ReruoIzayoi
patreon
Chapter 70: The Wanmin Funeral Combo
🕑 Added 2025-04-17 06:00:04 +0000 UTC"Wow, wow, wow! So this is Liyue Harbor? It's completely different from Mondstadt!"
After two or three days of travel, Paimon and Lumine finally arrived at Liyue Harbor. Before them stood a grand gatehouse with green tiles and white walls, wide streets paved with blue and white stone bricks, and rows of small shops lining the streets, creating a harmonious blend of intricate architecture.
As they walked down the street, the aroma of food wafted out from the alleys, accompanied by the occasional calls of street vendors.
"Zhongyuan Mixed Grill, delicious and affordable..."
"Grilled Tiger Fish, fresh Grilled Tiger Fish..."
"Old flavors, new memories—Wanmin Restaurant welcomes you..."
Indeed, all Paimon heard were calls related to food. Everything else was automatically filtered out by her brain.
The enticing smells and sounds were too much for Paimon. Her mouth watered uncontrollably.
"Traveler, let's go to Wanmin Restaurant! I think Xiangling's family runs a place by that name, hehe."
"Is this Xiangling's family restaurant?" Lumine recalled that Xiangling had indeed mentioned the name, though she wasn't sure if Xiangling was currently at the restaurant.
"Yeah, yeah, let's go in! Don't just stand here chatting at the entrance. That's so rude!" Paimon flew behind Lumine, pushing her toward the restaurant.
Compared to two years ago, Wanmin Restaurant hadn't changed much. It was still a three-story building, bustling with customers. The only noticeable difference was the new advertisement board out front—a rather unique one, seemingly put up recently.
Paimon flew up to the board and read the advertisement aloud: "Wanmin Restaurant and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor present the 'Wanmin Funeral Combo'—experience the true meaning of life for just a few Mora... Traveler, this combo sounds really cool!"
Lumine walked over to take a look and nodded. "Understanding the true meaning of life" sounded quite profound.
The two entered Wanmin Restaurant, where Paimon, acting as the "Voice of God," called out to the owner, Chef Mao.
"Boss, we'd like to order!"
"Of course, what would you like?" Chef Mao picked up a brush from the stand, ready to take their order.
"Give us a few of your signature dishes, and two Wanmin Funeral Combos!" At the mention of the "Wanmin Funeral Combo," Chef Mao's hand trembled, tearing a hole in the order slip.
"Are you sure you want the Wanmin Funeral Combo?" Chef Mao forced a smile, double-checking with them.
"Yes, is there a problem?" Paimon asked, puzzled. Why was he reacting so strongly? Was there something wrong with the combo?
"No, no problem at all. Please take a seat, and I'll have the kitchen prepare your order."
"Wait, boss, is Xiangling here?" Paimon stopped Chef Mao before he could leave, asking about Xiangling.
"Oh? You know my daughter? Are you her friends?" Chef Mao turned around, giving them a scrutinizing look, as if they were pigs trying to steal his precious cabbage.
"You're Xiangling's father?" Paimon was shocked. How could such an adorable girl have such an ordinary-looking father? Were they even related? Paimon quickly shook her head, dismissing the absurd thought. What a terrible thing to think!
"Xiangling is currently helping in the kitchen. Take the menu and go find her yourselves," Chef Mao said, handing the order slip to Lumine. Lumine nodded and led Paimon to the kitchen.
Entering the bustling kitchen, they immediately spotted Xiangling, wearing a chef's hat and apron.
"Guoba, light the fire!"
"Guoba, pass me that bowl!"
"Guoba, wash those vegetables!"
"Guoba..."
Xiangling was busy, her hands moving so fast they were almost a blur. Meanwhile, Guoba was being ordered around, looking utterly overwhelmed.
Seeing the two of them so busy, Paimon hesitated. "Uh... Traveler, maybe we shouldn't disturb Xiangling."
"Yeah," Lumine agreed, feeling the same.
Just as they were about to leave, Xiangling noticed their figures and, overjoyed, dropped her wooden spatula and rushed over to hug Lumine.
"Traveler! It's been so long! You've finally come to Liyue!"
"Hello, Xiangling," Paimon waved, her tone slightly annoyed. Why had Xiangling hugged Lumine first when Paimon was standing right there?
"Ah, Emergency Food Paimon!"
"Hey! Paimon is not food!" Paimon stomped her feet in frustration. The first time they met, Xiangling had mistaken her for an ingredient, and now it was happening again!
"Hehe, don't mind it. So, why are you in Liyue? For the Rite of Descension?" Xiangling asked, figuring that was the only reason.
"Yes, I have some questions for the Geo Archon," Lumine nodded.
"I see," Xiangling nodded, not pressing further.
"What's that in your hands... Oh, it must be the menu Dad wrote. Let me see what you ordered. I'll make it myself!" Xiangling took the menu and looked over the dishes they had ordered.
"Mora Meat, Spicy Meat Buns, Boiled Black-Back Perch... Wanmin Funeral Combo?!" Xiangling's eyes widened in surprise.
Seeing Xiangling react the same way as her father, Paimon finally couldn't hold back. "What exactly is this Wanmin Funeral Combo?"
"Well, how should I put it..." Xiangling scratched her head awkwardly. The Wanmin Funeral Combo was a collaboration between her and Hu Tao. Due to the unique ingredients used, the dish allowed people to experience the sensation of death, as it was only near death that one could truly understand the meaning of life.
However, so far, not many people had ordered this combo.
