Stellar Train: I Open a Small Shop on the Train-Chapter 101

Aether was momentarily stunned.

During this period, having been left in Liyue with nothing much to do, he opened a milk tea shop, which was doing quite well.

It was still early, and Aether was leisurely humming a tune while brewing milk tea, not expecting to be suddenly dragged away to this place.

Seeing Aether's confused face, Calestia explained the situation to him.

After hearing everything, Aether accepted the mission.

"Alright, when do we leave?"

Nahida thought for a moment.

"No rush. We still have to complete the planetary remodeling first. Let's wait until that's done."

Aether was a bit puzzled by this.

"Didn't you all head over yesterday? Still not done?"

Saying this, Aether instinctively looked at Calestia and mocked him.

"Not up to it, huh, Calestia?"

Veins bulged on Calestia's forehead upon hearing Aether's taunt, and her fists clenched tightly.

"Not up to it? You'll soon find out just how 'up to it' I am!"

That day, people walking the streets outside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's internet café heard someone's miserable screams.

The screams were so tragic and pitiful that it was hard to imagine.

In the kitchen of "Brother Aether's Milk Tea Shop" in Liyue's Chihu Rock District:

A bruised and battered Aether stirred the big pot of milk tea with a spoon while tears streamed down his face.

Why had he been so quick to taunt? It was pure reflex — a habit he'd developed back when he was still suffering from Abyssal corruption. The Abyss truly harmed people!

Meanwhile, at Herta Space Station:

Lady Herta and Ruan Mei arrived at the platform.

Asta and Arlan had been waiting there for quite some time.

Asta understood Herta's personality well — she disliked large welcoming crowds, finding them annoying.

Thus, Asta only brought Arlan along.

"Welcome back to the space station, Lady Herta," Asta greeted with a smile.

Herta nodded in satisfaction at her "ATM."

"Mmm, is the food ready? I'm starving."

Asta smiled.

"It's ready. There's a new product: Frostland Deer. I bought one to try."

Director Topaz said it's extremely delicious."

Herta's interest was piqued.

If she remembered correctly, wasn't that the animal that little girl from Belobog had bought from Ye Yun?

"Oh? Frostland Deer, I know that. Let's go try it."

Herta walked off toward her lab without waiting.

Asta turned to Ruan Mei.

"Ms. Ruan Mei, welcome to the space station."

Ruan Mei nodded lightly.

"Mm, long time no see, Asta."

Asta gestured politely.

"Ms. Ruan Mei, let's dine first. I've prepared your favorite osmanthus cake."

Hearing there was osmanthus cake, Ruan Mei's heart lifted.

"Alright, thank you."

Asta smiled and led Ruan Mei after Herta.

Next to Herta, Dummy No.1 followed her with a blank expression.

Herta paused to chat with Ruan Mei, but Dummy No.1, unable to brake in time, crashed straight into Herta's foot, wobbling unsteadily.

Only then did Herta remember the gift she brought for Asta.

"Right, Asta, I brought you a gift: Dummy No.1 — a warp carrier."

Dummy No.1 was still dizzy.

Herta kicked it lightly.

"Hurry up."

Dummy No.1, whimpering in grievance, ran to the platform and fired a beam of warp energy.

Before their eyes, a spaceship the size of the space station slowly materialized from virtuality into reality.

Asta's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Herta explained:

"This is the default blueprint installed in Dummy No.1. As long as it has enough materials, it can warp the ship into reality."

Ruan Mei, hearing this, looked at Dummy No.1 with some interest.

If Dummy No.1 were a living being instead of a machine, Ruan Mei might already be itching to dismantle it.

About ten minutes later, Dummy No.1 finished warping in the carrier.

Asta stared at the high-tech spaceship, thrilled.

"Thank you so much, Lady Herta!"

Herta waved dismissively.

"No big deal."

Recently, Herta had read a book titled How to Control Your Wallet. It left a deep impression on her.

One sentence stuck with her: You can't just take all the time — you have to occasionally offer some sweetness.

Thus, she decided to give this gift.

"Alright, take me to eat," Herta said.

Although Asta really wanted to board the new carrier immediately, she held back — she needed to accompany Lady Herta to eat first.

At the dining table:

Both Herta and Ruan Mei tasted the Frostland Deer meat.

