Breakfast today was ramen.
It featured ingredients like [Golden Wheat] and [Drumstick Mushroom], along with other extraordinary ingredients.
Xia Zhi made a larger batch of dough, setting aside a portion to mix with some [Great Tuna Belly Soybeans] powder, which is used to make spicy strips.
After finishing breakfast, Xia Zhi began preparing today's snacks.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata stood nearby, curiously observing his technique.
"Big Cousin, is this how spicy strips are made?"
"Yes, it's made with wheat gluten."
"Put in more chili peppers!"
"I'll keep the chili oil and the spicy strips separate. You can add the chili oil yourself if you like it spicy."
"That works."
"Quit staring and help me with something."
"What do you need?"
"Go grab some paper and a pen from outside and write a notice to post outside the shop. Tell the customers we're closed today because we're attending a banquet at the Jade Chamber."
"Okay."
"Make sure the handwriting looks nice."
"Got it!"
"Diona, help her prepare some rice paste to stick the notice outside."
"Understood, boss!"
Not long after, a large bowl of glowing vegetarian spicy strips was ready.
Next to it was a bowl of bright red, enticing chili oil sprinkled with [Melk Stardust], giving it a rich aroma.
"It's ready! Come on, everyone, have a taste."
"Wow~ So delicious!"
"As expected, Cousin's cooking is still the best."
"If you can't handle too much spice, don't add too much of the red oil. Shenhe, could you grab some parchment paper for me?"
"Okay."
"Wrap some spicy strips with the parchment paper. We'll take them with us to eat at the Jade Chamber."
Miss Chi Yu hesitated, seeming to recall something. "Is this… okay?"
Still munching on spicy strips, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata asked curiously, "What's wrong with it?"
"Whenever the boss cooks, the aroma always makes passersby outside the shop stop in their tracks. Spicy strips smell so good—if we take them to the Jade Chamber, wouldn't the guests there drool uncontrollably from the smell?"
"That's the point! How fun would that be?"
"But Miss Ningguang might get mad if she sees it."
"Don't worry, we'll prepare an extra pouch of spicy strips to gift her."
"Oh, then it's fine… hehe, I can't wait now."
Xia Zhi "looked" at these two chaos-makers. "Prepare a few extra portions. Granny Ping, as well as Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver, will probably be invited too. And don't forget Miss Ganyu, Miss Yanfei, and Miss Yelan…"
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata suddenly raised her head with a puzzled look. "I can understand Miss Ganyu and Miss Yanfei, but why Miss Yelan too?"
"Of course, her too."
"Didn't she just come to our shop yesterday for a massage? Is your relationship with her that good now?"
"Well, you could say we're friends."
"Tsk."
"Making more friends is always good."
"But Cousin, why are all your friends beautiful women?"
"It must be fate. After all, I'm just a blind man. When I make friends, I never judge them by their looks."
"…"
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata pursed her lips, speechless.
Ah, the perks of playing the blind card—it really comes in handy sometimes.
With everything packed, the group got ready to leave.
Since they were attending a high-class banquet today, everyone made a point to change into new clothes—not because they particularly cared about others' opinions, but to show respect for the host, Miss Ningguang. Dressing too casually would seem disrespectful.
Xia Zhi's outfit was chosen by Shenhe earlier that morning—one of the outfits she had previously purchased and gifted to him.
They walked through the streets to an area guarded by the Millelith, per Miss Ningguang's instructions.
This was the entrance to the Jade Chamber.
Suspended high above Liyue, the Jade Chamber couldn't be reached by ordinary means. To make it accessible, Ningguang had constructed a platform at this location, paving a staircase of floating stones, allowing guests to ascend directly to the chamber.
Zhu Zi and Diona marveled at the long floating staircase.
"It won't collapse, right?"
"It won't."
"Ying'er, aren't you scared?"
"Nope. I have a bit of a relationship with Ningguang and have visited the Jade Chamber a few times before. I've even climbed these stairs a couple of times."
"I see!"
"It's fine. I was nervous the first time too. Just hold onto the handrail."
"Got it!"
"They must've used so many floating stones for this. It must've cost a fortune, right?"
"Miss Ningguang has plenty of money. But small floating stones like these aren't as expensive as you'd imagine. It's the large ones, the Sunset Vermillionite, that are truly rare."
"You mean the base of the Jade Chamber?"
"Exactly. According to Miss Ganyu, Ningguang once issued a reward for finding suitable Sunset Vermillionite. Eventually, Yun Jin completed the task, securing the materials. That's why Yun Jin was given the opportunity to perform a Liyue opera at the Jade Chamber this time."
"Oh!"
"Let's go."
The group presented the invitations Miss Ningguang had sent them.
The Millelith recognized Shenhe right away and, skipping the formalities, respectfully made way for them.
Zhu Zi couldn't help but comment, "Miss Shenhe is so famous now."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded. "A true celebrity."
Curious, Diona asked, "What's a celebrity?"
"It's what we call famous people back home."
"Oh."
"Don't worry, Diona. After you show your skills at the Jade Chamber banquet today and impress everyone, you'll be a celebrity too."
"I'm not that amazing."
"Don't be shy."
"I'm not shy!"
"Your face is red."
"That's because of the spicy strips!"
"How cute."
"!?"
Despite being roughly the same size as Diona—and looking even younger—the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata completely had the upper hand over her.
Xia Zhi sighed. "Cousin, don't bully Diona."
"I'm not bullying her—it's my unique way of showing love!"
"Cousin, do you also want me to confiscate your spicy strips?"
"Ugh! Cousin, now that's bullying!"
"This is my unique way of showing love for you."
"Fine, fine…"
Walking up the floating staircase, they were treated to the stunning view of Liyue Harbor.
Atop the Jade Chamber, Miss Baishi stood at the entrance, greeting guests.
"Mr. Xia, everyone, you're here! Welcome!"
"Good morning, Miss Baishi."
"Here, this is for you."
"What is it?"
"A present for you."
"Spicy strips."
"Nope, it's Osial's Flesh."
"!! Osial's Flesh?"
"It's just a snack."
"Oh, thank you! Please, head inside. Lady Ningguang has reserved the best seats for you. Miss Diona, please follow this person to the bar area. She'll explain the details to you."
"Okay."
"Diona, good luck!"
"Mm! Don't worry, I'll make the best drink in the world!"
Shenhe glanced at Diona's shaking cocktail shaker, her expression becoming slightly odd.
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