[ For the first time since the two of them had met, there are subtle hints of distress and indignation radiating off the adeptus. Zhongli did not care if Neuvillette found his vision tacky and his attempt to blend into mortal society bewildering. He did not fault him for not wanting to have a foreign ex-Archon get involved in extremely sensitive Fontainian diplomatic affairs. He even was able to look past the man's interesting taste in cuisine.

But to be accused of attempting to swindle the other so very blatantly—

(The Northland Bank would probably disagree with this assessment, but also it's very difficult to call it swindling when a certain Harbinger was more than happy to offer to pay the bill almost each and every time.) ]

No, Monsieur Neuvillette. That would be terribly rude of me to invite you to dinner and then expect you to pay. In Liyue custom, it would most certainly be the other way around.

[ But that doesn't change the fact that Zhongli has neither the funds to pay for his or the Chief Justice's meal at this very fancy and expensive restaurant. He brings a hand to his chin, brows furrowed as he tries to think of a solution to this dilemma — one that he has never experienced before. ]

If you would be kind enough to wait until tomorrow, I will call my employer and determine when the funds can be sent to this establishment in repayment.

[ Surely his paycheck should be coming up soon (another thing that Zhongli paid zero attention to much to Director Hu's constant dismay). That could be sent here to this establishment and pay for the meal with late fees and an appropriate tip to compensate.

Yes, that should hopefully cover this truly embarrassing mishap. ]