Right now, most people in Liyue Harbor are probably like Hu Tao—filled with curiosity about Guili Plains.
After all, ever since the reconstruction of Guili Plains began, news about its development has been trickling back constantly.
Many have even been drawn there by job opportunities.
And most who go don't come back—they stay to work.
With all these changes, how could people not be curious?
A saying has already spread through Liyue Harbor: "If you want to make money, go to Guili Plains!"
At this point, even if Ningguang didn't actively relocate people, a massive population flow would still head there on its own.
Guili Plains already has a population of several hundred thousand—and it's still growing.
As the group chatted, Xiangling brought out the food.
"Jiang Chen, I made a few of your favorites, so you don't need to order. Hu Tao and the others already got a lot."
Xiangling set down the dishes as she spoke.
Hearing this, Jiang Chen nodded.
"I'm fine with anything as long as there's food."
"By the way, Xiangling, have you thought about opening a branch in Guili Plains?"
Jiang Chen picked up his chopsticks and asked casually.
If Xiangling opened a shop there, he could enjoy her cooking more often.
Though Wangshu Inn's food was also delicious—and he didn't even have to pay, since everything went on Ningguang's tab—he still wanted some variety.
Xiangling's dishes had a unique flavor, sometimes even varying slightly with the same dish.
Jiang Chen really liked it.
Hearing this, Xiangling perked up immediately.
"I have thought about it!"
"But I'd need to check the place out first."
"After all, I'm not familiar with the area yet."
She had considered opening a branch in Guili Plains.
Its development was inevitable, so of course she'd want to expand there—and run it herself.
Her father had already agreed to the idea.
"Then let's go together!"
"We were just planning to follow Jiang Chen back to Guili Plains anyway."
Hu Tao chimed in eagerly.
If Xiangling was going too, they might as well travel together.
Xiangling's eyes sparkled at the suggestion.
But knowing Jiang Chen might leave soon, she hurriedly added:
"Alright, let me go tell my dad!"
With that, she rushed off to inform her father.
She wasn't just going to tell him—she also needed to prepare.
If she was going, she might as well buy property there first.
Yes, Xiangling planned to purchase a place.
As the most popular restaurant in Liyue Harbor, her family was quite well-off.
Seeing this, Jiang Chen and the others started eating first.
As they chatted over the meal, Hu Tao began venting about her recent troubles at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"A while ago, Zhongli brought back some drunk bard from Mondstadt. At first, I thought he was just a friend, so I welcomed him warmly."
"But guess what?"
"That guy just stayed after arriving."
"Zhongli kept making excuses to ask me for money, saying it was for entertaining his friend or whatever."
"It was so annoying."
Hu Tao puffed her cheeks indignantly.
What kind of friend was that?
Clearly just a freeloader.
She was so relieved when Venti finally left.
Listening to Hu Tao's rant, Jiang Chen couldn't help but smirk.
In Hu Tao's eyes, Venti's reputation must be in the gutter—a shameless moocher.
Xingqiu and Chongyun didn't comment.
They knew Zhongli too, having met him when they were young.
But even as they grew up, Zhongli never aged a day.
So they suspected he might be an adeptus—a belief that only strengthened over time.
As the group ate and listened to Hu Tao's complaints, someone suddenly called out Jiang Chen's name.
"Mr. Jiang Chen?"
Hearing this, everyone turned to look.
Jiang Chen glanced up in surprise—only to see Kamisato Ayaka approaching in Liyue-style attire.
At the sight of her, Jiang Chen remembered: Ah right, there's that Inazuman girl in Liyue.
Hu Tao and Xingqiu were puzzled.
From Ayaka's accent, they could tell she wasn't a local—likely from Inazuma.
Her speech was oddly gentle and refined.
The moment Hu Tao saw Ayaka, her eyes gleamed. This has to be a noble lady.
I wonder if she'd be interested in placing an order at Wangsheng?
Noble families must have a lot of people—maybe they'll need our services.
"Ayaka, take a seat!"
"How've you been in Liyue lately?"
Jiang Chen quickly invited her to join them.
Ayaka nodded politely, then greeted the others.
"Hello, everyone."
"I am Kamisato Ayaka, from Inazuma."
"Pardon the intrusion."
Only after addressing the group did she sit down.
"Oh, from Inazuma?"
"I heard your country has opened its borders now?"
"Ah, I'm Hu Tao. Nice to meet you!"
"If your family ever needs funeral services, feel free to find me anytime."
"I'm a professional in this field."
Hu Tao beamed as she introduced herself.
Ayaka, who had just sat down, froze.
Is… this some kind of unique Liyue greeting?
Stunned by Hu Tao's words, she didn't know how to respond.
The other three at the table facepalmed. Classic Hu Tao. Who greets people like that?
"Don't mind her, that's just how she is."
"She means no harm."
Jiang Chen quickly explained to Ayaka.
Hearing this, Ayaka nodded, brushing it off.
Perhaps it's just a local custom.
She sensed no malice from Hu Tao.
"This is Chongyun, from an exorcist family."
"And this is his very close friend—the Second Young Lady of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu."
Jiang Chen introduced the other two to Ayaka.
His words made Ayaka pause—especially at "Second Young Lady."
Is Xingqiu a girl?
But… very close friend?
For a moment, Ayaka was utterly confused.
Chongyun and Xingqiu felt their souls leave their bodies upon hearing Jiang Chen's introduction.
Before they could protest, Hu Tao burst out laughing.
"Yep, this is the Feiyun Commerce Guild's Second Young Lady."
Xingqiu immediately exploded.
"I AM NOT!!"
"I'm a guy!"
"Ugh, stop randomly changing my gender!"
"You're the worst!!"
Xingqiu's face flushed with frustration.
In Jiang Chen and Hu Tao's eyes, he'd somehow become the "Second Young Lady"?
Sure, he was a bit delicate-looking—maybe even girlish—but he was definitely male!
Just because I look like one doesn't mean I am one!
Why are you acting like my mom, trying to turn me into a girl?!
Realizing it was a joke, Ayaka chuckled softly in understanding.