After leaving his cousins' room, Xia Zhi went to find Xiangling, handing her the [Book of Erudition].
She blinked. "Master, what's this?"
"A book to help improve your cooking. Just read the last one in the table of contents."
"Oh!"
"Doesn't matter if you don't understand. Read it through, then read again."
"Got it!"
"And remember—let Guoba read it too."
"Huh? Guoba?"
"Yep. Have him look at the fourth entry."
"This [Primal Meditation Technique]?"
"Mm. Same deal, even if he doesn't get it, let him read it over and over. It'll help his growth."
"I understand! I'll make sure Guoba studies!" she promised solemnly.
Guoba stared at the incomprehensible book in her hands, his little face full of misery.
Xia Zhi just laughed and didn't bother explaining further.
What Xiangling had to read was [Culinary Grandmaster].
She was already a master chef. Her talent was good, but becoming a Grandmaster wasn't something raw talent alone could achieve—it usually required decades, even centuries of polishing before breaking through.
Even learning directly under him, a Culinary Grandmaster, she would still need ages before reaching that tier.
As her teacher, Xia Zhi naturally wanted to cheat the system for her.
Just like when he gave her a [Temporary Certificate].
This definitely wasn't because he felt he had too many friends now, and cooking solo for every gathering was a pain, so he needed an extra set of hands.
As for Guoba, Xia Zhi had him focus on [Primal Meditation Technique].
He was a fallen god. If he could regain Divine Power, then his lost intelligence would gradually return as well.
That meant more high-tier chests sooner, and maybe even regaining his human form.
Xia Zhi was genuinely looking forward to Guoba's future transformation.
Afterward, they all went out for breakfast.
At the back pews of the church, they spotted Rosaria holding the white cat.
Xia Zhi greeted her. "Good morning, Miss Rosaria. About last night's proposal—have you given it thought?"
She rose, meeting his eyes. "I can agree. But I have one condition."
"What condition?"
"I want the cat to stay."
"…."
"That white cat—you only picked it up after arriving in Mondstadt, didn't you?"
"What makes you say that, Miss Rosaria?"
"Because I remember when you first came to Mondstadt, there was no sign of it."
"Couldn't we have just kept it in the Serenitea Pot?"
"I asked Kaeya last night. He said when he visited you for the first two gatherings, he never saw a white cat."
Her tone was calm.
"If it really were your pet, you'd be feeding it at meals too."
Xia Zhi chuckled. "Miss Rosaria's observation is as sharp as ever. You're right—I picked it up a few days ago."
Rosaria stroked the cat. "Then it must've grown up here in Mondstadt."
"So you don't want it leaving home?"
"Mm. Cats get sick easily when their environment changes. They're not suited for long travels."
"Your concern isn't unfounded."
Xia Zhi thought it over.
"I can agree to that condition."
At his words, Rosaria's expression eased.
No one else in the group objected—only Diona tugged at his clothes anxiously. "Boss, the cat…"
She'd only cared for it a few days, but she already liked it.
Xia Zhi stroked the ears atop her head. "I trust Miss Rosaria will care for it well. Besides, we already have you, don't we?"
Warmth tingled at her ears, and Diona's face flushed. "I-I'm not a cat."
But the tail behind her wouldn't stop swishing.
Xia Zhi withdrew his hand. "Have you had breakfast yet, Miss Rosaria?"
"Not yet."
"We were just heading out. Join us—and afterward we'll look at shops together."
"…Alright."
They went for breakfast together.
Afterward, they arrived at a familiar real estate office.
The Dragon Potions had been purchased here last time.
As usual, Xia Zhi asked if there were any "unclean" shops left.
The clerk shook her head. "None."
They browsed a few listings, found some suitable properties, and asked about prices. They seemed reasonable.
Just as they were about to have the clerk show them around, Rosaria raised her hand to stop them.
"Miss Rosaria?"
"These prices are too high."
"Customer, this is already fair market value!" the clerk protested.
Rosaria didn't argue. Her tone stayed cool. "Bring out your boss."
"Our boss is very busy. If you'd like to see the houses, I'll show you," the clerk said quickly.
Rosaria gave her a single look, then turned and strode into the back.
She moved so fast the clerk didn't stop her in time, and in the next instant, Rosaria had vanished into the manager's office.
Stunned, the clerk rushed after her, tugged at the door—only to find it locked from within.
Pressing her ear against the wood, she caught muffled fragments of conversation.
"…you don't want… taxes… report… Knights of Favonius…"
"…I understand… please… I beg you…"
Before she could strain for more, the lock clicked. She straightened instantly.
The door opened.
Rosaria stepped out, expression unchanged, white cat in her arms. Behind her, the boss wore a sycophantic grin.
What just happened?
Rosaria rejoined them. "It's done."
Everyone blinked. "What's done?"
"I spoke to the boss. He agreed to lower the price."
"Huh?"
"He'll sell it to us at fifty percent off."
"???"
Xia Ci narrowed her eyes. A discount that drastic? Rare to meet someone who could haggle better than her.
"How did you pull that off?" she asked.
Rosaria answered evenly, "People in this line of work usually have skeletons in their closets. I just happened to have a few of his."
Xia Ci nodded slowly. "I see. But you're a nun of the Church of Favonius—how would you even get something like that?"
Rosaria was silent for a beat, then said, "I picked it up."