Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

Amidst the bustling scene at the South Wharf, Zhiyi's gentle voice pierced through the noise and came through clearly.

"...I would like to trouble you, Boss Linlang, to order a set of wine utensils. A friend of mine is a wine lover and his birthday is approaching, so I would like to use this to celebrate his birthday."

"Oh dear, if Mr. Zhiyi speaks up, how can it not be agreed?"

Linlang's voice, like fine silk gliding through the noise, carried a natural, languid, and magnetic rhythm that was not drowned out by the surrounding din. As she spoke, her slender fingers gracefully brushed the delicate beads adorning her earlobes.

The shouts of people carrying heavy loads on the dock grew closer and then faded away. A cart piled high with sacks rumbled past, almost brushing the edge of the cargo container stack, kicking up a small cloud of dust.

Linlang's gaze seemed to casually sweep over Zhiyi, but deep within her eyes was a pure appreciation, the kind of appreciation one feels when receiving an interesting conversation partner.

"You're an expert too, and we at Xiguju are sure to satisfy you with our craftsmanship."

Linlang nodded slightly, her posture calm and confident, exuding a unique charm that stood out from the rough and busy surroundings.

Zhiyi maintained a humble and gentle attitude: "That's right, Miss Linlang. This friend likes to indulge in refined pursuits, but he is also frugal and dislikes extravagance."

He spread his hands slightly, making a slightly apologetic gesture. Just then, a fishing boat laden with its catch moored nearby, and the fishermen's joyful shouts and the splashing sound of the fish being dumped suddenly amplified.

"So could you please find him a replica of a high-quality material that is both aesthetically pleasing and lifelike, so that he can entertain distinguished guests in an elegant and dignified manner?"

Upon hearing this, Linlang let out a clear, crisp laugh, a laugh that was clean and decisive, carrying a hint of understanding.

"Mr. Zhiyi's thinking is truly... meticulous, as he seeks to be both elegant to the core and economical."

Linlang paused, her fingertips lightly tapping a small jade pendant at her waist, her gaze clear as she looked at Zhiyi with the interest of a merchant meeting his match.

"Don't worry, leave this to me. You can come to Xiguju to pick up the goods whenever you have time."

"Thank you very much, Boss Linlang."

Zhiyi bowed slightly, his posture still dignified and composed.

A salty sea breeze swept by, ruffling Linglang's hair and clothes.

"It was just a small favor."

Linlang's voice carried a carefree laugh as she casually waved her hand. Two workers carrying boxes walked past them, arguing loudly about the route.

"You are now renowned, yet you still consider your friends so thoroughly; this character is truly praiseworthy."

"I will naturally handle this deal perfectly."

The two talked and walked further and further away.

Further ahead is the square at the South Wharf. There's not much cover there anymore, making it unsuitable for tracking, but the information we've gathered so far is sufficient.

So Keqing and the traveler stopped in their tracks.

Paimon's feet dangled in the air, swaying gently, his little hands supporting his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face:

"Hmm... I feel that Zhiyi is a very gentle person, no matter who he talks to."

She tilted her head to look at Ke Qing, her tone relaxed and certain.

“Keqing, look, even Boss Linlang speaks highly of him. You can rest assured now. In everyone’s eyes, Zhiyi is indeed a truly good person!” Keqing’s gaze remained fixed on the direction where Zhiyi and Linlang had left, the lamplight outlining the girl’s tall and slightly slender profile.

She didn't immediately respond to the optimistic Paimon. Her violet eyes were calm and still, as if filtering through every word she had just heard. After a moment, Keqing withdrew her gaze, turned to the Traveler and Paimon, and spoke in a steady tone:
"Don't jump to conclusions... Let's go check out the fishing pier he frequents; there might be some different clues there."

Ke Qing took firm steps, demonstrating strong initiative and a clear direction.

"Waaah!"

Paimon immediately let out a mournful cry, his small body twisting in frustration in the air as he exaggeratedly clutched his head with both hands.

"I have to keep running! My legs... even though I'm floating, they feel so tired!"

Her shoulders slumped, like a deflated wind slime, but she still obediently followed Keqing's steps.

Meanwhile, Zhiyi and Linlang confirmed the final details of the wine set. Zhiyi took the receipt from Linlang with both hands, his fingertips accidentally brushing against her painted nails.

The young man nodded slightly, his tone gentle and his demeanor impeccable: "Miss Linlang, you've gone to so much trouble."

Zhiyi turned around and walked steadily along the wooden boardwalk of the dock, his shoes lightly tapping the thick wooden planks that had been blackened by the seawater.

After walking about seven or eight steps, Zhiyi's left shoulder seemed to be brushed by a passing porter. He instinctively stepped aside to avoid it, and raised his right hand very naturally, as if to brush away non-existent dust from his sleeve.

During this brief pause, Zhiyi lowered his eyelids slightly, his gaze sweeping across the water like a bird, accurately and swiftly landing on the corner behind him where fishing nets and empty wooden barrels were piled up.

That was the spot where Keqing and the traveler last stood.

Now the corner is empty, with only a few seagulls pecking at the scattered fish scales.

Zhiyi withdrew his gaze, his expression calm and composed, and continued walking forward, his knuckles twitching slightly for a moment, almost imperceptibly.

He had long ago discovered that Keqing and the other travelers were following him.

Having followed Uncle Tian for so long, Zhiyi has naturally learned some counter-tracking skills in addition to current affairs. If he didn't have this much awareness, the location of Tian Shu Star would be nothing but a pipe dream for him.

Moreover, Keqing's signature long purple hair was too eye-catching in the crowd, not to mention the little white sprite that always floated in mid-air and excitedly pointed at things from time to time.

This method of tracking, compared to Ye Lan's ability to instantly blend into the crowd and transform into countless forms, is like a child's game of hide-and-seek.

The appearance of Keqing and the traveler only confirmed one thing: Seven Stars' scrutiny of him was far more in-depth and direct than required by procedure.

Doubts, like undercurrents at the bottom of a deep pool, quietly stirred within Zhiyi's heart.

The change of the Tian Shu star should have been a foregone conclusion.

Qianwei is obsessed with the ways of business, arrogant and self-important, with a limited vision. Mingbo is mediocre in his dealings with people and resources, and is not capable of great things.

In terms of reputation and ability, especially his status as a direct descendant personally taught by Uncle Tian, ​​who can rival Zhiyi? Logically speaking, Zhiyi should already be able to begin handling matters related to handing over his duties as Tian Shu Star.

But now that Keqing is personally leading the team and conducting on-site surveillance in such an undisguised manner, does this mean that the Seven Stars have developed doubts about him, or... that Uncle Tian himself has a new opinion about him?
Or perhaps there's a problem with FAMAS?
This thought made Zhiyi's heart sink slightly.

The situation has clearly deviated somewhat from his intended course. (End of Chapter)