Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

After completing a few not-too-difficult tasks, the sun began to set quietly in the west without anyone noticing.

As the traveler received the heavy Mora reward bag from Miss Katherine, the sky over Liyue Harbor was already tinged with layers of orange and indigo, announcing the arrival of night.

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Adventurers' Guild, the traveler and Paimon walked through the crowds on Scarlet Cloud Slope and descended the steps.

When they stepped into the territory of Chihu Rock, it was as if they were instantly drawn into a completely different, steaming vortex.

As night falls, it is the most vibrant time to eat at Huyan.

The shops lining both sides of the street had already lit up their signs, lanterns, and colorful lights under the eaves, with various lights intertwining and flowing, making the bluestone road shine brightly.

Smoke swirled around the food stalls, the aroma of grilled tigerfish, the spiciness of spicy meat skewers, the sweet fragrance of glutinous rice balls... countless tempting smells filled and mingled in the warm air, making passersby's mouths water.

The clanging of blacksmiths hammering iron, the loud shouts of vendors, the laughter of children chasing and playing, the crisp sound of storytellers slamming their gavels... all these sounds blend together into a symphony full of the vibrant atmosphere of the marketplace.

Pedestrians thronged the street, their faces showing either the relaxation after a day's work or the eagerness to get home. The whole neighborhood was like a vibrant, ever-flowing river.

"Wow, it smells so good!"

Paimon's eyes instantly turned into sparkling Mora, his little nose sniffing the fragrance in the air, his mouth practically watering.

"Traveler, look! There are freshly baked golden shrimp balls over there! And sweet flower-stuffed chicken! Can we...can we eat a little bit before we go over?"

The travelers were also briefly touched by the vibrant scene, and the tension brought on by days of travel seemed to ease for a moment.

Seeing Paimon's drooling expression, the girl smiled helplessly and gently poked Paimon's forehead:
"No way, Paimon... Besides, the food at the Glass Pavilion should be much better than the food at the street stalls, right?"

The traveler knew this dinner was no ordinary meal; the undercurrents within it were probably more treacherous than the daytime financial markets. But for the carefree Paimon, it was probably just a matter of whether the food was good or not.
"Ugh... okay."

Paimon hung his head in disappointment, his little mouth pouting, but he still obediently followed the traveler onward.

After all, the food at Liuli Pavilion was quite good, and after a long day, Xiao Paimeng was already eager to eat.

But this liveliness and fragrance only serve to highlight the cold calculations that may lie ahead at the destination.

After passing several brightly lit and bustling street corners, a building that stands out as particularly magnificent among the many simple shops comes into view.

The newly built glazed pavilion at Chihu Rock features carved beams and painted rafters, with upturned eaves and glazed tiles that shimmer and glow under the lights.

The waiters standing at the entrance, dressed in neat uniforms and polite, subtly contrasted with the overall lively atmosphere of Chihuyan, as if an invisible boundary separated the bustling marketplace from the elegant banquet that was about to begin.

The traveler stopped and took one last look at the vibrant and heartwarming night view of Chihu Rock behind him, taking a deep breath as if drawing strength from it.

Then, she composed herself and, with Paimon still lingering and looking back at the food stall, walked toward the brightly lit but somewhat distant "New Glazed Pavilion" gate.

As soon as they stepped onto the gleaming steps of the new glazed pavilion, a waiter in a dark green uniform with gold trim came forward to greet them, his demeanor respectful yet measured: "Good evening, distinguished guests. Do you have a reservation?"

“It was Mr. Pantalone who invited us.”

The traveler clearly uttered the name. The waiter's previously stiff expression subtly changed instantly.

A knowing glint flashed in those well-trained eyes, quickly transforming into deeper respect and caution. His back seemed to straighten further, and his voice lowered, carrying an unspoken understanding:

"So you are Mr. Pantalone's distinguished guest. My apologies. Please follow me."

He turned slightly to the side, making an impeccable guiding gesture, and led the way with light and steady steps, completely shutting out the noise behind him.

After navigating the winding corridors and elegantly furnished main hall, the waiter stopped before a heavy wooden door carved with auspicious cloud patterns from Liyue. He then silently pushed open the door, stepped aside to make way, and bowed his head, saying:

"The gentleman is already waiting for you two in the private room."

Inside the door lies another world.

Warm, yellowish light streamed down from the exquisite palace lanterns, enveloping the spacious and elegant private room in a quiet, understated luxury atmosphere. The air was filled with a faint, fine fragrance of incense, refreshing and pleasant.

On the huge round table, various cold dishes were already laid out, like a meticulously painted traditional Chinese painting.

A translucent crystal cup holds glistening drunken shrimp, a shallow celadon plate displays a dark brown, glossy smoked goose, a jade dish holds tender, white tofu adorned with a few emerald green scallions, and there are also amber-colored braised pork and crispy fried tofu... The colors are enticing, the presentation is exquisite, and there is no steam rising from the plate, only a serene and alluring cool elegance.

The host of the banquet, Pantalone, the ninth executor of the Fools, sat in the main seat.

He didn't get up immediately, but slowly raised his head as he heard the door open.

Pantalone's long, jet-black hair was not tied up, but simply fell smoothly over her shoulders, with a few strands casually draped over her forehead, adding to her carefree demeanor.

He wasn't wearing Liyue clothing, but a perfectly tailored, crisp dark gray outfit, with a matte black silk shirt underneath. His tie was undone, and one button was loose, creating a strange blend of the young banker's elegance and unruliness.

However, what is most striking is his hands resting on the table.

On each slender finger, there was a ring of a different style and material.

These cold metals and gems silently demonstrate the owner's wealth and an almost ostentatious taste.

Behind the glasses, her eyes greeted the guests with a perfectly timed smile, and the corners of her lips naturally turned up, outlining a gentle yet somewhat unfathomable curve.

His demeanor was calm and unhurried, with a composure beyond his years. It was not as if he was waiting for a guest, but rather as if he was admiring a long-awaited, priceless collectible, waiting for it to be presented to him.

A few strands of long, black hair shimmered like silk under the light as he tilted his head slightly.

"Ah, punctuality is a virtue in business, and it's also the best way to start a conversation."

Pantalone's voice was gentle and polite, as smooth as fine silk. His gaze lingered briefly on the traveler and Paimon, and his smile seemed to deepen.

"Traveler, Paimon, welcome."

"Is this our second formal meeting? Please take a seat." (End of Chapter)