KS: Nice to see interest in this hasn't faded. (chuckles awkardly) Even though Valentine's Day is long gone. That aside, here's another short chapter, one that will pay tribute to a certain song by a certain legend. Enjoy.
The journey to Liyue was long, but far from uneventful. During the group's travels, they encountered many setbacks, namely surprise attacks from Hilichurls, Abyss Mages and the occassional band of Treasure Hoarders. Luckily, the combat capacity of the group was unmatched and eventually reached their destination.
"Wow, this is Liyue Harbor?" Bennett asked with widened eyes.
"It certainly is lively here," Albedo mused.
Lively barely described the harbor. Almost everywhere, people were having conversation each other, doing commerce or just going about their day. It is definitely a nice place to visit.
"Where exactly are we meeting your co-conspirators, Aether?" Kaeya asked.
"We'll be meeting them at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor," Aether answered.
"A funeral parlor?" Diluc repeated in mild disbelief. "An odd location to be discussing a plan of questionable intent."
"What exactly is questionable about making chocolate?" Venti asked. "Seems pretty innocent, if you ask me."
"It's not the chocolate making I take issue with," Diluc said. "It's what we do after that has me concerned."
The group made their way towards the funeral parlor. They went inside and were greeted by three people already inside, specifically Chongyun, Xingqiu and Zhongli.
"Ah, I see you have come your companions, Aether," the eldest of the three said.
"It is nice to see that we have more assistance with our endeavor," Xingqiu added with enthusiasm.
Once everyone settled in, Aether introduced everyone. After that, they all got down to business.
"I take it Aether has already informed you of what we intend to do," Kaeya said.
"He has, in great detail no less," Zhongli replied. "Although, I am still skeptical as to how an infurated woman can hope to stand a chance against the Fatui, Abyss Order or Treasure Horders, much less all three at once."
Diluc sighed. "He fed you that line as well, huh?"
"He was quite passionate about it," Xingqiu chuckled awkwardly. "Exaggeration aside, I do believe that an angry woman is something we don't need under any circumstances."
"In any case, shall we begin with preparations?" Albedo suggested.
"Hold on," Aether said, getting everyone's attention. "Before we actually go through with this, we should set up and abide by some rules."
Everyone pondered for a brief moment, then agreed in an instant.
"I suppose no operation is complete without a set of regulations that must be obeyed," Diluc conceded. "What are these rules you speak of, Aether?"
Wordlessly, Aether took out a sheet of paper and slammed it on the table with such intensity that everyone present flinched.
"He likes being dramatic," was everyone's collective thought.
"Here are the rules listed," Aether said.
The rules on the paper are listed as followed:
1. Never let anyone know how much money you have.
2. Never let anyone know what your next move will be.
3. Trust no one.
4. Never use what you sell.
5. Never give credit.
6. Never sell out of your home.
7. Keep family and business separate.
8. Never park your stash on your person.
9. If you're not being arrested, never be seen communicating with the police.
10. G.C.G.C (Great Consignment, Grave Confinement)
Everyone read them, and had their own thoughts.
"This seems quite straightforward," Albedo said. "I believe we should follow rules six and eight religiously."
"Personally, I think number one is the most important," Kaeya commented. "People catching wind of how many funding we have will lead to many compications."
"While I agree with all of that, I think we need to pay extra attention to the fourth rule," Diluc said. "Especially those who will attempt to break it."
Almost immediately, everyone's eyes fell on Paimon, and she immediately took all kinds of exception to it.
"Why is everyone giving Paimon that look for?" the floating ration asked in an annoyed tone.
"We just want to make sure we don't encounter any… complications, that's all," Venti said with a huge grin.
Paimon pouted in annoyance. "Paimon hates you, Tone-Deaf Bard."
The bard in question gave his signature laugh.
"Okay, have we got the rules memorized?" Aether asked.
"Yes," the men said in unison.
Aether grins. "Then let's make us some chocolate."
KS: Yes, I referrenced the "Ten Crack Commandments", and the rules in question are from the July 1994 issue of the Source magazine, specifically titled "A Crack Dealer's Ten Commandments." This is how the boys will operate, but instead of illegal narcotics, they'll be using them for their chocolate making business. Yeah, it's about to get real.