"Boss?" After calling out for a few more seconds and seeing Hu Tao completely unresponsive, the employee couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled.
Could she be asleep? Falling asleep at this hour—how strange.
The three adepti who had been sitting there chatting earlier were also gone. The employees had even thought they might stay for dinner and had prepared extra portions.
Guess they were overthinking it.
With that thought, the employee slowly turned his gaze toward Zhongli, silently asking what was going on.
Noticing this, Zhongli simply shook his head and spoke up to clarify.
"The three adepti have gone out to experience the Lantern Rite festivities. As for Director Hu... she may have dozed off after that story I told."
"I see! Mr. Zhongli, could I trouble you to take the Director out to help with something? We can't leave the kitchen right now." The employee's expression turned slightly awkward as he made his request.
The reason for his hesitation was twofold: first, the kitchen staff had to monitor the cooking—this was a critical stage, and they couldn't step away.
Second, in everyone's eyes, Zhongli was a learned sage. Such menial tasks hardly suited him, and the employee wasn't sure if he'd agree.
"Very well. I was also thinking of stepping out to see the lively scenes myself." Zhongli set down his teacup and gave a slight nod.
Seeing Zhongli agree, the employee beamed. He thanked him and quickly slipped back into the kitchen.
Just before the door closed, he reminded Zhongli not to forget to return for the group dinner later.
After all, knowing Zhongli, if something caught his interest out there, he'd definitely lose track of time!
Watching the employee disappear, Zhongli rose to his feet. With a quiet sigh—"Today truly is eventful"—he gently roused Hu Tao.
"Hmm? Is dinner ready?" Hu Tao mumbled groggily, her beautiful plum-blossom eyes clouded with sleep.
If you looked closely, you'd notice a small trace of drool at the corner of her mouth, her hair sticking to her face. She looked utterly adorable.
Awake now, Hu Tao glanced around left and right—but there was no food in sight. She was puzzled.
"What's wrong, Zhongli...?" She rubbed her eyes sleepily, still very drowsy. This was the first time she'd slept so long during Lantern Rite.
"Director Hu, your employee was just calling for you." Zhongli stood with arms crossed, speaking calmly.
"Huh? Which one?" Hu Tao sat up, covering a yawn with her hand.
"Song Zhong. He asked if you could go out and buy some black-back bass. They seem to have forgotten to purchase it."
Zhongli even remembered the employee's name—they weren't strangers, having spent some time together before.
"And here I thought it was something important..." Hu Tao rubbed her forehead in exasperation. That guy Song Zhong actually forgot to buy her favorite fish!
When she got back, she was going to have words with him!
Shaking off the last of her drowsiness, Hu Tao stood up, stretched her stiff limbs, and got ready to head out.
"Mr. Zhongli, wanna come along?" She placed her hands on her hips, looking at him curiously.
"Naturally." Zhongli nodded and began walking out slowly, with Hu Tao hopping along behind him.
---
On the other side
The three Yakshas arrived at a fabric workshop not far from the harbor. The shop had been around for years—a true time-honored establishment.
Their main purpose was to get Bosacius properly fitted for some new clothes. Of course, they'd also pick up a few things for themselves and Xiao.
Truth be told, when the shop owner realized his customers were three adepti, he was utterly astonished.
After all, in Liyue, it was rare for adepti to descend and interact so closely with ordinary folk.
But the surprise passed quickly. Guests were guests, and they deserved the best service!
"Hehe, honored adepti, thank you for gracing my humble shop. Are you here to have some garments made?"
The owner's enthusiasm was palpable. Having adepti as customers was a tremendous honor—surely his shop would become even more renowned!
"Yes, boss. We'll be spending some time in the mortal realm soon, experiencing everyday life. We'll need suitable attire." Bonanus replied with a smile.
Hearing this, the owner's eyes lit up. They'd wear clothes made in his shop out in public? That was practically free advertising!
What a stroke of luck!
"Aiyo! The three of you have excellent taste! I've long heard that two adepti have returned to Liyue. It must be you distinguished ones, right?"
"Boss, no need for formalities. We still have matters to attend to." Seeing the owner was about to ramble, Fan'an gently cut him off.
If he kept talking, they'd miss all the exciting festivities.
"Of course, of course! So, what styles would you three prefer?" The owner nodded eagerly.
Fan'an glanced back at the two behind her, silently asking if they had any preferences.
Both shook their heads in unison. Clearly, neither Bosacius nor Xiao had any idea what they liked.
"You should pick for me, little sister. Something simple will do." Bosacius scratched his head—choosing clothes wasn't his strong suit.
This was evident from the fact that he'd once picked out women's outfits for Xiao.
"I don't mind. Whatever you like, Sister Bonanus." Xiao said indifferently.
Seeing their tacit understanding, Bonanus shook her head with a smile. Looks like I'll have to handle this myself!
She thought for a moment. Nothing flashy—just ordinary, everyday clothes.
"Boss, how about this: give us one set each of what ordinary folks wear. Colors... whatever's standard is fine."
"As for the Mora, put it on that Fatui Harbinger's tab—Childe's account."
Fan'an unhesitatingly invoked Childe's name. Zhongli had given her the green light, so she wasn't worried about any repercussions.
"You got it, adepti! Rest assured, our master tailors are top-notch." The owner beamed. This was a big order.
"Whether it's Mondstadt or Inazuma styles, our craftsmen are well-versed in both."
"Please step into that room—our specialists will take your measurements."
Satisfied, Bonanus nodded. She trusted the owner's words—an old establishment like this wouldn't survive without genuine skill.
With that, she gestured for Bosacius and Xiao to enter first for their measurements, while she lingered behind to whisper something to the owner.
"Boss, since you mentioned being proficient in Mondstadt styles, could you also make a maid outfit for me?" Fan'an said with a mischievous grin.
"Certainly! I won't boast, but our master tailors have mastered those techniques." The owner replied confidently.
"Excellent. See that green-haired young man who just went in? Make a full set maid outfit according to his measurements." Bonanus's eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"Ah... this..." The owner hesitated, looking troubled.
But that adepti who just went in was clearly male! Was this really appropriate?
Sensing his hesitation, Bonanus continued, "Don't worry about that. Just do as I say."
Seeing the female adepti so insistent, the owner had no choice but to nod in agreement.
Having secured his consent, Bonanus hummed a little tune cheerfully, bouncing lightly as she headed toward the measurement room.
The small "tail" behind her swayed happily.
Little did Xiao know, his good elder brother and sister had just prepared several sets of women's clothing for him.