"That's only because I don't like the people trying to please me."
Su Ran said it with a shrug. The Interastral Peace Corporation's flattery disgusted him.
Of course, he could easily imagine that, somewhere in the vast universe, those people were still searching desperately for his whereabouts.
He wanted a space station— partly because one day, he intended to venture out into space himself.
Herta's space station was built only to contain a Stellaron.
But Su Ran wanted one for something far more ambitious: to conduct experiments in the cosmos.
Teyvat was too fragile.
If one of his experiments went wrong, the whole continent could shatter— and that was definitely not something he could laugh off.
"If Mr. Su Ran wishes to build a space station," Ningguang said smoothly, "I admit I don't understand the technology—but I could at least provide financial support."
That was just how she was.
Once someone proved their worth, Ningguang would always find a way to form a connection.
Even if that person was Fatui.
Even if he was an Executive.
As long as he could create something that even she found tempting, she would gladly build a bridge rather than burn one.
"Nice idea," Su Ran replied, "but Mora doesn't circulate in the wider universe.
And as for building materials… I'll have to study what Teyvat can offer first."
After all, this was a very special world.
Backward, compared to interstellar civilizations, yes— but also unique.
The Visions themselves were proof of that— a strange, divine power capable of making mortals absurdly strong.
Their limits didn't reach those of a Pathstrider, but even so, the upper tier of Teyvat's beings—like the Archons— were stronger than most Pathstriders could ever dream of.
They might not match an Aeon, but Aeons weren't exactly common.
"If Mr. Su Ran requires assistance," Ningguang said warmly, "you can count on me."
Her tone was sweet enough to drip honey.
Even Keqing couldn't resist nudging her with an elbow.
"This is the bad guy who's keeping the Geo Archon locked up!" she hissed.
That kind of person should be in prison!
Not that any prison on Teyvat could actually hold him— but still! That didn't mean they should be trying to please him!
"Ha."
Ningguang only smiled faintly, offering no explanation.
She understood perfectly well what his words had implied.
There were other civilizations— whole worlds beyond Teyvat.
And if such visitors existed, why shouldn't she open trade with them?
Su Ran's casual remarks had already revealed his extraordinary identity:
unimaginable strength, and intelligence beyond comprehension.
His only flaw, perhaps, was a certain… youthful naïveté.
He might act aloof, but his potential was boundless.
Perhaps one day, even humanity could walk among the stars as he did.
"What do you need a space station for?" came Ei's quiet voice.
"Are you planning to leave Inazuma?"
Su Ran turned to look at her, expression twitching.
"Don't tell me you seriously plan to keep me trapped in that dream forever?"
She wasn't supposed to be a yandere… so why was she acting exactly like one?
She really wanted to lock him in her little black room?
And worse—he'd be the one to build it for her?!
Ei said nothing, but her determined gaze said everything.
Cloud Retainer's gossip radar immediately went off.
Oho, juicy news!
The Geo Archon might have been imprisoned— but apparently the Raiden Shogun was entangled in something far more interesting.
And so, the bird fell silent.
To better eat her melon in peace. 🍉
"For your sake," Ei said softly, "I left Makoto behind.
I followed you all the way to Liyue.
And now you want to leave me too?
Don't you think that's… a little cruel?"
Her eyes were full of sorrow.
The way she looked at him— it was like watching a betrayed lover stare down a scoundrel.
Even Keqing's expression twitched.
Wait, what kind of relationship did these two have?!
Was the Shogun seriously involved with a Fatui Executive?!
"But you've been having fun lately, haven't you?" Su Ran protested weakly.
"I've taken good care of everything—food, lodging, clothing…"
He glanced around helplessly.
Aside from a bird, a deer, and a short adeptus, every other person in the room was female.
Great.
He hadn't even maxed out their favorability yet, and now it was probably all in the negatives.
"Then why not take full responsibility?" Ei shot back.
"I already agreed to marry you!"
Hiss—!
Someone audibly sucked in a sharp breath.
Oh no.
That was it.
His reputation was doomed.
Between a talkative adeptus and a merchant who weaponized gossip for profit, the whole of Liyue would know by sundown.
"Ei," Su Ran sighed, "a forced melon isn't sweet."
"I don't care," she replied, gripping his arm tighter.
"I'd rather eat it anyway than let someone else have it."
Her gaze was unwavering— more resolute than when she'd once stood on the battlefield, blade in hand.
She couldn't crush a demon god with one finger like Su Ran.
She hadn't studied etiquette or diplomacy.
But she could throw a tantrum.
If he refused her… she'd cry, scream, and make his life miserable.
For a warrior, Ei's beauty was devastating.
No one in the room could truly match her.
To think that the same Shogun who had once bathed Inazuma in blood now looked at someone like a sulking lover… how could anyone not feel a twinge of sympathy?
Even Keqing, though she knew it wasn't her place, almost drew her sword to force Su Ran to accept.
"But what about my genius?" Su Ran countered.
"As one of the smartest people in the entire universe, am I supposed to let my brilliance just rot away inside your dream?"
The moment he said that, Ningguang's flicker of sympathy vanished.
She'd nearly forgotten— that dream of his was a one-way trip.
If Su Ran agreed to stay there, her business prospects would vanish with him.
Unacceptable.
Sympathy was cheap.
Profit was not.
And Ningguang was nothing if not a businesswoman.
"Indeed," she said sweetly, "do not forget, Lady Baalzebul— Mr. Su Ran is still a Fatui Executive."
"The title means nothing," Ei shot back immediately.
"The name Raiden Shogun's husband, however— now that would be far more famous."
Ningguang's smile froze.
That's not the point! she thought.
And then—"BAALZEBUL!!! GET OUT HERE AND DIE!!!"
A furious roar erupted outside the Jade Chamber, echoing across all of Liyue Harbor.
~~--------------------------------------
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