Now that he had some Mora in his pocket, Jiang Bai couldn't stop thinking about buying something.
But all he had was 11,101 Mora—barely enough for anything substantial. The thought of spending it made his heart ache.
He wandered around the courtyard a few times before a sudden inspiration struck.
I may not have money, but I can find someone who does!
All he had to do was drag someone rich out shopping with him. Then, when it came time to pay, he could quietly slip his own purchases in with theirs. Problem solved!
No sooner thought than acted—Jiang Bai turned on his heel and headed straight for Zhongli's residence.
Mr. Zhongli always dresses impeccably and lives elegantly. He must be loaded… Maybe I can even get him to foot the bill for me outright!
With such hopeful thoughts in mind, Jiang Bai arrived at Zhongli's courtyard.
"Mr. Zhongli, feel like going shopping?"
"Shopping?" Zhongli, seated inside reading a book, looked up and noticed Jiang Bai's new clothes.
"That outfit suits you well."
Jiang Bai spun in a small circle, clearly pleased. "The director had it custom-made for me. I think it fits me too."
Since they were in the Wangsheng courtyard, he'd taken off the Soul-Summoning Banner from his back—it really wasn't convenient to carry around.
"I thought the weather was perfect today—just right for a walk through the market," Jiang Bai added with a sincere expression. Even after being complimented, he didn't forget his true objective.
"Aren't you two busy promoting your new business right now? What brings this sudden invitation?" Zhongli was mildly suspicious—this felt like something Hu Tao might have orchestrated to rope him into marketing efforts.
After all, that was very much her style.
"We've already finished promoting. Had several customers just this morning!"
"That's encouraging."
Zhongli closed his book and stood, glancing out the window at the midday sun.
"The weather is indeed quite pleasant. Very well—let's go for a stroll."
Seeing Zhongli agree to come along, Jiang Bai pumped a silent fist of victory.
Operation Success!
Liyue was packed with shops, rows upon rows lining every street with perfect order and variety.
Jiang Bai followed Zhongli from shop to shop, stepping into one here, browsing another there.
They didn't have any particular goal—just window-shopping and buying whatever caught their eye.
"This teacup has an uncommon glaze, and the painting of the glaze lilies inside is quite delicate. Not bad at all." Zhongli held the cup up, examining it with obvious appreciation.
"You've got a keen eye, sir! This teacup's one of our latest arrivals—only one set left!" the shopkeeper chimed in eagerly.
"How much for the set?" Jiang Bai asked, curious.
"Not expensive at all—just 200,000 Mora!"
The moment Jiang Bai heard the price, his hand—which had just reached for the cup—jerked back like he'd been burned.
Dear Archons… that's way out of my league.
"Not expensive, indeed," Zhongli said thoughtfully, hand supporting his chin as he studied the set.
"Wrap it up for me."
Jiang Bai watched in awe as Zhongli casually instructed the shopkeeper to pack the teacups… then turned to look at him.
Their eyes met.
Neither moved.
Zhongli: You're the one who invited me out shopping. So naturally, you're paying—aren't you?
Jiang Bai: Huh???
I brought you out so I could leech off you—and you want me to pay?
He tried a tactful prompt: "Mr. Zhongli… did you forget your wallet?"
"Left in a rush. Forgot to bring it," Zhongli replied smoothly.
Jiang Bai: …
I thought you walked out without hesitation because you had Mora on you. Turns out you didn't even remember you'd need money!
Jiang Bai felt a wave of despair.
"Uh, I don't have any money either." He turned out his empty pockets to prove it.
Zhongli, entirely unfazed—as if he'd handled this exact situation countless times—spoke to the shopkeeper without missing a beat:
"Send it to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Put it on their tab."
Watching this go down, Jiang Bai's eyes lit up.
So Mr. Zhongli can just put purchases on Wangsheng's account? Then maybe… I can too?
He tried probing gently:
"Mr. Zhongli… do you always charge your purchases to Wangsheng?"
"Occasionally," Zhongli replied.
Most of the time, he shopped with one of the ceremonial girls accompanying him. But when he happened to be alone and forgot his Mora, he would occasionally have things billed to Wangsheng.
That "occasionally" made Jiang Bai hesitate.
Zhongli, after all, held a unique position—he was a guest consultant, a distinguished figure.
But he was just a humble employee. If he dared start putting things on Wangsheng's tab, Hu Tao's fist of love would be waiting for him the moment he got back.
And worse, she'd probably deduct it from his salary.
Not worth it…
Jiang Bai clutched his coin pouch protectively.
Better not waste the little Mora I've got.
As for the shopkeeper, he clearly wasn't new to this. With smooth efficiency, he packed up the porcelain and arranged for delivery to Wangsheng.
Leaving the store, the two strolled down the bustling street. The scent of food wafted through the air.
Zhongli spoke mildly. "Have you eaten? Allow me to treat you."
"Are you sure? Didn't you just say you didn't bring any money?"
"It's fine. I'll put it on the tab."
Zhongli's utterly calm delivery of the phrase "put it on the tab" left Jiang Bai momentarily speechless.
"…Alright then."
Well, he's the one charging it, not me. And the bill probably won't have my name on it anyway…
With that rationalization, Jiang Bai accepted without guilt.
Zhongli took him straight to Xinyue Kiosk and booked a private room.
One look at the elegant interior—ornate calligraphy, rare paintings, tasteful décor—and Jiang Bai could already feel the Mora dripping from the walls.
Then he saw the menu.
The number of zeros behind those dishes practically blinded him.
He swallowed hard, embarrassed. "Mr. Zhongli, maybe we should go somewhere else…"
"Why would we?" Zhongli looked genuinely puzzled.
"…The dishes here are really expensive."
Zhongli glanced down at the listed prices and nodded. "By most standards, yes, they're a bit steep. But it's of no consequence."
"What do you like to eat?"
Even the fruit platter cost 3,000 Mora. Jiang Bai didn't dare order anything and quickly said, "Anything's fine—whatever you pick."
Zhongli didn't press further and casually ordered a few dishes.
While they waited for the food, Jiang Bai made small talk.
There was something he'd been meaning to ask about—the ley line anchors—but he'd been too busy following Hu Tao around to find the right moment.
Now was as good a time as any.
"Mr. Zhongli… do you know what ley line anchors actually do?"
"Ley line anchors? Why the sudden curiosity?" Zhongli lifted his gaze, his amber eyes settling on Jiang Bai.
There was something probing in his look. Curious, yes—but mostly calm, as if nothing in the world could truly surprise him.
Originally, Jiang Bai hadn't planned to reveal his ability to teleport via the ley lines. But under Zhongli's gaze, he realized he couldn't hide it.
So he told the truth.
"That day, I touched one of them… and then I found out I could see the ley line network. And I can teleport to any anchor I've activated."
---
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it… or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf