Chapter 402: Rebuilding the Jade Chamber

"Steam engine? Steam power?"

Ningguang's crimson eyes reflected the figures of Nolan and Hu Tao, who stood beside him. Compared to the tricycle he had mentioned earlier, a variation of the traditional bicycle, this "steam engine" caught her attention far more.

Ningguang had once traveled to the distant nation of Fontaine for business negotiations.

That land boasted advanced technology, including mechanical guards that protected cities and steel ships capable of carrying passengers and cargo, all powered by something called "Arkhe energy."

If this so-called steam engine could achieve similar feats, it would undoubtedly warrant thorough research.

"Yes, let me elaborate on its potential applications."

Nolan nodded and explained the principles of the steam engine, along with its possible uses, such as steam trains and steamships.

"This seems like a revolutionary product. I'll arrange for a team to study it," Ningguang said, crossing her arms and nodding slightly.

With a concrete theoretical foundation and examples of practical applications from another world as guidance, it shouldn't be too difficult for scholars to develop a steam engine.

[Ningguang Has Developed Good Feelings Toward You. Obtained 260 Affection Points. Current Affection Level Lv.6 (560/600)]

Ningguang was pleased with Nolan's presentation of the steam engine—a concept with immense potential for application and the ability to significantly boost productivity.

After some thought, she continued, "Now that we've finished discussing business, let's move on to personal matters."

"Personal matters?" Nolan asked with a smile, sensing a request coming. "Does Ningguang need my assistance with something?"

"Precisely. I'm currently preparing to rebuild the Jade Chamber, and I need some key materials: the Sunset Vermillionite, the Wonder Cores, and Adepti Sigils. The first two I'll announce publicly to enlist help in locating them.

"As for the Adepti Sigils... Nolan, since you're acquainted with Shenhe, could I trouble you to visit Mount Aozang and ask her to come to Liyue Harbor?"

Ningguang briefly outlined the help she required.

"Rebuilding the Jade Chamber? Of course, I'd be happy to assist," Nolan replied with a nod and a smile. "Speaking of which, I happen to already have the materials you mentioned."

"Oh? What a coincidence," Ningguang said, her expression showing surprise.

"A while back, Hu Tao, Shenhe, Yun Jin, and I went on a trip to the wilds and stumbled upon the secrets realm left behind by the adeptus Sea Gazer.

"It contained the Sunset Vermillionite you need, and we also found some Crystal, the material for crafting the Wonder Cores."

Nolan briefly recounted the discovery of the domain.

"Yes, yes! That Sunset Vermillionite is enormous—almost the size of a room! Even if you expand the Jade Chamber tenfold, it could still keep it afloat!"

Hu Tao, who had been silent beside Nolan for a while, finally found her chance to chime in.

"A Sunset Vermillionite the size of a room? That's exactly what I need. Then I'll leave it to you to bring the Floating Stone and those Crystal back. I'll purchase them at a price above market value," Ningguang said.

Since Nolan already had the materials, it saved Ningguang the trouble of asking others to search for them.

"No problem. We'll bring them back for you today," Nolan assured her with a nod.

If Ningguang was offering above-market prices, the transaction would likely bring in five or six hundred million Mora. Even split among him, Hu Tao, and the others, it would amount to over a hundred million each.

Tsk, this was truly a path to instant wealth!

"How are you planning to bring back such a massive stone? Are you going to stash it in that portable space of yours that's already crowded with girls?"

As they left the headquarters of the "Sweet Flower Merchant Association," Hu Tao glanced at Nolan and teased him.

"Haha, of course! I'm not going to carry it back on my shoulders. Speaking of which, are you interested in moving in? There are still empty rooms, you know."

Nolan grinned and wrapped an arm around Hu Tao's waist.

Hu Tao was naturally familiar with the concept of the "Wonderland," as she also had a "Waymark" and often chatted with other girls who possessed one.

