"Hm? What was that, sir?" Keqing looked at Su Bai in confusion, having seemingly just overheard something rather startling.
"Ah, it's nothing. I said thank you. I'll head to the Ministry of Civil Affairs now," Su Bai replied, a trace of embarrassment flashing across his face. He had unconsciously used her nickname.
"You're too polite, sir." Keqing didn't press further and promptly turned to leave for the streets, her words concise and actions swift.
Watching Keqing walk away, Su Bai took a moment to carefully observe those two cat ears, a slight smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"Hello, I'd like to apply for a work permit."
Since the shop door was still open, Su Bai didn't delay any longer. He entered the Ministry of Civil Affairs, requested an application form, filled it out on the spot, submitted it to the relevant personnel, and then left.
Upon returning to his shop, he resumed his usual laid-back posture.
"I wonder what Linlang is up to today. She hasn't shown up."
Sipping his tea and reclining in his rocking chair, Su Bai suddenly thought of Miss Linlang. With no one to chat with today, it felt rather dull.
Meanwhile, at that very moment, Linlang was at the Jade Chamber, naturally too occupied to visit Su Bai.
"Lady Ningguang, that's the situation," Linlang said somewhat nervously. "As for anything else, I don't know. Su Bai hasn't revealed much in front of me."
A moment later, a calm voice came from behind the screen—enchantingly soft yet carrying a hint of a smoky tone.
"Very well, I understand. Thank you for your trouble."
It was a voice both languid and authoritative.
"Baiwen, please escort Miss Linlang to the designated place."
"Yes," Baiwen responded promptly, emerging from behind the screen to guide Linlang.
Behind the screen, two figures remained.
One, dressed in a golden qipao with fair complexion and crimson eyes, had white hair tied with red ribbons and elegant hands adorned with black finger covers. This was none other than Ningguang, the Tianquan Star of Liyue.
Beside her, naturally, was Yelan.
"I've said all there is to say. That individual's circumstances are unique, so handle it as you see fit," Ylan said, spreading her hands as Ningguang glanced her way.
Ningguang gave a slight nod and closed her eyes in contemplation.
According to Linlang, Su Bai was a legitimate merchant with somewhat mysterious influence and possessed many remarkable items. Ningguang cast a faint glance at the pristine, watery green gemstone necklace on the table, but she didn't find this particularly noteworthy.
However, coincidentally, she had had a dream recently.
In the dream, the Geo Archon spoke with her about Su Bai, emphasizing that he should not be ostracized unless he committed grave evils.
She knew this was the Archon's will. Since becoming the Tianquan Star, whenever major issues arose, the Archon often communicated through dreams.
"Does that spatial ability truly not require a Vision?" Ningguang sought confirmation again. No matter how she thought about it, it seemed unreasonable. According to Yelan's description, Su Bai could use it effortlessly—even for transporting goods.
"Yes, I observed him. He doesn't possess elemental energy. He's just somewhat stronger than the average person."
Yelan recalled her first encounter with Su Bai: her charged arrow, infused with Hydro explosion and aimed at his weak point, was steadily blocked by him with a shield. Despite holding back, that arrow still had the power to shatter rocks—revealing just how immense his physical strength was.
"The Archon said we must not offend him."
After a long silence, Ningguang finally spoke. "It seems it's not just because he's a traveler from beyond the stars, but also due to his resources and the like."
"Alright, you can grapple with these matters. Let me know if you need me once you've reached a conclusion. I won't keep you company for now—I still have a case to monitor." Yelan stretched lazily, her faint nasal tone carrying a rare touch of reluctance. With that, she headed for the exit.
Since the Archon was involved, it was no longer her concern. After all, she had already crossed paths with him.
"These people..." Ningguang smiled faintly but did not stop her. Holding her long-stemmed pipe with elegant fingers, she took a gentle puff.
Amid the swirling incense smoke, shrewd and subtle ideas flashed through her mind. From a merchant's perspective, Su Bai could potentially reshape Liyue's commercial landscape. Yet, from the perspective of the Qixing, he also presented an opportunity to alleviate resource pressures.
The Archon's message was clear: one directive was to purchase and stockpile as much as possible. As one of the Qixing, Ningguang had no real cause for concern from the outset.
"Lady Ningguang, a document has been submitted from the Ministry of Civil Affairs." Baiwen's voice sounded from outside the screen as she handed in an application form.
"Oh? He's requesting a shop assistant?" Ningguang scanned the document, a faint smile playing on her lips. After a moment's thought, she instructed Baiwen:
"Assign Baixiao. I believe she will be suitable."
Bringing the jade mouthpiece to her lips, Ningguang took a slow puff, then softly chuckled before extinguishing the pipe. Her decision was firm.
"Have her go tomorrow morning and try to ascertain how many resources he possesses. Additionally, once the matters concerning those individuals are resolved, invite him here for a discussion."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
After Baiwen left, Ningguang also rose and walked out of the Jade Chamber with steady, deliberate steps.
As night approached, the western sun had already dipped below the Jade Chamber. Its radiant glow traced along the intricate jade railings, casting reflections at the corners of the pavilion. Only this floating Jade Chamber could offer such a spectacle.
Arriving at the foremost terrace, Ningguang stood at the edge, gazing into the distance at Liyue Harbor.
Amid the bustling crowds and rising smoke, on the slope of Yujing Terrace, a few hundred meters south of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, along the street, a lone figure was closing the door of a small general store.
As if sensing something, the figure suddenly turned to look.
Across hundreds of meters, a pair of red eyes and a pair of black eyes met in that instant.
"A floating palace—the Jade Chamber."
"A general store run by an otherworldly traveler."
"Heh..." *2
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Feeling generous today cause our group just won a competition and i was the leader
Publishing 5 chapters in a span of an hour
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