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***

For a little while, there was nothing else to say on the subject regarding Barbatos, only allowing them both to walk without a word.

However, although neither of them tried to come up with new topics to discuss, that did not mean both Yomite and Zhongli suddenly lost interest in talking.

Their brief interaction ended, but neither of them took any notice of the silence.

If anything, they were both processing the information they exchanged together while walking along.

Both men made their way to the entrance of a store that seemed to be selling items related to gems and antiques, entering the building.

In a way, the shop was similar to Mingxing Jewelry, it was most likely its rival in business.

Zhongli looked around the store, looking for something specific and soon enough, he spotted what he wanted.

A blue gemstone, flawless and pure.

“Ah, this Noctilucous Jade is small, but a beautiful shade of translucent blue. It would be a shame not to buy it.”

He glanced at another item in the same vicinity and widened his eyes, “Pasting a Windwheel Aster to wet glaze before it is fired in the kiln? Fascinating. The flower turns to ash, but its shape is forever retained. Such genius — it would be a pity to not purchase this.”

It was a green vase with simple wavy lines painted across its surface. Not a majestic work nor a complex work, it didn’t stand out amidst other more costly works, and carried no aesthetic beauty at all.

Yet its brilliance made a sharp contrast with it’s casual elegance, almost like a soulmate of stone among gems.

Once he bought the second item, he soon found himself taken by two orange colored crystals behind a counter…

“Cor Lapis is itself hard to gather. It must have taken true skill indeed to unearth two pieces so alike. I should definitely buy them. Could you get me two of those?”

“Sure!”

A black-haired lady with glasses presented the items to him, and Zhongli put both of them into a bag.

And just like that, Zhongli bought three different, expensive things within a few minutes of entering the shop.

Yomite was just stunned by everything he’d just witnessed…maybe it was that his brain was fried because of lack of sleep, but the entirety of the experience suddenly dumfounded him completely.

(Is this God a woman or something!? Why does he buy everything he sets his gaze on!? Is his budget limitless!?) His thoughts practically echoed loudly within his head.

“Yomite,” Zhongli began, turning his attention to the younger man next to him, “It may be fate we met yesterday. As a payment for your information regarding Mondstadt, I present you with this gift. Please accept it.”

When he finished his speech, he pulled out a box wrapped elegantly in red velvet and handed it to him.

Yomite unrolled the paper wrapping, which was held shut using silk string, before peeling back the golden clasp to reveal a pair of gorgeous chopsticks with jade handles and glinting gold lacquer along their ends…

“I’m unsure whether you’re familiar with using chopsticks, however, please allow me to present you with this tool of longevity.” Zhongli stated calmly, placing his hand firmly on Yomite’s shoulder.

“I do know how to use chopsticks, but I have never had the occasion to hold chopsticks this precious before. Thanks for the gift.”

This was probably the first time since coming to this world, where someone bought something for him, but he didn’t know how to react properly.

Even back in his old world, there was hardly anyone who would buy him something as extravagant as this.

As if sensing his doubts and hesitance, Zhongli spoke again, “You do not have to thank me, Yomite. One day, when fate allows, we can share some memories together, once more.”

Zhongli’s gaze remained fixed on him until he turned away, “Before we part ways, I want you to know that I shan’t go against anything you do in this world unless it goes against my contract, but remember one thing. The currencies that flow through this land are my flesh and blood. For thus did I become the guarantor of the people’s hard work, wisdom, and future. This is the trust I have placed in them. Betray it, and you taint my blood.”

With that, Zhongli bowed and left the shop with the items he bought, without another word.

Yomite watched as he calmly walked away, then shook his head and shrugged off the discomfort in his heart.

“…He’s giving me so many warnings about Liyue, as if he was truly afraid I would try something…come on, do I look that unfriendly to you…”

There was indeed no doubt that Liyue held some secrets that no man should ever uncover, but that was none of Yomite’s concern.

The situation, however, reminded him that he didn’t know too much about this world yet, so how long would it take until he could learn enough to not be a suspicious person in the eyes of others?

“Well, it seems like Zhongli is still wary of me, but means no harm…maybe Hu Tao told him a few things about me…”

As he was about to leave, a black haired woman wearing glasses suddenly appeared from nowhere beside him.

“Where do you think you’re going, dear customer?”

“Huh?” Yomite raised an eyebrow in confusion as he slowly turned around to stare at her.

“You still haven’t paid for the fine Noctilucous Jade, Artisan porcelain, the pair of Cor Lapis and the Dragon Rite Chopsticks. Let me see…It will be, 500k Mora!”

Yomite tilted his head a little in bewilderment, “…Excuse me? I didn’t order those things!”

“Hm? But Mr. Zhongli mentioned you would foot the bill. They were already packaged as well. We don’t accept refunds.”

“….!?”

(…That bastard!?)

Yomite felt his face turning red with annoyance.

How could he just leave without paying!?

And to say he picked him a gift!? What a bunch of nonsense!

(Why do I have to pay for my own gift!? That little **ter Zhongli! Just you wait!)