Chapter 278

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata looked up from the thick book in her hands, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she glanced at Ying'er. "A new cup design?" 

Ying'er nodded. "The boss suggested making Rainbow Wine a membership-exclusive item, so we need a specially designed cup to match the drink." 

"This kind of trivial thing doesn't need me, does it?" 

"The boss said he'd feel more comfortable leaving it to you." 

"Honestly, without me, my cousin would be lost." 

With a resigned sigh, the Greater Lord set her book aside, fetched a pen and paper, and began sketching. 

Ying'er returned to the kitchen to continue helping out. 

---

Xia Zhi was pan-frying fish, preparing to make Fish Simmered with Tofu, when Diona burst into the kitchen from outside. 

The little bartender couldn't help but take a deep breath, savoring the enticing aroma of the fish. She swallowed hard before reluctantly tearing her gaze away from the pan to look at Xia Zhi. 

"Boss, I heard from Miss Xia Ci that the shop is going to add Rainbow Wine?" 

"Yes, and from now on, I'll need your help with mixing it." 

"That's no trouble at all!" 

"Of course, I'll make sure to increase your pay." 

"No need, boss! Mixing juices is already such light work—I've always felt a little guilty about how easy it is. This is perfect!" 

"Still, you deserve some extra compensation." 

"Well… thank you, boss! Do you need any help now?" 

"Grab a small bowl and taste the fish soup for me—let me know if the seasoning is right." 

"Okay!" 

"How is it?" 

"It's so fresh!" 

"What about the seasoning?" 

"I think it's just right; no need for more salt!" 

"Alright, then let's transfer it to the clay pot for simmering." 

Diona washed the bowl, smacking her lips in satisfaction as she walked out of the kitchen. But as soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Zhongli and Hu Tao entering the shop. Quickly, she busied herself preparing tea to welcome them. 

---

After greetings were exchanged, Hu Tao wandered over to the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, curious about what she was working on. 

"What's this you're doing?" 

"Designing a new cup." 

"Why are there seven elemental symbols on it?" 

"This cup is specifically for Rainbow Wine. Its seven colors correspond to the seven elements, and since it's a membership-exclusive item, the design ties in with our 'seven collectible cup patterns' for eligibility." 

"Oh, what an interesting concept!" 

Hu Tao watched her draw for a while before suddenly asking, "Miss Xia Ci, do you think tombstones could be designed like this too?" 

The Greater Lord raised her head, visibly startled. "Huh?" 

"I mean, could tombstones also be designed to be lighthearted and fun? That way, people might fear death a little less." 

"Well… Hu Tao, you could give it a try." 

"Can I?" 

"But it might be hard for people to accept at first, traditional burial practices have deep roots, after all." 

"Do you have any suggestions?" 

"When it comes to selling products, discounts work best!" 

"But I've already tried that. I've put up promotional ads for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor all over Liyue, but business is still slow." 

"That just means your discounts aren't deep enough. If the price is right, people wouldn't just accept a new tombstone design, they'd probably climb out of their coffins to plan their own funerals." 

"...What?" 

Zhongli, sipping tea nearby, cast a glance at his old colleague before silently averting his gaze. A faint frown crossed his face. 

This tea… so many tea leaves floating around. 

Hu Tao pulled up a chair and sat beside the Greater Lord, enthusiastically discussing strategies to get customers to willingly reserve tombstones. 

---

Sometime later, Yun Jin arrived as promised. 

She was dressed in casual clothes—devoid of the dazzling star-like aura she had on stage but still undeniably beautiful. 

"Hello, everyone!" 

"Hello, Miss Yun Jin!" 

"Where's Mr. Xia?" 

"The boss is cooking in the kitchen!" 

"Isn't it inconvenient for Mr. Xia to cook with his poor eyesight?" 

"Our boss isn't an ordinary person! Have a seat, Miss Yun Jin. I'll pour you some tea!" 

"Oh, thank you." 

Taking the cup offered to her, Yun Jin sipped at it gently before setting it down without a word. 

This tea… while the floating leaves are a bit much, the flavor is okay, I suppose. 

"Are you all playing mahjong?" 

"Mm! Do you know how to play, Miss Yun Jin?" 

"I've seen members of my opera troupe play before, so I know a little." 

"Mahjong is super fun!" 

"Is it? I'll watch you play." 

"By the way, I think today's the last day to register for the Mahjong King Tournament. Did you sign up, Miss Yun Jin?" 

"No…" 

"That's a shame." 

"Well, given my position, it might not be appropriate for me to participate in such competitions." 

"No need to worry about that. Even Miss Ningguang signed up!" 

"Really? Tianquan herself is interested in an entertainment competition?" 

"You probably didn't know this, Miss Yun Jin, but mahjong was actually invented by the boss." 

"?!" 

Yun Jin was visibly stunned. 

Mr. Xia is amazing no wonder he's my kindred spirit and role model! 

Her curiosity piqued, Yun Jin continued to press for more details and learned even more surprising things about Xia Zhi from the others. 

For instance, there was… relaxation massage, weight-loss massage, aromatherapy massage… 

Seeing the genuine expressions of bliss on everyone's faces, Yun Jin was deeply intrigued. 

Is massage really that enjoyable? 

She glanced towards the kitchen. 

Soon, dinner was ready—a feast of dishes filling the entire table. 

Xia Zhi emerged from the kitchen and addressed Yun Jin. 

"Miss Yun Jin, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." 

"Not at all, Mr. Xia. Thank you for your hard work!" 

"Hu Tao, Mr. Zhongli, I hope my hospitality isn't too lacking." 

"Oh, come now, Mr. Xia! No need to be so formal between neighbors!" 

"Let's dig in, everyone." 

"Mm!" 

Yun Jin took her first bite and immediately froze in place. 

"Miss Yun Jin?" 

"Huh?" 

"This fish is quite good." 

"Oh." 

"Try this meatball as well." 

"Alright." 

"And this, and this…" 

By the time Yun Jin snapped out of her daze, her bowl had been piled high with a variety of dishes. She hesitated, conflicted. 

I can't eat too much… but how can I refuse Mr. Xia's kindness? 

She took one bite. 

So delicious. 

Another bite. 

Maybe I can indulge just this once. Just this once. 

She took another bite. 

Ugh, my stomach feels a bit full already. 

After a few more bites, Yun Jin reluctantly put down her chopsticks. 

Though the food was incredibly tempting, her long-standing practice of portion control had conditioned her stomach to accept only small meals. She simply couldn't eat more. 

Looking around the table at the happy faces of the other girls as they enjoyed their meals, Yun Jin couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. 

How can they eat so much? 

I wish I could too.

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