บท 14: Chapter 14
Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on one, Liyue's prime location had made it a prosperous trading hub. Its unique scenery and culture had also made it a famous tourist destination across the continent.
Favored by both merchants and travelers, the city was bustling year-round, especially during the Lantern Rite in early year and the Moonchase Festival in mid-year.
It was currently autumn, with the Moonchase Festival only half a month away.
Xia Zhi bought a map of Liyue from a street vendor and noticed the moon-viewing spots specially circled by the seller, finally understanding.
No wonder the city was so lively both inside and out when he entered today.
A festival was approaching.
How fortunate to arrive just in time for one of the two grandest festivals of the year.
Standing by the road, Xia Zhi carefully studied the map, first confirming his location, then looking for nearby lodging options.
There were many inns to choose from.
Tourist cities never lack accommodations, but since they mostly serve one-time customers, some inns provide terrible service.
Xia Zhi had experienced such places during his previous travels, with barely acceptable living conditions.
Looking at the map, he noticed an inn called "Sea View Lodge" marked with an asterisk by the map vendor.
This indicated a strong recommendation.
Xia Zhi pondered—the map vendor seemed passionate enough to circle moon-viewing spots for customers, suggesting good character. The inn he recommended probably wasn't bad either.
But there was also the possibility that the inn owner and map vendor were close associates, suggesting potential advertising motives.
Rather than overthinking it, he decided to check out the inn first. It wasn't far, and if the service proved unsatisfactory, he could always try somewhere else.
Following the map's directions, Xia Zhi wound through the streets until he reached the inn's entrance.
It was a large establishment, four stories tall, with bright lanterns hanging under the eaves and people coming and going through the entrance.
Larger establishments usually value their reputation more and tend to provide better service.
Xia Zhi observed the place, finding his first impression favorable.
Inside, the decorations were classically styled, and the floors were spotless.
Seeing this, Xia Zhi was mostly convinced.
Several young, pretty girls in uniform staffed the front desk as receptionists.
As Xia Zhi approached, one of them immediately gave him a polite smile: "Hello, are you looking for accommodation?"
"Yes, do you have any vacant rooms?"
"We do. Are you staying alone?"
"Yes, what are your single room rates?"
"Standard single rooms are 200 Mora, luxury singles are 500 Mora."
"Do standard singles have ocean-view windows?"
"Yes, but those rooms cost 50 Mora extra."
"250 Mora?"
"That's right."
Hearing this specific number, Xia Zhi fell silent for a moment.
"Which type of room would you like to book?"
"Just a standard single room, the 200 Mora one."
"Certainly, please wait."
The girl took out a registration form.
"How long would you like to stay?"
"Three days."
...
After registering and paying 600 Mora for the room plus 200 Mora deposit, the girl led Xia Zhi to his room, handed him the key, and politely bowed before leaving.
Xia Zhi looked around the room. Though not very spacious, it had a cozy atmosphere.
A small four-sided lantern sat on the table, burning brightly. The light blue wallpaper was clean, and the bed had pristine white sheets and pillows, creating a sense of comfort.
The map vendor's recommendation seemed reliable after all.
Xia Zhi walked to the window and pushed it open, finding not the quiet sea but a bustling street below.
The 250 Mora didn't really matter—mainly because he was half-blind and could only see twenty meters ahead. Even in an ocean-view room, he wouldn't be able to see the sea from the window.
After washing his face and resting briefly in the room, Xia Zhi went out to find food.
Liyue remained crowded at night.
Map in hand, Xia Zhi followed the vendor's recommendation to Chihu Rock.
Chihu Rock was Liyue's right half district, home to common folk and small businesses selling various goods at relatively affordable prices.
The opposite was Feiyun Slope in Liyue's left half.
That area gathered wealthy merchants and housed large establishments selling exquisite, rare items at frightening prices.
With only 4100 Mora left, Xia Zhi needed to be frugal. Feiyun Slope's luxury was out of the question—Chihu Rock was more suitable.
Moreover, the map vendor had circled several establishments in the Chihu Rock area.
Particularly "Wanmin Restaurant," which had three stars by its name.
With such a strong recommendation, he had to try it.
Xia Zhi walked slowly along the street, hearing familiar blacksmith sounds before realizing Wanmin Restaurant was actually diagonal from the Adventurers' Guild.
So he had missed it earlier?
Returning felt like fate.
At this hour, the restaurant was packed, with tables even filling the space outside. The aroma of food mingled with diners' cheerful conversation in the air.
Inside, the chef, with a white towel around his neck, stood before a large wok, cooking with intense flames and a large ladle—reminiscent of street-side restaurants from his original world.
More interestingly, Xia Zhi noticed that people in Liyue also used bowls, chopsticks, plates, and spoons.
"Would you like to dine, sir?"
A bright, lively voice rang beside Xia Zhi's ear. He turned to see an energetic young girl wearing an apron.
"Yes, any seats available?"
"Yes! But please wait a moment! Those customers over there just finished, let me clean the table!"
"Alright."
"You can look at the menu first and tell me what you'd like to order!"
"Okay."
Xia Zhi took the menu she handed him and "looked" at it. The selection was extensive: Grilled Tiger Fish, Rice Balls, Jueyun Chili Chicken, Crystal Shrimp, Mint Salad, Crab Roe Tofu, Boiled Black Bass, Squirrel Fish, Come and Get It, Three-Flavored Shredded Meat, Universal Peace, Minced Meat Rolls...
Prices were very reasonable, mostly under 100 Mora.
Just then, he heard customers at a distant table call out: "Xiangling! Another order of Crab Roe Tofu!"
"Coming right up!" The girl wiping tables shouted back, then waved to Xia Zhi: "Sir, the table's clean now, please have a seat!"
Xia Zhi sat down, casually placing the menu aside, and said, "I'll have the Crab Roe Tofu too."
"Got it!"
Xiangling noted it down and energetically ran into the kitchen.
What an adorable girl.
Watching Xiangling's slender figure, Xia Zhi's expression turned somewhat strange.
She looked only about 14 years old. In this world, were children already working hard at this age?
In his original world, she should still be in school.
Though the two worlds shared many similarities, they also had many differences.
While Liyue seemed commercially advanced, some of its practices remained rather backward.
As Xia Zhi pondered this, he overheard diners at the next table chatting while eating.
"Xiangling's cooking keeps getting better!"
"Yeah, this Squirrel Fish looks even better than Chef Mao's."
"The student surpasses the master—she's ready to take over her father's ladle."
So this Wanmin Restaurant belonged to young Xiangling's family.
A local running a thriving business.
That explained it.
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