Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"First of all, I'm a Fengxiang person, not a chef. Second, I have no intention of climbing any peaks—I'm perfectly fine lying halfway up the mountain."

Declaration made.

"That's such a waste of your talent, you know!"

"I don't think so."

Gu Sanqiu thought for a moment. "Wait a minute, did you just say you were in Mondstadt recently?"

"Yeah."

"Then why didn't you come find me for a meal? Meeting a familiar face in a foreign land would've been fun."

"Oh, you mean that time when the delegation arrived in Mondstadt? I was probably at Windrise then, researching how Cecilia flowers and berries could be incorporated into desserts."

Xiangling shrugged. "By the time I got back, our dear Fengxiang representative had already helped Mondstadt solve its problems and left. What could I do?"

"But thanks to you, my time in Mondstadt went really well. Not only did the local shops give me discounts, but the Knights of Favonius even asked if I needed help with anything."

Xiangling grinned. "With the money I saved, I managed to stay out longer and do more research."

Gu Sanqiu nodded in understanding. With Mondstadt's nursery ruins and Windrise being so far apart, it made sense they hadn't crossed paths.

"But putting other things aside, do you really think Cecilia flowers and berries can be combined into desserts?"

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. "Berries are sweet, sure. But have you even tasted a Cecilia flower?"

Noticing the dark aura emanating from him, Xiangling quickly waved her hands and saluted him.

"Absolutely not! I strictly followed the 'Field Survival Safety Guide' you wrote, and I never ate anything in the wild without a companion present."

"Good."

Gu Sanqiu nodded, but before Xiangling could relax, he hit her with another question.

"But if I recall, the area around Windrise is restricted. Other than weather monitoring staff and Knights of Favonius, everyone else needs proper authorization to enter. Isn't that right?"

Xiangling froze.

The restrictions made sense, considering Windrise was a favorite haunt of Mondstadt's strongest combatant. Allowing unrestricted access could lead to disaster if someone accidentally dug up a "gift."

"By the way," Gu Sanqiu's eyes narrowed, his Vision forming glasses that glowed ominously, "didn't you say the Knights were unusually accommodating because of me?"

"Truth only has one version. You tried to go to Windrise but were told you needed authorization. So, you went back to Springvale to study boars instead.

"Then, after completing your research, you went to Mondstadt City and found yourself treated well due to your Liyuean connections. That's when you decided to revisit Windrise and asked the Knights for permission. Am I wrong?"

"No way! That's nonsense!"

Xiangling fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat, clearly flustered.

"Oh, should I call your—"

"Don't!"

Xiangling sprang up, clasping her hands and bowing deeply. "I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong! Captain Gu, please don't tell my dad!"

"Captain? What century are you living in?"

Gu Sanqiu rolled his eyes. "You all love pulling little stunts in front of me. Do I look stupid to you?"

"No, no! Captain Gu is wise, handsome, and resourceful! I was just reckless and will reflect on my actions!"

"Fine. I won't tattle on you."

Gu Sanqiu pulled out a piece of paper and began writing. "Here's your new assignment. Starting tomorrow, you'll handle the meals for some workers and Millelith stationed at the docks—for three days."

"Just take this to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. They'll provide all the details."

"And about your idea of blending elemental flavors and unifying them with fire? Maybe review how to cook a proper pot of stew first."

"Or, as they say, life itself will be your best teacher."

"Drop the patronizing tone, Captain!"

Xiangling slumped. "I just got back and barely had any rest, and now you're sending me to work! Is this really the same Captain who used to lounge around lazily in class?"

"Honestly, if reality didn't get in the way, I'd love to lounge around now too."

Gu Sanqiu sighed dramatically. "But since I'm stuck, dragging a few people down with me might improve my mood. So, you're coming along for the ride."

"This is unfair! I protest!"

"Chef Mao—"

"Fine, I'll do it!"

Xiangling caved.

"Good. Trust me, this will be a valuable learning experience."

"Nuh-uh—"

Suddenly, a small, chubby hand reached up to the table and swiped the last juicy piece of fish belly from Gu Sanqiu's bowl.

"Hey, Guoba!"

Xiangling quickly picked up the little creature. "No stealing food! If you're hungry, I'll cook for you."

"Well, well, if it isn't Guoba. Long time no see."

Gu Sanqiu waved at the tiny, round companion with a smile.

Technically, Guoba was an ancient being of seniority, one deserving of great respect. But since Guoba himself seemed to reject such formalities, treating him like an ordinary companion felt more appropriate.

Guoba looked up at Gu Sanqiu, then back at the fish bowl.

!!!

Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

"Guoba, what are you doing?! Don't move! You haven't even washed your hands—don't put them in your mouth!"

Guoba flailed in a panic, as if he were trying to dig the fish out of himself, but Xiangling stopped him just in time.

Gu Sanqiu sighed.

He probably thinks I poisoned the fish.

Recalling what Xiao had once told him, Gu Sanqiu started piecing things together.

"Relax, this fish was made by Chef Mao at Wanmin Restaurant. I didn't add anything strange to it. Trust me."

Hearing this, Guoba's struggles lessened. After sniffing the bowl cautiously, he finally calmed down.

"Ugh, this is going to be a long road," Gu Sanqiu muttered, exasperated in every sense of the word.

"Sorry about that, Captain. Should I make you another serving?"

"No need. I just want a peaceful meal. Go do your thing."

As Xiangling left, Gu Sanqiu mulled over the idea of using ingredients from his "cheat stash" to cook a proper meal one day.

He also decided he'd clear his family's name.

They might be infamous for their reckless tendencies, but dark cuisine? That one's a complete misunderstanding!

---

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