Just as Luo Chen calmly prepared to refuse, a white, floating spirit suddenly zipped past from the corner of his eye, circling around before landing beside them, its hands on its hips as it shouted:
"Come on, just agree to it!"
The sudden appearance of a third party made Luo Chen turn his head.
He saw a small elf with white hair reaching its shoulders. The small cloak behind it was a dark blue with a starry pattern, matched with a crown-like adornment on its head.
He instantly identified it as a pure, unadulterated idiot.
"Paimon?"
Luo Chen couldn't possibly mistake this attire and appearance, unique in all of Teyvat.
And wherever Paimon appeared, the other member of the duo would always be with it.
"Long time no see, Luo Chen."
As expected, just a few steps behind Paimon, a golden-haired girl with white flowers and feathers adorning her head appeared.
The exotic blue and white outfit was only worn by the Traveler, Lumine.
"Never thought I'd see you here. It's been a while. Heard you caused quite a stir in Inazuma, making a lot of noise, didn't you?"
Her tone was familiar, as if Luo Chen was an old friend.
This was true, as they had met during the incident with the Archon Osial half a year ago.
Lumine had even asked for his help, earning them a close friendship.
Hearing the praise, Paimon couldn't help but proudly raise its head.
"Eh-heh, of course. The Traveler and I have experienced many thrilling adventures. But thanks to my intelligence, we always overcome them easily!"
Your intelligence?
Luo Chen couldn't say it, trying to save face for the little thing. He didn't speak, but his eyes still expressed doubt.
"Hey! What kind of look is that? You don't believe me?!"
The little thing was angry and stomped its feet.
"Of course I do, I always believe in the little darling who possesses both wisdom and beauty..."
Before Paimon could beam with delight, Luo Chen's next words turned its face sour again.
"And her flying pet."
"Humph, I'm angry! Only a Slime Berry smoothie can appease me!" Paimon crossed its arms, turning its head in a sulky manner.
Ignoring the blatant suggestion within its words, Luo Chen turned to Lumine.
Compared to their last meeting, the golden-haired girl seemed more mature, now able to utilize one more element.
"You've grown again. Not bad."
This time, not wanting to rely on her "God's Mouth," Lumine glanced at the anxious Fan Erye beside her, then considered how to speak.
Seeing this, Luo Chen raised an eyebrow. "It was your suggestion that Fan Erye find me for calligraphy, right?"
Lumine was stunned. She hadn't said anything yet, and he already knew.
Since he knew, she didn't hesitate and nodded in agreement. "Yes, I promised a commission, and figured it would be good to help out. I thought your calligraphy was better than Zhongli's."
Luo Chen knew this. The "Calligraphy and Painting Mastery" talent gave him an edge even over Zhongli.
At this moment, Paimon stopped pretending to be angry, as if it had forgotten being teased earlier.
"Just agree to it, Fan Erye. It's just writing, it's not a hassle!"
Luo Chen chuckled, "Do you know how much Mora one of my words is worth?"
"How... how much?"
Paimon asked softly, vaguely knowing that his calligraphy was sought after and collected, so it must be expensive, but not having a concrete idea.
"Well, four words for the Yuhe Tea House, at least a million Mora to start, and that's only if I'm willing to pick up my brush."
Hearing this, the little thing's eyes widened, Mora symbols flashing within them.
"A... million?! You're even better at grabbing money than Zhongli!"
It instinctively shouted, its head frozen by the string of zeroes in the Mora amount.
Four words were worth a million?!
Paimon suddenly felt out of balance, considering how much it and the Traveler worked for their commissions.
In simpler terms, its mind had been blown.
How could the gap between people be so vast.
It had to run around, fight monsters, act as a bodyguard, and recklessly dash all over, while this guy sat there writing a few words and earned far more.
Seeing Paimon's stunned expression, Luo Chen chuckled, "Alright, for your sake, I'll waive the price of my service. You just need to pay the fee for using my brush. In return, you'll help me with some things afterward."
Lumine nodded in agreement.
Teyvat's errand runner, with the innate attribute of never refusing a request, especially when they were asking for something.
There was no room for hesitation when they were already asking for a favor.
"But… that's still a million Mora!"
Paimon cautiously looked at Fan Erye, afraid he would think they were conspiring with Luo Chen to cheat him.
Even with its greed, it couldn't be so brazen as to ask for such a sum.
Unexpectedly, Fan Erye wasn't angry, but rather overjoyed. "That's settled then. I'll have someone go to Northland Bank right away for a check. Just wait a moment, Mr. Luo Chen!"
He immediately instructed a worker to go, demanding the fastest speed possible, as if afraid Luo Chen would change his mind.
The worker rushed out, taking only half a minute.
Paimon was dumbfounded.
Nowadays, people actually rushed to hand over money.
The deal was settled, and Fan Erye, in high spirits, led them to the front row.
"Please take a seat here. You can also enjoy Mr. Yun's new play later. I'll leave you be for now."
He retreated immediately, not giving Luo Chen any opportunity to change his mind.
Once a word was spoken, it would not be changed.
This was always Luo Chen's principle.
Ignoring Fan Erye's small schemes, he and Lumine sat down in the first row next to each other.
While waiting for the play to begin, Luo Chen casually brought up a topic.
"I heard from Zhongli that you're going to Sumeru soon?"
Finally regaining its senses from its daze, Paimon flew to the small table in the middle, where fruits and sweets were placed, and mumbled while eating.
"You're really up-to-date with information. We only decided not long ago."
Traveling to Sumeru required passing through the Liyue Qixing-sealed area, the Liyue Qixing-sealed area. Until the Traveler returned to help solve the problem, it remained closed.
Now that it was finally being reopened, the gate to Sumeru would naturally be opened as well.
Lumine, for once, spoke at length, explaining the details.
"You're going to Sumeru to continue searching for your brother and the God who stopped you before, right?"
Knowing Lumine's plans clearly, Luo Chen pondered for a moment. "Coincidentally, I also need to go to Sumeru. How about we travel together?"
His words made Paimon and Lumine turn their heads in surprise.
"You're going to Sumeru too?!"
PS: Please give flowers! Please rate! Please comment and suggest!