Connect to Yuan Tiejue's chat group

"Give me a few more servings! I was so busy talking to Master Hu just now that I didn't really taste the food. Now I'm starting to find some flavor, and my stomach is still empty."

"..." The young soldier's movements froze instantly, his arm holding the bowl trembled slightly, and the expression on his face froze instantly, as if he had heard a bolt from the blue.

He slowly turned his head and looked at Dai Yuan with eyes full of despair.

The boss's evil voice, "Let him eat, how much can he eat?" seemed to echo in my ears again.

His lips trembled, and he wanted to say something, but in the end, it turned into a resigned, inaudible sigh. He resignedly put down the empty bowl in his hand and walked out the door again with heavy steps - the ruthless food delivery machine was forced to go back online.

Seeing this, Hu Tao felt even more guilty, thinking, "It's all my fault."

Listen, “no taste in mouth,” “just beginning to find something interesting,” “feeling empty”—aren’t these typical symptoms of taste disturbance and increased appetite after food poisoning?!

The bowl of Youyou Daxingjun that she had yesterday was such a sin!

"Brother Daiyuan, please sit down first... uh... eat some food. I'll go get you some paperwork!"

Hu Tao quickly said something to Dai Yuan, then turned around in a hurry and followed the soldier who had lost all hope in life out.

"Sergeant, wait for me! How much is the fine? What's the procedure? I'll pay right away!"

The room instantly became quiet, leaving only Zhongli and Dai Yuan staring at each other through the fence, and the bowl of steaming white rice on the table.

Zhongli looked at his old friend and "trouble maker" in front of him, and a rare sense of helplessness arose in his heart.

He walked slowly forward to the fence, his deep golden eyes gazing calmly at Dai Yuan, as if he could see through people's hearts.

"Ahem..." Dai Yuan felt a little uncomfortable being looked at by Zhongli, so he broke the silence first, his tone sounding a little embarrassed as if he knew he was in the wrong.

"Um... Morax... Uh, Zhongli, I know what you're going to say. It's my fault. I was too excited to get a new toy, so I got a little carried away and flew too loudly, disturbing everyone's sleep."

"Don't worry, once Hall Master Hu gets me out, I'll change my appearance and name and say that Dai Yuan's brother 'Dai Yue' is visiting."

"Just say 'Daiyuan' is my cousin from the countryside. He got drunk and rode his bike like crazy last night, so I gave him a good beating and sent him back home! I promise not to bring any damage to the reputation of Wangsheng Hall! How's that? Thoughtful, huh?"

He patted his chest and looked generous, saying, "I understand, leave it to me." It was obvious that he had made up his mind to "escape" and directly discard the "Daiyuan" vest to perfectly avoid social death.

Zhongli listened quietly, his face expressionless. He waited until Dai Yuan finished speaking before he spoke slowly. His voice was steady, yet it carried a certainty that made Dai Yuan's heart skip a beat:

"I'm afraid this plan won't work."

"Huh?" Dai Yuan was stunned.

Zhongli continued, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of "for your own good."

"To prevent any inconvenience in your travels in Liyue and to facilitate your integration into the vibrant life of Liyue Harbor, I have entrusted Miss Keqing of Yuhengxing to obtain your official Liyue household registration, registering you under the name of Wangsheng Hall."

"Your identity documents, travel permit, and the jade household registration plaque engraved with your name are all ready."

He paused, his eyes falling on Dai Yuan's face, which froze instantly.

Chapter 109: The Dragon King of Social Death, Walnut Knows the Truth

"The name Dai Yuan has been recorded in the Liyue General Affairs Department's civil registry, recognized and protected by the laws of the Seven Stars and Liyue. This identity is unique and cannot be changed."

He nodded slightly, as if he was just stating a very ordinary little thing.

"Miss Keqing has put considerable thought into this matter. Once the formalities are completed today, you may personally go to the Household Registration Office of the General Affairs Department of Yujingtai to claim everything belonging to 'Daiyuan.' From now on, you are a citizen of Liyue Harbor, Daiyuan."

