Genshin Impact: Life Simulator

Wanmin Restaurant wasn't as bustling in the evening as it would be in later years. The main difference might be that the current head chef was still Xiangling's father. Compared to the young chef who would later love to innovate with her dishes, Xiangling's father's culinary skills perhaps lacked that same creativity.

But this couldn't be helped—Xiangling was currently the same age as Hu Tao, far from being old enough to run things independently.

This was why Hu Tao could easily sneak into the kitchen with Nathan, quickly finding Xiangling.

"Hehe, guess who?"

As Xiangling had her back turned to them, Hu Tao tiptoed up and covered the young girl's eyes.

"Hu Tao, who else would it be!"

Even caught by surprise, Xiangling remained calm, speaking in a voice more innocent than her future self's. Besides her prank-loving best friend, she couldn't imagine who else would sneak up on her like this.

"You're no fun, Xiangling. You always react the same way."

Hu Tao pouted, releasing her friend from her embrace.

"Well... only you would be so silly, Hu Tao!"

Xiangling turned around with a laugh. Compared to her future graceful figure, she was still chubby now. Her round cheeks gave her an indescribable cuteness.

"Oh... who is this gentleman?"

As she turned, Xiangling's attention focused on Nathan. Due to the timeline shift in the life subplot, this was truly their first meeting.

"Hmm... let me introduce you, Xiangling. This is Nathan, and he's my future husband!"

Hu Tao cheerfully introduced him to her friend, but the latter's reaction was to gasp in shock.

"W-what, husband?!"

As if struck by enormous surprise, Xiangling nearly fell backward.

"Guoba!"

Fortunately, Guoba was already present and supported the girl from behind.

"Thank you, Guoba!"

After regaining her balance, Xiangling thanked Guoba before turning her attention back to her friend.

"Hu Tao... are you serious?"

Compared to the playful and mischievous Hu Tao, Xiangling was much more mature. But how did her friend find a future partner after just one day apart?

"Of course I'm serious! Nathan has even received my father's approval!"

"Huh? You've already met the parents?"

Xiangling's eyes widened in shock—this was moving way too fast!

"Of course... don't be jealous, Xiangling!"

"Um... let me ask you something, Hu Tao. Do you know what married couples do?"

Xiangling tilted her head, feeling that her friend's words seemed more like a joke.

"Silly Xiangling, married couples live together forever, eat together, and sleep in the same room."

Hu Tao stood proudly, smiling with satisfaction.

"Oh right, I've already slept with Nathan..."

"Wait, Little Sister Xiangling, don't listen to Hu Tao's nonsense..."

If Hu Tao continued speaking like this, Xiangling's misunderstanding would surely spiral out of control. Nathan immediately interrupted the girls' conversation.

"Eep..."

Hearing his form of address, Xiangling was startled again, her small face suddenly warming up. Being addressed by such a handsome and mature man made the round-faced young girl suddenly become self-conscious.

"... Nathan?"

"Hello, Little Sister Xiangling. My relationship with Hu Tao isn't what she described."

The girl's face was as red as a ripe apple, and Nathan found her reaction somewhat strange.

"Actually... Hu Tao's late grandfather entrusted me with taking care of her!"

"Oh, I see!"

Xiangling nodded mechanically, though it wasn't clear if she truly accepted Nathan's explanation.

But seeing her friend's reddened cheeks, Hu Tao became upset.

"Pleased to meet you... Mister Nathan!"

Xiangling, slightly taller than Hu Tao, politely bowed to Nathan. Compared to the playful Hu Tao, her behavior was completely different.

"Pleased to meet you too, Little Xiangling!"

"Hey, look at me! Nathan, your eyes should only be on me!"

But even this small gesture was caught by Hu Tao. This passionate emotion seemed to rival even Shenhe's intensity.

Now Hu Tao's face was drawing closer and closer, as if about to put on a show right in front of Xiangling...

a/n - Read 45+ Chapters ahead on my patreon

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