Liyue Harbor.
"Lady Ningguang, someone is requesting an audience," Baiwen said respectfully.
"No need," Ningguang replied without even asking who it was.
"Understood." Baiwen withdrew and relayed her words to the waiting merchant.
The merchant looked slightly stunned. After a brief pause, he asked somewhat reluctantly, "Did you mention my name and the reason I'm here?"
"I'm sorry. Lady Ningguang is currently attending to urgent matters. She's not seeing anyone."
With that, Baiwen left again.
Frustrated, the merchant headed to the nearest shop and waited there quietly, hoping Ningguang would show herself.
He had come all this way upon hearing that Ningguang possessed something he desperately needed, determined to obtain it—but had been shut out immediately.
Meanwhile, in the Jade Chamber, Ningguang was calmly sifting through recent business reports.
She, of course, knew exactly who had come to see her. But since the item he sought existed only in her possession across all of Liyue, she had every reason—and leverage—to turn him away.
First, let him stew in impatience. The more unsettled he became, the better the terms she could command during negotiation.
It was impossible to pass up Mora. She knew he wouldn't leave—he'd wait nearby.
So, there was no rush.
An hour later, Ningguang stretched and stood up slowly.
"Help me sort the documents. I'll be back shortly." A confident, playful smile tugged at her lips.
"Understood."
She always carried that calm certainty, as if nothing could ever trouble her.
Since Elliot's departure, no one had ever seen Ningguang show the slightest sign of weakness.
Her business had only grown stronger. Now, she had completely outpaced every merchant in Liyue Harbor, becoming an unrivaled tycoon.
Rumor had it that the commercial data stored in the Jade Chamber alone could buy all of Liyue.
Many had tried bribing her trusted aides—Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao—but none of them ever yielded. No trick worked.
And truly, for someone Ningguang chose to trust, how could they be so easily swayed?
As the door opened, the merchant's eyes lit up—then he froze in place.
There she stood, with flowing white hair and crimson tassels cascading from her forehead, perfectly complementing her eyes.
Her arms were clad in black sleeves and golden finger guards, wide cuffs draping elegantly.
She wore a cheongsam interwoven with gold, white, and black, its hem shaped like a bird's tail, with a golden phoenix adorning the collar.
Delicate features, a confident smile—she radiated a regal, commanding presence, like a queen above all others.
Though he had heard tales of Ningguang's ethereal beauty and celestial grace, seeing her now, he realized the rumors didn't do her justice.
She was far more stunning in person.
He swallowed nervously, but still stepped forward.
"Hello, are you Miss Ningguang?"
"I am. And you are...?" Ningguang replied with a hint of polite curiosity.
"I'm a merchant from Inazuma. I heard that you—"
"Business matters are best discussed over a meal," Ningguang interrupted with a suggestion.
"Of course, of course. I've long heard that your Xinyue Kiosk serves the finest and most authentic 'Moon Cuisine' in all of Liyue. Let's go—my treat."
"You're a guest from afar. As your host, I should be the one treating you. Besides, the Xinyue Kiosk specializes in seafood—which you surely don't lack in Inazuma. I'd suggest we try the Liuli Pavilion instead, for a taste of authentic 'Liuli Cuisine.'"
Her thoughtful words greatly improved the merchant's impression of her. He hadn't expected such attentiveness from someone so regal.
"Then I'll gladly follow your lead, Miss Ningguang."
They soon arrived at the Liuli Pavilion, and the merchant was stunned by the bustling crowds.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a sea of people.
Guided by Ningguang, they entered a packed restaurant.
"Good evening. Do you have a reservation?" a waiter asked warmly.
"Yes. Ning is the name."
"Right this way, Miss Ning."
The waiter led them to the private room Ningguang had reserved.
Once seated, the menu was handed to the merchant for him to choose.
After ordering, instead of jumping into business, the merchant made casual conversation.
During their chat, he asked offhandedly, "Was this private room reserved for a particular guest?"
"A friend from Mondstadt. He's coming soon to discuss a few matters. I booked this room in advance for the meeting," Ningguang replied with a slight smile.
"Then I fear I've taken their spot. That doesn't seem proper," the merchant said, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"It's no trouble. I'll just receive him at the Xinyue Kiosk instead. Mondstadt doesn't have abundant seafood—he might enjoy it."
"I see... then I'm quite honored."
After some more conversation, the merchant excused himself under the pretense of using the restroom.
A faint smile curled on Ningguang's lips.
The merchant made his way to the cashier and asked, "Can I reserve a private room for tomorrow?"
"I'm sorry, sir. Our private rooms are fully booked—three months in advance."
"Three months!?" The merchant was visibly shocked.
"What about regular dining? Is there availability tomorrow?"
"Apologies again—our dining area is booked about two months ahead."
"What if I pay extra? Can you move me up the list?" The merchant was clearly dissatisfied.
"I'm afraid that's not possible."
He stood there, bewildered.
He had assumed Ningguang had known of his visit and reserved the room accordingly—just to string him along after rejecting him earlier.
But now he learned that it truly took three months to book a private room here!
Still unsure, he sought out a nearby table of friendly-looking diners and asked how long in advance they'd made their reservation.
The answer was the same—two months.
He had suspected Ningguang had orchestrated the whole thing with the restaurant, staging the scene for her advantage.
But with even randomly chosen customers confirming the wait times, he could no longer deny the truth.
It also meant Ningguang hadn't lied—the private room he now occupied likely was meant for her Mondstadt guest.
His impression of her improved again, tinged with a bit of guilt.
Returning to the private room, he enjoyed the exquisite meal as the negotiation resumed.
Thanks to all the setup, Ningguang clearly held the upper hand, and in the end, she sold the item at the absolute maximum price he could afford.
Little did the merchant know—Ningguang's Constellation was the "Golden Balance."
In ancient records, it was said to be a celestial instrument used to observe the stars and foresee the future.
She had, in fact, reserved this room three months ago, sensing it might be needed.
"One step closer to meeting Elliot..."
She gazed down at the large check in her hand, a faint smile on her lips.
When Ningguang returned to the Jade Chamber, she was met with a surprise—the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing was already waiting for her.
"You're Ningguang, right?" she asked.
"Yes. May I help you?"
"I want you to succeed me as Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing."
"Me? May I ask why?"
"The Geo Archon himself named you as my successor."
"The Geo Archon...?"
"Yes."
"Please allow me some time... to consider it."