Ningguang's banquet reached its peak with Yun Jin's spectacular performance. After the divine damsel of devastation concluded, Yun Jin specifically approached Shenhe to express her gratitude.
Yun Jin: "Miss Shenhe, thank you very much. Thanks to you, the divine damsel of devastation could become even more complete. The play ends, but life does not. I believe that in the future, you will surely integrate smoothly into Liyue Harbor."
Shenhe: "Thank you. I think I've found an opportunity for change. However, now I don't just want to integrate into Liyue; in the future, I might also integrate into other countries."
After Shenhe finished speaking, she turned back and gave Yuto a captivating smile, which made Yuto's heart flutter. With the added boost from the play, Yuto felt that his relationship with Shenhe seemed to have the potential for further development.
Yun Jin was surprised to see the ethereal Shenhe, with her immortal-like aura, display such a girlish expression. She looked at Yuto again. The first time she met Yuto and Shenhe, Yun Jin had already sensed that their relationship was unusual. Now, it seemed, her intuition was correct.
"Is that so? Then Mr. Yun will congratulate the two of you in advance. Oh, and our Yun-Han Opera Troupe also hosts wedding banquets, so feel free to reach out to us then."
Hearing Yun Jin's words, everyone present couldn't help but smile knowingly. Shenhe's cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment, making Yuto's heart race.
Just then, a drunken guest, following Yun Jin's steps, arrived at Yuto's table.
"Mr. Yun… hic… So you're here, hehe."
This person, Zhu Tao, was a very important business partner of Ningguang. In Liyue, a land full of wealthy merchants, he was considered a top businessman. Otherwise, Ningguang's private banquet would not have included him.
As a successful person in Liyue, he naturally had some hobbies typical of the rich: one was fine wine, two was beautiful women, and three was watching plays, especially Yun Jin's performances. He never missed a single one; whenever Yun Jin performed, he would surely go to support her and reward her generously.
If Zhongli was the audience Yun Jin most hoped to gain recognition from, then Zhu Tao was the type of audience Yun Jin liked the most.
Since Ningguang's private banquet began, aside from waiting for Mr. Yun's performance, most of Zhu Tao's attention was focused on Yuto's table. The reason was simple: the quality of the guests was out of this world. What man could resist the temptation of such beauty?
However, although Zhu Tao was lustful, he wasn't foolish. Few of the women at that table were easy to deal with. Ningguang and Ganyu, two high-ranking officials of Liyue, naturally went without saying.
As for Inazuma, he heard that the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine was a great yokai with five hundred years of cultivation, not to be provoked. As for Kuki Shinobu, news of her fierce debate with Ningguang over tariff issues had spread throughout Liyue Harbor. Moreover, Kuki Shinobu was a legal expert, so she couldn't be provoked either.
The Traveler's famous reputation had already spread throughout Liyue, so how could one provoke her? As for the little flying fairy… uh… not my type.
After this calculation, only that exceptionally elegant woman was unknown to me. Why not try her?
Just as he saw Yun Jin step off the stage and walk over, Zhu Tao also scurried after her. Under the guise of greeting Yun Jin, he skillfully brought up the elegant woman.
"Hmm? This white… white-haired girl looks so special, just like an immortal. Could it be… you are the divine damsel in Mr. Yun's play? And isn't this the famous Traveler? Hehehe, it seems I truly didn't come in vain this time.
Do you mind if I pull up a chair? Come, let's chat together…"
Shenhe saw this clueless fellow sit down directly, and her expression instantly turned cold. The surrounding air also became sharp.
"If you don't want to finish the rest of your wine with your nose or eyes, it would be better to leave quickly."
Hearing that this woman dared to threaten him, Zhu Tao quickly stood up and shouted angrily: "Hey! What do you want to do? I am an honored guest invited by Lord Ningguang, a famous big merchant of Liyue! Do you still want to make a move here? How ignorant!"
Seeing Shenhe about to lose her temper, Ningguang, who was entertaining other guests nearby, quickly rushed over.
"Mr. Zhu, Miss Shenhe, has something happened?"
Upon seeing Ningguang arrive, Zhu Tao instantly gained confidence. With Ningguang backing him, dealing with an ignorant little girl would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it?
"Lord Ningguang, you've finally arrived! Please judge this. I merely wanted to sit down and have a drink with this white-haired girl, and she threatened me, wanting to force me to drink the remaining wine with my nose and eyes. What kind of guests do you invite?"
Ningguang heard this, glanced at Shenhe's fierce expression and Yuto's playful look, and her face completely darkened. With a grim expression, she said: "Mr. Zhu, everyone who comes to this banquet is an honored guest of Ningguang. By obstructing my guests like this, are you disrespecting Ningguang?"
"Hic! All honored guests, yes, but honored guests also have different ranks. What is my status? What is her status as a little girl? And she dares to speak rudely to me."
Seeing that this fool was completely beyond saving, Ningguang said with a stern face: "Since that is the case, then there is nothing left for Mr. Zhu and I to cooperate on. Let's part ways amicably."
When Zhu Tao heard Ningguang's words, half of his drunkenness instantly cleared. If he lost his cooperation with Ningguang, his vast business would inevitably be targeted. He quickly explained: "Ning… Lord Ningguang, you must be joking, right? Our contracts are all under Lord of Geo's contract. This is no laughing matter."
Ningguang: "It's true there's a contract, but it also clearly states the conditions for breach. You won't be shortchanged a single Mora for what's due.
Furthermore, to make sure you understand why you're being dismissed, this white-haired girl you speak of is named Shenhe. She is a disciple of the three Adepti: Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver. She is also the junior sister of Ganyu, the Qixing secretary.
Most importantly, she is currently the beloved of Inazuma Regent—Mr. Yuto—and the future Regent's wife of Inazuma. Is that reason sufficient?
Guards! Escort the guest out!"
When Zhu Tao heard Ningguang's explanation, his drunkenness completely vanished instantly. Cold sweat poured down him, and he immediately knelt and begged for mercy. However, the Millelith on the Jade Chamber would not be polite with him.
Good heavens, the Inazuma Regent had just saved the lives of several hundred of their brothers during the day, and by night, a Liyue merchant was openly flirting with and provoking the Regent's wife.
How could this be tolerated? It completely disgraced Liyue. They quickly seized the merchant named Zhu Tao and took him downstairs for a proper 'reception.'
You heard it, didn't you? Miss Shenhe wanted him to drink with his nose and eyes, so we must satisfy that wish, somehow.
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