Genshin, No sad stories

Signora slowly regained her composure.

She had been stunned by Jiang Chen's words.

Would she really die in the future?

Her mind raced through the possibilities.

Everything Childe had considered, she had also thought of.

Inazuma?

Understood.

If something happened to her, it would likely be there.

With that in mind, Signora took out a small box and tossed the Anemo Gnosis to Jiang Chen.

"I hope you keep your word."

Since Jiang Chen had warned her, she decided to lend him the Gnosis—for now.

Watching the chess piece fly toward him, Jiang Chen casually flipped the Geo Gnosis back to Signora.

"One for one. Now you can relax."

With that, he began examining the Anemo Gnosis.

Signora inspected the Geo Gnosis and confirmed it was genuine.

She was slightly surprised.

Was Jiang Chen really uninterested in the Gnosis?

Did he just want to study it?

Just as she pondered this, she saw Jiang Chen activate the Anemo Gnosis effortlessly.

Her eyes narrowed.

She had possessed the Gnosis for a while now.

She had tried to use it—but no matter what she did, it remained dormant.

Yet Jiang Chen had activated it instantly.

This was unprecedented.

If he could wield the Gnosis, did that mean he could become the Anemo Archon if he wanted?

This was critical intel.

Jiang Chen, however, didn't care about Signora's thoughts.

Once he acquired Anemo powers, he tossed the Gnosis back to her.

"Here you go~!"

"Mission accomplished."

Signora caught it, her expression puzzled.

What was his goal with the Gnosis?

Did he really just borrow it for research?

"Take a seat."

"I've already ordered."

"Let's eat together."

Zhongli, seeing Jiang Chen was done, invited them to sit.

No need to stand around awkwardly.

This might be the last meal he and Childe ever shared.

Signora, however, had no intention of staying.

"No need for food."

"I must return to report to Her Majesty."

She stored both Gnoses securely.

Now that she had what she came for, she wanted to leave immediately.

Childe nodded in agreement.

If Signora was going back, so was he.

He still had to answer to Pantalone.

Just thinking about it made his stomach churn.

"Is that so?"

"Then I won't keep you."

"Safe travels."

"Oh, and Childe~!"

"Don't forget to settle the bill on your way out."

Silence.

Childe stared at Zhongli, speechless.

You're Morax, and you're still scamming me for a meal?!

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Let's go."

"We'll pay the bill."

Signora couldn't be bothered to argue.

She just wanted to leave.

One meal wouldn't bankrupt them.

With that, she and Childe headed out.

She couldn't help but despise these gods.

Barbatos—what was he like?

Surely he couldn't be as unreliable as Morax?

She hadn't met him this time, so she had no idea.

But when she reached the front desk and saw the bill, she froze.

Who the hell spends this much on one meal?!

Her face darkened.

Nearly a million Mora?

Damn it, Childe, is this how you've been living?*

No wonder his expenses were sky-high.

A closer look revealed that while the dishes were pricey, the real cost came from the alcohol.

Signora seethed but paid anyway.

As they left, she couldn't resist taunting Childe.

"Take your expense reports back to Pantalone."

"Hope he doesn't murder you."

Spending Pantalone's money to wine and dine Morax?

Hah!

The reckoning will be brutal.

Childe's mood sank further.

He really didn't want to go back.

But he had no choice.

And so, a heartbroken man left Liyue.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen and Zhongli enjoyed their lavish dinner.

Zhongli had ordered extravagantly—dishes so rare and expensive, most people would never taste them.

But with the Geo Archon, Jiang Chen always ate well.

He even had some dishes packed up to take home.

No sense wasting good food.

Paimon would devour anything left.

As they ate, Jiang Chen and Zhongli chatted.

"This matter is settled for now."

"The future of Liyue is in your hands."

With the Gnosis gone, Zhongli felt lighter.

Now he could truly retire.

"Right now, the focus is on developing the Guili Plains."

"The groundwork is done. Next comes large-scale construction."

"Once the roads are built, materials will flood in, and the new city will rise."

Jiang Chen explained between bites.

Zhongli nodded.

He wouldn't interfere with Liyue's affairs anymore.

Let Jiang Chen and the others handle it.

After the meal, the two parted ways.

Jiang Chen returned home with the takeout.

The moment he entered, Paimon's eyes lit up.

"Waaah!"

"Jiang Chen, did you bring food for me?!"

She was overjoyed.

"Here."

"Zhongli picked these out specially."

Jiang Chen handed her the packages with a smirk.

Paimon snatched them eagerly and ripped them open.

Her mouth watered at the sight.

This looked expensive!

Today was a feast!

She immediately began sharing with everyone.

Despite being a glutton, Paimon wasn't selfish.

Jiang Chen sat down and turned to Lumine.

"So, when are you heading to Inazuma?"

Lumine had been playing housewife lately, only occasionally stepping out for intel.

Had she forgotten about her brother?

The people of Inazuma were waiting for her!

She couldn't slack off like this.

Hence, Jiang Chen's prodding.