[Yoimiya: Lady Kujou Sara seems very happy.]
[Kamisato Ayaka: Shh, let's just observe and not say too much.]
[Lisa: But as for the Raiden Shogun... she doesn't seem nearly as terrifying as the rumors suggested.]
[Amber: I get that feeling too.]
[Ganyu: We aren't in a position to comment on Inazuma's internal affairs; each of the Seven Nations has its own way of governing.]
[Yae Miko: Liyue's tofu dishes are truly delicious. As for her... she is just Ei.]
「This session of the Live Q&A has concluded. The next session will begin in seven days.」
「The broadcast room will close in thirty seconds.」
Teyvat returned to its daily routine, but the events of the broadcast became the talk of every nation. Watching the punishments had become a source of endless entertainment for the people. It was like a continental sporting event where watching the high and mighty stumble was the main attraction.
It didn't matter who you were or how noble your status was. If you got it wrong, you were punished. Whether it was a wealthy merchant or a powerful lord, no one could escape. It was the ultimate form of equality!
Think you can just ignore the 50,000 Mora? Even if you didn't participate, the random selection could pull you in at any moment.
Furthermore, starting from the second session, people noticed a pattern: those who were usually arrogant and overbearing had a remarkably high probability of being selected.
"Did you hear? The 'Ten Great Villains' of Liyue's back alleys all got hit this time!"
"For real?"
"Shh, keep it down, don't let their lackeys hear you."
"Lord Maocai, Master Qishen, and Boss Zhuang—all of them are being forced to run laps. Eight out of ten of them were picked."
"Hahaha! Let them run until they drop!"
"And Lord Maocai? He's finished!"
"Finished?" The topic was being debated in every tavern and tea house.
Lord Maocai was indeed finished. After his true face was exposed, those who originally intended to cooperate with him pulled out. Existing partners reduced orders or cut ties entirely. Even his domestic servants began to leave. In just three days, his business plummeted. To make matters worse, the Northland Bank—whom he had worked with—blacklisted him and demanded immediate repayment of all loans!
Maocai wailed: "Why stop the cooperation? The things in that broadcast... they said it was just one possibility of fate, it wasn't real!"
Tartaglia stood there coldly: "Lord Maocai, reality reveals quality. What we saw was a reflection of your character and how you manage your subordinates. You are no longer fit to work with the Fatui. Please leave."
"Lord Childe! Lord Childe! Give me one more chance!"
Maocai, sobbing hysterically, was unceremoniously thrown out of the Northland Bank. Changhu and the other thugs were also rejected by potential employers. For the foreseeable future, they wouldn't find any work. Liyue people were shrewd, but they had a bottom line, and their eyes were sharp.
"Selling offal! Last cart! Once it's gone, it's gone!"
The Yuheng, Keqing, acting as a street vendor, was another hot topic. Regardless of her status, her offal tasted excellent. By the third day, she had sold out completely. She had already earned over 600,000 Mora; after deducting costs, she had turned a significant profit.
In the street of Chihu Rock, a man carrying a strange notebook walked up. "Is Wanmin Restaurant almost repaired?"
Chongyun and Yanfei were inside helping, and Director Hu Tao was there as well. Xiangling walked out: "Almost, but we can't open for business today. You look like a fresh face—are you from out of town?"
"I am a traveler. I heard the food at Wanmin Restaurant is delicious, but it seems I won't be able to taste it today."
"I'm very sorry! But, since you're here, would you like to try a free sample of something I'm working on?"
"A free sample?"
Xiangling immediately pulled a dish from the pot: "Ta-da! It's Qingxin-Sautéed Slime Condensate!"
Whoosh. Hu Tao, Chongyun, and Yanfei instantly recoiled several meters.
Hu Tao: "Qingxin... Qingxin-Sautéed Slime Condensate... so I wasn't the only target?"
Yanfei: "Hu Tao, you've eaten this too? It's... it's way too slimy."
Chongyun: "So I'm not the only one afraid of her 'testing' dishes."
Xiangling pouted: "It tastes good! I added some honey this time."
"The taste... actually isn't bad. Not as scary as they say." The man picked up his chopsticks and ate. "Next time, try adding some seagrass or Lavender Melon."
Xiangling was delighted: "Really? Thank you for the suggestion, traveler!"
At the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu had barely stepped out when he was accosted.
"Yo, isn't that Young Master Xingqiu?"
"Good morning, Young Master Xingqiu!"
"Is that outfit the latest women's style? Our tailor shop needs to learn from this!"
"Our shop needs a new model like Young Master Xingqiu!"
"No wonder Feiyun Commerce Guild does such good business in silk; with Xingqiu in charge, they have experience in both men's and women's clothing!"
Xingqiu clutched his head. He was too popular now. He immediately sprinted to the third floor of the Wanwen Bookhouse, unable to hold back his urge to see the newly arrived books.
The storyteller's area was as lively as ever. This time, Iron Tongue Tian was leaning on a cane: "I'm not snatching! Never again! I have to hold onto the wall just to walk!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Next time, keep going!"
"Exactly! Look, Miss Ying'er even got a Vision!"
Tian snapped his fan open: "This chapter tells of a hero drawing a blade to help those in need, punishing evil—a true heart of chivalry!"
"However, those greedy souls... they were like water jars as big as stools, pouring water into their bellies through a hole."
"Some were so hungry and dizzy they could only drink water."
"They were all dragged away by the Millelith. Guess what Old Sun the fishmonger was crying while he drank?"
"What did he say?"
"I'm going to drown!"