Boom!

Zhongli's calm words sounded like a thunderclap to Dai Yuan!

The boldness and "wit" on his face instantly solidified and shattered, turning into a blank.

His previous perfect plan was to abandon his pseudonym, change his appearance and continue to be the free and easy Dragon King.

It was completely shattered by Zhongli's casual move of "cutting off the firewood from under the cauldron"!

Going to jail? He wasn't afraid! Embarrassment? He didn't care in the first place! After all, it was "Dai Yuan" who was embarrassed, so what did it have to do with the great Ruota Dragon King?

He can just pat his butt, change his image, and be a good dragon again!

But now… Zhongli actually… actually gave him a formal household registration?! And it was registered in the Wangsheng Hall?!

Doesn't that mean that the "Dai Yuan" who disturbed the public with his "speeding car" last night and boasted about eating dozens of bowls of rice in the General Affairs Department early in the morning is the only official identity of Ruotu Dragon King in Liyue Harbor from now on?!

And it was even engraved with Liyue's official seal and entered into the General Affairs Department's archives?! This wasn't just humiliating, this was practically...social death!

He, the Dragon King Ruota, one of the ancient elemental masters of Liyue, had regained his freedom and was about to enjoy a low-key life on the second day of his death. But he was about to take on the identity of "Dai Yuan" and become the annual laughingstock of Liyue Harbor?!

What wisdom and might! What brightness and majesty! What unfathomable image of the ancient Dragon King! All vanished with that piece of household registration paper!

Dai Yuan felt his eyes go dark, as if he saw the residents of Liyue Harbor pointing at his back and whispering to each other for countless days in the future.

"Look, that's the new employee of Wangsheng Hall who was riding a weird car all over the sky and disturbing the people that night..."

"Tsk tsk tsk, that's right, I heard he has a huge appetite and ate a mountain of food at the General Affairs Department..."

"My...my...identity..." Dai Yuan muttered to himself in despair. His body swayed, and he barely managed to keep his balance by holding onto the fence. His eyes were empty, as if he had lost his soul.

At this time, the "food delivery machine" sergeant came back with a large plate of freshly steamed buns and a pot of vegetables.

He looked at Dai Yuan, who looked like he had lost his parents and had no desire to live. He was completely different from the beast who loved eating. He couldn't help but be stunned.

Dai Yuan slowly turned his head, his eyes glazing over the steaming, fragrant food. A moment ago, he would have been salivating. But now...

He sighed long and heavily, as if exhausting all his strength. He waved his hand feebly at the plate of food, his voice tinged with dejection: "...Take it away, take it away. I have no appetite."

Guard Sergeant: “???”

Did happiness come too suddenly? He looked at the distraught Dai Yuan, then at Zhongli Keqing who looked calm beside him, as if nothing had happened, and was completely confused.

How come the big eater who was just complaining that his mouth had no taste and wanted more food suddenly... became disillusioned with the world?

Dai Yuan sat back dejectedly on the simple stool, his head in his hands, his back full of desolation and despair.

It was over, all over. This life, this earthly world, before I even began to enjoy it, I already felt the cold chill of "social death."

The future? A bleak one! This identity, this reputation, I'm afraid...it's impossible to clear it up?

Zhongli stood quietly outside the fence, looking at his old friend. He picked up the teacup that had appeared in his hand at some point and took a sip.

Well, today's tea seems to be particularly refreshing and sweet.

At the same time, in another quiet room of the General Affairs Department used as a temporary reception room, Walnut was negotiating with a clerk in charge of the case.

She had the signature smile of the Wangshengtang Hall on her face, which was both solemn and friendly.

Hu Tao said sincerely, "Brother Dai Yuan is indeed our newly hired consultant at Wangsheng Hall. He was personally recommended by our guest official, Mr. Zhongli."

