Soon, a table of delicious dishes was served, and everyone gathered around to eat.
Xianyun enthusiastically recounted Ganyu's childhood, her voice filled with amusement.
"In the past, Ganyu was chubby and adorable. I remember one time, when she saw a human for the first time, she mistook them for a monster and was so terrified that she hid in a corner and cried her heart out."
She chuckled before continuing, "And you won't believe this, but Ganyu once rolled down a mountain and got swallowed by a monster. Guess what? The monster choked to death on her!"
Everyone erupted in laughter, captivated by the unexpected tale. No one had expected Ganyu to have such an embarrassing history.
Ganyu, on the other hand, turned red with shame, desperately wanting to find a hole to hide in. "Master!" she whined, clearly flustered.
Seeing Ganyu's embarrassment, Xianyun relented, waving her hand dismissively. "Alright, alright, I won't say anything more. But I still don't understand why little Ganyu was so obsessed with losing weight—chubby is cute!"
As the atmosphere lightened, Jing Yuan took a sip of his drink and glanced at Kevin, Hu Tao, and the other young ones. The upcoming martial arts ceremony suddenly came to mind.
"Luofu will soon host a martial arts tournament," Jing Yuan announced. "It's an opportunity for the younger generation to exchange skills and grow stronger. Are any of you interested in participating?"
Yuri, who had been enjoying his drink, suddenly choked at the suggestion. "Jing Yuan, are you sure you want Kevin and March 7th to participate? Those two could probably take on Lingshi together!"
Jing Yuan met Yuri's gaze with a knowing smile. "Why not? It's just a friendly competition. Kevin and March 7th are still part of the younger generation, after all."
Yuri sighed, shaking his head. He couldn't figure out what Jing Yuan was thinking, but there was no doubt in his mind—Kevin would easily dominate the competition. His strength was far beyond that of his peers. While Yanqing and Yunli were prodigies in their own right, Kevin was simply on another level.
March 7th and the others instantly perked up at the mention of the tournament, excitement lighting up their eyes as they clamored to join.
After the meal, the group made their way to the newly established Internet café in Wangshengtang.
Ningguang, Keqing, Ganyu, would tag along.
That night, everyone stayed in Teyvat to attend the grand opening of the new Internet café the next morning.
The moment Hu Tao, Ying, March 7th, Kevin, and Silver Wolf arrived, they rushed to the second floor, securing a private room to indulge in gaming.
Amber, eager to play Canyon, was dragged away by Eula to try out something else.
Meanwhile, Xiangling booted up Overcooked and called Keqing to join her.
The private room was soon filled with frantic chatter.
"Keqing! Tomato! Give me the tomato!"
"Isn't the tomato over there?"
"Over there! Look for yourself!"
"Oh, okay, I'll get it right away."
And so, the night passed in a whirlwind of gaming and laughter.
The next morning, everyone gathered at the entrance of Wangshengtang's new Internet café. At the center stood Hu Tao and Ningguang, preparing for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A massive crowd had formed, eager to witness the grand opening. The turnout was so overwhelming that Ningguang had to dispatch a team of Qianyan soldiers to maintain order.
Even Childe and La Signora made an appearance, bringing along a squad of Fatui soldiers to observe the event from the crowd.
After brief speeches from Ningguang and Hu Tao, they held a pair of scissors together and cut the ribbon.
With a broad grin, Hu Tao raised her voice. "Dear guests! Wangshengtang's new Internet café is officially open! Please enter in an orderly manner to set up your membership cards!"
At once, the crowd surged forward, eager to get inside.
To streamline the process, Silver Wolf had implemented a membership card system for Hu Tao. Those with membership cards, such as Childe and La Signora, went straight upstairs to find their preferred gaming rooms.
On the third floor, La Signora wasted no time turning on her computer, immediately launching Audition.
She scanned her friend list and spotted a familiar name: "Invincible Asmodeus."
With a smirk, she sent a message.
Lady: "Trash! Let's fight!"
It didn't take long for a response.
Invincible Asmodeus: "Who are you calling trash?"
Without another word, they created a private room, selected a brutal "medium" difficulty song, and jumped straight into their PK match.
Invincible Asmodeus: "You're doomed! I've mastered this song and only made three mistakes!"
Lady: "Heh. We'll see."
Meanwhile, Childe logged into Meteor Butterfly Sword, continuing his quest for revenge.
Business at the new Internet café boomed beyond expectations. Within just half an hour, every seat was occupied. Ningguang and Ganyu soon found themselves helping out at the front desk, handling the influx of customers signing up for membership cards.
Belobog came alive with activity.
Yuri led a group of young ones to the Administrative District. Their first stop was at the home of Old Man Hook.
Now employed at the Icefield Deer Ranch, Hook's father, Fersman, had secured a stable job—one with good pay and security, a rarity in Belobog.
The moment Hook saw him, she bolted forward. "Dad!!! Hook is back!"
Fersman's eyes widened with joy as he crouched down, catching Hook in his arms. "Hook!!!"
Though not her biological father, Fersman had raised Hook as his own after her real parents disappeared long ago.
Hook wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "Dad! How have you been?"
Fersman smiled warmly. "I've been doing well. My illness is cured, and I have a steady job now at the ranch. Life is good."
Hook beamed. "That's great! What about Julian and the others?"
Fersman reassured her, "They're living comfortably at the welfare home established by Lady Cocolia. They have food to eat and warm clothes to wear."
Relieved, Hook nodded. "That's good. I'm glad."
Fersman then noticed Yuri and quickly stood up. "Mr. Yuri, I didn't expect you to return as well."
Thanks to Bronya's efforts, the entire train crew was famous in Belobog. Almost everyone recognized them as the city's saviors.
Yuri smiled. "Fersman, long time no see. The last time we spoke was right before our train departed."
Fersman nodded, his expression nostalgic. "Yes, I remember. You asked me if I was willing to let Hook travel with the train crew, and I agreed without hesitation. Hook is still young—she needs to see the world. Unlike me, who's content with a stable life, she has a bright future ahead."
Yuri nodded with a bright smile.
"Hook is lucky to have you as her father."