Inside the teahouse, at a table missing one player.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sat in the west seat, her expression initially casual and indifferent. However, when she saw Zhongli walk in from outside and slowly approach her table, her expression gradually stiffened.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata watched him sit down and asked, "Are you number 1596?"
Zhongli replied calmly, "Yes."
"What a coincidence."
"From a universal perspective, it is indeed a coincidence."
"Tell me, you didn't secretly manipulate the draw, did you?"
"…No."
"Given your pride, I don't think you'd do something so trivial. That's more like something that guy from Mondstadt would do."
"Hmm."
"Are you aiming for the championship?"
"Let fate decide."
"Tsk, I'm definitely going for the championship."
"…"
The two other random participants at the table watched as a cute little girl and a cold, aloof man chatted animatedly. They exchanged a glance, coughed, and said, "How about we save the catching up for after the match? Let's start playing, shall we?"
"Sure."
"Alright."
Outside, Xia Zhi stood on the steps, pretending to be lost in thought, but in reality, he was watching the Geo Archon and the Dendro Archon play mahjong with great interest through his God's-eye view.
On the surface, it seemed neither god was using their abilities to cheat, relying solely on luck and strategy to compete.
In terms of strategy, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had a clear advantage, thanks to her [Innate Wisdom].
But Xia Zhi knew that Morax had a Geo ability, and the mahjong tiles used in this tournament were made of stone, not wood.
Xia Zhi had also tried using this ability while playing mahjong. With [Rex Lapis] he could easily sense what the hidden tiles were.
So, in reality, both of them were using cheats.
One had a strategy cheat, the other had a perspective cheat.
That's what makes it interesting.
Who plays mahjong without using superpowers?
Xia Zhi was enjoying the show when he suddenly heard light footsteps approaching.
It was Yun Jin.
Xia Zhi pretended not to notice.
Only when he felt someone gently pat his back did he turn around with a puzzled expression.
"Mr. Xia!"
"Miss Yun Jin? Are you here to participate in the tournament too?"
"I didn't sign up. I just saw you standing here from upstairs and came over to say hello."
"Oh."
"Where is everyone?"
"They're all inside playing mahjong."
"It's so lively today."
"Yeah."
"It feels as lively as the Moonchase Festival."
"Maybe Liyue will have a Mahjong Festival in the future."
"Ah! That would be so fun!"
"Is the Yun-Han Opera Troupe busy?"
"We've been quite busy the past couple of days, mainly because we made an appearance at the Jade Chamber, so a lot of people want to invite us to perform."
"Doesn't that mean you have to travel a lot?"
"Yes, but if it's too far, I won't take the job."
"Take care of yourself. Don't overwork."
"That's why I gave everyone a day off today."
"Actually, it's because someone from the Yun-Han Opera Troupe signed up for the tournament, right?"
"Hehe, you guessed it, Mr. Xia!"
Chatting with Miss Yun Jin was quite relaxing. She didn't put on any airs of a big star.
In her eyes, Xia Zhi was more like a confidant, and she was willing to share all sorts of trivial matters from her life with him.
As they chatted, Xia Zhi pulled out a bag of snacks and shared them with Miss Yun Jin.
"What's this?"
"Rice puffs. I made them this morning."
"They're so good! So fragrant and crispy!"
"Right?"
"I feel like my mood just got so much better."
"Eat more if you like them."
"But these are fried… I shouldn't eat too much."
"It's fine."
"Last time I ate at your place, I accidentally ate too much and had to practice for two extra hours when I got back."
"Don't worry, don't worry."
"I can't afford to slack off when it comes to managing my figure."
"Miss Yun Jin, have you ever gained weight before?"
"Yes, once during the Lantern Rite Festival. I ate and drank a lot at home for a few days and ended up gaining a few pounds. It took a lot of effort to lose it later."
"Haha, gaining a few pounds during the holidays is normal. It's fine once in a while."
"I'm scared, I'm scared."
"Actually…"
"Hmm?"
"Never mind."
"Don't be like that, tell me!"
"I was going to say, there's actually a good way to help you."
"Oh?"
"Massages can also help with weight loss."
Miss Yun Jin was slightly taken aback, then her delicate face turned a bit red.
"That… I've heard the others mention it before."
"Oh."
"Is it true?"
"Of course. Look at Zhu Zi and the others at home. They eat so much every day, and they've been eating like that for two months now, but their figures are still great."
Miss Yun Jin's eyes flickered. She had bathed with the others before, so she had seen clearly. Whether it was Zhu Zi, Shenhe, or the others, their figures were indeed very good, with no signs of weight gain at all. And during meals, she had also noticed that she was the only one at the table who ate the least.
Massages really work.
But, a full-body massage… it feels so embarrassing.
But…
Miss Yun Jin secretly glanced at Xia Zhi.
If it's Mr. Xia, it might be acceptable.
Mr. Xia is upright, and he's blind…
"Miss Yun Jin?"
"Huh?"
Miss Yun Jin snapped out of her daze when she heard Xia Zhi call her.
"Do you want more?"
"Uh…"
"Have a little more, it's fine."
"Then I'll have a small handful. I'll eat less at lunch today."
"Dieting like this isn't good for your health."
"It's fine."
"If I'm not mistaken, Miss Yun Jin, you have a bit of a stomach problem, right?"
"Ah…"
"Do you sometimes suddenly feel stomach pain, but after enduring it for a while, it mysteriously disappears?"
"Yes! But I've never told anyone. How did you know, Mr. Xia?"
"I just happen to know a little about medicine. I deduced it from your lifestyle habits."
"So impressive!"
"That's not important. What's important is your stomach problem. Although the symptoms are still mild now, you can't let it continue to develop like this. Otherwise, when it gets worse, your body will suffer."
"Then… what should I do?"
"The most basic thing is to maintain a regular diet. You can't keep dieting."
"But… I can't eat too much…"
Miss Yun Jin frowned, looking troubled.
"If my figure gets ruined, I won't be able to perform. Mr. Xia, since it's an illness, medicine can definitely cure it, right?"
"It can be cured, but if you don't change your lifestyle habits, it will recur."
"Then…"
"I'll prescribe some medicine for you later. Go to Bubu Pharmacy and get three doses. I won't say more. It's up to you."
"Thank you, Mr. Xia."
----
Join my Patreon for early access to 60+ chapters and to support my work: Patreon.com/rivyura