Eleutheromania (Various Genshin x Reader)

Jade Chamber Invitation -38-

Liyue always looked exceptionally beautiful when the sun went down. The moonlight would reflect across the deep ocean below a dark sky of glittering stars. To add to the natural wonders, the gentle glow of Liyue's lanterns and lights always managed to create a serene yet elegant ambiance.

Once you and your group had eventually bid your goodbyes to Baizhu and Qiqi, Zhongli had taken the lead as you all followed him along the harbor. "Well, as it stands," he began, "we've hired helpers, and we've acquired the Everlasting Incense. The completion of our preparations is not far off."

Paimon deflated a bit in relief. "Whew... Finally!" She cried. You sighed a bit, leaning against Aether as you continued strolling down the nighttime street. "That was the longest day ever..." you complained lowly causing your blonde companion to let out a little giggle.

The corners of Zhongli's lips lifted upwards. "Well, travelers. Have you gained anything from our adventure so far?" He asked with an amused look. Aether sweat dropped a bit. "It's been... odd," he admitted while your head remained against his shoulder, eyes closed as you trusted him to lead the way.

"Odd?" The funeral consultant echoed back. Aether continued bluntly. "I'm not sure if we've been living the high life... or experiencing the struggles of the poor."

Zhongli chuckled. "Haha, which is it, I wonder? The questions that such travels raise are ever so complicated. Well, I'll leave you to ruminate over it yourself. As to remuneration for your help, I've decided... to treat you to a meal," he declared proudly, glancing over his shoulder to see your reaction.

You furrowed your eyebrows, picking your head up from Aether's shoulder (much to his disappointment). "Zhongli... treating us?" You muttered half in amazement, half in disbelief. Paimon sent the handsome man an unimpressed look. "Wow. Amazing," she said sarcastically.

The man in question blinked innocently. "Oh? Ah, yes, don't worry. I will remember to bring the Mora this time," he promised, "Tonight, I shall take you both to an old hole-in-the-wall, praised throughout Liyue," Zhongli proclaimed proudly - especially since he employed such a hip, modern slang term he had picked up from his boss.

The little pixie pursed her lips. "Hole-in-the-wall? As in... a cool restaurant?" She asked with an eyebrow raised. Zhongli nodded in confirmation. "Indeed. Just around the corner is the esteemed Third-Round Knockout," he presented as you rounded the street and the so called restaurant came into view.

"Zhongli, this is not a 'hole-in-the-wall' restaurant, this is a whole establishment!" You chided the man as the large and grandiose building stood proudly in front of you. It was tall, having at least three levels, with a huge sign of the side depicting noodles.

Still, the funeral consultant didn't seem to mind as he gracefully sat down at a patio table with a smile. "Even so, all that matters is the food. However, you should be warned, Third-Round Knockout is not for lightweights, like those taverns in Mondstadt. Here, the owner does not take such unorthodox orders as fruit juice," he sneered boastfully.

You and Aether sat down along side him, Paimon floating nearby. Displeased at his unnecessary diss at Mondstadt's taverns (Diluc in particular), you spoke up. "Having a wide array of drink options, especially non-alcoholic ones, are good for business. Surely an astute man such as yourself can agree," you shot back calmly causing your two companions to sweat drop.

Thankfully, Zhongli didn't seem offended. In fact, he only chuckled. "Point taken." A waitress came over to place down some waters and asked if you all needed a high chair for Paimon (which was adamantly opposed to by Paimon) before taking drink orders.

Zhongli ordered some kind of fancy wine, Paimon a sugary drink, Aether got some kind of fruit mix, and you asked for old reliable (tea/hot chocolate/smoothie/etc.).