Herta took a big bite.

"This venison is really good! Asta, do you have any more? I want to pack some to take with me."

Asta shook her head apologetically.

"I only managed to buy one. They only sold forty total this time, and it was thanks to Director Topaz's help that I got even that."

Herta sighed.

"Alright. You bought one? Then I'll just feast on this for the next few days."

Asta agreed.

Herta happily took another big bite.

"As expected of a Ye Yun product — guaranteed excellence. I'd heard that girl Stelle rave about this meat, and for once, I actually agree with that idiot."

Ruan Mei asked curiously:

"Ye Yun?"

Seeing her confusion, Herta explained who Ye Yun was.

After hearing about him, Ruan Mei felt an urge to visit Ye Yun's shop herself.

"Herta, can you take me there sometime?"

Herta nodded.

"Sure, once we finish calibrating the Simulated Universe."

Ruan Mei agreed, and the three continued their meal and conversation.

Meanwhile, in front of Mondstadt's Angel's Share tavern:

Venti and Feixiao stood among the crowd, listening to Diluc's explanation.

Jean had previously bought a brewing formula from Ye Yun, and it had now produced its first batch of liquor.

Thanks to Nahida's help, the ingredients had grown abundantly.

Diluc had bought out the entire first batch from Jean and planned to sell it to other nations.

In Mondstadt, he sold it at original price; outside, it would be marked up — after all, Diluc needed to make a profit.

Diluc opened a large barrel of wine, and instantly, a rich aroma filled the square.

Diluc announced:

"This wine is called 'Spirit Wine.' A cup costs 888 Mora. If you want a taste, come to Angel's Share."

The onlookers thought the price a bit steep — 888 Mora for just one cup!

Diluc continued:

"This wine is top quality and difficult to brew. The price is fair — taste it, and you'll understand."

With that, he turned and went back into the tavern.

His staff stayed outside to distribute free samples — one small cup per person, a promotional tactic.

***

Venti and Feixiao received their trial cups of spirit wine.

After just one cup, both were hooked on the drink. It was smooth on the tongue but a strong liquor with a powerful aftereffect, filling one with heroic spirit after drinking.

Venti patted his pocket and pulled out a handful of scattered Mora.

He counted them—only 2,000 Mora in total, just enough for one more drink each.

This put Venti in a dilemma: he had promised to treat Feixiao today.

Originally, he had planned to earn some money by singing yesterday, but unexpectedly, he drank too much the day before and ended up sleeping the entire day.

When he finally woke up and went to the tavern intending to sing for money, the alluring smell of alcohol had already captured his soul.

Venti thought for a moment and decided to go in first.

He entered the tavern with Feixiao and sat down in front of Diluc.

"Boss Diluc, get us each a glass of spirit wine," Venti said, placing the Mora on the bar.

Diluc collected the Mora and soon brought over three cups of wine.

One was handed to Feixiao, and two were handed to Venti.

"This one is on the house for General Feixiao. It wouldn't do for Mondstadt to be inhospitable to such an esteemed guest."

Hearing this, Venti was immediately displeased—why was Feixiao getting a free drink but not him?

"Boss Diluc, you can't play favorites!" Venti protested.

Diluc, seeing through Venti's little scheme, said,"You have the nerve to ask for a free drink? Bartender, bring over Venti's tab."

At his words, the bartender brought out a thick ledger and handed it to Diluc.

Diluc opened it and began reading from the first page:"Year xxx, month xxx, day x: Venti ran up a tab of 53,200 Mora...Year xxx, month xxx..."

Diluc read item after item, and Venti hurriedly tried to stop him.

"Boss Diluc, stop reading! I'll pay! I'll buy my own drink!"

At that, Diluc closed the ledger and handed it back to the bartender.

"Keep this well; it's an important financial record of the tavern."

Venti fell silent—an important financial record indeed. Did he really owe that much?

He patted his pockets and thought for a moment.

"Boss Diluc, how about this: I'll pay with star coins. Deal?"

Diluc gave Venti a speechless look.

Star coins—such a rare currency—and you're using them to buy booze? Typical Venti, always unexpected.

Still, money was money, so Diluc agreed.

"Fine. One star coin per glass. Payment first, drinks second."

