Wednesday, January 19th
In the morning, Mona arrived at the Liyue Newspaper Agency with her freshly finished manuscript, right on time.
Another 10,000 Mora in manuscript payment secured.
Though, thanks to that windfall from Yelan, money like this didn't excite her much anymore.
Charlotte warmly invited her to stay. "Miss Mona, are you free to grab a bite to eat together?"
Mona's eyes lit up at once. "Of course! Chief Editor Charlotte, are we going to Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk this time?"
Charlotte shook her head. "Neither."
"Oh? Then where?"
"Miss Mona, are you familiar with Xiangling?"
"Sure. I've noticed there's been a new food column in the paper lately. I think she's the one writing it."
"That's right. It's her."
"So we're going to Wanmin Restaurant, then?"
"Nope."
"Eh?"
"We're going to the Summer Shop."
"The Summer Shop… Isn't that the place that sells Rainbow Juice?"
"Mhm. Think of it as a private banquet this time. You probably didn't know, Miss Mona, but the owner of that little shop—Mr. Xia—is actually quite skilled in the art of divination."
"…Huh?"
Mona's expression instantly turned a bit weird.
That guy? Skilled in divination?
Come on. She'd already read his fate. It was as ordinary as could be, not even a hint of concealment.
Still, he did seem oddly popular with Liyue's rich ladies. Not only was he rumored to be involved with Ningguang, but Miss Yelan's fate was also a bit entangled with his. So maybe he did have something special going on.
"So?"
"Well, I've known Mr. Xia for some time. After reading our newspaper's astrology column, he took an interest in you, Miss Mona. He hopes to meet and exchange insights on the art of divination."
"Oh, I see."
Mona nodded. That explained it.
She'd thought Charlotte was trying to grow closer to her, inviting her out for another meal—but it turned out she was just helping someone else arrange a meeting.
This Mr. Xia was probably just another hobbyist who liked to dabble in fortune-telling—knew the basics, maybe.
If he were truly an expert, he'd have put up some Anti-divination barriers. His fate wouldn't be so transparent and easy to read.
Take her master, for example—even with the full arsenal of astrology instruments, Mona still couldn't peek into that old hag's fate. Try it, and her master would sense it immediately and scold her for overstepping.
So, this Mr. Xia had likely read her articles in the paper, developed a bit of admiration, and now wanted her to divine something for him—or maybe even learn some real skills.
Ugh… what a hassle.
Fan meetups like this weren't worth going to.
Although… the food he cooked did smell pretty good the last time she passed by his shop.
Mona's mind raced as she considered her options. A hint of reluctance surfaced on her face.
"Chief Editor Charlotte, I've got a few things to take care of today. I'm afraid I won't be free."
Charlotte waved her hand and smiled. "No worries—we're not going until tomorrow."
"Eh? Tomorrow?"
"Well, it's Thursday, after all."
"Is there something special about Thursday?"
"On Thursdays, Mr. Xia usually has a lot of delicious things prepared."
As if recalling some heavenly taste, Charlotte couldn't help but swallow a bit of saliva.
Mona paused for a moment, then said, "Well… Chief Editor Charlotte, I actually have some things to take care of tomorrow too…"
Charlotte raised a brow. "Miss Mona, you're that busy?"
Mona replied with a straight face, "It's a major astrology research project. Can't be delayed."
Charlotte, a seasoned reporter from Fontaine, was no stranger to reading between the lines.
You were just lighting up a minute ago asking where we were going to eat, and now you're suddenly full of excuses? Obvious. You just don't want to be dragged into anything with some stranger like Mr. Xia.
But Mr. Xia had gone out of his way to ask for a small favor—no way Charlotte was going to let it fall through. Especially since Ningguang herself seemed to be keeping an eye on the matter.
She thought for a moment, then softened her tone. "Miss Mona, work is important, but so is your health. Don't overwork yourself."
"Thank you for the concern, Chief Editor. I'll take care," Mona replied politely.
Charlotte opened a drawer at her desk and pulled out a small food box. A flicker of sympathy flashed in her eyes, quickly masked.
"I happen to have some snacks here—they're pretty decent. I thought you could have them in case you're too busy for lunch."
