The readers also have the same doubts. Who made Lucian not write that story segment yet? Everyone doesn't know how the two of them developed an intersection.
[Venti also sees that Xingqiu doesn't want his identity exposed and quickly changes his tune: "Oh, upon closer look, it turns out you're a fan of Teacher Zhen Fang's books."]
This is great. Not only do two gods have to act, but now Xingqiu also has a layer of identity to perform.
Venti praises Xingqiu a couple of times, and Xingqiu praises back.
Whether they can muddle through or not, after Venti finishes mutually praising with Hu Tao and Xingqiu, it's finally Zhongli's turn.
In the illustration, the two 'gaze deeply at each other,' with Venti looking at Zhongli with a full face of smiles.
[Zhongli: "So, this is an acquaintance of Young Master Xingqiu?"]
Seeing these two old geezers pretending not to know each other, the readers gain a little joy.
[Traveler: "He's also my old partner."]
Oh~ my dear old partner, I knew it was you. That wine smell in the wind is as pungent as the stinky cheese that old lady Anna next door puts out.
[Venti echoes the Traveler and then says: "Right! And Xiao should recognize me too. We just chatted not long ago."]
[Xiao: "...Right, right."]
It does match up. Are introverts destined to be the playthings of extroverts?
The readers also get it. This is basically a 'Hu Clan Banquet' specially targeted at Xiao.
That big bird is outgoing introversion, so this little bird is shut-in introversion.
Xiao also didn't expect Venti to suddenly @ him and can only follow Venti's words to continue, indicating that before, when he was suppressing demons and evils, he happened to encounter this... this... Imperial Physician Wen!
He can help 'treat illnesses,' so how isn't he a doctor?
Alright, in fact, Xiao drags out the 'this' for half a day and still can't come up with what follows.
[Seeing Xiao stuck and unable to make it up, Venti smoothly says: "Hm? Forgotten after just a few days? My profession is 'bard' oh!"]
Profession is bard, part-time Anemo Archon.
As a bard, Venti is a high-charisma character. The persuasion check passes effortlessly, successfully fooling the four little ones.
Through the two's exchange, the Traveler and Zhongli also understand what's going on. The old friend who helped Xiao that Xiao mentioned before is Venti.
The readers also understand what's going on. So Venti came all the way selling—selling songs.
It's probably because Dvorak was supplying wine to Venti along the way, so he followed the wine scent.
[Xiao: "At that time, this bard was performing in Ogura Mimics. The music... was melodious and moving, soothing the heart, and I... couldn't help but listen for a while longer."]
Said stumblingly, probably making it up as he goes.
But it's not entirely made up, otherwise he wouldn't say it so fluently.
The readers then remember the comic segment drawn in Xiao's story from before. There seems to be Venti in it. So it's the story from this time? The foreshadowing is buried too far, huh?
[Zhongli: "I am Zhongli, currently employed at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I'm very pleased to meet you, this new friend."] (Emphasizing the setting)
The way these two old geezers look at each other right now is exactly like graduated Vs reincarnating into new accounts and mutually recounting their new settings to each other.
[Hu Tao: "Mm mm, his boss is me! If you have any dissatisfaction with the consultant's work, you can tell me oh!"]
Tartaglia: I have dissatisfaction.
Pantalone: I do too.
It's just a shame Hu Tao doesn't care about their dissatisfaction at all.
The readers also want to complain: I report, your consultant is slacking off! He can't even find sesame oil. The bamboo shoots were all dug by the Traveler.
[Venti: "Oh? Mm mm, no wonder. Only a boss this smart and reliable could recruit such a capable subordinate at a glance!"]
Venti puts emphasis on the three words 'at a glance' when saying this.
[Hu Tao walks to Zhongli's side: "My this consultant is indeed amazing. Well-versed in astronomy above, geography below; ancient and modern events, none unknown, none ununderstood."]
["Sometimes seeing how maturely he speaks, I even suspect he's some Adeptus visiting incognito!"]
[Xiao: "..."]
Guess what? AUV, you actually guessed right!
The readers also delight in seeing Xiao's embarrassed appearance like this.
An illustration: Hu Tao suddenly leans close to Xiao's side and stares straight at Xiao from up close, saying:
["Hey Great Sage, since you're an Adeptus, why don't you tell me—is that possible?"]
[Xiao: "I..."]
How can I say that?
["...Sorry, I only excel at conquering demons. My learning is shallow; I've never heard of such a thing..."]
Translated: I am a martial general, not skilled in words.
[Paimon: "But Xiao, I think you're very cultured, know a lot..."]
[The Traveler gives Paimon an eye signal and says via party voice chat: (Paimon, act.)]
[Paimon is first puzzled: "Ah?"]
[Then she reacts and says: "Oh oh oh oh, right, Xiao, Xiao he's a martial artist, doesn't usually enter the city much—it's normal not to know these things..."]
The readers also get it. At this dinner table, there are at least seven hundred ninety-nine scheming minds. You ask why not eight hundred? Because Paimon is missing a scheming mind.
[Venti: "Eh— is that so—?"]
["I'm rather familiar with Mr. Zhongli's great name."]
The readers are a bit expectant. What's this going to do? Is he going to reveal it!?
Want to see you reveal it, but also want to see you continue acting—such a dilemma!
Unfortunately, Venti has no intention of revealing. He's just finding a way to roast Zhongli.
["I've heard guests at the tavern chattering about it—there's this polite and refined young man who comes to Mondstadt's best tavern but doesn't drink, stubbornly ordering a hot tea with a mouthful of a name."]
Translated: You come to my Mondstadt and don't drink! Are you worthy of me? Refund! I'll refund it to you! I don't want your money!
[Zhongli says: "...Now that you mention it, I remember too. Mondstadt seems to have such an artist."]
["Rumored to be elegant and amiable, with works lively and fresh—it's not too much to call him Mondstadt's best bard."]
Here, Lucian inserts a segment: 'Zhongli: About Venti'
"That drunken poet who doesn't match the words 'elegant' or 'refined' in the slightest!"
[Venti: "Eh ya, you're making me blush."]
The readers are amused. Those who don't know would think you two are mutually flattering. Only after Shikikan writes it do they realize you're actually being passive-aggressive.
In reality, Venti looks at Lucian and Zhongli. Knowing you two is truly my blessing.
[Venti continues: "Actually, Mondstadt poetry overall is just like that—limited creative level."]
Mondstadt poets are hurt. You 'immortals fighting'—don't drop AOE, what did we do to deserve this?
["For example, I heard a poem a few days ago: 'The ancient abode renewed, welcoming spring winds that brush old memories.'"]
["The meaning is conveyed, but the wording is too commonplace—can't really call it literary."]
The Mondstadters are a bit bewildered. This doesn't sound like Mondstadt poetry—more like Liyue verse.
Zhongli takes a sip of tea.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice Line · Zhongli: About the Poem Venti Mentioned
"Mm... I rather think Mondstadt poetry's level is quite good."