Venti proudly slapped down 100 star coins.

"Bring me 100 glasses first! And some snacks too, not too much to ask, right?"

Diluc accepted the star coins and had the bartender start serving food and drink.

Inside the Knights of Favonius headquarters:

Jean and Lisa were chatting over tea.

Nowadays, Mondstadt was peaceful, and Jean had far fewer duties to attend to.

She now had time to sit and relax with Lisa for a cup of tea and conversation.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on novelbuddy.cσ๓.

Lisa asked,"Jean, what do you plan to buy with the 350,000 star coins we earned?"

Jean replied,"I'm planning to purchase a cultivation technique even more advanced than the Wind Spirit Art.The knights we retained after careful selection have all already mastered the Wind Spirit Art to its highest level.We need new techniques to continue enhancing our strength."

Lisa nodded in agreement."Good idea. For now, let's prioritize buying techniques. As for moving into the new world, we'll keep some star coins in reserve for emergencies."

Jean agreed with a nod.

At the Port of Liyue:

Lumine drove her RV, taking Paimon aboard a ferry.

This ferry would transport her RV onto the Stellar Star ship.

That's right—Lumine was planning a trip to Inazuma. Partly for sightseeing, partly for work.

As it turned out, Calestia had appointed Lumine as an inspector, responsible for overseeing civil improvements across various nations.

Every month, Calestia would pay her 100 Primogems.

Hearing that, Lumine immediately accepted the job—after all, it was 100 Primogems!

Once on the ferry, Lumine drove her RV onto the Stellar Star ship.

Thankfully, the ship's deck was sturdy enough, or the RV might not have made it.

Beidou walked over, intrigued by the unfamiliar machine. She had never seen anything like it before.

Lumine opened the door, and she and Paimon hopped out.

"Hey, Beidou!" Lumine greeted happily.

She and Beidou had been introduced by Ningguang.

Recently, news had come that Inazuma was lifting its isolationist policies.

Ningguang had asked Beidou to go and retrieve the detained Liyue merchants.

Beidou naturally agreed without hesitation.

Hearing that Beidou was heading to Inazuma, Lumine had jumped at the chance to hitch a ride.

Beidou curiously examined the RV.

"Lumine, this thing's impressive—it can move on its own?"

Lumine replied,"It's called an RV. You can travel in it, and even live in it! Want to come inside and take a look?"

Beidou said,"Can I? Sure, let's go!"

They climbed inside.

The RV's facilities had grown increasingly complete: TV, computer—you name it, Lumine had installed it.

Beidou marveled at every part of it.

Lumine took two bottles of orange juice from the fridge, poured them into glasses, and the two sat at the little booth and chatted.

First Mate Chongzuo oversaw the ship's departure preparations.

The Stellar Star slowly set sail toward Inazuma.

At night:

Standing on the deck, Lumine felt a little hungry.

Normally, by this time, Ye Yun and Xiangling would have already prepared dinner.

Lumine thought for a moment and grabbed Paimon, who had just finished a bag of chips and was about to grab another from the RV.

"Paimon! Where's the delivery card from the Golden Dumpster loot last time?"

Paimon pulled out nine delivery cards."They're all here! Last time you were busy looking at titles, so I kept them for you."

Lumine sifted through them and found one for 100 tons of beef.

Looking around at the busy crew, she thought it would be nice to treat everyone—after all, they hadn't charged her for the ride and had been very welcoming.

She withdrew 100 pounds of beef and called Beidou over.

"Beidou! I'm treating everyone to beef tonight!"

Beidou looked at the fresh beef and asked,"Lumine, where did you get so much fresh beef? And so fresh too!"

Lumine held up the delivery card."This! It's a delivery card. I still have nearly 100 tons left—plenty to eat!"

Beidou was baffled. How could so much beef fit inside such a small card?Was it some kind of immortal treasure?

Seeing Beidou's confusion, Lumine realized—Ah, looks like Ningguang hadn't told Beidou about Ye Yun's store.

Beidou called over the ship's chef to take the 100 pounds of beef for cooking.

She then stood at the ship's bow and shouted loudly:"Everyone! We're having a feast tonight—Lumine's treating us to fresh beef!"

The sailors were all delighted. Fresh beef was a rare treat aboard a ship.