Genshin Impact: The Sage's Disciple Doesn't Want Fame

Ji Ming was like a human light bulb in the dark, always attracting passersby, especially young girls who hadn't yet left their homes and older women who still retained their charm. These were people that Hu Tao was very wary of.

To be honest, Hu Tao was indeed very proud, but that didn't mean she was at ease. The women's gazes were terrifying, like those of a big bad wolf.

What are you looking at? This is the Hu family's future son-in-law, not yours! Don't look!

"This is it, Mingxingzhai."

Hu Tao looked up, staring at Ji Ming's profile, and asked in confusion, "Mingxingzhai?"

Star Shop is a high-end store that specializes in selling precious collectibles and rare gems. It is very popular among the urban middle class, but most dignitaries and nobles do not come here to buy collectibles.

With the Hall of Rebirth monopolizing the funeral business in Liyue, the Hu family can hardly be considered middle class; in fact, they could be considered one of the top families in Liyue.

Even Hu Tao wouldn't come here to buy things, but since Ji Ming wanted to buy something for Xiang Ling, she didn't say anything more.

"Boss, do you have any suitable gift boxes here? I need them to be big, preferably the kind used for wrapping birthday gifts."

The proprietress, Xingxi, nodded: "Of course, I wonder what kind of birthday gift the handsome young man would like, and who he would like it for, so I can prepare the gift box."

Carefully examining the dazzling array of goods on the shelves, the crown on his head jingled as Ji Ming smiled broadly: "The recipient is a lovely young girl, sixteen or seventeen years old, with a quirky and clever personality, who lives in Feiyunpo."

Hu Tao was taken aback and looked at Ji Ming in disbelief, but he completely ignored her.

The proprietress, Xingxi, took out a small, square box: "How about this? Everyone living in Feiyun Slope is a young lady from a wealthy family. Young master, you probably want to give some jewelry as a gift, right?"

"It's too small. Ideally, it should be a box that can fit a person."

Ji Ming looked down at Hu Tao, a mischievous smile on his face that she recognized: "I've been absent for several months, so I'm thinking of packing myself up and giving myself to her for a day. That should cheer her up for a while."

"How could you do this, you bastard..."

Chapter 122 The Legendary Debuff

"You mean, Lady Ningguang of Tianquan Star sincerely invites me to be a guest at Qunyu Pavilion, is that right?"

Ji Ming leaned against the door frame, looking at the guide from Qunyu Pavilion with great interest.

Generally speaking, one can often discern the attitude of one's employer from the attitude of a servant.

Just like Bu Yun in front of him, this guide from Qunyu Pavilion had a very good attitude, which could even be described as pleading, and probably represented Ning Guang's attitude to some extent.

Half a year ago, Tianquan Xing was still thinking of using Ji Ming, but now his attitude has changed drastically, and he wants to befriend him. It can only be said that he is a self-made big businessman with a thick skin, just like Ji Ming.

Like repels like, which is why Ji Ming dislikes Ning Guang so much.

Bu Yun bowed sincerely and said, "Yes, Lady Ningguang hopes that Lord Ji Ming will grace us with his presence. She has prepared a state banquet at Qunyu Pavilion, and the chef was transferred from Xinyuexuan."

"No, I prefer Wanmin Hall."

Ji Ming thought for a moment and added, "If Tianquanxing asks, just say that I didn't give her face, and she won't blame you."

Ignoring the somewhat grateful Bu Yun, Ji Ming closed the door and returned to the hall. He had been woken up early in the morning by Bu Yun's knocking, and to be honest, he was in a bad mood.

However, as someone who used to be at the bottom of society, Ji Ming had no need to make things difficult for Bu Yun, even though he was Ning Guang's confidant.

As for Tianquan Star's invitation, Ji Ming's refusal just now was entirely a form of revenge. He is no longer afraid of a mere Tianquan Star, and whether or not he gives him face depends entirely on his mood.

Ningguang, the star of Tianquan, probably knows his identity, right? There are only a handful of disciples of the immortals in Liyue Harbor, and the higher-ups in Liyue Harbor usually keep their distance from them, except for Sister Ganyu, who is in the central position.

Well, since he had declined Ningguang's invitation, Ji Ming didn't need to think about it too much and could just continue with what he was doing.

Today is the little cook's birthday, and Ji Ming has been looking forward to this day for a long time. After celebrating Xiangling's birthday, he is preparing to go to Mondstadt for his appointment. He wonders what kind of surprise Wendy will give him.

The Heart of the Wind God? I vaguely remember Wendy saying more than half a year ago that he would give me his Heart of the Wind God, but I don't know if it's true.

Ji Ming is destined to become the Rock King Emperor. What use is the Wind God's Heart to him? Besides, the Ice God of the neighboring Winter Kingdom is also coveting the Wind God's Heart. They shouldn't be so eager to start a war with him, a mere little emperor, right?

Fine, I won't back down from the Ice God, I'll just go for it.

"Ji Ming, are you ready?"

The side door of the right courtyard was pushed open, and Hu Tao looked happy, skipping over: "Xiao Jin is here too, you didn't just get up, did you?"

Ji Ming was very honest: "I just got up less than ten minutes ago."

Hu Tao was exasperated: "How could you sleep? Today is Xiangling's birthday! As her childhood sweetheart, shouldn't you be excited?"

Why get excited about childhood sweethearts?

"Because...we have a good relationship?" Hu Tao gave up thinking. "Anyway, you'd better get ready quickly."

Ji Ming looked puzzled: "Why are you in such a hurry? It's only seven in the morning, there's still plenty of time."

Hu Tao blinked: "Because I'm going to put you in a box and give you to Xiang Ling."

