Genshin Impact: I wrote the plot into a novel to spoil the future

In the book, Zhongli also gave irrelevant answers, not mentioning why he came to Wangshu Inn, but instead talking about chatting with Chef Yanxiao and getting some seasonings.

The word 'to ask' is used very well; it implies that he came to buy goods for free.

So the Emperor came all the way here by begging for alms?

He then showed the things he had begged for to Xiao: matsutake mushrooms and ham, but no sesame oil.

What's even more absurd is that Lin Qiu also drew an illustration for this scene. In the illustration, Zhong Li has one hand outstretched with a few matsutake mushrooms on it, and the other hand is holding a ham.

This wouldn't normally be a problem, but it was actually quite funny when paired with Zhongli's serious and earnest expression.

Pantalone: ​​...( ??? )

Dolly was wondering if she would need to pay copyright fees if she cropped this image and turned it into a "God of Wealth Talisman".

"Pfft." Hu Tao laughed, forgiving Zhong Li's earlier 'negative comment'.

The people of Liyue laughed too, but after laughing, they thought to themselves, "Disrespecting the Emperor! What a sin!"

He quickly punished himself by flipping back to look at the Emperor's robes and divine attire to strengthen his resolve.

But comparing them side-by-side, why does the Emperor seem more and more like the Thunder God and Wind God from next door? He looks a bit dull and carefree! Could there really be a Shadow Treasure Virus?

That's the end of the recollection. That's right, it really was just a drawing of Zhongli casually chatting with Xiao; they had no idea what Zhongli's purpose was.

We don't even know if Zhongli actually managed to buy the sesame oil in the end; maybe she just passed the task of buying it on to Xiao?

Readers generally felt that this story was purely for laughs, so they could rest assured.

In reality, Xiao looked completely bewildered. Did the Emperor really summon him just to discuss such a trivial matter? Why?

He couldn't understand it, but others could. The Emperor was indeed fine; he simply wanted to go and see Xiao.

As for the casual chatting and the ingredients that Yanxiao casually asked for, they were just incidental; he just wanted to see Xiao as the year-end approached.

Just like ordinary people visiting relatives during the Lantern Festival, there's no particular reason.

This shows that the Emperor is indeed becoming more and more integrated into the lives of mortals. Just as Ge Chen said, one day we will all settle down and return to the mortal world.

After the recollection ended, Hu Tao interrupted Zhong Li's pleasantries and then arranged for Xiao to sit next to the traveler.

In Hu Tao's opinion, among the people present, the person Xiao was most familiar with was the traveler. People like Xiao would be more relaxed sitting with familiar people.

It has to be said that although Hu Tao seems carefree, she is actually very thoughtful and her emotional intelligence is even higher than Ying Bao's.

After the seating was arranged and most of the dishes were served, it was time to eat and chat.

However, Yingmei was thinking: Should I let Xiao sit with me? Does that mean he should sit on my lap?

I only realized it meant sitting next to someone after seeing the illustrations later on.

In the illustration, everyone except Paimon is seated, but there is one empty seat at the end.

This is really unsettling for readers with OCD. Paimon, sit down!

However, Paimon still didn't sit down, and everyone had already started chatting.

Chongyun was the first to speak, greeting Xiao.

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Character Voice Lines - Zhongli: On 'Public and Private'

"Such an interesting thing, it's a pity I can't experience it in person again."

Chapter 350 Respond to Me!

Chongyun had long admired the name of the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons, after all, the exorcist and the Great Sage who subdues demons are actually in the same profession.

Yaksha and Sorcerer are old partners, you'll all know that soon, hehehe.

Chongyun respectfully said, "I never expected to be able to see the Great Sage Subduing Demons in person today with the help of the Hall Master. I pay my respects."

Xiao nodded and replied, "You're welcome."

It's not that Xiao doesn't like to talk to Chongyun; he's just a little shy.

[Xingqiu undermines: "Remember you said you would definitely let the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons know the importance of exorcists..."]

Chongyun: "Cough, cough cough!"

Chongyun was clearly taken aback by Xingqiu's words. How could he say such things to the person in question? Having you as a friend is truly a blessing!

Xiangling quickly changed the subject: "Oh, well, we know each other too."

Look, we're childhood friends, but look how sensible Xiangling is.

As for Xiangling's mention of "knowing," it naturally refers to the time she tried the dishes with Xiao during the previous Lunar Festival.

Although we only met briefly, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that we knew each other, right?

Xingqiu also raised his hand in a bow: "Seeing is believing. I am Xingqiu, a friend of Xiangling and Chongyun. Greetings."

When Xingqiu introduced himself, he said he was Xiangling and Chongyun's friend, not the second young master of Fengyun Trading Company. Perhaps in his heart, his childhood sweetheart made him happier.

Seeing everyone's respectful attitude, Paimon became somewhat reserved, reflecting on whether he had been too casual in his dealings with Xiao.

Paimon: "Uh, Lord Xiao... Demon-Slaying Immortal... Great Sage! Paimon also bows to you, wishing you a happy Lantern Festival!"

The illustration features a close-up of Xiao, whose amber eyes seem to say 'speechless'.

It's one thing to be more respectful to strangers, but if you're like this, won't I feel even more awkward?

[Xiao: "Gentlemen...no need for such formalities."]

In the illustration, everyone's attention is focused on Xiao, because, on the surface, he is the highest-ranking.

In the lower left corner of the image, an old man is also silently watching Xiao.

However, Xiao was not good with words and could not say any more pleasantries, so he was a little embarrassed.

Suddenly, a sweet laugh broke the awkward silence, and Hu Tao couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing.

After laughing, step forward at the right time to liven up the atmosphere.

