Chapter 277

No one knew exactly what had transpired between Xia Zhi and Shenhe, but the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata couldn't shake the feeling that Shenhe's gaze now carried an indescribable sense of superiority when directed at her. 

However, she hadn't heard any odd sounds the night before. 

How annoying. 

It was Friday, and in the past, Miss Ganyu would stay overnight at the shop and join them in their dream adventures. 

But tonight, she had gone back to work overtime. 

Fortunately, the Greater Lord was present, so their dream journey still consisted of three people. 

---

The next morning, Xia Zhi woke up to find Shenhe beside him. 

She opened her eyes and then turned over, clinging to him, ready to practice her "spear techniques" again. 

"Should the spear be enchanted?" 

"Enchanted?" 

"With a Pyro enchantment." 

"Oh, alright." 

Hah, after what happened last night… she still dares to ask? 

Xia Zhi popped a [Sticky Grass Seed] into his mouth to cleanse his palate, followed by a bite of a spicy strip. 

And… there wasn't much more to say beyond that. 

To sum it up, the bell jingling nearby in the early morning was exceptionally crisp and rapid. 

"Shenhe." 

"…" 

"You okay?" 

"Mm…" 

Shenhe's eyes were half-closed, and her soft voice replied weakly. Clearly, cultivation—of this kind—was truly exhausting. 

Xia Zhi took out some essential oil infused with the [Essence of Sun and Moon] and gave Shenhe a gentle massage, gradually restoring her stamina. 

"Feeling better now?" 

"Mm." 

"Alright, time to get up." 

"Boss, the comb." 

Shenhe handed him a Jade Comb before turning around, waiting for him to brush her hair. 

Xia Zhi skillfully combed her long, silky hair. 

"Do you miss your master?" 

"It's fine." 

"So, not really?" 

"Master is secluded in meditation." 

"What does your master's human form look like? Similar to Madam Ping?" 

"She's a bit taller than I am, and her appearance is much younger—different from Grandma Ping." 

"I see." 

"Actually… Grandma Ping—" 

"Hm?" 

"I heard from my master that Grandma Ping deliberately took on her current appearance to temper her heart in the mortal world." 

"Huh?" 

"My master said that Grandma Ping's true appearance is probably similar to hers, perhaps even more beautiful." 

"Really?" 

"Mm. Because every time my master talks about Grandma Ping, there's something odd in her tone." 

Shenhe spoke softly, recalling that she hadn't understood her master's peculiar tone before. But now, she recognized it as a kind of awkwardness, similar to what she and Xia Ci shared. 

Xia Zhi chuckled. "Your master, huh… Acting like this at her age." 

After gossiping about the two adepti, they changed into fresh clothes. Shenhe bundled up the bedsheets and carried them off to wash. 

---

When they reached the ground floor, Xia Zhi noticed the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sitting at the table. 

She glanced at the two of them, then casually checked the mechanical pocket watch she had won at the Jade Chamber auction. 

She pouted slightly. 

They got up half an hour later than usual! 

After breakfast, Ying'er moved a chair to the shop's entrance, basking in the sun with a look of utter contentment. 

Ah, so this is what a holiday feels like. 

Sales champion? Sorry, but being a carefree attendant in the Summer Shop is the ultimate endgame for my life. 

As she watched the bustling pedestrians on the street, Ying'er sighed deeply, feeling as though she'd shaved forty years off her life's detours. 

From inside the shop came the sound of people playing mahjong. 

Ying'er squinted, relishing her leisure, but then she overheard some passersby talking. 

"Jade Chamber… Rainbow Wine… Feeling better… Too bad it's closed for the holiday…" 

Ying'er opened her eyes, her expression turning a little odd as she listened more carefully to their conversation. 

---

When the sun was higher in the sky, Ying'er moved her chair back inside. 

After watching the mahjong game for a while, she headed to the kitchen to lend Xia Zhi a hand. 

"Boss." 

"Mm?" 

"I've come up with a new idea for a balm." 

"What's your concept?" 

"Well—" 

Eagerly, Ying'er shared her inspiration with him, her eyes filled with anticipation. 

"What do you think, Boss?" 

Xia Zhi nodded as he chopped vegetables. 

"It sounds promising, but there are a few areas you'll need to refine…" 

He then provided some constructive suggestions, which Ying'er absorbed like a treasure. "Got it! I'll think it over and test it tonight." 

"Don't stay up too late." 

"Boss, it's Saturday!" 

"Even if it's Saturday, don't mess up your routine it'll make you uncomfortable." 

"I know, I know. By the way, Boss…" 

"Hmm?" 

"When I was outside sunbathing earlier, I overheard a lot of people talking about our shop." 

"What were they saying?" 

"About the Rainbow Wine that Diona served at the Jade Chamber yesterday. It's already super famous!" 

"Oh?" 

"Everyone says the people who attended the banquet have been raving about it, claiming it's the best-tasting wine in the world and that drinking it cures all ailments." 

"…" 

Xia Zhi paused, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. 

Compared to ordinary wine, Rainbow Wine was indeed far superior in taste. However, it certainly didn't have miraculous healing properties. 

The real reason the banquet attendees were suddenly free of ailments was because Xia Zhi had cast several high-tier healing spells while farming their Progress Bars. 

In essence, it was all a misunderstanding. 

But it was a good misunderstanding. 

This would undoubtedly make Diona famous. And by extension, the Summer Shop would gain even more recognition. 

Today was so peaceful partly because the shop was closed for the holiday, but also because Ningguang's gestures at the banquet had deterred any ill-intentioned schemers. 

Otherwise, the miraculous claims about Rainbow Wine would have already attracted trouble for the shop. 

For now, at least, they could enjoy some quiet. Coming Monday, though, the customer traffic would likely explode again. 

What a headache. 

To think that a small drink shop had suddenly produced not one but two celebrities—or perhaps, internet sensations. 

One was Shenhe. 

The other was Diona. 

Xia Zhi fell into contemplation. 

Soon enough, customers would undoubtedly come asking for Rainbow Wine. However, it wasn't on the shop's menu. 

Maybe it was time to add it. 

"Ying'er." 

"Hmm?" 

"What do you think of Rainbow Wine?" 

"It's delicious!" 

"What if we start selling it?" 

"Lots of people would want to buy it!" 

"And what about the pricing?" 

"I think… we could price it higher…" 

"Higher… No, let's make it a membership-exclusive item." 

"Membership-exclusive?" 

"Yes. Rainbow Wine won't be a regular item on the menu. Only customers who've collected seven unique cup designs from the shop will qualify to purchase it." 

"Oh! I get it! That's a great idea, Boss!" 

"Right?" 

"I think we should also design a special cup just for Rainbow Wine. That way, it satisfies the customers' sense of uniqueness." 

"Good idea. Let's leave that to my cousin." 

"Miss Xia Ci?" 

"Mm. Go talk to her later and ask her to design a special cup for Rainbow Wine. Then, go negotiate with Scent of Spring Kiln about production. Any issues?" 

"Of course not! I'm good friends with people at Scent of Spring Kiln. I'll get the best price for you, Boss!" 

"Haha, great. When I pay salaries this month, I'll rate you as 'Excellent.'" 

"Thank you, Boss!"

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