Douluo: Manifesting the Black Abyss and White Flower at the Start

"The Divine Child is yours. I have things to handle," Keqing said, glancing at the little fox on Lu Jingming's head before turning to leave.

"Handle what? There are so many people in Haiyuan City—can't you give yourself a break?"

Lu Jingming grabbed her hand, his tone firm: "Let others do it. Today, your time is mine."

"Eh?" Caught off guard by his sudden assertiveness, Keqing's brain went blank as he pulled her straight to the bustling food street.

Several armored Gold Guards appeared, quickly clearing a path through the crowd.

Seeing the Gold Guards, people gave way, noticing Lu Jingming and Keqing in the middle.

"It's the city lord and Keqing, and they're holding hands!" someone cried.

"I've shipped this couple for so long!"

"Keqing is great, but I support Miss Jinhsi."

"No, Miss Robin and the city lord are the best match."

Because Lu Jingming came from the modern world, Keqing, Changli, Jinhsi, and the others valued the people—so Haiyuan City had the highest happiness index on the continent.

As city lord, Lu Jingming rarely appeared but earned everyone's love and respect.

Even nobles and soul masters couldn't bully commoners—or the Gold Guards would invite them for tea.

This annoyed many arrogant nobles, but to stay in the city, they had to change.

Haiyuan City's changes were obvious—now it was almost as famous as the capital.

Many people had moved in, and after several expansions, it was the biggest city after the capital.

Haiyuan City was becoming modern; even the city wall was losing importance. It might become the second wall-less city after Radiant City.

Even ordinary folks could strike it rich, let alone established noble families.

For nobles, the worst fate wasn't treating commoners kindly, but being expelled from the city.

Many people had ill intentions over the years, but most were dealt with by the Gold Guards—and some died mysterious deaths.

After all, in the shadows, Haiyuan City's blade was just as sharp.

Hearing the crowd, Keqing instinctively tried to withdraw her hand, but Lu Jingming held tight, refusing to let go.

He was not about to release this always-on-the-run cat so easily.

Feeling the warmth of her hand, Lu Jingming's grip tightened, his mood bright.

As for the crowd's gossip, he didn't mind. As an open-minded city lord, he wasn't angered by such talk.

In fact, he thought they were right—he really did match well with those girls.

With the Gold Guards leading, Lu Jingming brought a blushing Keqing to a pre-booked restaurant.

It was a newly opened seafood place favored by Keqing because the chef's signature dish was Golden Thread Shrimp Balls.

It wasn't hard to make—the main ingredients were potatoes and shrimp, and in the coastal city, shrimp was plentiful.

But few could make shrimp balls to Keqing's satisfaction. This shop's tasted most like those from her own world.

What she didn't know was that the chef had been found by Lu Jingming, who recreated the original Genshin recipe for Golden Thread Shrimp Balls for the chef to copy.

That's how they came so close to the taste from Keqing's world.

Lu Jingming led Keqing into the simply but tastefully decorated restaurant, soft yellow soul-lamps lighting every corner.

Seeing Lu Jingming, the staff greeted him respectfully and led them to a private room.

Lu Jingming had reserved this room for Keqing—it was always kept empty, waiting for her, a secret only he knew.

"Eat first. Looks like you haven't eaten yet—even with soul power, you need to take care of your body." His voice was a little scolding, but full of care.

He ordered her favorite Golden Thread Shrimp Balls, and some fresh side dishes, and even got her little fox's favorite fried tofu.

Keqing felt awkward at his sudden concern, lowering her head to hide a faint blush.

She didn't mention work again, just nodded lightly, her voice as soft as a spring breeze.

Learning the city lord was here, the chef dared not slack off, personally entering the kitchen to prepare the meal.

Soon, steaming, fragrant dishes filled the table.

The shrimp balls were golden and crispy outside, tender inside, with shredded potato wrapped around fresh shrimp—just looking at them made one's mouth water.

Lu Jingming hadn't eaten either, so he ate with Keqing and the little fox.

Keqing's dining manners were extremely elegant—every movement graceful.

But she ate quickly, a habit from years of pursuing efficiency, even at meals.

This unique blend of elegance and speed had its own charm.

Watching the happy Keqing savor the shrimp balls, Lu Jingming suddenly wondered—should he summon Ganyu to help?

But the thought gave him a headache.

Ganyu and Keqing together—two workaholics—would be a terrifying sight.

PS: Oh, Ganyu and Keqing! I'm familiar with them. I just finished Liyue Act yesterday.