"Ah, that's very kind, but really, I don't—"
Before Mona could finish, Charlotte opened the box and presented its contents—delicate, beautiful pastries whose fragrance hit Mona like a tidal wave.
What the—what kind of snack is this?
Why does it smell so divine?
Could this be one of those premium offerings prepared exclusively for Lady Ningguang?
Charlotte smiled. "Why not try one first, Miss Mona? If you don't like it, you can say no afterward."
Well, she couldn't exactly turn her down now, could she?
Reluctantly, Mona reached out, picked one up, and took a bite.
Instantly, her entire soul went blank. She stared into the void, questioning her existence.
Then she took another bite.
And another.
In less than a minute, the petite pastry had vanished.
Without a word, Mona lowered her gaze, reached out with both hands, and accepted the food box from Charlotte with the utmost seriousness.
"Thank you, Chief Editor, for your generosity!"
Her movements were so smooth and precise that Charlotte found herself slightly stunned.
As expected… no one could resist Mr. Xia's cooking.
Even immortals had been known to lose their composure over it.
Charlotte nodded with a smile. "As long as you like it, Miss Mona."
Mona forced herself to stop from reaching for another. She closed the box and said, "I really do. Do you mind telling me which shop sells these?"
"They're not sold anywhere."
"Oh? Then…"
"They were a gift from Mr. Xia."
"Mr. Xia? That Mr. Xia?"
"The one who owns the Summer Shop."
Charlotte sighed with a touch of regret. "These pastries were just something he whipped up casually. They're nothing compared to the dishes he puts real effort into."
Mona was silent for exactly one second, then spoke with determination.
"Chief Editor Charlotte, what time are we heading to the banquet tomorrow?"
"...Huh?"
"You said Mr. Xia invited me to exchange insights, right?"
"Well, yes, but didn't you just say you were busy tomorrow?"
"Oh, please. Research can wait. You brought me these pastries and showed such concern—I couldn't possibly let you down. I'll make time, no matter what."
"This is… Miss Mona, you're too kind. Shall we go together tomorrow afternoon, then?"
"Perfect. I'll come wait for you at the newspaper office."
"Alright."
Mona cradled the food box like it was a precious heirloom as she left.
Charlotte finally sat down and let out a deep sigh of relief.
Sure, she had sacrificed her own afternoon tea, but at least she had successfully carried out Mr. Xia's request.
With that settled, Lady Ningguang should be quite pleased as well.
—
The next day marked another one of the Summer Shop's famously hectic Thursdays.
Zhu Zi and Diona were in high spirits early that morning, heading off to the market to buy chicken thighs.
And some small fish.
That afternoon, once the shop had closed for the day, Xia Zhi went into the kitchen to start preparing the fried chicken.
Meanwhile, Charlotte arrived with Mona in tow and introduced her to everyone at the shop.
"This is the one and only Miss Mona."
"Welcome, Miss Mona!"
Everyone greeted her with cheerful smiles.
Mona smiled back and nodded politely. As she breathed in, her nose twitched and her eyes involuntarily glanced toward the back of the shop.
That smell...
What are they cooking back there? It smells amazing.
"Please, have a seat, Miss Mona."
"Oh, thank you."
"Here, have some tea."
"Much appreciated."
"The boss is a little busy in the kitchen at the moment. He'll be out to greet you shortly."
"No worries!"
Xia Ci whispered something in her best friend's ear, then came over and sat down beside Mona.
"Hi, I'm Xia Ci."
"Nice to meet you."
Charlotte had already given Mona a brief introduction to the shop's members on the way there, so Mona knew that Xia Ci was Mr. Xia's cousin.
Xia Ci looked at her with stars in her eyes. "I've always followed your astrology column, Miss Mona. Your weather predictions are uncannily accurate!"
Mona responded modestly, "I'm flattered."
"And your knowledge of the constellations is so thorough and professional."
"You can actually understand all of it?"
"Well... not entirely. That's why I was hoping you could help explain a few things."
As she spoke, Xia Ci pulled out a folded newspaper.
"Would that be alright?"
"Of course."
Mona had assumed Xia Ci was just another fan, but she hadn't expected the girl to be this sharp.
