Since inheriting half of Cang Xiong's power in the cave last time, Feng Yi seemed to have also inherited Cang Xiong's appetite.
After eating ten baskets of steamed buns consecutively, his body was still signaling the need for food.
Feng Yi, with his eyes turned green with hunger, looked at the buns in front of Zhongli.
Zhongli's hand holding the buns trembled involuntarily in fear.
Finally, Feng Yi consumed eighteen baskets of steamed buns, and only then felt about seventy percent full, managing to control his urge to eat.
"Boss! The bill!"
Zhongli took a sip of oil tea, elegantly wiped his lips with a cloth napkin, and called out to the boss for the bill.
"Since we're in Liyue, this time I'll be treating!"
Zhongli smiled faintly at Feng Yi. After their conversation over the meal, Feng Yi had left a very good impression on him.
Warm, optimistic, righteous, and kind.
It's just that appetite is somewhat unbelievable!
Zhongli couldn't help but worry if the funds earned by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor could cover this enormous appetite?!
Just as Zhongli was frowning in thought, the boss had already tallied and settled their expenses.
"Twenty baskets of steamed buns plus two pots of tea, a total of 420 Mora! To thank you both for supporting my small shop so much, I'll round it down. Paying 400 Mora is fine, and I'll consider the tea my treat!"
The old shopkeeper chuckled as he looked at Zhongli. The consumption of these two customers was equivalent to that of twenty ordinary people.
Especially Feng Yi, he was truly a benefactor to their teahouse!
If possible, he hoped Feng Yi would patronize them every day.
"You're too kind, boss! Since it's your thoughtful gesture, we won't refuse!"
Zhongli nodded and said, reaching for his waist to get money.
As if struck by a freezing spell, Zhongli's arm froze in place.
He suddenly realized an embarrassing fact: he had forgotten his wallet!
The smile on his face gradually turned into a bitter helplessness, and he offered a smile to the boss and Feng Yi that was more like crying than smiling.
Feng Yi understood the problem immediately.
"Here's a joke: Morax is the richest person on the continent of Teyvat! Zhongli is the poorest person on the continent of Teyvat!"
Zhongli's habit of going out without money made such embarrassments a regular occurrence!
What's more, Zhongli was proud and insisted on maintaining his human persona, unwilling to use his powers to create Mora!
Sigh...
However, this also provided Feng Yi an opportunity to gain favor.
"Boss! 400 Mora, right? I happen to have some change!"
Feng Yi took out his money pouch, counted out 400 Mora, and handed it to the boss.
The two thousand Mora in his pouch was the weekly food allowance that Hu Tao had promised him.
If this continued, he might not even last a week before resorting to eating dirt!
Feng Yi was unaware that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had been experiencing poor performance recently, and Zhongli's worries were not unfounded!
"Thank you for your patronage, and welcome again!"
The boss's eyes lit up as he received the money. In his eyes, Feng Yi was now a pile of shining Mora!
"I should have treated you! I've caused you to spend!"
Zhongli said apologetically. Why did he always forget his money?
"Mr. Zhongli, you're too kind! You're a senior at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and according to etiquette, I should be treating you. Besides, most of this meal went into my stomach!"
Feng Yi laughed heartily, making a self-deprecating remark, cleverly alleviating Zhongli's embarrassment.
Zhongli thought: Polite, understands human affairs! I must befriend Feng Yi!
Feng Yi indicated that social graces were, in fact, a field of study!
After exchanging pleasantries, Feng Yi bid farewell to Zhongli, preparing to go to Qingyun Peak to gather Qingxin flowers.
Before that, he first went to the Treasure Hoarders' Exchange, spending one thousand Mora to buy an exquisite container.
Feng Yi intended to present the Qingxin flower petals as a gift. He couldn't just hand over a handful of petals directly to Ganyu, could he?
Putting aside whether it would look good, it would seem to lack sincerity.
The presentation of a gift is also a matter of consideration. It doesn't need to be exquisitely crafted, but it should at least be presentable, representing the giver's attitude!
They might refuse it, but you shouldn't be without it!
However, after spending a thousand Mora, his wallet became instantly empty. If he didn't think of a way, he might really have to eat dirt for the next few days!
Feng Yi spent the morning collecting a box full of Qingxin flower petals, neatly arranged in the box, showing his sincerity.
To others, they might be worthless, but to Ganyu, they would undoubtedly be priceless.
It was already noon when Feng Yi returned to Liyue Harbor, and his stomach grumbled again, reminding him it was time for lunch!
Along the way, smelling the aroma of cooking from various households, Feng Yi reached for the wallet at his waist.
He weighed the remaining 600 Mora in his wallet, and tears of helplessness welled up in his eyes.
"Endure it. Not eating one meal won't kill you!"
"Good news! Good news! Wanmin Restaurant's newly launched dish: Slime-Kissed Mushrooms, does anyone want to try it for free?"
A clear and pleasant shout instantly stopped Feng Yi in his tracks.
"Wanmin Restaurant!? Free?!"
The word "free" seemed to possess an infinite magical power, instantly captivating Feng Yi's mind.
Feng Yi followed the sound and found a bustling food stall.
This eatery, named Wanmin Restaurant, was extremely simple.
It had only one pot in the kitchen, with the counter and dining area connected. There wasn't even a chair for customers!
Even the food stall opposite Wanmin Restaurant selling "Northern Dumplings" was more sophisticated.
It not only had a roof but also several chairs, and a group of regular customers who were always sitting there, eating and drinking.
However, the simple and humble conditions did not dampen the culinary passion of the head chef and server, Xiangling. Her unique and novel dishes were endless, though their appearance was often hard to describe!
For example, the Slime-Kissed Mushrooms in front of him. The surrounding customers gathered around, pointing at it, but not a single one had the courage to try it.
"Little Xiangling has invented a new dish again! Alas~"
"Last time I tried the 'Seven-Colored Glazed Pizza,' it made me unable to eat for three days."
"The taste of the new dish is good, but the ingredients are always a bit off-putting!"
"Who says not?"
The onlookers discussed animatedly. Feng Yi gathered that they acknowledged Xiangling's culinary skills but were hesitant about the ingredients of the new dish.
"Is there no one willing to try it?"
Seeing her new dish ignored, Xiangling's smile gradually faded, replaced by a hint of disappointment.
Clearly, the discussions of the onlookers had dampened her creative enthusiasm to some extent.
Xiangling's father, Chef Mao, saw this and his face darkened. He cursed these laymen for not recognizing quality, believing Xiangling to be a future great chef who could revolutionize Liyue's culinary world!
"Is there anyone willing to give it a try? The first person to taste it will receive a week's worth of free lunches from Wanmin Restaurant!"
As a father and master, Chef Mao stepped forward without hesitation to support his daughter.