Chapter 49: Lumina: Mood -20

"Hmm... is this the 'spectacular scenery' you were referring to, Master Diviner?"

Following Fu Xuan's footsteps, Lumina arrived at a place and fell silent, gazing at the scene before her.

It wasn't a breathtaking vista or a cultural monument, but an ordinary tea shop.

"Naturally," Fu Xuan replied, nodding. "In my view, since we're touring Xianzhou Luofu, we shouldn't focus solely on scenic landscapes."

"Beyond its diverse landscapes and architecture, the Xianzhou Luofu's rich cultural heritage is an indispensable part of any journey."

"And when it comes to cultural heritage, one cannot escape the significance of tea."

"Oh~ I see." Listening to Fu Xuan's soft, melodious voice, which nevertheless carried an air of authority, Lumina's face lit up with understanding, like a student receiving guidance from a teacher.

She nodded humbly in agreement, adding:

"The Master Diviner speaks with great wisdom."

[What kind of role-playing game are you playing?]

Looking at Lumina's current demeanor, the System felt a profound sense of unfamiliarity.

Logically, from the moment they left the Seat of Divine Foresight until now, Lumina should have already made her move.

[So unfamiliar, so very unfamiliar...]

Lumina scoffed disdainfully at the System's words.

"When you're ravenous, wolfing down your food is a decent option. It fills your stomach instantly, but you sacrifice the true flavors of the dish."

"But when you're not hungry, savoring each bite is the best approach."

"Only then can you experience the pure satisfaction of exquisite flavors blossoming on your taste buds."

[I don't understand. Can you speak in plain terms?]

Hearing Lumina's words, the System scratched its head—only to realize it didn't have one.

"I never expected you to understand anyway."

Lumina had no patience for explaining herself to this incomprehensible, genderless entity known as the System.

Fu Xuan refocused her gaze on Lumina and said softly, "Master Diviner, after hearing you speak about it, I've become quite interested in this tea."

"Since you're intrigued, why don't we go inside and have a cup?" Fu Xuan nodded to Lumina and stepped toward the shop.

With no major incidents currently brewing on the Xianzhou Luofu and Qingque overseeing the Divination Commission, everything should remain stable for the time being. This allowed Fu Xuan to properly entertain Lumina during her stay. She would do her best to fulfill any requests Lumina might have.

However... someone the General herself referred to as a distinguished guest... just who exactly was this Lumina?

Lumina... Lumina... Why did that name sound so familiar? Fu Xuan couldn't help but ponder, a nagging feeling that she had encountered Lumina somewhere before...

"That back... it's a real shame not to give it a good cupping session," Lumina murmured to herself, trailing behind Fu Xuan and admiring her flawless jade-white back.

"Hmm... I'm no tea connoisseur, but is it really okay to add this much sugar?"

Inside the teahouse, Lumina watched Fu Xuan frantically dump sugar into her teacup, her heart skipping a beat.

Is she treating this like bubble tea...?

Fu Xuan didn't immediately reply. She stopped adding sugar, took a deep breath, and drained the cup in one gulp.

Closing her eyes, she savored the feeling of her fatigue gradually fading away.

When she opened them again, she exhaled a long sigh and calmly said, "When both mind and body are exhausted, drinking a cup of tea—with sugar, sugar, and more sugar—and then gulping it down in one go..."

"...it revitalizes the spirit, perfectly replenishing depleted energy."

After explaining, Fu Xuan pushed the sugar bowl toward Lumina with a silent gesture. "You should try it too."

Lumina: ...

She glanced at her tea, then at the sugar bowl Fu Xuan had offered. After a moment's hesitation, she grabbed a spoon and savagely added three heaping spoonfuls.

After stirring briefly, she lifted the cup and drained it in one swift motion.

"Hmm..."

As the bitter, astringent, and sweet aroma of the tea spread through her mouth, Lumina's expression remained unchanged.

"How does it taste?" Fu Xuan asked, slightly surprised by Lumina's impassive demeanor.

"Not bad at all," Lumina replied, setting down the cup and nodding. "It's quite refreshing when you're mentally and physically exhausted." She smiled at Fu Xuan, subtly observing her reaction. When she noticed a hint of admiration in Fu Xuan's eyes, Lumina knew she had achieved her goal.

Lumina only tolerated sugar in milk tea. She found it utterly unpalatable in traditional teas like this. Yet her words weren't a lie; it was a good way to recover. That single sugary sip had brought her an unprecedented sense of comfort...

"I'm glad you like it," Fu Xuan said, her eyes shining as if she had found a kindred spirit. "Another pot of tea!" she called to the shop attendant with a wave.

Lumina's eyelashes fluttered slightly at Fu Xuan's words, but her face betrayed nothing. She smiled at Fu Xuan and replied, "Master Diviner, perhaps one pot is enough..."

"We're going to see the scenery later," Lumina said. "If we drink too much tea, it might be a bit inconvenient for walking."

"Nonsense," Fu Xuan replied. "I know my limits. It's just one pot of tea."

The tea arrived quickly. Fu Xuan took the pot and personally poured a cup for Lumina before setting it down. Then, she added five heaping spoonfuls of sugar to Lumina's tea and stirred it herself. With everything prepared, Fu Xuan made a rare gesture, inviting Lumina to drink.

Lumina: ...

She glanced at Fu Xuan, then at the "sugar water" before her, and fell silent.

While Fu Xuan's personal tea service made Lumina's heart flutter, she really didn't want to drink this tea. But seeing Fu Xuan's expectant gaze, Lumina knew that refusing or making excuses would likely cause Fu Xuan's goodwill toward her to plummet.

With this thought, Lumina calmly picked up the teacup and drained it in one gulp.

As the cloying sweetness bloomed on her tongue, Lumina showed no sign of discomfort. Instead, she smiled at Fu Xuan.

Seeing Lumina's composure, Fu Xuan's smile brightened.

Fu Xuan: Goodwill +2

Lumina: Mood -20