In Teyvat, it all begins with rescuing the grass god.

The first person to pick up their chopsticks was not Tinari, who was there for scientific research, nor Seno, who was looking to explore new ingredients, but Xiao, who was initially intimidated by the name "slime dish".

It seems he is somewhat imitating Zhong Li.

That is, after you've tried it.

He couldn't maintain the composure and calmness that Zhongli had when faced with various flavors, and everyone immediately realized that this dish didn't suit his taste.

"The taste is acceptable."

After some deliberation, Xiao gave his evaluation.

"You don't need to force yourself."

"Xiangling won't mind your opinion."

Rod handed Xiao a cup of tea, telling him to rinse his mouth properly.

This is also one of the rules for food tasting.

That means rinsing your mouth before trying a new dish to avoid affecting your evaluation of the next dish.

Xiao's reaction also disappointed Xiangling, who had been full of expectations.

As a chef.

Naturally, everyone hopes that all the new dishes they develop will be welcomed by their guests.

It's inevitable to feel a little disappointed when customers don't like your new dishes.

Fortunately.

This isn't the first time this has happened.

After all, not everyone can eat without any restrictions like Xiangling, and not everyone has an iron stomach.

Therefore, many dishes that Xiangling herself found very satisfying were actually unacceptable to the guests when served.

This is also why Xiangling likes Zhongli so much.

As long as it's not seafood, Zhongli can eat any new dish, no matter how it looks, and can offer her suggestions without batting an eye.

This is truly the kind of guest every chef dreams of.

the other side.

Seno, Tinari, and Rhodes have all tried it.

Only Rod's expression was normal.

Both Seno and Tinari give off a feeling that is difficult to talk about.

"It can fill your stomach, but the taste is too hot and can easily cause diarrhea and other illnesses after consumption."

While taking notes, Tinari kept his hand on his stomach and frowned as he recorded his experience.

"Related to the element of fire."

Sano gulped down a large cup of tea, then his expression suddenly changed. After a long while, he added, "You shouldn't drink a lot of cold water after consuming it, otherwise your stomach reaction will worsen."

Xiangling grew increasingly disappointed as she listened.

Their last hope rested on Rhodes, the only one whose expression remained unchanged.

Moreover, Rod not only finished eating without any unusual expression, but also devoured the entire plate of stir-fried fire slime that had caused the man to look embarrassed, as if he still wanted more.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"None of you have fire elemental power, so you definitely can't handle eating this stuff."

Under the strange looks from everyone, Rhodes explained from the perspective of elemental science: "Fire slimes are natural elemental creatures. No matter how they are processed, some fire elemental power will always remain in their bodies. In addition, Xiangling used the most fiery and spicy stir-frying method to make them into dishes. After all this, the scorching effect of the fire slimes will be amplified again. From the perspective of taste, this level of heat is a very strong pain. If people who are not used to spicy food are suddenly exposed to this dish, their stomachs will indeed not be able to handle it."

Having said this.

Rhodes turned his gaze back to Xiangling: "Xiangling has the Eye of the Fire Elemental God, and I was baptized by the power of the fire element under Ahmar's grace. So for the two of us, this heat is not only not a problem compared to the fire elemental power, but it will also make our sense of taste very comfortable."

Say it.

He then spread his hands and said, "Look, that's called individual differences. Not everyone can adapt to this peculiar taste."

Finally, someone can enjoy this specialty dish that is known for its fiery and scorching flavor.

Xiangling's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was finally at ease.

then.

Before she could even prepare the new dishes, she heard Tinari suggest, "Since spiciness can amplify the scorching heat of the fire slime, could we use some cooling ingredients to neutralize that heat, such as mint or your Liyue specialty, the refreshing herb? By using elemental counteraction, we can neutralize the parts that might cause physical discomfort, making the fire slime more acceptable to a wider audience."

Although I really can't enjoy this stir-fried slime.

But Tinari continued to earnestly offer his suggestions.

Anyway.

Judging from Rhodes's performance, slimes are indeed a viable food source.

As a scholar of the monastic school, Tinari would judge whether slimes are suitable for the characteristics of Sumeru's environment based on many factors, such as nutritional composition, whether they can be digested normally, human tolerance, and the range of people who can consume them.

Rhodes had already spent a fortune to buy the recipe for making slime from Xiangling.

Under the premise that other items cannot be measured.

The target population for this product is currently quite limited; it is estimated that not many people would be willing to accept it.

Also.

From Tina's personal experience, this stuff probably can't be digested without an iron stomach.

However, he has no intention of giving up.

He was even prepared to live in the toilet after tasting the dishes today, just to get some preliminary results.

In Nafis's words.

If you don't even have a spirit of adventure, then what kind of scholar are you? You might as well go home and feed mushroom pigs.

Tina is now working hard to prepare the recipes for the future of the Sumerian people's tables, even if it means he has to stay in bed for a month or two after today.

Sino shared the same idea as him.

Unlike Tina, their focus is different.

His question was, 'Is it possible to simplify the process of making this, even if it means removing its original flavor and making it bland, as long as it can fill one's stomach?'

This was the first time someone had given Xiangling so many suggestions despite finding the food difficult to swallow.

The previous disappointment vanished instantly.

Having gotten excited, Xiangling forgot about preparing new dishes and didn't even say hello to Rodxiao before running over to Tinari and Seno and having a heated discussion with them.

Her complete absorption in forgetting everything else brought a helpless smile to Rod and Xiao's faces.

They did not interrupt Xiangling.

We just waited quietly for the discussion to end.

"How about it?"

"Can you experience some of the Emperor's pleasures?"

Bored, Rod asked Xiao in a low voice.

Both of them were proficient in using wind elemental power and would not disturb the lively discussion group on the other side.

You mean, trying new things?

Xiao did have some insights into Rhodes's question.

After these few days.

He gained a general understanding of Zhongli's daily activities.

When not doing the work of the Rock God.

Zhongli is actually quite free.

Working as a consultant in various industries is also a way for him to find enjoyment in using his knowledge.

how to say.

Let alone Zhongli.

Even Xiao, who is usually indifferent, couldn't help but feel pleased after helping a scholar who was troubled by ancient books solve his problem, and the endless praise and flattery made him feel good.

Together.

The karmic burdens that Wendy had forcibly suppressed seemed to have calmed down considerably.

Let's set aside these more work-related pleasures.

Xiao also discovered...

Zhongli's favorite storytelling.

It's not about heroic deeds or strange tales, but about his own life.

Correct.

It's about the Rock King Emperor.

From Xiao's perspective, most of the stories he heard about the Rock King Emperor were things imagined by mortals. He didn't find such stories, with their excessive artistic embellishment, very enjoyable.

But after Rod showed him a story based on the mythical yakshas, ​​he was able to stop.

His view on this point changed.

He found.

I think I can understand a little why Zhongli likes to hear others talk about her.

For nothing else.

It's because of listening to others talk about themselves.

That feeling was very strange.

Even though I knew he was lying, I inexplicably felt a sense of comfort.

After listening to two performances in a row.