"You make a fair point. It's better for business to stay calm and steady."
Hearing this, Zhongli raised his cup and drank with him, unable to hide the smile in his eyes. No one liked war, least of all him. After all, during the age of the Archon War, too many had perished, countless old friends had lost their lives in that chaotic era.
However, their idle chat did not last long.
Near noon, Hu Tao unexpectedly arrived with Xiangling.
"Well, well, I was wondering where you'd gone! Secretly sneaking off to drink tea without me? Zhongli, slacking off during work hours, what do you have to say for yourself?"
Hu Tao stood with her hands on her hips, doing her best to look serious, perfectly portraying the face of a capitalist boss.
Su Han couldn't help but laugh at her act, but soon, his attention was caught by something far cuter.
"Gurulu~"
Guoba followed Xiangling in, curious about everything in the room, especially Su Han and Zhongli. Though they weren't familiar faces, something about them felt strangely familiar.
"Huh?"
Under Guoba's curious gaze, Zhongli looked at him calmly without a word. Yet, there was a gentle warmth in his eyes that Guoba could feel clearly.
"Come, have some tea."
Su Han stood up and personally poured tea for the three guests.
The rich fragrance filled the air, enough to make Hu Tao forget her reason for coming to pick a fight.
Xiangling took a sip, her eyes lighting up. "Wait, isn't this tea from Chenyu Vale? It smells amazing!"
Su Han nodded with a smile. "Mm. It's top-grade tea from Chenyu Vale, Ganyu brought it over yesterday."
Hu Tao looked at him suspiciously. "Ganyu? Since when did you two get so close?"
The secretary of the Liyue Qixing held a position of great authority and rarely socialized with others. For her to gift such rare tea meant Su Han must have some serious connections.
Seeing the doubt on Hu Tao's face, Su Han naturally wouldn't tell the truth. He casually replied, "Oh, it's nothing much. I just helped her with a small matter."
"Oh, I see."
After drinking a cup of tea, Hu Tao's expression melted into pure bliss. Not only was this tea high-grade, it was the finest from Chenyu Vale. One sip left a lingering fragrance between her lips and teeth, making her crave another.
"By the way, Hu Tao, why did you come here this time?"
"Well, Xiangling just got back from her travels. Your comics are so amazing, I wanted her to take a look too! And those dishes in your manhua, maybe they'll even inspire her with new ideas. Besides, it's been a whole month since we last met. Shouldn't we have a little get-together? And since you're doing so well, you're treating us, right?"
Hu Tao rambled for a bit before revealing her true motive, she came to freeload a meal.
Su Han gave her a look that clearly said I knew it. Of course, she hadn't come just to scold Zhongli.
But Xiangling was too pure-hearted. Remembering the long line outside the comic shop earlier, she couldn't help but say, "Brother Su Han, your comics are amazing! So many people were buying them. If Hu Tao hadn't taken me through the back door, we probably wouldn't have gotten in till the afternoon!"
The first time she saw such a terrifyingly long line, Xiangling was completely stunned. Just how much Mora did he make from that crowd?
"It's nothing, really," Su Han replied modestly. Then, not wanting to implicate Zhongli in skipping work, he said to Hu Tao, "Come on, Hall Master. Eat all you want today, it's my treat."
"I knew you'd say that! Haha!"
Hu Tao grinned from ear to ear, just as she expected.
And so, the group made their way to Wanmin Hall.
When they arrived, Master Mao caught sight of Su Han and froze for a second. Then, his face lit up as he rushed forward. "Mr. Su! You've graced my humble shop with your presence, what an honor! Someone, prepare the VIP room! Today's meal is on me!"
"Dad? You know Brother Su too?"
Xiangling was utterly confused by her father's enthusiasm. Since when had he ever been this warm toward anyone? It was a once-in-a-century sight.
"Ah, of course! Mr. Su's fame, who in all of Liyue Harbor hasn't heard of him by now? But actually, there's something I've been meaning to ask you, Mr. Su, if you don't mind…"
After flattering him, Master Mao rubbed his hands together shyly, clearly embarrassed to bring up his request. His face even flushed red.
But Su Han didn't seem to mind. "Why don't we talk inside?"
"Yes, yes, of course!"
Once they entered the private room, Master Mao quickly pulled out a cherished comic book and a brush.
"Dad, what's this?" Xiangling asked, puzzled.
Looking at Su Han with excitement, Master Mao finally revealed his wish. "I'd like to ask my idol to sign my comic. Would that be all right?"
Everyone immediately understood. It wasn't just on Earth, Liyue Harbor had fans and admirers too. Popular calligraphers and artists often had devoted followers. For someone as renowned as Su Han, autograph requests were only natural.
"Of course not. Give me a moment."
Su Han picked up the brush. His strokes were powerful and steady, his writing elegant and commanding, truly extraordinary.
When he finished, Master Mao clutched the signed comic with trembling hands, his eyes shining with joy. "Thank you, thank you so much, Mr. Su!"
"No need to be so formal, Master Mao. Xiangling and I are friends, just call me Su Han. Oh, by the way, when I came in earlier, I noticed the diners here seemed to love reading comics. I have a suggestion, if you're open to it."
"Oh? What is it?" Master Mao looked at him, intrigued.
Su Han explained with a smile, "You see, the walls in my shop are decorated with comic posters. It's inexpensive, yet the visual effect is amazing. With Wind and Cloud being so popular right now, how about remodeling your shop with a similar style? I noticed your walls are a bit old. If you cover them with comic art, I think it'll attract even more customers. You'd only need to cover the basic costs."
"R-Really?"
Master Mao was stunned. He had seen Su Han's comic shop before, and he wasn't the only one who admired those walls. That vivid, striking style drew everyone's eyes.
If Wanmin Hall were to adopt that look, it would surely draw in a crowd.
"Of course," Su Han said. "If you want, I can have the materials delivered this afternoon. Once the shop closes, we'll get everything installed tonight."
"That's wonderful! Truly wonderful! Mr. Su, I.. I don't even know how to thank you!"
The thought of his dream coming true made Master Mao tremble with excitement.
Wanmin Hall was already one of Liyue Harbor's top restaurants, but competition was fierce. As he grew older, and with Xiangling often away, business had occasionally fallen behind other establishments.
With Su Han's help, that might soon change.
True to his word, Su Han followed Master Mao through each room, quickly examining the layout. The sizes were uniform, no issues there. After completing the plan, more than an hour had passed.
When Su Han returned, the room was already filled with a grand feast, seafood, mountain delicacies, and rare ingredients.
Seeing him come back, Hu Tao immediately waved. "Hurry, Su Han! We've been waiting forever. Thanks to you, look at this spread, seafood, rare dishes! Normally, a meal like this would cost tens of thousands of Mora at least!"
"It's nothing," Xiangling said with a grin. "If Brother Su Han helps us remodel the restaurant, this meal is no big deal! Come, sit down! I even warmed up the finest wine for you!"
Su Han had done the family a great favor, and Xiangling was never one to be stingy when it came to showing gratitude.
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