Genshin Impact: I, the Winter's Executor, am forced to work.

It floated onto Qin Ye's shoulder, nuzzled his cheek, and then...

They just stayed put and wouldn't leave.

"?"

"Oh? Guest Master Qin. This fairy spirit seems to like you quite a bit."

Hu Tao circled Qin Ye three times to the left and three times to the right, grinning mischievously.

"Do you think this might be like the legends, where some auspicious beast or immortal comes to repay your kindness? Maybe tomorrow morning it will turn into a beautiful woman to serve you."

"Hu Tao...stop making jokes like that."

"No, that's not it." The hall master glared.

"I was just joking, why are you so concerned about him?"

"I... sigh."

Yun Jin could tell that Qin Ye was also momentarily stunned, indicating that he was also completely unaware of the situation.

They also told him to think it over carefully...

Moreover, don't you think that making this kind of joke will eventually leave you speechless in the face of rebuttal?

"Qin Keqing, why don't you say something?"

Along the way, Hu Tao discovered that the man in front of her was calm and composed in the face of both honor and disgrace, and he had insights into everything.

She decided that she had to find a way to catch him red-handed.

It just so happens that the other party doesn't mention anything about matters between men and women; perhaps he's unexpectedly innocent?

Let's see how he answers.

A clever idea was already swirling in my mind.

Qin Ye realized this at this moment. Since he didn't know why it felt familiar, why not just keep carrying it around?

He immediately smiled, without the slightest embarrassment, and said sincerely, "Yes, but she has to be a lovely girl like Master Hu. I think I have pretty high standards in that regard."

"I...you..."

How come he's such a master?

Even the usually eloquent Hu Tao was caught off guard by the sudden words and began to stammer.

Yun Jin could no longer bear to watch and turned to head towards Wangshu Inn.

The girl seemed somewhat distracted throughout the journey.

Qin Ye felt that the other party had recovered enough, so he took the initiative to liven up the atmosphere.

"Master, I've always kept a secret in my heart."

"What?!"

Hu Tao immediately perked up, but then suddenly shrank back.

This kid has just as many tricks up his sleeve as I do.

"Last time, I had a long talk with Brother Zhongli at the Three Bowls... at the Jade Capital Terrace. I overheard him mention that he seemed to keep his distance from anything with a soft outer skin and scales, nimble arms and legs, that spews out a sticky, wet substance."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Walnut's eyes lit up.

This is indeed extremely useful intelligence.

"Okay, next time we go back to Liyue Harbor, I'll take you and Brother Zhongli to the Fishing Association to buy three special fishing rods, and we'll go sea fishing together."

"It's always you! You're such a good friend!"

Chapter 34 Someone arrives, bring almond tofu.

Wangshu Inn

"No? Eating again?"

Qin Ye's lips twitched as he watched the head of the hall order food.

"Eat three good meals a day, and don't forget dessert. Vegetables and fruits are all treasures..."

"Just collapse into bed after you finish eating, right..."

"Indeed, Guest Master Qin has truly mastered the teachings of this hall master."

Shaking his head helplessly, Qin Ye took out a money pouch from his pocket: "This meal is on me, Hall Master, please make yourself at home."

Some of the old money bags were dark in color, but they looked well protected.

The stitches were messy, and there were traces of light brown liquid spreading at the suture site.

There was also an animal head sewn on the front, the nature of which was unknown.

"I didn't expect you to have such a childlike heart, Qin Ye."

Hu Tao picked up the bag and examined it carefully.

"Although the technique is a bit immature, you can tell that the person who sewed it put a lot of effort into it, and it's very cute."

Yun Jin gave her evaluation almost immediately.

"Yes, it's something I cherish, so please don't get it dirty. You two rest here for now, I have some things to take care of upstairs."

"Good~"

Watching Qin Ye's departing figure, Hu Tao turned her attention to the menu.

Finally, I got to eat at the tycoon's restaurant.

Should we cover all the expenses for everyone who comes to the inn tonight?

Qin Ye walked up to the top floor of Wangshu, where the bright moonlight shone down, making the inn seem cold and deserted in comparison.

He bent down, put his arms on the railing, and began to speak slowly and deliberately.

"Is Ningguang's person? Or Yelan's person?"

The shop assistant appeared silently behind him: "I am Lord Yelan's subordinate. May I ask how I can help you?"

Qin Ye chuckled.

"She's quite shrewd. Could she have done something she didn't want me to know when I left Liyue Harbor?"

"This...you're joking. Lord Yelan has always held you in high esteem."

"Your reaction was quick; you're quite talented. How about you switch allegiance to my Fatui Clan?"

The other party did not reply.

"Hehe, don't worry about offending me, I was just joking. After all, I can't poach someone from a friend, can I?"

"You're right."

Qin Ye looked towards the distant Dihua Isle, where wind elements were constantly gathering. A blur streaked across the Hilichurl camp, and the number of enemies inside rapidly decreased.

This Hilichurl's behavior is strange. Is it related to the Abyss Mage we encountered this morning?

The agile young man revealed his figure, landed suddenly, and wind elemental spear shadows pierced the ground, reaping the lives of monsters.

Boring, uninteresting, incompetent, useless, worthless...

A few words flashed through Qin Ye's mind briefly. He smiled and gave instructions to the somewhat restless man behind him.

"Bring me two chairs, a dining table, and a plate of almond tofu. As for the bill, you'll be going back to Liyue Harbor sooner or later anyway, so have Yelan settle it at the Northern Bank then."

"Yes."

The shop assistant breathed a sigh of relief; he was least adept at dealing with people who had a smiling face but a heart as deep as the ocean.

Qin Ye watched silently from the inn, knowing that person would definitely come here.

As the wind swept by, the "young man" stood with his arms crossed, atop the very top of the inn, as steady as a mountain.

Humanity?

He looked at the man who was already sitting in a chair, sipping tea, and at the two plates of almond tofu on the table.

"Hey..."

Since there are humans around, let's go somewhere else tonight.

"The finest tea and dishes are already served. Why don't you come down for a chat, sir?"

The boy frowned, then instantly appeared below, maintaining a certain distance from the man.

"I don't know where you learned about me, but... don't come near me, that's all I have to say."

Qin Ye calmly blew away the steam rising from the teacup.

"You don't need to worry about that. Morax and I are brothers, so we won't be affected."

A figure suddenly appeared at the opposite seat and silently sat down.

"May I ask how the immortal is addressed?"

"Just call me Xiao."

"Please." Qin Ye gestured to the almond tofu on the table.

"Um, Lord Morax... what has he been up to lately?"

Goodness, you even forgot to eat almond tofu because of that person, you're something else...

Xiao was once young and ignorant. The demon god seized his weakness and made him a powerful demon under his command, causing countless killings. He was in great pain but had no choice in the matter.

It wasn't until Zhongli killed the Yaksha's god, freeing him and giving him the name Xiao.

"Did you know that he used the alias Zhongli in Liyue Harbor?"

The other person nodded silently.

"If you were to ask what he's been up to lately... he's been listening to operas, walking his birds, drinking tea, and appreciating antiques."

And they'll spend my money on it.