"Stop calling me by that name already! What exactly do you want?!"
Zhongli nearly collapsed on the spot.
He had never believed that Idris merely wanted a free meal.
Very few people in the world knew his true identity—practically no one—yet this man in front of him clearly did.
Worse still, Hu Tao had just called him Grand Sage.
Liyue didn't have any Grand Sage.
And the name… it sounded strangely familiar. He felt as though he should recognize it, yet he couldn't recall where from. His mind was too occupied by panic—especially the fear that the girl in the dark green dress might overhear something she shouldn't.
"I already told you—just treat us to a meal. Why won't you believe me?"
Idris released his arm from Zhongli's shoulder and spread his hands helplessly.
Zhongli's expression darkened. He was clearly angry—but didn't dare show it.
"Enough jokes," Zhongli said coldly. "If you have something to say, then say it plainly. Since you know who I am, you must be after something else. If all you wanted was dinner, a Grand Sage like you could arrange that effortlessly. Or what—has Lady Ningguang become so poor that she can't even afford to feed her guests?"
It was at that moment Zhongli finally remembered.
The Grand Sage of Sumeru.
That was it.
No wonder the name sounded familiar—he himself had once praised this man.
But now…
Those words felt premature.
He had assumed Idris might not be a good man—but at least not a bad one.
Now, he realized he had been wrong.
Completely wrong.
Idris was a bona fide pervert.
Mentally.
"Mr. Zhongli, don't be so tense," Idris said calmly. "Why so unhappy? I'm only asking you to buy us a meal. Is this really how Liyue treats its guests?"
Zhongli didn't bother responding.
Seeing this, Idris sighed exaggeratedly.
"So you're not welcoming us, then? What a shame. Guess I'll just go eat with Hu Tao."
He turned and walked toward Hu Tao.
Zhongli didn't follow—but his attention drifted after Idris anyway.
"Grand Sage," Hu Tao asked curiously, "are you close with Mr. Zhongli? I don't remember you two knowing each other."
Idris waved his hand casually.
"Oh, we're very close. We met a long time ago—back when he didn't even go by 'Zhongli.'"
"Not Zhongli?" Hu Tao blinked. "Does Mr. Zhongli have another name?"
Before Idris could answer, Zhongli cut in stiffly:
"The Grand Sage and I once crossed paths during a… minor incident."
Then he turned to Hu Tao and abruptly changed tone.
"Hu Tao, didn't you say you were hungry earlier? Why don't we dine together—and invite the Grand Sage along as well? It'll be a good chance to let him experience Liyue cuisine."
"Sure!" Hu Tao agreed immediately.
Idris smiled in triumph and glanced at Nahida, who stared back at him in shock.
"So amazing…" she whispered.
As expected of their Grand Sage.
Even in situations like this, his dominance was absolute.
"Then we'll trouble you, Mr. Zhongli," Idris said politely.
Zhongli's lips twitched.
Through transmission, he growled,
"You'd better only be eating a meal. If you try anything else, I won't hesitate to fight you. I've heard you defeated gods—so tell me, Grand Sage, who do you think is stronger: you… or the Geo Archon?"
"I don't like fighting," Idris replied lazily.
"That's what people without brains do. If I can win with strategy, why move a muscle? Aren't you afraid of getting tired, Mr. Zhongli?"
Zhongli's composure shattered instantly.
He stepped forward and forced a smile.
"This Grand Sage… truly remarkable."
"Right?" Hu Tao chimed in enthusiastically.
"He's basically a god walking among mortals!"
Idris burst out laughing.
"Then I'll be counting on you tonight, Mr. Zhongli. Shall we go?"
"Yes! Yes! I'm starving!" Nahida cheered.
Zhongli clenched his fists—but still smiled.
"I wonder what the Wisdom God prefers. Liyue has many dishes—it's hard to recommend."
His face instantly cooled.
Idris raised an eyebrow and leaned in slightly.
"In that case… Rock—"
"I'VE GOT IT!" Zhongli suddenly shouted.
He cut Idris off mid-word, his expression flipping completely.
Even Idris was impressed.
As expected of the Geo element—thick skin without even blushing.
"I know just the place," Zhongli continued hurriedly.
"The largest restaurant. We'll order the best of Liyue's signature dishes. I was only worried you might not be used to the flavors—but since you're here, you must try your best."
"Perfect!" Idris laughed.
Nahida bounced in excitement. Hu Tao was equally thrilled.
The only one suffering was Zhongli.
He was being forced—humiliatedly forced.
If he lost in a fight, at least it would be dignified. After all, not many could defeat a godslayer like Idris.
But this?
Being threatened, teased, and extorted for dinner?
As the former Zhongli, did he not deserve some dignity?
Idris knew exactly what Zhongli was thinking.
And yes—his behavior was unethical.
But then again—
He had never claimed to be a good person.
Politeness wasn't his style.
The four of them set off together. Zhongli led them not toward a restaurant inside the city—but beyond Liyue Harbor.
Nahida didn't understand why they weren't eating in town. Idris didn't care—after all, beggars couldn't be choosers.
Zhongli, meanwhile, was completely numb.
He only wanted the Grand Sage gone.
His peaceful retirement could not be disturbed.
Before today, he had thought Idris was impressive.
Now?
Exactly as the rumors said.
A villain through and through.
A master manipulator.
If his strength had fully recovered—
if he didn't care about exposing himself—
He would definitely have fought Idris already.
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