After a moment of fruitless contemplation, Ningguang gave a slight shake of her head. "Baiwen!"
Her secretary appeared promptly. "You called, my lady?"
"That assignment regarding the recruitment of specialists to investigate the Ruin Guards. What is the status?"
"The notice has been posted, Lady Ningguang," Baiwen reported. "The substantial reward you offered has attracted a great many applicants. We should have suitable candidates identified shortly."
"Good." Ningguang nodded. "And the other matter? The inquiries to the Vision holders, regarding their availability to serve as escorts for the investigation team?"
This was no ordinary mission; the potential for danger was high. The Millelith alone would be overwhelmed if they faced a pack of Ruin Guards—a guaranteed catastrophe.
Baiwen consulted her notes. "As you instructed, we did not approach Miss Ganyu. Miss Xiangling said her schedule is clear and she is ready to assist at a moment's notice. Regarding Miss Qiqi... I visited Bubu Pharmacy but did not find her. Boss Baizhu informed me she is currently occupied, assisting him with gathering herbs."
Ningguang gave a slight nod; this was all within her expectations. She waited, but when no further report was forthcoming, her brow furrowed. "Well? Continue."
Baiwen faltered. "My lady?"
Ningguang tapped her pipe lightly against the desk, a hint of impatience in the gesture. "Director Hu Tao of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. What was her response?"
"Ah... that..." Baiwen's expression turned deeply hesitant. "Lady Ningguang, given Director Hu's... recent circumstances... are you certain it's wise to approach her?"
"A few days have passed. She may have recovered her spirits by now," Ningguang replied with a sigh. "Make the inquiry. If Director Hu Tao agrees to join the escort, I will have true peace of mind. Otherwise, I fear either Lady Keqing or I will be forced to intervene personally."
"That cannot be! Liyue Harbor cannot spare you or Lady Keqing," Baiwen protested urgently. "Very well. I shall... pay a visit to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Once outside the Jade Chamber, Baiwen's professional composure crumbled, replaced by palpable dread.
Oh, this is terrible. How in the world do I broach this subject?
The incident was public knowledge. Director Hu Tao had been seen on the street, seemingly captivated by a kite at Granny Shan's stall. She had stood there, motionless and lost in thought, for an uncomfortably long time.
The kindly old woman, familiar with the young Director, had asked if she wished to buy something. Instead of a reply, Hu Tao had begun silently weeping.
Flustered, Granny Shan had taken her hand, asking what was wrong. The concern only seemed to make it worse, causing Hu Tao's quiet tears to escalate into loud, heart-wrenching sobs.
In the end, the consultants from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had to be summoned to retrieve their distraught Director.
Coupled with the recent whispers about her drastically altered demeanor, it was clear something profoundly tragic had befallen Hu Tao. The idea of the normally mischievous and irrepressible director in such a state was simply unthinkable.
And now I have to go and bother her? The consultants will toss me into the harbor!
Baiwen groaned, feeling as though she were walking to her own execution.
---
Liyue Harbor
Ji An stepped onto the great wooden bridge leading into the city, the familiar sights and sounds of a major settlement washing over him after his journey from the slopes of Mt. Tianheng.
Finally. The smell of a proper city!
His face was a mask of calm, but his eyes betrayed him, alight with an excitement he could scarcely contain as he took in the bustling streets and elegant architecture.
From the moment he had arrived in Teyvat, a normal, peaceful day had been a distant dream. The thought alone was enough to bring a tear to his eye.
But now—now he was back!
A theater! I could listen to some music! A teahouse! Maybe catch an opera!
A restaurant! I could devour a feast! Heh heh heh...
His pace quickened with anticipation as he plunged into the heart of the harbor.
'Grilled Tiger Fish! Tasty and inexpensive!'
A delicious aroma snagged his attention, pulling him toward a bustling establishment called 'Wanmin Restaurant.' The skewers of fish sizzled invitingly, their skin a perfect golden-brown, promising tender, flaky meat beneath.
"Hey there, young man! Care to sample the best grilled fish in Liyue?" a cheerful, booming voice called out. It was a robust man who could only be the chef.
Yes! Absolutely!
Ji An's stomach growled in agreement, but his enthusiasm was abruptly cut short by a cold, hard realization.
He was broke.
The local currency was Mora, and his pockets were utterly devoid of it.
Damn. Should've hunted down a few more Treasure Hoarder camps. What now? Get a job?
He dismissed the thought instantly.
No. Not happening. I didn't survive all that just to end up flipping skewers for a living.
Maybe... 'Arcane Crafting'? I could whip up something valuable...
But selling goods with no provenance? A complete outsider like me would raise immediate suspicion. They'd probably slap me with a fine for unlicensed vending before I could even name a price.
"Son," the chef said, his voice softening as he noticed Ji An's internal struggle. "Looks like you're a little short on Mora?"
"Ahem... well, you see..." Ji An stammered, his face growing warm.
"Tell you what. This one's on the house." Before Ji An could protest, the man selected a perfectly cooked, aromatic skewer and held it out.
"Oh, no, I couldn't possibly—" Ji An began, flustered.
The chef wouldn't hear it. He firmly pressed the skewer into Ji An's hand. "You're not from around here, are you? Traveled a long way?"
"I... yes. From quite far away," Ji An admitted, the warm skewer feeling both comforting and humiliating in his hand.
The chef's face softened into a knowing, paternal smile. "It's tough being on your own in a strange place. I've got a daughter about your age. I often wonder, if she were far from home and in a pinch, would someone be kind to her? Can't help but worry."
"Consider this my good deed for the day. No need to pay me back. Just promise me that if you see someone else in a tight spot someday, you'll lend them a hand. Pass it on."
"...I will. Thank you, Uncle."
Ji An nodded, his grip tightening on the simple wooden skewer. A profound warmth spread through his chest, momentarily overwhelming his hunger.
The fish itself was a cheap commodity. The kindness, however, was priceless.
This was the paradox of the world. Just when despair seemed to cloud everything, a stranger's simple act of grace could cut through it, a reminder that goodness persisted.
It was for moments like this that Ji An had never truly lost faith.
Later, his stomach full and his spirit lifted, Ji An wandered the streets, his mind returning to the practical problem of acquiring Mora.
His attention was caught by a small crowd gathered around a public notice board. Driven by curiosity, he ambled over and scanned the postings.
His eyes widened as they landed on one in particular, its provenance making it stand out from the rest:
[RECRUITMENT NOTICE]
The Jade Chamber seeks individuals proficient in mechanics or ancient machinery.
Reward: 1,000,000 Mora
-------
A/n: Hey over on my patreon there are currently two for the time being exclusive books which are
Zenless Zone Zero: Loving Daily Life Starting in New Eridu
Honkai Impact 3rd, I Can Transform into a Valkyrie!
patreon.com/deadlygoober