Chapter 11: Zhongli Doesn’t Eat Seafood?

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At the entrance of a certain restaurant in Heaven Dou City...

Zhongli, "Xue Qinghe," and Paimon exchanged glances, their eyes filled with bewilderment.

"You-Jia Restaurant?"

Paimon muttered subconsciously, her small face full of astonishment.

"Hmm?"

Zhongli's eyelid twitched. This restaurant's name… how should he put it?

"There's a twisted beauty to this name."

"Extremely easy to remember. Whoever named it must either be a genius or…"

He paused, leaving the rest unsaid.

"Xue Qinghe" had been in Heaven Dou City for over a decade, yet this was her first time seeing this restaurant!

Normally, she wouldn't eat out, so it made sense she hadn't noticed it before.

"Zhongli, Qinghe, should we… maybe pick another place?"

Paimon turned to Zhongli and "Xue Qinghe," testing the waters. She had a bad feeling about this place—no reason, just instinct.

"Agreed."

Zhongli and "Xue Qinghe" answered almost instantly, turning on their heels to leave.

"…???"

Paimon blinked. It seemed they shared her sentiment.

With that thought, she quickly floated after them.

"Xue Qinghe" might not know about small eateries in Heaven Dou City, but she was well-versed in its high-end establishments.

As the Crown Prince, social engagements were unavoidable.

"Esteemed guest, little Paimon, this hotel is a venture of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School. Its service and cuisine are among the finest in Heaven Dou."

Standing before the Seven Treasures Hotel, "Xue Qinghe" introduced it with pride.

"Shall we dine here?"

As the wealthiest sect on the continent, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School dabbled in all industries—and excelled in each.

If they couldn't be the best, wouldn't that tarnish their reputation?

"Yes! Yes!"

Paimon's eyes sparkled like stars. After "Xue Qinghe's" explanation, her interest in the hotel skyrocketed.

After a brief consideration, Zhongli nodded.

Upon entering, their vision was flooded with opulence.

Zhongli's discerning eyes immediately noted that the golden decor wasn't fake or plated—it was solid gold.

As expected of the richest sect. Just the hotel's interior likely cost millions in gold soul coins.

The moment they stepped inside, a portly middle-aged man approached with a practiced smile.

He appeared to be in his forties, with a slicked-back hairstyle and a tailored suit—the very image of a successful businessman.

His rounded figure exuded a gregarious charm, making him oddly likable at first glance.

"Welcome, honored guests!"

Placing his right hand over his heart, the man bowed slightly—a flawless noble's greeting.

"Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince, esteemed guest Zhongli, and…"

Here, he hesitated.

"Hmm…"

He'd just received word that the young man beside "Xue Qinghe" was a Titled Douluo-level advisor to the Crown Prince—not to be trifled with.

But this tiny floating creature?

Busy courting nobles daily, he had no time to keep up with Heaven Dou's oddities.

Not knowing Paimon was understandable.

The informant had only emphasized Zhongli's status, leaving Paimon's role ambiguous.

After a moment's thought, the man blurted:

"Unidentified flying object?"

"What flying object?! It's Paimon! P-A-I-M-O-N!"

Paimon stomped midair, her tiny face scrunched in outrage.

The man wiped sweat from his brow and hastily amended:

"Apologies, little Paimon. How about some dessert as an apology?"

"Really?! You're actually kinda nice!"

"…???"

To his shock, Paimon was that easy to placate—a single dessert sufficed?

Watching her cheer up instantly, the man was baffled.

Wow, she really is this simple.

A small kindness could earn her lasting gratitude.

But grudges? She forgot those faster than yesterday's breakfast.

Truly, Paimon's nature was too pure.

Under the man's guidance, the trio was led to a lavish private dining room.

"Boss, remember—no seafood! Zhongli doesn't like it!"

While ordering, Paimon suddenly remembered and announced brightly.

"Xue Qinghe's" eyes gleamed at this tidbit. He avoids seafood?

Noted.

Zhongli, meanwhile, gave Paimon a surprised glance.

He recalled dining with her and the Traveler only a handful of times in Teyvat.

His seafood aversion had been mentioned once.

Yet she'd remembered.

No wonder she was so endearing.

Though Heaven Dou City was far from the coast, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School had ways to import seafood.

Scarcity drove prices—here, seafood dishes cost a fortune.

Hearing the request, the manager showed no displeasure.

Powerful figures often had quirks—this was normal.

"A few signature dishes will suffice. While I dislike deep-sea fare, Paimon and Qinghe may order as they wish."

He wouldn't consume it himself, but he wouldn't stop others.

Mention of seafood dredged up memories of battling an abyssal deity millennia ago.

Victory was assured, but the ordeal had left him with… complicated feelings toward seafood.

Not fear—just distaste.

"No need! Paimon doesn't like seafood either!"

She waved her hands earnestly.

She'd eat anything—during her early travels, fish was often their only option.

"Impossible" to dislike it.

But to avoid dampening Zhongli's mood, she played along.

"Xue Qinghe" was taken aback. Food preferences mattered little to her.

If both Zhongli and Paimon abstained, should she be the odd one out?

Obviously not.

High-EQ "Xue Qinghe" would never commit such a faux pas.

"We'll follow Zhongli's lead. The signature dishes, please."

She gestured dismissively.

"At once, honored guests!"

Once the manager left, Paimon chattered away with "Xue Qinghe" about trivialities, the latter answering every question thoroughly.

As Zhongli's "martial soul," winning Paimon's favor was strategic.

Plus, such a peculiar martial soul warranted study.

Soon, four dishes and a soup arrived, their surfaces glistening under the chandeliers.

The beef, for instance, emitted a faint green glow…

"This beef is remarkably fresh. Their preservation methods are impressive."

The meat contained trace energy—likely spirit power.

Its source had undoubtedly been a spirit beast.

Slaughtering one onsite was improbable, hence Zhongli's praise for their storage techniques.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 25 on my patreon, go check it out.