Chapter 4: Zhongli Visits, Testing the "Depth" of the Blind Box Shop*
In the early morning of Liyue Harbor, a gentle sea breeze swept through the streets, carrying a faint salty tang in the air.
Ling Feng leaned against the entrance of his shop, yawning lazily.
Ever since Hu Tao's antics the day before, his blind box shop seemed to have gained a bit of notoriety. A few passersby would glance curiously at the shop, and some even whispered, "I heard this shop has magical treasures inside?"
However, while there were plenty of onlookers, there were few actual customers.
"Sigh, the people of Liyue are just too cautious with their spending," Ling Feng sighed. "Why can't they be more like Hu Tao and spend without thinking?"
Just then, a deep and mellow voice came from the doorway: "Boss Ling Feng, may I come in and take a look?"
Ling Feng was startled and looked up.
A tall man in black and gold robes stood at the entrance, his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of calm and wisdom.
—Zhongli, the "living fossil" of Liyue Harbor, the ultimate slacker employee of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Ling Feng's expression instantly turned strange.
Oh no, this guy is even more cautious with his spending than the average Liyue citizen!
Zhongli stepped into the shop, his gaze slowly sweeping over the shelves of blind boxes. He nodded slightly. "The decor of your shop is simple yet elegant, quite unique."
"Hahaha, you flatter me," Ling Feng forced a laugh.
Zhongli walked up to the counter, his eyes resting on the neatly arranged blind boxes. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Hu Tao mentioned your shop yesterday at the parlor. She said it offers 'incredible treasures.'"
"Uh... did she also say the shop owner is particularly kind and has excellent service?" Ling Feng ventured.
Zhongli glanced at him and smiled faintly. "She said you're an interesting person."
Ling Feng: "..."
Alright, that's definitely Hu Tao's style.
Zhongli withdrew his gaze, seemingly deep in thought. "In Liyue, many shops emphasize the principle of 'genuine goods at fair prices.' However, your blind box shop seems more like a 'game of unknowns.'"
"Hahaha, Mr. Zhongli, you truly have a unique perspective," Ling Feng nodded with a smile, though internally he was already bracing himself.
This guy is probably going to say something like, "But the price of this item..." right?
To his surprise, Zhongli didn't question the pricing. Instead, he said calmly, "The unknown is indeed alluring. In that case, might Boss Ling Feng recommend a blind box?"
???
Ling Feng's eyes widened, almost thinking he had misheard.
Zhongli wants to buy something?
Isn't he known as the "representative of not spending money in Liyue"?!
Ling Feng took a deep breath, suppressing his shock, and quickly put on a professional smile. "Of course! Mr. Zhongli, since this is your first experience, I recommend this one—the Supreme Geo Archon Special Edition Blind Box!"
Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "Geo Archon Special Edition?"
"Yes, yes!" Ling Feng patted the blind box confidently. "This blind box is specially crafted by our shop, deeply connected to Liyue's history and culture. It perfectly suits your identity!"
Zhongli listened, then nodded slightly, seemingly intrigued. "And the price?"
"Fifty Mora."
Zhongli showed a rare look of surprise. "So affordable?"
"Haha, we aim to be accessible to everyone," Ling Feng laughed nervously, worried he might find it too expensive.
Without another word, Zhongli took out a small pouch of Mora and said calmly, "In that case, I'll take one."
—A miracle had occurred! Zhongli, the man who never spent money, had actually paid!
Ling Feng was so moved he almost cried. He quickly handed over the blind box, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Here you go, Mr. Zhongli. Please, open it!"
Zhongli took the blind box and gently lifted the lid.
*Ding—!*
A golden light flashed, and an ancient stone artifact slowly emerged from the box—
**[Congratulations! You have obtained the blind box reward: 'Heavenly Craft Secret Manual' (Complete Guide to Geo Mechanisms)]**
Ling Feng stared at the item in the box, stunned.
Zhongli looked down at the ancient tome floating in his hand, his expression shifting slightly. "This is..."
Ling Feng swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay calm. "This is a manual that records ancient Geo mechanism techniques. It explains the workings of various Geo constructs and even includes some lost design blueprints..."
Zhongli slowly opened the manual, and a series of complex Geo symbols and工艺流程 appeared on the pages. His gaze sharpened, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "This item... is indeed quite valuable."
Ling Feng was inwardly amazed. "Holy crap, he actually got something good!"
**[Ding! Zhongli has opened his first blind box. Host has obtained 'Heavenly Craft Secret Manual—Advanced Version'!]**
A flood of information instantly poured into Ling Feng's mind. He now possessed an even more detailed version of the mechanism manual, complete with analyses of the underground ruins of Liyue!
"Holy crap, with this, I could probably crack all the mechanisms in the Chasm!" Ling Feng thought gleefully.
Zhongli closed the manual and looked at Ling Feng, his tone calm but carrying a hint of meaning. "Boss Ling Feng, your blind boxes... are indeed extraordinary."
Ling Feng's heart tightened. "Is he starting to suspect me?"
He quickly waved his hands. "Hahaha, it's all luck, just luck!"
Zhongli looked at him, smiled faintly, and said nothing more.
But Ling Feng couldn't shake the uneasy feeling.
Zhongli stood up slowly, tucking the manual away. "Today's experience has been quite rewarding. Boss Ling Feng, if you come across any more such curiosities in the future, please do let me know."
"Of course!" Ling Feng nodded eagerly, though internally he was already scheming.
If even Zhongli is intrigued by the blind boxes... won't all the big shots in Liyue Harbor come knocking?
With that thought, Ling Feng suddenly realized—
This shop might actually become a huge hit.