once, his daughter had gone deep into the wilderness late at night, holding a plate of steaming hot food, shouting his name.
Xiao never ignored any summons. As long as he heard it, he would surely arrive and resolve the crisis.
But this girl had wanted him to sample her dish, which had left him somewhat at a loss. Apart from Almond Tofu, other foods were difficult for him to swallow.
However, seeing the girl's expectant face, Xiao wasn't a completely heartless person. In the end, he tasted a little, offered some evaluation, and then quickly departed.
When he left, that girl—Xiangling—had been overjoyed for a long time.
"There is no need for alarm, proprietor. These three are the guardians of Liyue, the Vigilant Yakshas."
Seeing Chef Mao's reaction, Zhongli also shook his head helplessly. He admitted that bringing the three Yaksha adepti here was indeed a bit abrupt.
But since they were already here, they might as well proceed.
"I believe you have already witnessed the two adepti who appeared during the confrontation with the ancient god," Zhongli continued.
"Y-yes!" Chef Mao nodded slightly. At that time, when his daughter returned, he had gone out with an umbrella to see the situation.
The moment he stepped out, he saw that hydra-like monster. It was terrifying! In that moment, he felt as if he had brushed with death.
Even though similar incidents had happened several times before, this kind of fear never lessened, no matter how many times it occurred.
"These two Yakshas are named Bosacius and Bonanus. According to records, they went missing during the Archon War."
"Now that they have fortunately returned, the adepti of the mountains entrusted me with showing them today's Liyue."
Upon hearing this, Chef Mao's eyes immediately lit up. So that was it! This was a joyous occasion indeed!
Today, two guardians returned. Tomorrow was the annual Lantern Rite. All the good news was coming at once!
"As expected of Mr. Zhongli! To be entrusted with the task of guiding adepti to inspect Liyue! Admirable, truly admirable!"
Chef Mao said excitedly. These were adepti! He was certain his restaurant would become even more prosperous after this.
"Standing here isn't proper. Mr. Zhongli and the three adepti, please follow me to a private room."
Chef Mao was very considerate. Even though the main dining area of Wanmin Restaurant was nearly full, he still managed to clear out a private room.
After all, they were adepti. Adepti always attracted attention. Therefore, sampling the dishes in a private room was best.
---
Inside the Private Room
The private room was decorated in vibrant red, all festive crimson. If one didn't know better, they might think a wedding was being held!
The four followed Chef Mao's direction and took their seats.
"You are too kind, proprietor. May I ask if your esteemed daughter has returned?" Zhongli beckoned, indicating for the menu.
"Oh, Mr. Zhongli, your timing is perfect! My daughter just returned today from gathering ingredients outside."
"That silly girl! She's created many new and different dishes out there! They look strange, but are actually incredibly delicious!"
Saying this, Chef Mao hastily rushed out the door, heading straight for the kitchen entrance to call his daughter over.
Watching the proprietor leave, the three Yaksha adepti couldn't help but sigh deeply. He's really too enthusiastic. It made all three of them somewhat uncomfortable.
Especially Xiao. This adeptus was always solitary, never walking under so many gazes. It made him uncharacteristically uneasy.
"Hahaha! The people of Liyue are truly enthusiastic nowadays!" Bosacius placed his hands on the table, looking around at everything with curiosity.
During the Archon War, he had never seen such beautiful decorations. After all, war was everywhere then.
All the gods across Teyvat were fighting for the Seven Archons' seats. There wasn't time to arrange such extravagant decor.
Fortunately, I survived, long enough to see the beauty of the mortal world once more. Thinking this, he couldn't help but remember his other two siblings.
"Sigh... I wonder where those two fools are..." Bosacius sighed softly. Yakshas have no resting place for their souls. Where should they go after death?
Hearing this, Xiao only slightly furrowed his brows. He crossed his arms, closed his eyes to rest, and said nothing.
"Elder Brother Bosacius, I believe Brother Menogias and Sister Indarias will definitely return one day," Bonanus said with a gentle smile. As she spoke, her eyes couldn't help but become resolute.
I must earn enough Karmic Debt! Then warp space to reach the worlds of those two Yakshas! And save them!
"Hahaha! Little Sister really knows how to comfort me! Yes! Since we have returned, then those two fools will surely return too!"
Bosacius laughed heartily again. Dwelling on some things too much only brought sorrow. Rather than that, it was better to take good care of the two dear ones before him.
Bosacius thought his little sister was comforting him and didn't take it too much to heart. He turned to Xiao with a teasing look.
"Alatus, you should learn from Little Sister here. Hearing 'Elder Brother' called out so sincerely warms my heart!"
"Hmph! Boring."
Bosacius might not have minded these words, but that didn't mean another person present didn't. Zhongli slightly frowned, his gaze assessing as he looked at Bonanus.
That statement... it felt like it carried a deeper meaning...