After Mada Ping and Shenhe exchanged a few words, Xia Zhi finally spoke at an appropriate mont, inviting them both to co inside and take a seat.
Mada Ping smiled and gently declined. "I appreciate your kind offer, but since we've already been waiting in line this long, a little more ti won't hurt. It's better to stay here and queue with everyone else."
Xia Zhi was slightly surprised, but he understood what she implied.
Their store was about to open for business. If Mada Ping and Yaoyao went inside early, it could be seen as cutting the line. The other custors who had arrived earlier might feel dissatisfied.
Moreover, if they entered early, Xia Zhi, as the host, would feel obligated to entertain them. Even if only for a short ti, it could disrupt the store's operations.
To avoid causing trouble, it was better for the two of them to remain as regular custors.
Xia Zhi smiled and nodded. "As you wish."
This adeptus seed entirely devoid of the lofty aura often associated with immortals. Instead, she resembled an elder well-versed in the ways of the mortal world.
He couldn't help but think of her adeptal title: Streetward Rambler.
It truly seed to suit her.
But he wondered—was she an immortal who enjoyed playing among mortals, or was her path of cultivation intrinsically tied to living among them?
After excusing himself to Mada Ping and Yaoyao, Xia Zhi opened the shop door, signaling the start of their sumr afternoon business.
The waiting custors brightened with excitent and joy as the doors swung open.
Mada Ping briefly glanced at the people queuing ahead and behind her, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Having watched over Liyue Harbor for centuries, she had seen countless shops co and go in this bustling comrcial city. But stores with such devoted custors willing to line up early were exceedingly rare.
Bubu Pharmacy was one, Xinyue Kiosk another, followed by Liuli Pavilion, Wanmin Restaurant, and even Wangsheng Funeral Parlor during a certain peculiar era...
---
anwhile, Zhu Zi and Shenhe had washed their hands, tidied their attire, and prepared for work.
"Next, please follow ," Zhu Zi said as she ushered the waiting custors inside.
Soon, it was Mada Ping and Yaoyao's turn.
Shenhe's cold expression remained as stoic as ever, but her tone softened slightly. "Grandmaster, Yaoyao, please co this way."
Mada Ping noticed this subtle change and nodded with a smile. "Alright."
She had watched Shenhe grow up and knew her well. Shenhe was a good child, but her unfortunate fate and tragic past had bound her tightly.
Even though Shenhe had always been respectful when they t in the mountains, sothing about her now seed different. She had gained a faint but noticeable warmth that wasn't there before.
From what Yaoyao had said, Shenhe had been living here since the day before yesterday.
In just two days, her frozen, guarded heart had begun to thaw.
It seed this Xia Zhi had so talent.
---
As they entered the shop, Mada Ping's gaze wandered briefly before stopping on a calligraphy piece hanging on the wall, much like Xingqiu's did that morning.
"The bright moon rises over the sea; we share this mont from afar."
Mada Ping paused, admiring the verse. "What a beautiful line."
Shenhe also stopped and softly added, "Grandmaster, the owner wrote it."
"Xia Zhi wrote this?"
"Yes."
"I see."
Mada Ping withdrew her gaze and thought back to the box of delicious mooncakes Yaoyao had brought ho last night.
This Xia Zhi truly had so skill.
---
Shenhe guided Mada Ping and Yaoyao to an empty table and spoke softly, "Please wait a mont; I'll bring you so juice."
Mada Ping nodded kindly. "Alright."
As Shenhe walked away, Mada Ping, despite being seated at so distance from the preparation area, used her adeptal vision to watch Xia Zhi's process of making the juice.
It was simple: one drop of concentrate into a glass of water.
This wildly popular drink was rely diluted juice?
---
Soon, Shenhe returned with four glasses of colorful juice. "Grandmaster, Yaoyao, please enjoy. I'll get back to work now."
Mada Ping smiled. "Alright."
Yaoyao clenched her tiny fists and cheered cutely. "Shenhe! Good luck with your work!"
Shenhe gave a cool nod and turned to head back to the front.
---
Mada Ping lowered her head to examine the beautiful liquid in her glass. "So, this is the rainbow juice you ntioned?"
Yaoyao's eyes sparkled. "Yes, Grandmaster! It's so delicious—you've never had anything like it. Try it!"
Yaoyao was as thoughtful as ever. No matter what delightful thing she encountered, she always shared it with those around her, which was one of the reasons everyone adored her.
Yesterday, after trying the juice at the shop, Yaoyao had been so enchanted that she even mumbled about it in her sleep. First thing in the morning, she had practiced her spear techniques diligently, insisting her master co try it for herself.
The matter of Xia Zhi potentially curing her master's eyesight was secondary—Yaoyao's filial piety was the main reason Mada Ping couldn't refuse.
Mada Ping chuckled and picked up the glass, though her eyes, behind her glasses, briefly flashed with a hint of caution.
She hoped this drink was as innocent as it appeared. Otherwise...
She took a small sip, letting the unique flavor flow over her tongue.
Mada Ping closed her eyes, savoring it carefully before opening them again.
Yaoyao looked at her expectantly. "How is it, Grandmaster? Isn't it delicious?"
Mada Ping smiled. "Yes, it's indeed delicious."
"Grandmaster, every glass of juice here tastes different! Try this one next!"
"Alright."
Obliging, Mada Ping took another glass and tried it. Its flavor was distinct from the first yet equally unique and tasty.
But this juice wasn't made from any ordinary fruits in this world.
---
Mada Ping set down the glass and glanced at Xia Zhi.
This Xia Zhi had a rather mysterious background.
Could he be connected to the outlander traveler Lumine from so ti ago?
If he was here for Lumine, why didn't he follow her to Inazuma? Why settle in Liyue instead?
After a mont of fruitless thought, Mada Ping turned her attention back to the beautiful juice before her.
She had already carefully analyzed it. There was nothing addictive in the drink. Its popularity was entirely due to its excellent flavor.
On the contrary, she detected a faint trace of vitality within the juice.
---
Vitality was different from elental energy, usually found in dicinal herbs. The older the herb, the richer its vitality, which often gave the herb potent dicinal properties.
If vitality beca concentrated enough, the herb would transcend into the realm of spiritual dicine—coveted even by mortals and immortals alike.
Though faint, the vitality in this diluted juice suggested that its original concentrate was of a rare, spiritual quality.
However, unlike typical spiritual dicines, the juice's vitality was gentle and easy for the human body to absorb.
Xia Zhi was truly generous.
This single glass of juice likely offered more nourishnt than countless supplents.
Mada Ping glanced around at the satisfied custors enjoying their drinks.
They probably had no idea about its hidden benefits.
It was a fortunate encounter for them.
---
Looking at Yaoyao, who was slowly sipping her juice, Mada Ping spoke warmly.
"Yaoyao."
"Yes, Grandmaster?"
"If you enjoy this juice, feel free to co here more often."
"Eh?" Yaoyao blinked. "But, Grandmaster, this juice costs 100 Mora a glass. It's so expensive..."
"It's not expensive."
"?"
"I can afford this. From now on, co here every day and have two glasses."
"???"
"Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
----
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