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“I’m fine with anything so long as it’s good. But do they only have chopsticks?”
“You will need to be adept with chopsticks if you are to truly appreciate Liyue’s gastronomy.”
Taking a sip from his cup of tea, his eyes wandered over to the way his companion had held the pair of chopsticks in his hands. Despite having stayed in Liyue for a several weeks, the Snezhnayan diplomat was still unable to hold a pair of chopsticks properly. It was no wonder why though, as Childe had always opted for a pair of spoon and fork whenever he was offered every time they went out for a meal. The Geo Archon had initially left it as it is, but as time passed with their bond deepening to beyond casual acquaintances, Zhongli decided that it was time the young man had learned the various Liyue cultures, starting from how to truly enjoy Liyue cuisine.
After a quick demonstration with his own pair of chopsticks, Childe had managed to hold his pair properly albeit a little wobbly. Proud of his latest achievement, Childe puffed out his chest with a prideful smile on his face, wiggling his hand that held the chopsticks in front of Zhongli to show off.
A small chuckle escaped the Archon’s lips at the childish display and when the pair of chopsticks had slipped from the diplomat’s hand. With little embarrassment and an unashamed ‘Whoops’, Childe retrieved his fallen chopsticks and began picking up food to eat (or at least attempting to).
With his eyes still on Childe’s clumsy use of chopsticks, Zhongli thought for a short moment. Apart from their wide array of delicacies, Wanmin Restaurant was also known for selling well-crafted, one-of-a-kind chopsticks mainly catered towards affluent foreigners wishing to bring special gifts back home. He had examined a few before and while every design were limited to only a few units, each and every pair of chopstick was crafted with the utmost dedication and craftsmanship seldom seen in most shops, making them worth the six-digit price tag.
While Childe was still immersed in eating, Zhongli signaled for a waitress and asked her to bring over a pair of chopsticks with their latest and most-popular design to takeaway. Her eyes briefly shift between the two men before she gave an understanding smile and left.
Within minutes, she returned with a small mahogany box and handed it over to Zhongli. She softly murmured a “Good Luck” before leaving the table.
‘Good Luck?’
Good luck for Childe to master the art of chopsticks?
Zhongli pondered for a few seconds before deciding to leave it aside.
“Childe, this is for you.”
Zhongli handed the box over to Childe.
“Oh? A gift from Mr. Zhongli? What a pleasant surprise!”
Childe placed his bowl and chopsticks down and took the box from Zhongli.
“Keep this with you at all times. I hope you’ll learn to use it well,” Zhongli said as he picked up his own pair of chopsticks and finally began eating.
Without any courtesy to keep his present aside for later, Childe lifted the lid and saw the contents of the box.
Zhongli continued to munch on his food, quietly waiting for one of Childe’s childish remarks but it never came. Instead, a short awkward silence ensued, prompting the Archon to shift his gaze towards the diplomat.
“...So is this a confession, Mr. Zhongli?”
‘Confession?’
A small confused frown formed on his face at the word. He looked at Childe’s hands which now held the chopsticks that he had gifted him and it suddenly clicked.
The ebony chopsticks had a gilded end with an intricate engraving of a dragon together with a phoenix in an intimate position.
In Liyue mythology, engravings or illustrations of both the dragon and phoenix together symbolizes immense prosperity and were very auspicious in general. However, the two also held a double meaning, especially when the two are positioned intimately: the unity of the perfect couple. For the residents of Liyue, marriage proposals or men seeking to court with marriage in mind would often gift the other engraved paired items. The most famous being a pair of chopsticks.
It was common knowledge, even to those not from Liyue.
“No take-backs!” Childe immediately stuffed the chopsticks back into the box and covered it before Zhongli could utter a word; a fat grin plastered over his face. “It’s mine! I’ve already accepted it!”
Zhongli glanced at Childe who was filled with unadulterated bliss from the present. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
It didn’t really matter, did it?
“As you wish.”