"Alatus? When did you get here?!"
Bonanus looked genuinely startled. Over the past few months, Xiao had been appearing and disappearing like a ghost.
He made no sound when walking and no noise when flying, yet he'd suddenly appear somewhere and call out to you out of nowhere. It was infuriating.
In response to her confusion, Xiao simply narrowed his eyes and smiled warmly, offering no answer.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Bonanus slowly stood up, brushed the dust off her clothes, and walked toward him.
Seeing this, Xiao leaped down from the tree, crossed his arms, and said with a smile:
"Sister Bonanus hasn't answered my question yet."
Hearing this, Bonanus planted her hands on her hips. She didn't know how to explain this either. Now wasn't the time. First, she needed to gather everything she needed.
After that, she still had to discuss things with Rex Lapis—whether to tell Xiao and Bosacius about this matter.
After all, under Rex Lapis's contract, this matter couldn't be disclosed to a third party for now. She needed to consult him first.
Seeing Bonanus's silent expression, Xiao shook his head helplessly. Lately, Sister Bonanus had been acting like this—giving off an air of cluelessness. He worried she might be losing her mind.
Sighing lightly, Xiao maintained his smile.
"Lately, Sister Bonanus has been saying strange things. Your behavior over these past few months has been very puzzling."
"Both Bosacius and I have said it—we're family. If you're in difficulty, you can ask for our help. But Sister Bonanus always handles everything alone. It puts us in a difficult position."
After saying this, Xiao shook his head dejectedly. He truly disliked this feeling—wanting to know but being unable to get answers.
He'd even asked Rex Lapis about this before, but the God of Contracts offered no explanation. He'd simply shake his head and say there was no need to worry.
Seeing Xiao's expression, Bonanus sighed inwardly. This young man was handsome, but why was he so gossipy?
"I've said it many times already. You'll find out about these things eventually. No need to rush." Bonanus spread her hands patiently, repeating what she'd been saying for months.
"You're still the same..." Xiao shook his head again, sighed lightly, and stopped asking.
Getting no answers every day was starting to irritate him. But he couldn't say much—this was his Sister Bonanus! He couldn't bear to hit her or scold her!
How frustrating!
"Ah, alright now! Be good, Alatus!" Seeing that Xiao had stopped asking, Bonanus put on an appeasing smile and linked her arm through his.
"Don't talk to me like I'm a child."
Xiao didn't mind her linking arms, but being spoken to in that babying tone irritated him slightly.
"Got it, Grandpa Alatus." Bonanus teased. Given Xiao's age, calling him "grandpa" might even be too young.
"Hmph..." Xiao grunted softly, offering no response. He was speechless. Sister Bonanus was getting more playful by the day.
"Hehe, don't look so glum! I heard someone from Inazuma just arrived. He apparently makes a dish called Tricolor Dango. Want to go try it?!"
Bonanus habitually poked Xiao's cheek. These little gestures had become a daily necessity. You came to me, so you can't blame me!
"Inazuma? I heard that the nation of eternity has issued a Sakoku Decree. I'm surprised anyone made it out." Xiao frowned slightly.
Due to the Sakoku Decree and certain policies, many had left Inazuma for Mondstadt, Liyue, and other nations.
Though they came illegally, Liyue had no intention of driving them away. They were willing to take in those who'd endured hardship, giving them opportunities to find work.
Everywhere required relevant skills for employment. Jobs weren't easy to come by.
Otherwise, you'd continue wandering, enduring both cold and rain.
"Never mind where they're from! As long as the food's good!" Bonanus interrupted Xiao's thoughts.
"Look, since they can sell snacks in Liyue Harbor, they must have completed all the procedures. No worries!"
"If something goes wrong, we've got little Yanfei!"
Hearing this, Xiao nodded slightly. That wasn't what he meant, but since Bonanus said so, he'd play along.
"Very well. As you wish." Xiao smiled, agreeing.
"Yay!"
---
Wanmin Restaurant
Today, Wanmin Restaurant was as lively as ever. Keqing, the perpetually busy Yuheng, finally had time to rest and sample dishes here.
Though she always prioritized efficiency, she was still human. Without adequate rest, she'd eventually burn out.
"Lady Keqing! How rare to see you! You've worked hard lately. What would you like to eat?" Xiangling approached with Guoba, asking warmly.
"Guoba guoba!" Guoba waved at Keqing with a silly grin.
"Hello, Xiangling. No need for formalities—just call me Keqing. I'll have Golden Crab, Golden Shrimp Balls, and Stir-Fried Shrimp." Keqing smiled gently. Off work hours, she didn't need to be strict.
"Got it! Oh, Lady Keqing, I've been developing new recipes. Care to try some?" Xiangling asked eagerly.
Keqing's expression soured instantly. Xiangling was a genius at culinary creativity, but... forgive her, she just couldn't appreciate it.
"I appreciate the thought, but... please don't serve anything with lizard or slime condensate. Nothing fancy—just the most common ingredients will do." Keqing's refusal was written all over her face.
Hearing Keqing's request, Xiangling simply smiled and nodded. What a shame. Maybe next time she can try the new recipes!
"Okay! Please wait a moment!" Xiangling smiled back and left with Guoba.
Keqing sighed softly. But the thought of Golden Shrimp Balls among the upcoming dishes swept away her exhaustion. She instantly felt more energetic!
Just then, two tall, somewhat familiar figures walked slowly into Wanmin Restaurant. Keqing frowned slightly at the sight.
The pair were Zhongli from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and Childe, the Fatui Harbinger. Keqing's attitude toward Zhongli was neutral, but she couldn't bring herself to like Childe.
Not that she intended to engage with him.
Childe chatted cheerfully with the stoic Zhongli as they entered. They found a table near the door.
After ordering some dishes, Childe smiled and asked Zhongli about various matters—nothing serious, just business cooperation. Nothing noteworthy.
To Childe's questions, Zhongli simply sipped his tea unhurriedly and answered casually.
But as he spoke, his gaze kept drifting toward the scenery outside. It's been so long. What's coming will eventually come...