Although the dragon didn't appear every day, its intermittent appearances were still a major headache.
Fortunately, Jean had recently announced the railway plan between Liyue and Mondstadt, which had helped to stabilize the morale of the people.
It was common knowledge that Liyue's national power far exceeded Mondstadt's.
Whether in terms of combat strength or resources, they were stronger than Mondstadt.
If they had Liyue's help, Mondstadt could naturally breathe a little easier.
But there was a hidden danger. After the railway plan was announced, the activities of the Fatui had become more and more frequent.
They were constantly trying to inquire about the details of the train.
Their arrogant behavior was infuriating to Lisa.
They were merely a diplomatic delegation, yet they treated this place as if it were their own home. Today, they had even tried to get involved in the construction of the railway.
What a joke! If that group were allowed to get their hands on it, the train might no longer belong to Mondstadt at all.
Looking at Jean's worried face, Lisa comforted her. "Alright, this will all pass. Being envious of others won't solve our current problems."
"Besides, Beidou came here today for another reason, apart from selling her goods."
"She wants to purchase a batch of alchemy materials and minerals."
"Liyue has the most mineral resources, doesn't it? Why are they buying from us?" Jean asked, her face full of confusion.
Liyue had an almost unbelievable amount of ore. You could say that outside of Liyue Harbor, the entire nation was a mine, with the only difference being the richness of the deposits.
"They're currently focusing all their efforts on developing technology, so their own mineral supply is naturally not enough. I was out gathering intelligence not long ago and found out that Liyue has built a super-large alchemy laboratory."
"The amount of ore it consumes every day is an astronomical figure."
"From what we know so far, they've already produced a batch of electric lamps."
"Using the Electro element and some technology I don't understand, they can provide light without using candles."
"Technology? Like the kind from Snezhnaya?" Jean's expression turned a little sour.
If that were the case, she would really have to reconsider whether to continue cooperating with Liyue.
If they were nurturing a tiger that would cause them harm later, she would be guilty of a great crime.
"What are you thinking? They are only researching things for the people's livelihood. The electric lamps haven't been widely distributed yet, but that giant lighthouse they built can cover the entire Guili Plains. The night there is as bright as day."
If Mondstadt weren't currently beset by internal and external troubles, she would have wanted to take a trip to Liyue to see it for herself.
Hearing this, Jean let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "I was being too nervous. Since they're not researching weapons, let's approve the sale."
"Mm. It's getting late. I should be getting some rest," Lisa said with a yawn and departed.
She was always like this. It wasn't because she was tired, but because her body did not permit her to work overtime.
The next morning, a young woman wearing the long robes of an astrologist arrived at the Good Hunter restaurant. Seeing the sparse number of customers, she asked with confusion, "Sara, why is no one here today?"
"Oh, it's you, Miss Mona. Sigh, don't get me started. Yesterday, a batch of instant food arrived in Mondstadt. Not only is it cheap, but it tastes amazing, too. As a result, everyone bought that for breakfast, so naturally, I don't have many customers here," the Good Hunter's owner, Sara, said, leaning on the counter.
She was currently holding a bowl of noodles in her hands—the braised beef flavor.
She had to admit, this kind of noodle was both convenient and cheap. She couldn't help but stock up on a hundred packs herself.
Hearing the word "cheap," Mona immediately asked, "Where are they? Are they still selling them?"
"Of course! Right near Marjorie's shop. You should hurry! They're only staying for two days."
"Alright!"
Mona immediately rushed out the door. After all, she didn't have much Mora in her pockets. If she could save some money on food, that would be wonderful.
When she arrived near Marjorie's shop, she found that the area was already packed so tightly you couldn't even get a drop of water through.
Everyone was lining up to buy the instant noodles.
"So many people…" Mona was taken aback. She had thought a few dozen people at most would be enough, but she never expected there would be nearly a hundred.
"Huh? Isn't that Mona? Are you here to buy instant noodles, too?"
"Oh, it's you, Amber! Are you also here to buy them?"
"Of course! As an Outrider, I often have to go out on long patrols. I heard this food is easy to store, so I wanted to stock up on some."
"I see. But there are too many people here. We probably won't even get to the front of the line by the afternoon," Mona said, looking at the dark mass of people with a helpless expression.
This thing was just too popular. It was as if they were giving it away for free.
Amber glanced at the crowd and showed the same expression.
Just then, a man nearby overheard their conversation and walked over. "Excuse me, are you Miss Mona?"
"Yes, I am. And you are?"
"I am Hailong, the helmsman of the Crux Fleet. Our Captain Beidou has long admired you and wonders if you would be willing to meet with her. As for these instant noodles, how about we sell you a batch separately?"
"Really?"
"Of course."
Hearing that she wouldn't have to wait in line, Mona naturally nodded her head vigorously.
It was just a meeting, after all. She had nothing to lose.
And so, she followed Hailong and was brought before Beidou.
"You're Mona? The astrologist?"
"Yes. May I ask what you need?"
"It's like this. Our Liyue is currently recruiting all kinds of talent. How about you come with me to Liyue?"
Beidou's words left Mona completely bewildered.
Didn't you say you admired me? How did this turn into a recruitment pitch?
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