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"Zhongli xiansheng, what does this mean?"
During one of his regular luncheon meetings with Zhongli, presently at the Wanmin Restaurant, Childe inquired the older gentleman about a practice he observed across Liyue's plentiful restaurants: the tapping of two fingertips when one had their tea poured by a companion. Zhongli set his own teacup down, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"I'm glad to see you have much interest in the cultural customs of Liyue. The tapping is simply used to give your thanks for having your tea be poured by someone else.
The origin of the practice is quite fascinating. It is said that Rex Lapis often enjoyed strolling incognito to observe how Liyue's citizens lived their lives as one of the commoners, and to personally oversee the progress of the nation. Sometimes, he would be accompanied by a fellow disguised adeptus companion to dine and drink tea together in order to blend in with mortals.
Due to the fact that Rex Lapis is the revered Exuvia, it is expected that he be highly respected, but an explicit bow would reveal his true identity. His companion was quite clever and instead stealthily bowed with their fingers when Rex Lapis refilled their teacup. As you have observed, it has become a common practice that even mortals do it amongst themselves to show gratitude to one another for pouring their tea."
"What a strange Archon, trying to blend in with the regular folk. It's almost like he wishes to be the same as a mere human," Childe remarked coldly. "Can't he just observe Liyue as an adeptus?"
"There are plenty of human experiences that a god could not attain in their original form. Wouldn't you say that dining with friends like this is one of them?" Zhongli replied as he reached for the pot of tea.
"That's fair, I don't think the legendary Exuvia could just casually order a plate of Zhongyuan chop suey at a food stall on the street."
Zhongli chuckled softly and reached over to refill Childe's teacup, while the Snezhnayan man minded his manners and tapped his fingers in thanks towards Zhongli.