Genshin Impact, the spear remains.

Wow! Mom, look how amazing that big brother is! He's so good at using the fire poker!

A little boy in a thin shirt was pulling at his mother and yelling.

Human infants always make a loud noise in a crowd to attract the attention of their elders, no matter when.

Honestly, you should pay more attention to the atmosphere around you, kid.

Looking at the little guy not far away, Bai Qiyun remembered his somewhat embarrassing past, and instantly turned into a dead fish expression.

"Wow! Mom, look, that big brother can change his expression!"

For some reason, the little guy's loud shouting came from the side again.

However, even his mother couldn't stand it this time. She hurriedly covered the child's mouth and took him away from the scene.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Bai Qiyun opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Hey! Hey! Don't go! At least eat before you leave!

Bai Qiyun couldn't help but sigh after being insulted by that brat and losing a potential customer.

However, this is also part of the competition. As a stranger, it's understandable that others might have reservations.

Bai Qiyun regained his composure and began to vigorously toss the large ladle in his right hand.

In that case, he needs to work even harder.

Taking advantage of the raging fire, the boy used both ladles to exert force simultaneously, and the sparks from the earthen stove shot upwards along the bottom of the lifted pot, dancing in the air like fireflies in summer.

"Sizzle~"

The water stains on the surface of the food made a piercing sound as soon as they came into contact with the scalding oil, and a plume of white smoke rose into the sky from the side of the hand.

Amidst the smoky aroma and smoke, the two dishes were gradually prepared.

The pungent smell of chili peppers made the residents present unconsciously frown.

The people of Mondstadt are not accustomed to eating this spicy plant, and they cannot easily accept its strong flavor at first.

However, Bai Qiyun also took this into consideration, so in these two dishes, he used a ratio of more dry and fragrant chili peppers than spicy ones.

That's why the spicy smell came out earlier.

"Okay, it's done!"

The reddish-brown chili oil lay on top of the white, tender tofu, like a dazzling rainbow covering a hillside.

Bai Qiyun placed two pots of food, still dripping with hot oil, aside, and plate after plate were placed in front of him. The fried rice from before was piled on top, and twice-cooked pork and Mapo tofu were freely poured over them. The broth and oil aroma mixed together, making the mouths of the group of people who hadn't eaten dinner very hungry.

The boy flicked his right hand lightly, and the next second, the towel wrapped around his arm like a white dragon.

Several steaming dishes were placed in front of him, and the speed at which he served the food was dazzling.

"Please use it!"

Carrying the dishes, Bai Qiyun beckoned everyone over, as relaxed and at ease as he would in his own restaurant.

For him, working is much more relaxed than his personal life.

"I'll have one."

"Then give me one too."

As soon as the first person took the plate, the others swarmed around the stove.

"Come on, don't push, there will be another wave after this one ends."

Perhaps it was the overwhelming aroma that drew long lines of people waiting to enjoy their dinner.

—In that case, we can consider the first hurdle passed for now.

Looking at the group of expectant customers, Bai Qiyun couldn't help but smile.

The square was bustling with people, all waiting to receive their dinners, but the house just a wall away was unusually quiet.

The girl, whose strength had been depleted by the seawater, was lying on the bed, resting quietly.

The little elf beside him swallowed hard, gazing at the spectacular scene outside the window.

Come to think of it, she hasn't eaten yet either. If she could go out now...

Thinking of this, Paimon quickly shook his head, his white hair swaying wildly on either side of his ears.

No, no, I still need to keep an eye on Xiangling.

She flew to the girl's side and touched the girl's mouth and nose with her small hand. The warm breath blew into her soft palm, making her feel a little ticklish.

But since his breathing is so steady, it means there's nothing wrong with him.

The little elf, perched on the bedside railing, looked at the patient with a somewhat worried expression.

But if there's nothing wrong, why hasn't he woken up for so long?

The noise outside grew louder and louder, and the aroma of the food wafted through the not-quite-closed window into Paimon's nose, making her itch with desire as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.

"Hmm~"

Perhaps it was the overpowering fragrance, or perhaps it was the noise of the people, but the girl lying on the bed slowly opened her eyes, and an unfamiliar ceiling came into view.

"here it is...."

Her throat felt like it had been scorched by the desert sun for ten or fifteen days, so dry and hoarse that she felt terrible.

Xiangling struggled to her feet, gripping the railing tightly with her right hand as she looked out.

She knew her own body best; her throat was dry and uncomfortable, and she was severely dehydrated—all aftereffects of forcibly using immortal techniques.

After all, she hadn't fully mastered the move before she used it, and her whole body was rolled around by the violent and chaotic fire elemental force, so it was inevitable that she would end up like this. She was already mentally prepared for this.

However, I am in a really uncomfortable state right now. It is difficult to speak. Although I am not feverish, I feel like I have just recovered from a serious illness and have no strength at all.

The girl's long, dark blue hair, braided into long braids, had all come loose from being soaked in water, cascading down her back like a waterfall, giving her an air of classical beauty.

"Xiangling! You're awake!"

Paimon was not surprised by the girl's commotion, and she quickly flew to Xiangling and began to fuss over her.

"Well, I'm fine, but what's going on outside?"

Although she felt weak all over, Xiangling didn't pay too much attention to her physical problems. She figured that these side effects would be almost gone after a good night's rest.

As for now... I'll just be a patient for half a day.

The noise outside was beyond what a normal crowd could make; it was clear that some kind of activity was taking place.

"Ah, you mean that? Actually, it was a cooking showdown with Brock."

Paimon floated in the sky, its little head tilted to the side, looking rather cute.

"A culinary showdown?!"

Upon hearing Paimon's reply, Xiangling's voice suddenly rose several octaves.

If I remember correctly, she had arranged to meet Brock in the afternoon.

But now...

My gaze swept across the horizon, and only a few remnants of the setting sun remained on the distant horizon. Without a doubt, it was already evening.

Isn't this already late?

In a panic, she quickly stood up, supporting her somewhat weak body, intending to go over there in this state.