"No way! I have such a huge Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, so why would I squeeze into such a small place with them? Talk to me when your space becomes bigger than Wangsheng!"

Hu Tao disdainfully pushed Nolan's hand away and began walking toward the Heyu Tea House.

Since they were planning to retrieve the Sunset Vermillionite from the adeptal domain to sell it to Ningguang, it was only appropriate to inform Yun Jin, as she had been part of the group that discovered the domain.

Nolan wasn't a stingy person, especially when it came to his companions.

Notifying Yun Jin and figuring out a way to bring her along was also an excellent opportunity to deepen their bond.

Before long, Nolan and Hu Tao arrived at the Heyu Tea House, which was affiliated with the Yunhan Opera Troupe. When they asked to see Yun Jin, the manager, Yun Ning, informed them that Yun Jin was practicing her singing and was unavailable.

Nolan understood Yun Ning's watchful care over Yun Jin.

He decided to use telepathic communication to explain the situation to Yun Jin and ask if she wanted to join them for a bit of fun.

"I think balancing work and rest is important. Sneak over and pick me up, but be careful not to let Yun Ning see, or she'll lecture me again!"

Yun Jin's voice resonated in Nolan's mind.

"Haha, that's easy. Hu Tao and I will pretend to leave the tea house, then come back and sneak you out."

Nolan didn't say something foolish like, "Wait until we leave and teleport over."

Yun Jin was the type to abide by rules and take her responsibilities seriously. Leaving on her own would make her feel guilty, considering her role as the head of the Yunhan Opera Troupe and the responsibilities that came with it.

But if Nolan snuck in to bring her out, it would shift the perspective. In that case, her outing would feel passive—though she wanted to go, it would seem as though someone else had forced her to leave.

Even if they were caught later, she could claim that someone else had dragged her out, reducing her feelings of guilt significantly.

It might seem a little self-deceptive, but human psychology is often subtle and complex.

Nolan and Hu Tao left the Heyu Tea House and, after finding a secluded corner, activated stealth mode before looping back toward the Yunhan Opera Troupe.

Guided by Yun Jin's directions, they quickly found her.

It was morning—the perfect time for vocal practice—and Yun Jin was in a rehearsal room, showcasing her sweet, melodic voice.

To avoid disturbing her, the area around her practice room was deserted.

Even Yun Ning wouldn't interrupt, so Nolan and Hu Tao managed to whisk Yun Jin away quietly, without attracting attention.

A few dozen meters away from the Heyu Tea House, in a secluded alley...

Nolan deactivated stealth mode, and the three of them became visible.

"Phew, we're out," Yun Jin said, breathing a slight sigh of relief at her successful escape.

"Wow, Yun Jin, aren't you the boss of the Yunhan Opera Troupe? Why do you have to sneak around just to step outside? Look at me—I'm the boss of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If I want to go out, I just go out. Nobody dares stop me!"

Hu Tao spread her hands and teased her.

"When there are no performances, I can go out freely. But I have a show at the tea house tonight, so I need to rehearse to avoid any mishaps on stage," Yun Jin replied, shaking her head. "It's not as dramatic as you make it sound."

"Oh, so I'm the bad guy for sneaking you out this time?" Nolan joked. "Should I send you back to avoid any trouble with tonight's performance?"

"No way! We rarely get to go out together. I can practice this afternoon instead," Yun Jin said, her face slightly flushed.

[Yun Jin Has Developed Good Feelings Toward You. Obtained 280 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.7 (0/700)]

She's so adorable. Nolan couldn't help but think as he glanced at Yun Jin's blushing face.

Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Yun Jin and Hu Tao, giving a light cough before saying, "Alright, let's go. Next stop—Shenhe's place."

Yun Jin and Hu Tao exchanged glances, their faces reddening further before they nodded, pretending nothing had happened.

In his mind, Nolan contacted Shenhe to let her know they were teleporting to her location. Soon, the three of them vanished from the secluded alley, unnoticed by anyone.

---

(End of Chapter)

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