"Huh? No, you're serious?"

Walnut, are you awake?

A few days ago, under the pretext of "buying a gift" for Xiangling, Ji Ming took Hu Tao out shopping and on a date. The girl was really happy at the time and didn't even use words like "hey," "bastard," or "little rascal."

Their relationship had grown much closer because Ji Ming had given himself to Hu Tao as a birthday present, temporarily giving him away for a day. As a result, Hu Tao had to act as a clothes hanger for the entire day, dragging him around shopping.

On that day, the amount of money Walnut Blossom dropped was probably comparable to that of Zhongli, and the clothes she bought could probably form a small mountain.

Yes, these clothes were bought specifically for Ji Ming. They not only filled the wardrobe in the Hu family mansion, but also took up a lot of space in Ji Ming's wardrobe.

If you didn't know better, you'd think it was Ji Ming's birthday.

Hu Tao said smugly, "Is that not allowed? Birthdays and death anniversaries are the most important days for every Liyue person. I want to make Xiangling happy."

"Alright, alright, where's Yun Jin? Why don't we bring her over for a sit-down?"

"Xiao Jin is assembling packaging boxes at the master's house, probably thinking about how to put you inside."

As Hu Tao spoke, she moved even closer and started touching him, standing on tiptoe to poke Ji Ming's face, and even touching his most sensitive area, his waist.

Ji Ming was a little embarrassed and gently squeezed Hu Tao's small hand: "Heroine, what are you doing?"

Hu Tao responded, "The size is suitable, I feel like I can fit in, let's go to my house first."

Holding Ji Ming's wrist, Hu Tao led him through the side gate of the right courtyard to the Hu family mansion, waving to Yun Jin in greeting.

Yun Jin, without her heavy makeup, looked quite pretty. She was examining the packaging box while resting her chin on her hand. Upon hearing Hu Tao's greeting, she immediately turned her head: "Hu Tao, and Mr. Ji Ming too!"

Good morning, Yun Jin.

Yun Jin nodded: "Mr. Ji Ming, are you really willing to stay inside the packaging box?"

Ji Ming shrugged: "If it makes Xiangling happy, I'm perfectly fine with staying in the packaging box."

"Mr. Ji Ming is such a good childhood sweetheart. If Xiangling knew, she would definitely be happy, right?"

Seeing that Hu Tao did not respond, Yun Jin turned her head to look. She saw that the girl was using Ji Ming's machete to poke a breathing hole in the packaging box, and she was doing so very carefully.

The vent hole cannot be too large, otherwise it will expose Ji Ming inside the packaging box; at the same time, the vent hole cannot be too small, otherwise Ji Ming will be very uncomfortable inside.

Yun Jin found it somewhat amusing; it seemed that all the girls around Mr. Ji Ming liked him, but he certainly deserved it.

There were several breathing holes on each of the four sides: east, west, south, and north. Hu Tao put the machete aside, stood at a distance and observed for a while before smiling and saying, "Alright, Ji Ming, you can go in now."

Ji Ming walked over and saw that the box was full of various colorful ribbons, making it convenient for him to sit for a long time. It was obviously Yun Jin's work.

Without much preamble, Ji Ming sat down inside the box, hugging his knees. Hu Tao and Yun Jin worked together to put the lid back in place, and Ji Ming asked through the lid, "Ji Ming, how are you feeling?"

"I'm in the cabin and feeling good."

"You're saying something I don't understand again, but it's alright. Xingqiu and Chongyun will be here soon. Let them carry you. Yunjin and I can't lift you."

"I'll take a nap first. When we get to Wanmintang, knock on the packaging to remind me."

Hu Tao didn't hold back in her teasing: "You can even fall asleep like this, no wonder you're like this."

Yun Jin spoke up for Ji Ming, saying, "It's a good thing that young people can sleep well. Let Mr. Ji Ming sleep."

"Xiao Jin, you spoil him too much."

Outside the box, the two girls' conversation grew increasingly indistinct. Ji Ming found a slightly more comfortable position and slowly drifted off to sleep.

This state is a bit abnormal, like seasickness. Ji Ming always felt that as his strength increased, he seemed to be more sleepy. Could this be the legendary debuff? Will there be even stranger abnormal states in the future?

Never mind, let’s get some sleep first.

Chapter 123 You Can't Wake Up a Person Who's Pretending to Be Asleep

"Dad, all the guests have left."

Xiangling lay on the front desk, staring blankly at the entrance of Wanmintang. Today was a day off, and most of the citizens of Liyue Harbor chose to eat at home instead of going out to eat.

In addition, since the neighbors all knew that it was the birthday of the young cook at Wanmintang, Wanmintang was unusually quiet today, with the idea of ​​letting Xiangling rest well.

Xiangling finally had some free time, but she felt a little empty. She didn't have many hobbies, but she liked to cook whenever she had time. She had planned to show off her skills to the guests for her birthday, but she didn't expect that there would be so few people coming to eat today.

Will my friends come? Will Ji Ming come?

Probably. Hu Tao and Yun Jin, Xing Qiu and Chong Yun, and that childhood sweetheart with whom I have a very deep bond, they will definitely come to celebrate my birthday.

Xiangling patted her face and said in one breath, "Dad, I want to go to the kitchen to start the fire!"

Master Mao looked completely bewildered: "Ah Xiang, what are you doing with the stove?"

“My friends will definitely come, so I need to prepare some good food for them.”

Master Mao was silent for a while before saying, "Today is your birthday, shouldn't they be the ones preparing for you? A month ago was Ji Ming's birthday, it was normal for you to go and prepare a birthday banquet for him, but today it should be his turn to prepare for you, right?"