She first clarified Dai Yuan's identity and took the responsibility on Wangsheng Hall, demonstrating the responsibility of the head of the hall.

Then he explained, "It's just... well, he's new to Liyue Harbor and isn't familiar with the local customs and people yet."

"To make matters worse, he accidentally ate some... well, inappropriate fungi last night, which caused him to become delirious and suffer from severe hallucinations."

When Walnut mentioned "fungi", his tone was filled with just the right amount of sadness and apology.

"This is what caused this late-night disturbance and inappropriate behavior. Wangsheng Hall is fully responsible for this matter. I apologize for the trouble this has caused you all. The responsibility lies with Wangsheng Hall's inadequate supervision. If any compensation is required, Wangsheng Hall will fully cooperate and will not shirk responsibility."

Hu Tao's explanation was very thoughtful. She not only protected Dai Yuan (who was the victim in her opinion), but also took the initiative to take responsibility and maintain the reputation of Wangsheng Hall.

She was certain that the so-called "flying car" must be Dai Yuan's hallucination, exaggerating the speed of an ordinary motorcycle or a short jump into flying.

He was quite satisfied with his on-the-spot performance and even began to wonder whether this "unexpected expense" could be deducted from Dai Yuan's future consultant salary.

However, when the serious-looking clerk pushed a detailed incident report that had been compiled overnight and stamped with the General Affairs Department's seal in front of Hu Tao, the smile on Hu Tao's face froze instantly.

It is clearly written in black and white in the report.

"The target was driving a strangely shaped mechanical device, rapidly ascending from the main street of Feiyunpo. It was estimated to be over fifty meters high, with a trail of cyan-gold light..."

"...This mechanical artifact continued to emit a loud roar, causing widespread complaints from residents. It also repeatedly flew at high speed over Yunlai Sea and Yujing Terrace, its trajectory erratic..."

"…determined to be an unidentified flying object, potentially posing a threat. Activated the homeward-end defense array for a warning interception (the report specifically noted: the firing was a warning, intentionally avoiding the main vehicle, intended to force a landing)…"

"…The vehicle eventually made an emergency landing in an open area outside Yujing Terrace, and the pilot, Dai Yuan, was apprehended on the spot by patrol officers. A preliminary inspection revealed no damage to the vehicle, and the pilot, aside from being agitated, had no obvious injuries. He identified himself as 'Dai Yuan'…"

Hu Tao stared at the words "lift off the ground", "blue-gold light", "warning shot at the return plane", etc., with her little mouth slightly open, and did not close for a long time.

Her previous certainty that "mushroom poisoning caused hallucinations" was now shattered by this ironclad report.

"No...no?" Kurumi muttered subconsciously, his fingers unconsciously running over the word "flight" on the report, his eyes widening.

Chapter 110 Hu Tao also wants a car, Ke Qing comes to visit

"This...what's written here...is all true?" She suddenly raised her head and looked at the clerk opposite her, her face full of disbelief and surprise as if she had discovered a new world.

The clerk nodded solemnly. "It's absolutely true, Master Hu. Multiple witnesses, including our city defense soldiers, saw it clearly."

After a brief moment of shock, an extremely bright light suddenly burst out from Hu Tao's bright eyes!

"Has Liyue's mechanical engineering reached this point?! Master Xianyun's work is simply... simply astonishing!"

For a moment, she even forgot where she was and what she was doing. Her mind was full of that magical motorcycle that could fly into the sky, and an idea grew like wild weeds.

"No! I have to go find Master Xianyun too! Ask her to get me one too! Call it the Wangshengtang Express Walnut! If that doesn't work... I can ask Guest Zhongli to save his face and say something nice? He has more face than me, right?"

"If I could fly into the sky... and put up a banner advertising the Hall of Rebirth... I can't even imagine the publicity it would have!"

"Ahem! Hall Master Hu! Hall Master Hu!" The clerk opposite couldn't help but frown as he looked at Hu Tao, whose thoughts had obviously gone astray and whose eyes began to shine.

