The Lost People of Teyvat

Chapter 167 Gift of Knife and Contract

Chen Tianfeng was silent for a few seconds, his expression was extremely interesting. After quietly observing Zhongli's expression, he carefully and guiltily reached out his hand, raised his index finger, and pointed at himself: "Because... me?"

"My friend is indeed smart. He can guess the truth so quickly." Zhongli nodded.

"..."

Chen Tianfeng swallowed his anger and pretended that he didn't understand what Zhongli meant.

It was all because the tea was so bitter that he didn't think about it at the time. He just wanted to take the opportunity to express his opinion and smash the teacup so that he could escape the fate of drinking bitter tea.

——Now it seems that not only has he failed to escape, but he may even end up owing a lot of debt.

This antique tea set is from three hundred years ago, and it is an antique tea set that has accompanied the God of Geo for more than three hundred years. If this thing is sold in Liyue, who knows how much it will fetch.

I can't afford to compensate Mora, but I can't compensate Zhongli for several kilograms of pure blood condensed from death, right?

Zhongli looked at Chen Tianfeng's stiff and awkward expression, a smile flashed in his eyes, and he gently brushed aside the matter and changed the subject: "Young friend, do you no longer need a knife now?"

"I still use it." Chen Tianfeng answered quickly out of guilt, and his attitude became like meeting a teacher. He said honestly, "In Mondstadt, there was a time when I wanted to change to a long sword, but after thinking about it, I felt that I was more used to using a knife, so I didn't change."

"It's fine if you don't change it."

Zhongli said in a gentle voice: "I still remember the first time I saw you. At that time, you held a long sword and fought with others for the broken snow. The blade was cold but not bullying. After that, I saw you always had a long sword on your waist. Now that you no longer wear a sword, I miss you a little."

He paused for a few seconds, as if waiting for Chen Tianfeng's response, but there was no response, so he looked at him with sincerity in his golden eyes: "I wonder if you could take out the long sword so that I can take another look?"

Chen Tianfeng: “…”

Can I say no?
You definitely want to break my sword, right? You definitely want to!
The corners of Chen Tianfeng's eyes twitched. Although he wanted to refuse, looking at Mr. Zhongli's gentle eyes and the faint smile on the corners of his lips, he knew that if he didn't take it out, this old... mature and steady Mr. Zhongli would bring up his incomplete tea set again.

I'm sorry, Wendy, I can't keep my promise to you and not accept the new equipment given by Mr. Zhongli.

Chen Tianfeng apologized to Wendy in his heart, took out the long knife from the Eye of God, looked into Zhongli's eyes, and tried to struggle: "Mr. Zhongli, you...you won't break it on purpose, right?"

"Why do you think so, my friend?"

Zhongli looked a little surprised, and said in a gentle voice: "This long sword must be your favorite thing. How could I do something to intentionally destroy your favorite thing?"

He then sighed, slightly disappointed: "Could it be that in your mind, I am someone who would intentionally do such a thing?"

"Of course not. I also don't believe that Mr. Zhongli would do such a thing!"

Chen Tianfeng hurriedly explained, holding the knife and scabbard in both hands and handed them to Zhongli: "Mr. Zhongli, please..."

"Crack-boom!"

A crisp sound of metal breaking was heard. Zhongli held the sheath in his left hand and the handle in his right hand, and pulled out the long sword with only one-third of the blade left. He then looked at the broken sword, then raised his eyes to look at Chen Tianfeng, thought for a moment, and said regretfully: "My friend's sword has been scarred for a long time. It is rare that it can hold up until now. I am sorry."

You're talking nonsense! It can obviously hold out for another not-so-intense battle!
Chen Tianfeng stared, but he didn't feel angry at all, he just felt a little amused.

Why is this so!
I never said I wouldn't accept the gift from the God of Rock. This locator not only looks like a long sword, but also functions like a long sword. Why did you have to break my sword?
Chen Tianfeng sighed and grinned: "Mr. Zhongli..."

"Don't misunderstand me, my friend. I really didn't mean to destroy your long sword." Zhongli sheathed the broken sword, placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Chen Tianfeng, saying, "But it's a coincidence that I happened to find a magic weapon a few days ago, which is also a long sword. Now it seems that this magic weapon should be your opportunity."

"..." Chen Tianfeng looked at the sheathed broken sword, then at Zhongli, and suddenly wanted to play a joke, so he smiled slightly and took out another long sword: "Don't worry, Mr. Zhongli, I just happen to have a spare sword here."

"..."

Zhongli paused for a moment, then returned to his natural posture, smiling: "That's fine. As it happens, I just regretted not being able to see your long sword... Hehe, can you let me see it again?"

"..."

"..."

The two looked at each other for a few seconds. Chen Tianfeng was the first to give in. He put away his long sword and bowed: "Thank you, Mr. Zhongli, for the sword."

Judging from Mr. Zhongli's appearance, no matter how many knives he took out, Mr. Zhongli would destroy the knife by accident. In this case, why should he compete with the old man?

We have all been or are being gods, and we know each other’s hardships, so we should not make things difficult for each other.

"You're welcome, little friend."

Zhongli nodded slightly, pointed with his finger, and the fragrant wine filled the empty spaces in the two glasses: "My friend, please."

"please."

Then the two wine glasses gently touched each other, making a soft "ding" sound.

Zhongli put down the wine glass and gently pointed his finger on the stone table. A long sandy wood box appeared on the table.

"This is the magic weapon."

Chen Tianfeng opened the box and saw a long sword lying quietly in the box. The appearance and style were exactly the same as the long sword he usually used, except that the blade of the original long sword was black with a white blade, while the blade of this long sword was emerald green, as if it was carved from a whole piece of jade.

Chen Tianfeng picked up the long sword. The handle was comfortable and the weight was just right. He held the sword horizontally and looked at the figure reflected on the green blade. With his wrist slightly tilted, the figure's eyes followed his gaze and moved across the blade.

Chen Tianfeng flicked his fingers and listened to the long sword's clear sound. He felt like he couldn't let it go. He held the sword upside down, stood up, bowed to Zhongli, and said sincerely: "Mr. Zhongli, thank you for your trouble."

This sword was obviously made by Mr. Zhongli himself, who spent countless efforts to customize it for him according to his preferences and habits. Even if this long sword has some "extra functions", he should thank the gift for being so thoughtful.

"As long as you like it, little friend."

Zhongli looked at Chen Tianfeng holding a knife. Seeing him full of vigor and vitality, he couldn't help but feel dazed. He thought of the figure who once held a sword and was equally proud and unrestrained. He couldn't help but droop his eyes slightly.

"Mr. Zhongli, does it have a name?"

"...No, you can give it a name you like."

Zhongli came back to his senses, answered with a smile, then picked up the wine glass and drank it all, with reminiscence in his eyes.

Those who live too long can only search for past comrades and past scenes in their memories.

Even so, he never regretted meeting them.

If one day I have to say goodbye to you, my friend, you will shine like gold in my memory.

(End of this chapter)