Fontaine was currently undergoing a new industrial revolution. Its industrial technology was advancing at an incredible rate, with achievements in some fields even surpassing those of Yide's previous life. Against this backdrop, giving Liyue's industry a chance to catch its breath seemed futile.
Ningguang's expression darkened. She was already aware of the dangers posed by Liyue's over-reliance on commerce—the hollowing out of its other local industries.
In a tone tinged with pleading, she said, "Director Yide, is there truly no other way? Liyue is densely populated; we must have industry to absorb a portion of the labor force."
Hearing this, Yide smiled slightly and replied, "Lady Ningguang, it's not that there's no way. However, I need you to agree to a small condition."
Ningguang asked impatiently, "What condition? As long as it's reasonable, I can agree to it immediately."
Yide said lightly, "The Bank of Fontaine will become Liyue's national bank."
Ningguang's first reaction to this condition was to refuse without hesitation. For the Bank of Fontaine to become Liyue's national bank meant that Fontaine would have the ability to influence, and even manipulate, Liyue's entire economic system.
But thinking of the future of countless Liyue workers, she temporarily suppressed her inner resistance and calmly asked, "So, what is your proposed solution?"
Yide answered with confidence and composure, "A Liyue-Fontaine joint venture. Fontaine will acquire a fifty percent stake in local factories and then modernize them."
A glint of light flashed in Ningguang's eyes. She quickly recognized the many benefits of this plan. Not only would it secure workers' employment, but with Liyue's relatively cheaper labor, the joint-venture factories could potentially compete with Fontainian industry. If it weren't for the "small condition" Yide had proposed being so harsh, she would have agreed on the spot.
Ningguang's mind raced, carefully weighing the pros and cons.
Finally, she proposed a counter-condition: "Liyue can accept your proposal, but on the condition that the Morax Foundation acquires one-third of the shares of the Bank of Fontaine. The acquisition price will be twenty percent above the market value."
Yide pondered for a moment, then answered decisively, "One-third is too high. The most I can accept is one-fifth."
Ningguang compromised slightly. "How about one-fourth?"
After a brief moment of thought, Yide agreed. "Lady Ningguang, I must admit, you are the most outstanding businesswoman in this world."
"Am I?" Ningguang gave a self-deprecating smile. "I used to think so, but your appearance has made me change my mind."
Yide laughed freely. "That's because I stand on the shoulders of giants."
And so, the matter of the Liyue-Fontaine joint venture was settled.
The reason Yide chose such a moderate and relatively equal method of cooperation was not due to any great affection for Liyue. It was because Morax's power was truly immense, so much so that Yide had to make reluctant concessions in many areas.
...
On a summer afternoon, the scorching air was filled with the unpleasant smell of sweat.
Tartaglia walked out of the Liyue prison gates without looking back, vowing never to set foot in a prison again. His handsome features and elegant demeanor had attracted the covetous gazes of many criminals the moment he entered that dark jail. Those inmates would constantly leer at him with vulgar eyes, which was utterly nauseating. If he hadn't wanted to avoid further trouble, he would have "chopped up" all those perverts on the spot.
Just a few steps out of the prison, Tartaglia found Yide waiting for him leisurely under the shade of a large, leafy tree.
He strode over, his face flushed with anger. "It's because of you, you bastard, that I was locked up for so long. You have to fight me to make up for my suffering."
Yide glanced at him and said unhurriedly, "First, you being in jail is entirely your own fault. You actually dared to commit a heinous act like unleashing a demon god. Second, with your current strength, you are not yet worthy of fighting me."
Hearing Yide's words, Tartaglia's expression turned slightly sullen. "At that time, I was corroded by the negative power of the Delusion, my mind was affected, and that's why I acted so recklessly. As for my strength, it is indeed far from yours, but my rate of improvement is incredibly fast. The next time we meet, you will see a completely different me."
Yide smiled lightly. "Perhaps." He paused for a moment, then his expression turned serious as he continued, "The next time we meet, I will accept your challenge. But before that, you have to answer a question for me."
"What question?" Tartaglia immediately asked.
Yide's face grew stern. "Your master, how strong is she really? How does she compare to the demon god Osial?"
Tartaglia was taken aback, clearly not expecting Yide to ask about this. He thought about it carefully, then answered with great deliberation, "To be honest, I've never personally seen my master display her full power. But if she were to act, the demon god Osial would be annihilated with ease."
After hearing Tartaglia's description, Yide had a rough assessment of Skirk's strength. A faint smile appeared on his face as he said to Tartaglia, "Alright, go back and rest up. We'll meet again in Fontaine."
He then turned and walked away without waiting for Tartaglia's reply.
Tartaglia watched his retreating back, his eyes flashing with a determined light. "When my Foul Legacy Transformation is perfected, I will definitely defeat you."
His face was filled with confidence. After all, he was a true, peerless genius.
However, what Tartaglia didn't know was that in this world, there existed a mysterious cheat known as a "system."