He coughed heavily a few times, trying to bring the hall master, whose mind was jumping, back to reality.

"Master Hu, we are now dealing with the case of Consultant Dai Yuan disturbing public order." He reminded helplessly.

"Ah? Oh! Right, right! The case! The case is important!" Hu Tao woke up as if from a dream, and quickly retracted his wild thoughts and put on a serious expression again, but the desire for "speeding" in his eyes was still shining.

The clerk breathed a sigh of relief and continued in a businesslike manner, "Based on the reputation guarantee of Wangsheng Hall, and the fact that Consultant Dai Yuan was indeed a first-time offender and had caused no substantial casualties or property damage, the General Affairs Department has decided not to pursue administrative liability against him, and no additional compensation is required."

Hu Tao was delighted and was about to thank him, but the clerk suddenly changed the subject and spoke in a serious tone:

"However, regarding the special agency vehicle involved..." The clerk's eyes became sharp and inquiring.

"Could Hall Master Hu please provide more detailed information? For example, where did this object come from? Who modified it? What is its power core and flight principle?"

"If these weapons can be widely used, it will bring immeasurable improvements to the Liyue Qianyan Army's mobile deployment, trade routes, and even disaster relief! This is a major event that benefits both the country and the people. I hope Master Hu will be willing to inform us!"

The clerks' intentions were clear; they saw the strategic value of the "flying car."

Popular? That idea is too advanced.

Hu Tao was about to say, "It was modified by Master Xianyun," but before she could elaborate, a cold and sharp voice came from the door, interrupting their conversation.

"Regarding the matter of that mechanical vehicle, I will personally handle it."

The door was pushed open, and Yuhengxing Keqing, dressed in purple and with a capable temperament, walked in.

She walked with a steady pace, her purple eyes were calm, and she exuded an unquestionable majesty.

When the clerk saw Keqing, he immediately stood up and saluted respectfully: "Master Keqing!"

Keqing nodded slightly, her eyes sweeping across Hu Tao before finally settling on the clerk. "I've taken over this case from Uncle Tian. I'll be handling all follow-up matters directly with the Wangsheng Hall. Just give me a copy of the relevant report. You can get on with your work."

"Yes! Lady Keqing!" The clerk was as if he had been pardoned. He quickly handed a copy of the report to Keqing, then packed up his things and quickly left the room.

When it comes to suspected immortal creations and the Hall of Rebirth, it is safest to hand over this hot potato to the powerful Lord Yuhengxing.

Keqing walked over and sat down opposite Hu Tao, placing the report on the table. Instead of looking at it immediately, she looked directly at Hu Tao.

"Master Hu, I've already learned the general outline of the matter from Uncle Tian. Now, I'd like to hear more details from you, especially regarding Consultant Dai Yuan and... the origins of that car."

Her gaze was clear and direct, with the pragmatic style of Qixing.

Hu Tao's attitude towards Keqing also became much more serious.

She repeated the known information, including that Dai Yuan was the consultant recommended by Zhongli, and that his abnormal behavior was caused by "accidentally eating mushrooms" last night (although the report made her waver in her belief in this statement).

When Keqing asked about the origin of the vehicle and who modified it, Hu Tao told her the truth.

"That car is a prototype that Keqing Zhongli obtained from somewhere, and then... it seems he asked Master Xianyun, who lives in seclusion in Liyue Harbor, to help modify it. I don't know the specific modification process and technical details."

"Master Xianyun..." Keqing repeated the name in a low voice, a hint of understanding flashing in her purple eyes.

As a Seven Star, she naturally knew about the True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng who lived in seclusion in the city under the pseudonym "Xianyun".

If it was the work of an immortal, then everything would make sense. Immortals' mechanical skills are mysterious and wondrous, so it's no surprise that the car could fly.

But at the same time, Keqing immediately realized that it was almost impossible to popularize this technology.