“May I ask why?”
Gu Sanqiu pondered as he looked at Zhongli. From the drawings on Keqing and Hu Tao’s faces, it was clear that either Zhongli had an extraordinary streak of luck, or he had cheated. Keqing’s eyes were also fixed on him, clearly hoping Gu Sanqiu would remove the markings from their faces.
This is so embarrassing!
“Earlier, the Hall Master made a bet, stating that the drawings on the face must be kept for one day—no more, no less,” Zhongli calmly explained. “Accepting the bet signifies the establishment of a contract, and maintaining the drawing on the face is naturally part of that contract.”
“As citizens of Liyue, we must respect the sanctity of contracts, reinforcing the importance of honoring them, even in minor matters.”
Zhongli’s golden eyes met Gu Sanqiu’s. “As a descendant of the Fengxiang Clan, passed down through the ages, I believe you, Mr. Gu, can appreciate this sentiment, correct?”
“Sanqiu, don’t listen to this stubborn old man,” Hu Tao pouted, cheeks puffing as she spoke. “Quickly help me get rid of this painting. It’s a detailed ink drawing, not a simple doodle—it doesn’t count!”
Gu Sanqiu glanced at the “unreasonable” Hu Tao and then at Zhongli’s steady gaze. A cold sweat began to form on his back.
You believe that, as a Fengxiang descendant, I should surely understand this?
(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
This isn’t about understanding; it’s a threat! If I don’t comply, will I be sent straight to Wuwang Hill with a Meteor?
“Hmm, I think Zhongli has made a very good point,” Gu Sanqiu finally said, a forced smile on his face.
Hu Tao and Keqing’s faces immediately dropped. Hu Tao even discreetly pulled out her Staff of Homa, gesturing behind Gu Sanqiu’s back, seemingly trying to decide where best to strike.
“Indeed, well said,” Zhongli nodded, his tone serious. “Now, it’s time for us to…”
“However,” Gu Sanqiu interrupted with a mischievous smile, “everyone knows contracts always have a bit of flexibility, or at least some leeway for interpretation, right?”
Zhongli raised an eyebrow, curious.
“When you made the bet, you didn’t specify the exact duration of ‘one day,’ correct?” Gu Sanqiu pointed out, gesturing towards the moon outside. “That being the case, they could interpret ‘one day’ as meaning just today. Isn’t that right?”
“Hmm…” Zhongli rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“From a strictly rational standpoint, that sounds less like flexibility and more like playing with words,” Zhongli mused. “However, it’s true that the contract wasn’t clearly detailed, and that’s an oversight on my part.”
Zhongli nodded in agreement. “Very well, I can accept this interpretation. The contract is fulfilled in this manner. I have no objections.”
“Sanqiu, you’re the best!” Hu Tao cheered, jumping up and down with excitement, while Keqing visibly relaxed. If she had to go to work tomorrow at Yuehai Pavilion with this drawing on her face, she’d probably die of shame!
“Sanqiu, Sanqiu, come here for a hug!” Hu Tao exclaimed gleefully.
Gu Sanqiu kept a straight face and gently pushed Hu Tao’s eager face away with one hand while playfully tugging at her ear with the other.
“Don’t think I didn’t see what you were doing behind my back,” he said dryly. “Now, stop messing around and come eat.”
“That wasn’t messing around! We were just clarifying the terms of the contract,” Keqing remarked, surprising Gu Sanqiu. He hadn’t expected a joke from her.
But… can you please pick a better time to joke around?
(:з」∠)
Don’t keep rubbing salt in the old man’s wounds—this is getting dangerous!
“Wow, let’s see what Sanqiu cooked for today,” Hu Tao said as she eagerly examined the dishes.
“Stir-fried shredded potatoes, golden shrimp balls, dry-fried shredded potatoes, potato pancakes, potato and beef stew, sour cabbage and potato fish…”
Hu Tao’s excitement faded, and her expression turned flat as she looked at Gu Sanqiu with deadpan eyes.
“Why am I seeing potato and carrot cakes too? Sanqiu, did you raid the potato king’s lair today? Are you trying to choke me to death with this menu?” she asked.
“Stop reading those weird Mondstadt novels. Here, we don’t call it the ‘Potato King.’ It’s called ‘Potato Spirit,'” Gu Sanqiu corrected with a shrug. “The main course requires that you’ve tasted the potatoes first, or else you won’t be able to appreciate it.”
“So, this feast is just the appetizer? The real main course is still to come?” Zhongli once again assumed his trademark thoughtful pose. “Interesting. I’m growing more curious about this so-called main course.”
Keqing sat in a daze. Normally, a single dish would be her entire meal. Two dishes would be considered a celebratory feast. And now there was this giant spread of food, which was apparently just a prelude to the main course?
We are not the same. Not the same at all…
“Don’t worry. When it comes to food, I can guarantee you’ll be satisfied,” Gu Sanqiu reassured them, guiding Hu Tao to her seat. Zhongli and Keqing also sat down, seemingly in perfect sync.
“Zhongli, this is some of my personal collection of fine wine. Please do me the honor of giving it a taste.”
“Oh? For even a descendant of the Fengxiang Clan to hold onto this wine… intriguing,” Zhongli remarked.
Gu Sanqiu grinned and poured Zhongli a full cup of cola-infused liquor from his treasured double-spouted jug.
“As for you two, no alcohol—just drinks for you,” he said, his tone changing abruptly as he handed a large jug of cola to Keqing.
Cold, distant expression: Engaged.
Not only did I have to handle the aftermath of your failed prank on the old man, but I also had to deal with the looming threat of his wrath. That deserves a bad review!
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