Under the operation of the Liyue Seven Stars, Liyue's economy grew rapidly, attracting more people to visit and stay temporarily.
"After leaving for just over half a month, Liyue has taken on a completely new look."
Indeed, the changes in Liyue were so significant, with each day bringing something new, that Zhongli couldn't help but marvel.
Liyue's intelligence network was still under construction, and the major events that had recently occurred in the Douluo Continent had not yet reached Liyue.
The Douluo Continent was vast, and once information was obtained, it had to be transmitted manually, making the speed of intelligence dissemination exceptionally slow.
Unless one was a top-tier powerhouse of the current era, it was impossible to grasp and transmit information in the shortest possible time.
"It's been a long time since we've seen Brother Yuhao and the others. Zhongli, Paimon, let's take Miss Snow Empress and Miss Ice Empress to see them!"
Paimon's eyes darted around, clearly indicating that her goal wasn't merely to visit Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei.
Seeing this, Zhongli didn't expose her, but instead glanced thoughtfully at Snow Empress and Ice Empress.
In the original timeline, these two were Huo Yuhao's "companions," but now they had become Paimon's companions...
Forget it, why overthink it?
With his and Paimon's arrival, the plot had already undergone earth-shattering changes.
"Go ahead."
Zhongli nodded imperceptibly, then vanished in a flash.
As for the Blue Silver Emperor, she was currently imprisoned within the Inner Realm, unable to cause any significant trouble.
"Hehe, Miss Snow Empress, Miss Ice Empress!"
"Brother Yuhao's barbecue is simply the best, especially the grilled fish, it's the most delicious grilled fish Paimon has ever tasted. Let's go and try it!"
Snow Empress and Ice Empress exchanged glances, somewhat bewildered.
Could human food really be that good?
Seeing Paimon so enthusiastic, they didn't want to dampen her spirits and nodded in agreement.
Snow Empress's gaze towards Paimon was extremely gentle.
This little one was so much like her when she was young, though their personalities differed, they shared the same liveliness.
She wondered what Paimon would be like when she grew up.
Ice Empress, on the other hand, loved the house and its crow, since Snow Empress liked Paimon, she did too!
Besides, they had both become Paimon's martial soul and spirit, sharing in her glory and downfall.
The changes in Liyue were significant, primarily reflected in the flow of people and the economy, while the architecture remained largely unchanged.
Paimon was also very familiar with the route to Huo Yuhao's barbecue shop.
When Bei Bei saw Paimon, a flash of joy appeared in his eyes.
Was she back?
After all, the last time Paimon had been at their shop, she had been eating and then suddenly disappeared, leaving them somewhat unprepared.
It had been over half a month, and now Paimon had finally returned!
"Paimon, welcome!"
Bei Bei quickly went up to greet her, and upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao, who had been busy, instinctively looked towards the entrance.
In the kitchen, Tang Ya also poked her head out to look at Paimon.
When Huo Yuhao saw Snow Empress and Ice Empress, he was momentarily stunned, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
For some reason, he felt a connection with these two... Of course, not that kind of connection, but simply a sense of familiarity.
"Strange, it's our first meeting, so why do I have this illusion?"
Huo Yuhao was puzzled and confused.
What level of strength did Snow Empress and Ice Empress possess?
They naturally sensed Huo Yuhao's gaze and instinctively looked back at him.
Six eyes met, and for a moment, there was silence.
"Bing'er, for some reason, I find this human quite pleasing."
"Xue, I also find this human quite pleasing. He's just a mere Soul Master-level ant, which is strange."
The two women's conversation was inaudible to outsiders, as they communicated through spiritual means.
Though puzzled, the three of them didn't dwell on it and quickly averted their gazes.
"Hello, Brother Bei Bei!"
"Paimon and Zhongli went out to play, and last time Paimon left in a hurry and didn't settle the bill..."
As she spoke, Paimon rubbed her hands together. Unlike Zhongli, she wasn't the type to freeload.
"No problem, that meal is on me."
Bei Bei waved his hand, speaking without a care.
Even if Paimon came to eat every day, how much could she possibly consume?
Traveler: Not much, just 300,000 Mora a month!
"Paimon, and these two ladies, please come in!"
It was still early before the peak dining hours, so the shop wasn't crowded, and there were plenty of empty seats.
As for where Paimon and Zhongli had gone, that wasn't his place to ask or care about.
The shop was mostly filled with regulars, and everyone knew Paimon, so they quickly greeted her.
"Greetings, Lady Paimon!"
"Hello, Uncle Azir!"
"Hello, Mr. Silco!"
"..."
Paimon could remember the names of anyone she had met and who had introduced themselves.
Of course, she could also remember places she had been and various miscellaneous things.
It was only trivial matters that she genuinely couldn't recall.
Seeing Paimon so polite and remembering all their names, everyone was deeply moved.
It was easy for everyone to remember one person's name, but for one person to remember everyone's names and call them out accurately was incredibly difficult.
Despite her noble status, Paimon could achieve this, earning everyone's admiration!
"Lady Paimon, this meal is on me, please don't refuse!"
"Silco, what do you mean it's on you? I'll pay!"
"Why should you? I said it first!"
"Because I'm older, respect your elders, understand?"
"You..."
Silco's eye twitched, but he said no more.
This old man was using his age to bully a young man like him!
The old man had no sense of propriety!
"Ah... this, this is too kind."
Paimon rubbed her hands together, speaking with a bashful expression.
"Don't mention it!"
"Treating Paimon to a meal makes me happy!"
Azir waved his hand, speaking with a smile.
"Thank you, Uncle Azir!"
Paimon didn't dwell on it and quickly expressed her gratitude.
Seeing this, Azir nodded in satisfaction and invited Paimon, Snow Empress, and Ice Empress to sit down.
Snow Empress and Ice Empress were somewhat bewildered, were people always this "polite" to Paimon?
Upon closer thought, the two women understood the deeper meaning.
Even if Paimon weren't Zhongli's martial soul, her adorable appearance and polite demeanor would make it hard for anyone not to like her!
Paimon was polite?
Zhongli: I'm a social outcast.
A certain ghost who wished to remain anonymous: I'm a cowherd!
A certain wind god who wished to remain anonymous: I'm a street performer!
Everyone: "..."
"Paimon, how should we address these two ladies?"
As Bei Bei brought over the menu, he asked Paimon.
It was customary to know the names of guests to facilitate conversation.
"Ah~"
Paimon scratched her head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Sorry, Paimon forgot to introduce Miss Ice Empress and Miss Snow Empress to everyone."
After saying this, Paimon flew over to Snow Empress and said, "This is Miss Snow Empress, and she's very powerful!"