"Honored guest, if you wish to continue experiencing the mobile game, you will need to pay with Mora," Lin Yu said with a gentle smile.
Jean felt the pouch at her waist; she wasn't carrying much Mora.
She had been working at the Knights' Headquarters and had only intended to step out for a short walk to get some fresh air. It was already late at night, so she naturally hadn't thought to bring any money with her.
All she had was a few thousand Mora in loose change.
Not even enough for a single hour.
But the plot had reached a critical point, and Jean was desperate to know what would happen next.
"Shopkeeper, could you put it on a tab for me? I can have someone from the Knights come by to pay you back."
"I'm sorry, but this establishment does not offer credit," Lin Yu refused without a moment's hesitation.
Jean took a deep breath. She hadn't expected the owner to be so inflexible. Her tone became serious as she asked, "Shopkeeper, do you know who I am?"
"My apologies, miss. Regardless of your status, once you step into my shop, you are my customer. The only difference lies in the amount of Mora paid to enjoy different services."
The shopkeeper maintained his calm, unruffled demeanor, but there was a playful glint in his eyes that made it clear he knew exactly who she was.
Based on the miraculous nature of the mobile game, Jean concluded that this man was no ordinary person. He seemed completely unfazed by her status as the Acting Grand Master.
"Very well, Shopkeeper. I will go back and get the money."
Jean was decisive. She picked up her shawl and prepared to return to the Knights' Headquarters.
However, Lin Yu offered a "thoughtful" reminder:
"Grand Master Jean, seeing the fatigue in your eyes, it's clear you haven't had a proper rest in many days and nights. I suggest a balance between work and rest is for the best."
Jean, who had already reached the doorway, paused when she heard this.
She turned her head and gave Lin Yu a gracious smile.
"Thank you."
Upon returning to the Knights' Headquarters, Jean did not follow Lin Yu's advice to rest. Instead, she went straight to her desk and began working.
Her experience tonight had served as a significant warning. She needed to immediately formulate a set of city defense measures.
If events were truly to unfold as they had in the mobile game, Jean had to be prepared and do everything possible to minimize the risk of an attack on Mondstadt.
Without her noticing, the darkness outside the window gave way to the first light of dawn.
The office door opened, and a woman with a mature, graceful charm walked in, letting out a yawn.
"Yawn... Jean... you pulled another all-nighter, didn't you?"
"This really isn't good for you. A lack of sleep is the greatest enemy of a young lady's beauty, you know."
Jean paid no mind to Lisa's teasing. She put down her pen and walked over to Lisa with a solemn expression.
Seeing Jean like this, Lisa couldn't help but shake her head slightly.
It seemed some new trouble had arisen.
"Lisa, last night, I discovered something in Mondstadt that requires our immediate attention."
"Oh? What is it?"
Lisa leaned languidly against the railing as she listened to Jean recount the previous night's events.
As she listened, Lisa's casual expression slowly turned serious.
Her lazy posture straightened into a proper standing position.
"From your description, the owner of this 'Mobile Game Hall' might have a rather extraordinary background..."
An imperceptible glint flashed in Lisa's emerald eyes.
"Right now, I'm more concerned about Stormterror. If it really attacks Mondstadt, the losses will be catastrophic. That's why I spent the night drafting a plan to strengthen the city's defenses."
As she spoke, Jean gestured to the various documents laid out on her desk for Lisa to see.
Lisa gently patted Jean's shoulder. "You don't need to show me. I trust you. But that shopkeeper... he is quite intriguing, isn't he?"
"That is precisely what I need to ask of you," Jean said, her expression serious. "I have to personally oversee the implementation of these measures, so I won't have any time. But what's happening in that mobile game is also critically important. So, Lisa, I can only ask you to go and experience it for me."
Lisa nodded.
Jean's description had piqued her curiosity as well.
"Oh, and this."
Jean took a slip of paper from her pocket.
"The owner said this is my 'account' and 'password'. If you don't use this account, you'll have to start from the very beginning."
A look of interest crossed Lisa's face. She took the slip of paper, said, "I understand," and immediately set off for the address Jean had given her.
---o---
"He's certainly hidden away."
At the end of the street, Lisa looked at the shop. The sign above the door read "Mobile Game Experience Hall."
This was the place.
It was indeed in a remote location. If one wasn't specifically looking for it, they would likely never notice it.
"Welcome to the Mobile Game Experience Hall."
A young man greeted her with a smile.
"You're the owner of this shop? I didn't expect you to be so young."
"And you, esteemed guest, are very young and beautiful yourself," Lin Yu returned the compliment.
"Hehe..." Lisa covered her mouth and let out a charming laugh. "Such a sweet talker... You see, this older sister was referred here. I heard that new customers get a free two-hour trial, is that right?"
Lin Yu nodded.
"Yes, but unfortunately, that was yesterday's grand opening promotion. After our system maintenance at 4 AM, the event has already ended."
"Does that mean if I want to play now, I'll have to pay 10,000 Mora an hour?"
Lisa's eyes fell on the price list inside the shop.
"That's correct. Although the free trial for new customers has ended, we have a new promotion. Top up 100,000 Mora and receive a bonus of 50,000 Mora. It's a limited-time offer, so don't miss out."