As Jiang Chen approached, Xingqiu and Chongyun studied him with curious eyes.
"Lord Jiang Chen."
Both greeted him respectfully as he neared.
"No need for formalities."
"We're around the same age—just call me Jiang Chen."
"I know who you two are."
Jiang Chen took a seat, slightly uncomfortable with the honorifics.
No need for "Lord"—just don't call me "dumbass", and we're good.
Xingqiu smiled and nodded.
"Then I'll call you Jiang Chen from now on."
"It's an honor to finally meet you."
"I've heard so much about you."
Ever since witnessing Jiang Chen's battle with Osial, Xingqiu had wanted to befriend him.
But Jiang Chen was always busy, and their paths never crossed—until now.
"Jiang Chen, who's this little cutie?"*
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled as she stared at Klee.
How could someone be this adorable?
"Hello, big sister!"
"I'm Klee!"
"I'm from Mondstadt!"
Klee beamed, introducing herself enthusiastically.
"She's the Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius."
"Don't let her size fool you—she's Mondstadt's strongest."*
"Oh, and her mother is Alice, the legendary adventurer."
Jiang Chen casually dropped Klee's impressive resume.
The table erupted in shock.
Mondstadt's strongest?
A Knight at her age?
And most importantly—
Alice's daughter?
Alice was a household name in Teyvat.
Her "Teyvat Travel Guide" was required reading for adventurers.
(Though her chaotic antics were equally infamous.)
Hu Tao and the others had definitely read her work—
Especially Xingqiu, the self-proclaimed literary connoisseur.
"The daughter of Alice?!"*
"That's incredible!"*
"I'm Xingqiu."
"Pleased to meet you."
Xingqiu introduced himself with a polite bow.
Klee blinked, studying him.
"Hello, Sister Xingqiu!"*
Another good person!
The table froze.
…Sister?
Chongyun snorted, then burst out laughing.
"PFFT— SISTER?!"*
"HAHAHAHA!"
His best friend had just been gender-swapped by a child.
Priceless.
Jiang Chen and Hu Tao joined the laughter.
What harmless childish honesty.
If Klee thought Xingqiu was a girl, maybe he should reflect on his appearance.
Xingqiu's face twitched.
"I'm a brother."*
"Not a sister."
Klee looked genuinely surprised.
"Huh?"
"But…"
But you look like a sister!
Just… short-haired.*
If you grew it out, you'd be even prettier!
Xingqiu sighed as the others howled with amusement.
Luckily, Klee was quick to adapt.
"Okay, Brother Xingqiu!"*
Pretty big brother, then.
She'd assumed such a beautiful person had to be a girl.
How strange.
After the hilarious misunderstanding, the group settled into casual conversation.
Hu Tao entertained Klee, their energetic personalities clicking instantly.
Klee adored this fun, kind sister.
Soon, Xiangling arrived with their food—
And startled upon seeing Jiang Chen.
"Oh!
"When did you get here?"
She hadn't expected him to drop by.
"I'm here to mooch a meal with Klee."
"Klee, this is Sister Xiangling."*
"She's an amazing cook."
Klee's gaze immediately locked onto Guoba at Xiangling's feet.
Another friend-haver!
Plus, she had a Pyro Vision and no Dodoking.
Definitely good people.*
"Hello, Sister Xiangling!"*
Klee greeted her cheerfully.
Xiangling studied the little girl, noting her Vision.
"You got a Vision this young?"
"You're just like Yaoyao!"*
If Yaoyao were here, they'd get along great.
"Welcome!"
"Guests first—try my cooking!"
"I'll add more dishes for you all."
"Enjoy for now!"
With more people, the initial order wouldn't be enough.
After serving Hu Tao's table, Xiangling hurried back to the kitchen.
Jiang Chen gestured for Klee to dig in, then resumed chatting.
"Speaking of which, Chongyun."*
"Did you know your aunt is in Liyue Harbor?"
Chongyun paused, chopsticks hovering mid-air.
"…Huh?"
"Aunt?"
He looked utterly bewildered.
Clearly, he hadn't met or heard about her.
"Chongyun has an aunt?"*
Xingqiu, the self-proclaimed best friend, was equally clueless.
"Yep."
"Her name's Shenhe."*
"She's Cloud Retainer's disciple."
"Currently at the Mechanical Workshop."*
"I thought you'd met by now."
"Guess not."
Jiang Chen explained between bites.
Shenhe had been idle lately—
Just assisting Cloud Retainer with odd jobs.
A family reunion might brighten her mood.
As Chongyun processed this, memories resurfaced.
His mother had mentioned an aunt…
But he'd never seen her.
"She's really there?"
"Where exactly is the workshop?"
Chongyun stood up, eager to meet her.
Jiang Chen smiled.
"I'll take you there later."
"I need to go anyway."
With Klee here, it was the perfect chance to introduce her to Albedo.
How would Klee react to Albedo?*
Jiang Chen glanced at Klee, anticipation bubbling.