"The Great Sage is right. It's just a meal with acquaintances; all this toasting and politeness will only make them nervous."

"Making you all so cautious is not the intention behind this gathering."

Xiao in real life looked at Zhongli, who was drinking tea, with some doubt. "Your Majesty, is there anything wrong with the personality of this Hall Master Hu?"

Zhongli remained silent. Hu Tao's personality wasn't bad, but what he couldn't stand was that Hu Tao was too unruly; the 'old man' couldn't keep up.

One second she's reading a book, the next she might want to catch fish, and the next she might drag Zhongli along to sing opera with her.

Only Lin Qiu could keep up with her pace, which is why Lin Qiu was hired by the Hall of Rebirth at a high price back then.

Lin Qiu was an orphan in her previous life and didn't have many friends. She usually stayed at home passively and would give up even if she wanted to go out to play because she was bored.

At that time, Lin Qiu could only say, "I have very few friends."

So after he became friends with Hu Tao, he became somewhat "revengefully lively," and spent every day playing with Hu Tao during that period.

However, as Lin Qiu stayed in Teyvat for longer, he made more and more friends, and his mindset gradually stabilized, becoming the person he is now, enjoying life to the fullest and staying home as he pleases.

In the story, Hu Tao puffed out her chest, tilted her head back slightly, and spoke with a touch of pride about the purpose of the gathering:

"Inviting family and friends for a small gathering, sharing fine tea, and admiring the lights overhead—this is how we bid farewell to the old year and joyfully welcome the new."

Everyone was shocked. Was this really the Hu Tao we knew?

"That concludes what the guest advisors have to say. I suggest everyone applaud."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief; this was still the Walnut we knew.

The illustration features close-ups of several people, with the three little ones and Paimon clapping, clearly showing their support.

Zhongli's failure to applaud her superior is truly inconsiderate.

Zhongli nodded: "Indeed, the hall master's imitation is truly spot-on."

Zhong Li awarded Hu Tao 'official certification'.

In fact, the reason why Hu Tao invited everyone to a dinner party was quite simple; she just wanted to have some fun.

After all, everyone has had a tough year, traveling, cooking, doing business, exorcising evil spirits, fighting demons... and there's also a guest spirit who helps out from time to time. Ah, it's all been quite tiring.

[Hu Tao: "Everyone is amazing."]

Indeed, although this passage doesn't reveal any hardship the guest retainer, who only occasionally helped out, endured, it's true that he was remarkable.

However, some readers are curious about what the Emperor usually does at the Hall of Rebirth. Could he just be a purchasing agent or errand runner?

Judging from the past business of Shengtang, will the Emperor carry the coffin or play the suona?

[Hu Tao, hands on hips, squinting and beaming with pride: "And the one who can bring everyone together, this hall master, is the most remarkable person!"]

Everyone suddenly realized, so after all that going around in circles, it was all just self-praise in the end!

This level of self-praise is so high, even Furina would have to say, "This kid is just like me!"

Araki, the undisputed supreme ruler of the world, and Mona, the greatest astrologer, should really study under Kurumi; your self-praise is far too blatant.

However, despite his self-praise, readers do not deny that Hu Tao is a remarkable person.

Look at who she invited: a famous chef from Liyue, and the second young lady of the Feiyun Merchant Guild—I mean, the second young master.

A direct descendant of a family of exorcists, a great sage who vanquishes demons, a legendary traveler, and a legendary Paimon.

And the most important ones are Liyue Emperor, Geo Archon, Valkyrie, Noble God, and Contract God.

See, doesn't it feel like we've invited a lot of people? It even feels like we've invited several gods.

Paimon in the story is a little curious. He can accept the "group" of gods, since he's the boss and can make his own decisions, but how did he manage to invite the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons?

The Traveler and Paimon know Xiao well; Xiao isn't a very sociable person. How did you two meet?

Hu Tao explained to everyone that the book contained another comic strip as a memory, still told from Xiao's perspective.

First of all, special thanks to Professor Abedo for working overtime during the Lantern Festival. Well, no, Abedo is from Mondstadt, but since it's the Lantern Festival, no thanks needed.

Secondly, in her memory, Hu Tao came to Wangshu Inn and asked the owner about Xiao.

Then, an illustration appeared, in which Walnut stood on the terrace of Wangshu Inn and shouted loudly:

"The Great Sage Who Subdues Demons—Immortal Xiao—!!!"

The way they shouted it made people think something terrible had happened.

The last time someone shouted that was to save the world, 'Answer me, Great Sage Equaling Demons!'

But can you really become friends with the Demon-Slaying Monkey King like that? Readers say, "We can shout that too!"

Wang Ping'an: 'Immortal Xiao, I profess my love for you!'

My brain, my sweat, my heart, every organ in my body is saying, I love you!

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Character Voice Lines - Xiao: About Kurumi

"Uh... The Emperor is right. His words do indeed have a deeper meaning."

Chapter 351 The Wind Brings the Seeds of a Story

Readers commented: "It's just playing around with awkwardness and abstraction, anyone can do that."

However, to the readers' surprise, Hu Tao's output continued.

[Hu Tao continued: "The guardian deity of Wangshu Inn—the great hero of Dihua Island—you are here, aren't you—!"]

The more the reader listened, the more uneasy they felt. It sounded like they were about to present a banner to the 'security guard,' calling him 'the guardian angel of XX neighborhood.'

And... shouting like that is so awkward! You really know how to play games! We can't beat you!

This is tantamount to telling Xiao, "If you don't come out, I'll make you lose face."

As expected, Xiao couldn't stand the awkwardness and showed himself directly in front of Hu Tao.

[Xiao: "Quiet! Don't disturb the peace."]