Charlotte was supposed to receive a Black Iron Treasure Chest from Xia Zhi for winning first place.
However, the telescope she'd wanted had already been gifted to her earlier—Xia Zhi even helped modify it and mount it onto her Kamera. So technically, she'd already redeemed her prize in advance.
At noon, everyone called up Noelle and Rosaria and went to a street-side restaurant for lunch together.
Xia Zhi asked Rosaria how things were going at the tavern today.
Rosaria hesitated for a moment, then said business was fine overall—it was just that the cats had been restless. Without Xia Zhi and Qiqi there to calm them down, they'd been making quite a fuss today, even scratching two of the servers.
Luckily, it wasn't serious. Rosaria had already used her pendant to help heal them.
Still, it was a problem.
Rosaria wasn't a Nekomata, after all, and she didn't have any way to communicate with animals. Managing a bunch of stray cats wasn't exactly easy for her.
After thinking for a bit, Xia Zhi searched through the Shop and found a whistle identical to the one Qiqi carried.
Just one blow of it allowed simple communication with animals.
He handed the whistle to Rosaria.
Having seen its effect before, Rosaria didn't refuse—she simply thanked him and tucked it away.
That evening, Eula joined them for dinner as well.
She told everyone that lately, when she walked through the streets, people no longer looked at her with disgust.
Some noble ladies even greeted her first when they met.
Everyone laughed and congratulated her.
Eula only looked toward Xia Zhi, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Xia Ci glanced over, clicked her tongue, and shook her head.
Xia Zhen followed suit with another tsk.
Later, while out for a walk, they passed by a wall plastered with hiring notices.
Eula explained that construction on the school had already begun. With the help of Geo Vision holders and alchemists, the progress was moving much faster than expected.
It should be completed by late summer—just in time for fall enrollment.
Xia Zhi nodded and said, "No need to rush. What matters is doing it right."
When they reached the shores of Cider Lake, the long bridge stretched out across the water.
There were plenty of people fishing on it, as well as curious onlookers enjoying the view.
They joined them for a stroll along the bridge. The lake was wide and tranquil, the scenery beautiful.
After their walk, Xia Zhi told Fischl they'd visit her home the next day.
Fischl nodded enthusiastically, saying she'd tell her parents to be ready to welcome everyone.
For some reason, Xia Zhi felt like he'd been on a streak of meeting the parents lately.
Yaoyao's home, Shenhe's home, Diona's home… now Fischl's. Then Zhu Zi's, and when they reached Fontaine—who knew, maybe Charlotte's next?
---
That night, he spent time with Cloud Retainer.
Xia Zhi decided to experiment again with his Nekomata transformation.
Two tails were surprisingly convenient—both hands free, and he could even play games at the same time.
While resting, Cloud Retainer leaned in close and whispered by his ear, "What exactly did Shenhe mean by this?"
"Hm?"
"She gave me another bottle of pills. Said it was made from my own breath."
"She probably just made it for fun."
"Definitely not."
"Then what do you think it is?"
"I don't know… What do you think of Ping?"
"Kind of sharp-tongued?"
"She is."
"But she's never been sharp with me."
"She's afraid of you."
"Am I really that scary?"
"Well, the gap's pretty big… Speaking of which, do you think Ping's pretty?"
"Not as pretty as you."
"!!"
Cloud Retainer couldn't help but burst into giggles.
She said she should've recorded that—it would drive Ping crazy.
Xia Zhi laughed and said, with Ping's personality, she probably wouldn't get mad—more likely, she'd talk Cloud Retainer into getting mad instead.
"Impossible," Cloud Retainer said confidently.
Then she pulled out her phone and had Xia Zhi repeat his line about "Ping not being as good as Xianyun."
Xia Zhi found it amusing but played along.
She recorded the whole thing and immediately sent it to Ping.
A few minutes later, Ping replied:
[Oh.]
Cloud Retainer instantly deflated. "Boring."
Xia Zhi thought for a moment, then whispered, "I've got an idea."
"What kind of idea?"
"Ping likes music, doesn't she?"
"Yeah! She loves it!"
"Then here's what we'll do…"
Xia Zhi took out his guqin. He played a beautifully flowing melody.
He told Cloud Retainer to hold her phone and record it.
But he didn't finish the piece—instead, he stopped right at the most enchanting part.
Then he told her to send that recording to Ping.
A few minutes later, Ping replied again:
[And the rest?!?!!]
Cloud Retainer's eyes sparkled, finding this far more interesting. She was just about to type a response when Xia Zhi stopped her.
"Pretend you didn't see it. Don't reply."
Ping was stuck right at the most unbearable cliffhanger. Ignoring her now would make her itch with frustration.
Cloud Retainer whispered, laughing softly, "You're terrible."
Xia Zhi grinned. "Guess my cousin's rubbing off on me."
The phone on the pillow kept buzzing nonstop—Madame Ping's desperate attempts to get the rest of the song.
Cloud Retainer said, "She's really losing her mind over this."
"Isn't she?"
"And she doesn't even dare to yell at me."
"Of course not."
"You think she'll call me next?"
"Probably."
"Wanna bet?"
"Sure."
Both of them stared at the phone.
Half a minute later, it rang.
Cloud Retainer picked up, and as soon as the call connected, Ping's voice came through: "Where's the rest?!"
"The rest of what?"
"The song!"
"Oh, that? There is no 'rest.'"
"What do you mean, no rest?!"
"I only recorded that much."
"You did that on purpose!"
"Nope. Mr. Xia only played that much."
"Then why didn't you make him finish it?!"
"You could ask nicely."
"..."
The call cut off immediately.
Cloud Retainer burst out laughing. "She's definitely furious. I have to tell Fujin about this."
Xia Zhi couldn't help but think their whole friend group dynamic was pretty entertaining.