As the packs were opened, one precious and rare card after another was revealed. Normally, one might be lucky to find a single such card in a hundred packs, yet in Yaoyao's hands, almost every pack yielded such a treasure.
In the end, Yaoyao pulled a total of ten rare cards. Even more astonishingly, she also pulled a super-rare Demon God card—Osial.
Regrettably, however, the "Cloud Retainer" card that Shenhe so longed for did not appear.
Yaoyao said to Shenhe with a hint of apology, "Big sister Shenhe, I'm so sorry, I couldn't pull Auntie Xianyun's card."
Shenhe smiled faintly, shaking her head to show she didn't mind. "It's alright, Yaoyao. These rare cards are more than enough for me to trade for my master's card."
"Oh, right," Yaoyao suddenly remembered something and asked, "why isn't Uncle Deyi here today?"
Shenhe replied calmly, "He went to Port Fudé. It will be some time before he returns."
"Is that so?" Yaoyao couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. "I was hoping to hear him tell the story of 'Suspenderman' today."
...
Port Fudé, inside the factory director's office.
Columbina stood gracefully before Yide's desk and said in an ethereal voice, "Director Yide, I've come to retrieve Tartaglia."
Yide crossed his arms and asked leisurely, "How much are you planning to embezzle this time?"
Columbina froze for a second, then held up one slender finger. But quickly, she added another. Just as Yide was about to speak, she hurriedly extended two more fingers, adding, "Four hundred million Mora."
Yide then asked, "So, how much Mora do you have left on hand?"
Columbina answered truthfully, "One hundred million Mora."
Yide pondered for a moment, then said with a troubled expression, "Cooking the books will be difficult this time. After all, it involves Liyue's affairs, which adds quite a bit of trouble."
Columbina appeared nervous upon hearing this. "Then what should we do? Does this mean it can't be done?"
Yide smiled slightly and explained, "Columbina, you've misunderstood me. I meant that due to the complicated situation, the price has to go up. You'll have to give me the entire hundred million Mora you have left."
Columbina waved her hands repeatedly, saying urgently, "If I give you all one hundred million Mora, what will I use to get Tartaglia out?"
Yide raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you take four hundred million Mora?"
Columbina responded with a firm attitude, "That four hundred million is untouchable. I've already set it aside to purchase the 'Hall of Legends' ultimate edition Furina figurine."
Hearing that she was prepared to be such a big spender, Yide found it hard to refuse her outright.
Just as he was about to concede, Columbina's expression suddenly turned exceptionally serious.
She proclaimed in a solemn tone, almost like that of a deity, "Yide, your existence is growing ever closer to that of a complete world. Predetermined, true destiny is shifting towards an unknown direction. Perhaps, in the end, the one to ascend the throne will be you."
Yide was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood Columbina's meaning. The destiny of this world could only be changed by a Descender, and he was becoming a Descender from within the world itself!
A faint smile touched the corner of his lips as he slowly said, "I have no desire to ascend the world's throne."
Columbina didn't respond to Yide's words but said earnestly, "The prophecy just now is worth one hundred million Mora. We are even."
Yide chose to accept, as he knew full well that the value of Columbina's prophecy far exceeded one hundred million Mora.
After their negotiation was settled, Columbina's figure instantly vanished from his sight without so much as a goodbye.
Yide chuckled softly, stood up from his seat, and walked to the rooftop of the West Factory office building. The first thing he saw was Dvalin, who was gorging himself and had clearly put on some weight.
Seeing Yide approach, Dvalin spoke with a somewhat fawning tone, "Boss, you're here."
Yide said in a low voice, "Dvalin, if you keep getting fatter, I might have to consider 'optimizing' you. I'll release you to society to become a freelance dragon talent."
Dvalin naturally understood his meaning. He didn't want to lose this job and become the impoverished Dragon of the East. So, he quickly declared, "Boss, I know I was wrong. I'll work hard to lose weight."
Yide thought for a moment and said, "The best way to lose weight is through labor. The trade between Liyue and Fontaine is booming. You can run that dedicated route more often."
Hearing it was a flight from Liyue to Fontaine, Dvalin's expression immediately turned glum.
However, Yide continued, "For every round trip, I'll pay you a hundred thousand Mora."
At these words, Dvalin's eyes lit up instantly. He said excitedly, "Boss, you're so generous!"
Yide smiled and waved his hand. "Can't be helped. I've always been this magnanimous."
Just as he was about to dispense some "chicken soup for the soul" to Dvalin, Yae Miko's graceful figure quietly came into view. He hadn't seen her in a long time, but she still possessed that captivating charm. Every movement exuded nobility and elegance, while also radiating an irresistible allure.
However, for Yide, who was now "in essence" the Hydro Archon's consort, his heart's lake remained undisturbed.
Yae Miko keenly noticed the calmness in his eyes, and a shadow of gloominess flickered in her heart. But she quickly dispelled the emotion, stepped forward, and said in a soft, low voice, "Director Yide, you are truly formidable, to be able to slay the ancient demon god Osial."
Yide merely replied calmly, "It was just a stroke of luck."
Yae Miko then got to the point of her visit. "Regarding the matter of separating Lady Saiguu from the filth, I was wondering if you've made any progress?"
Yide shook his head slightly. "There have been no breakthroughs yet."
A flicker of unconcealable disappointment crossed Yae Miko's eyes. "It seems this is no easy task."
Noticing her dejection, Yide added, "Even so, it's not without any progress. I've found a suitable test subject. Have Raiden Ei prepare to create another puppet."