The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"How shall I address you? You are a traveler who does not belong to this world."

"Eh? Zhongli, you could tell at a glance that I don't belong to this world?"

"Hehe...you're joking. The truth has already been revealed by you; I've only revealed more."

To Kiana's surprise, Zhongli continued his analysis.

"You call yourself a nameless traveler, but how can a person live in this world without a name? However, I know that in this world... you truly have no name that belongs to you."

There is no name that belongs to me...

Does that mean my name wasn't recorded in the fate of this world?

Kiana pondered for a moment, then could only sigh that Zhongli was indeed Zhongli, clearly knowing many secrets that touched upon the very foundations of the world...

"That's right, my name is Kiana. It's nice to meet you, Zhongli."

Kiana did not press the matter regarding the so-called record.

She knew very well that, given Zhongli's style, there was no need, or the time was not right.

It is absolutely impossible for them to reveal everything.

"Kiana? Hmm... What would you like to eat? Wanmintang has recently launched a few new dishes, it's on me."

Having finally learned the name of this person who was not recorded by fate, Zhongli seemed much relieved and generously offered to treat everyone.

However, because we are very clear about his style.

Therefore, Kiana could confidently ask in return, "Zhongli, did you bring any money?"

"..."

"So in the end, it's still the young master who pays the bill?"

"In terms of general reason, yes."

Yes, that's more like it.

After all, gods don't carry money when they go out.

"Then try it, Shadow. Do you want some?"

Kiana shook Ying's jade-like arm; though it was a question, it sounded more like a request.

Faced with such a request, Ying naturally didn't struggle much and slowly nodded:

"Ah."

"That's great! Um... Master Mao?"

After finally settling the dinner arrangements, Kiana waved to Chef Mao, who was still standing behind the counter.

The burly, average-looking old craftsman turned around impatiently. He said in a condescending tone:

"What? I'm not an employee of this store."

"Hey, don't take it so seriously. I just wanted to ask when Xiangling is coming back."

"Oh? Xiangling, she..."

As soon as she finished speaking, a girl dressed provocatively but not at all lewd walked in carrying a slime.

"Huh? Is someone looking for me? Zhongli, who are these two?"

Xiangling, who didn't recognize Kiana and Shadow, put down the slime that was tied up, then put one hand on her hip and looked at Zhongli with a smile.

"They are distinguished guests who have come from afar because they have heard that the chefs at Wanmintang are extremely skilled."

Zhong Li gave a casual introduction, then immediately fixed his gaze on the ice slime...

It must be said that Xiangling, the chef at Wanmintang, always manages to surprise people.

Putting aside the cooking, let's just talk about this attitude of ignoring the dangers in order to collect ingredients.

That alone would probably put most of Liyue's chefs to shame.

Is she really unaffected by this cold air at all?

"Ouch... my hands feel frozen. Why is this ice slime so cold?!"

Just as Zhongli was pondering, Xiangling suddenly wiped her hands, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Upon hearing this, Master Mao, her father, hurriedly turned around, rushed forward, grabbed his daughter's frozen hand, and exclaimed:

"You silly girl, how could an ice slime not be ice! Sigh, your hands are frozen like this. Don't cook for the next few days. Just focus on recovering."

"Huh? No way!"

"Will you be a good boy/girl?"

"I'm the head chef of Wanmintang, how can I take a break!"

"you!"

Just as the father and daughter were about to start arguing, Kiana, who was standing nearby, realized that she couldn't let things continue, so she stepped in.

"Ahem! Don't worry, I have a way."

Upon hearing this, Master Mao immediately released Xiangling's frozen little hand and looked at Kiana with a puzzled expression:

"What? You have a solution?"

"of course."

Kiana smiled and waved to Xiangling, intending to help the girl who was obsessed with cooking...

The Battle Between Flame and Lightning and the Abyss (Genshin Impact): Chapter Seventeen - This soup actually tastes pretty good?

"Huh? Uh, hehehe...don't we know each other before? You seem so approachable."

Faced with Kiana's wave, the warm-hearted Xiangling approached without much thought, then stared at Kiana's pretty face and asked this question.

She tried hard to recall if she had ever seen Kiana, but even after racking her brains, she still couldn't figure it out.

Where exactly did I see this white-haired girl before?

If not, why would she be so proactive...?

"Xiangling? Xiangling!"

"Huh? Are you calling me?"

Hearing Kiana's soft call, Xiangling instantly snapped out of her daze and turned her gaze to the white-haired girl.

At this moment, the white-haired girl was holding two bandages of an unknown material.

"Huh? Is there anything special about this bandage?"

Xiangling looked at her frostbitten hands and realized that she hadn't suffered any external injuries or bleeding.

Why did she take out a roll of bandage?

Seeing Xiangling's confused expression, Kiana smiled:

"This is called a multi-functional individual combat bandage; it's a revolutionary product!"

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Xiangling was immediately stunned.

However, she didn't actually need to know anything; she just needed to obediently let Kiana wrap the bandage properly.

Then, something amazing happened.

Suddenly, the bandage emitted a vibrant green, a sign of life, and Xiangling, the person directly involved, instantly felt...

My hand doesn't hurt anymore!

"Wow, this is amazing! Is this some kind of magic?"

"Huh? It shouldn't be, this is some kind of cutting-edge technology."

"What is...black technology? Haha, you seem to know a lot."

Although she didn't understand what the white-haired girl was saying, Xiangling didn't dwell on it.

Anyway, she knew very well that it was this white-haired girl in front of her who had helped heal her hand, and that was enough.

"Hehe, thank you. My name is Xiangling, and I'm a chef at Wanmintang. What about you?"

Upon hearing Xiangling's question, Kiana replied:

"My name is Kiana, an unknown traveler."

"Traveler? Are you the same as those travelers?"

"more or less."

"Hmm, it's a pleasure to meet you, Kiana. Since you're at Wanmin Hall today, be sure to try my cooking!"

Kiana smiled, then returned to her seat and watched the young female chef with Kage.

"Then I shall gladly accept your invitation. By the way, what new dishes has Wanmintang recently introduced?"

"Yeah, what's up? Do you want to try some? Hehe, then sit down and I'll cook for you right now."

After Xiangling finished speaking, she raised her hand, which was wrapped in special bandages, and began to busy herself in front of the boiler.

When Chef Mao approached her to ask if she was alright, she didn't respond, seemingly completely absorbed in the world of cooking.

Kiana, who was watching from the side, couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

Seeing this, Ying looked at Xiangling with a hint of curiosity:

"This chef... seems very lively. Is it his true nature, or is he deliberately putting on an act?"

"Huh? How could it be an act? Xiangling is just like that."

"Really... I wish I had such a passionate chef under my command."

Ying said this with a sigh, seemingly disappointed that she didn't have a chef as good as Xiangling.

Seeing this, Kiana could only offer a comforting remark:

"Don't be so disappointed. Xiangling... although she's enthusiastic, sometimes..."