The astrological concepts she wrote about were complex and abstract—it had taken Mona a full day to barely memorize them herself when she first learned them. But Xia Ci? She only needed a glance to remember and even grasp the core ideas?
That kind of talent was astonishing.
Meanwhile, Xia Zhen sat at the neighboring table, watching his cousin and Mona chat more and more animatedly. Remembering what Xia Ci had whispered to him just moments ago, his expression turned a little... odd.
After a while, Xia Ci folded up the newspaper and offered Mona a sincere thank-you. "Thank you so much for your explanations, Miss Mona. I understand everything now."
"No need to thank me." Mona hesitated briefly, then asked, "Miss Xia Ci, you really have an exceptional gift for this. Have you ever thought about pursuing further study in this area?"
"What do you mean, Miss Mona?"
"Ahem... what I mean is, if you're willing, I'd like to formally take you on as my student."
"You're saying... you want to make me your disciple?"
"Yes."
Mona looked at Xia Ci, a bit nervous on the inside.
If she could take such a brilliant student back with her, it would definitely make that old crone jealous.
And then there was that friend of the old woman's in Mondstadt... Based on Mona's recent divinations, the friend had already left Mondstadt. The vault was now being watched over by her successor...
If someone could go toe-to-toe with Mona's master in the realm of mysticism for so many years, then the successor must be equally terrifying—likely even more talented than their predecessor. She couldn't afford to let her guard down.
The knowledge passed down from her master had to continue. That was sacred.
And if she showed up to meet that successor already accompanied by a pupil of her own... wouldn't that be a clear advantage?
Xia Ci was still pondering it quietly.
"Miss Xia Ci, would you be willing?"
"I'll need to ask my cousin first."
"Mr. Xia?"
"Hmm, when I left home, my parents told me to listen to my cousin."
"I understand," Mona said earnestly. "I'll have a proper talk with Mr. Xia later."
Just then, Xia Zhen walked over, looking slightly confused. "Cousin, doesn't your younger cousin also know astrology? If you're interested, couldn't you just learn from him?"
Xia Ci frowned. "I don't think my cousin is as skilled as Miss Mona."
Mona cleared her throat and said modestly, "Well... divination is something every school does a bit differently. It's hard to say who's better—each has their strengths..."
Xia Zhen gave it some thought, then looked directly at Mona. "I still think my cousin's better."
"Well then... how about this? I'll perform a divination for Miss Xia Ci and see if she's destined to become my disciple."
"You can divine something like that?" Xia Zhen raised an eyebrow.
"Of course I can."
Xia Zhen's expression grew a little more serious.
"I've read your astrology column too, and didn't you write there that astrology is a rigorous discipline, used to uncover truths and observe fate—not a tool for putting on a show?"
"I did say that."
"And you also said it's a matter of dignity and mindset. That if an astrologer believes astrology can solve everything, the stars will abandon them. Their divinations will lose guidance, and they'll never see through the fog ahead again. So... aren't principles supposed to be principles?"
Mona shook her head. "Miss Xia Zhen, this isn't for show. Accepting a student is a very serious matter."
"...Fair point," Xia Zhen murmured.
Mona pondered for a moment, then gave a firm nod and took out the astrology orb given to her by the old lady.
"Very well, I'll do a reading."
Everyone immediately crowded around, buzzing with curiosity.
"Is that a crystal ball?"
"Looks like a special kind of crystal ball? The color seems a little off."
"Wait, I think it's glowing inside!"
"Whoa... it's floating!"
"Shh! Quiet down, everyone. Don't interrupt Miss Mona's reading."
"..."
Everyone promptly fell silent, their eyes glued to the orb in Mona's hands.
Charlotte, ever the professional, picked up the kamera and began taking pictures.
Mona lowered her head and focused on the astrology orb.
Internally, she began channeling her focus toward Xia Ci.
Will she become my disciple in the future...
As the reading progressed, strange constellations began to swirl and manifest within the orb.
Mona was just about to interpret these star signs when—
Crack.
A crisp snapping sound rang out.
A long, jagged fracture suddenly split across the surface of the astrology orb.
The glow within it dimmed rapidly.
In the blink of an eye, the entire orb looked utterly ruined.
Mona stared blankly at the orb in her hands, frozen in disbelief.
Did... did that old hag give me a fake?
---
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