Autumn Bamboo Shoots [Zhongli x Reader]

Part 5

"Y/n! Ah, you're finally here!" Ms. Ying called with a worried tone.

"Did something happen?"

"We got a huge order from the Knights of Favonius and Mao went to Qingce Village, today! I was starting to panic here..."

"From the Knights of Favonius? That's strange. Must be someone's birthday today."

"I think so too. That's why I'm scared to mess things up."

"Don't worry too much about it. Wait a second while I get ready, okay?"

"Hmhm... Thank you."

It's been a while since Ying and I were alone at the restaurant.

I could try talking to her, now.

"I'm ready. Also, let's close the restaurant for the day, so we can pay full attention to these dishes. That way, you don't need to feel so stressed."

"Can we really do that? Won't Mr. Mao get mad?"

"Mao is a softy. He looks all tough, but he doesn't bite."

"Is that so... What a relief."

You placed a wooden plate by the counter to let the people know that the restaurant was closed. Then, picked the notebook by the stove, where Ying had written all the orders from the knights, and read the first lines.

"Jade Parcels..." you muttered.

"Oh, I'm already working on that one."

"Do you like Jade Parcels, Ying?"

"Well, you see... I don't remember the taste."

"What?"

"I was still a kid when I tried it. A friend of my mother treated us to dinner, that night. But we never had enough mora to go by ourselves."

"I'll make you one."

"What? No, y/n, please don't worry. I'd feel bad..."

"No, I'm making it. When we finish this order, of course."

"You're too kind. There really is no need."

"We're friends. I can't let you live a life where you don't remember a taste from your youth."

"Y/n... Hmhm, thank you."

"Back to work, now."

Some hours later, Mao had arrived at the restaurant, noticing his two employees talking to each other while cooking.

"Smells good in here. What are you doing?"

"Too many dishes to name the all, but mainly golden shrimp balls and rice buns." you answerer.

"An order from the Knights of Favonius, I suppose?"

"How did you know?"

"They're the only ones who make orders like this outside holidays."

"Is there any special occasion, today?"

"There is, yes. But I'm pretty sure there's someone else who could explain it to you even better than me."

"Zhongli?"

Mao smiled.

"Mr. Zhongli from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?" Ying joined.

"You know him?"

"Now, now, y/n... No need to be jealous."

"I'm not jealous! I was just asking."