Chapter 162

"Mr. Xia, all the money you brought has been deposited into your bank card, please keep it safe."

"Thank you, Manager Andre."

Xia Zhi took the thin card and smiled as he bid farewell.

Leaving Northland Bank, Xia Zhi said: "Well, the money's been deposited, and since we're here in the center of Feiyun Slope, would you like to go shopping?"

Zhu Zi's eyes lit up: "Yes!"

Xia Zhi nodded: "Then go ahead, I'll go to Heyu Tea House to listen to stories and wait for you there."

"Boss isn't coming?"

"It's not appropriate for me to go shopping with you girls."

"But by yourself..."

Shenhe was about to say she wouldn't go shopping.

Ganyu spoke softly: "I'll go to the tea house with Mr. Xia. Junior Sister, you all got paid today, so go enjoy shopping and relax."

Shenhe hesitated, as she actually had no interest in shopping.

At this point, Zhu Zi leaned close to her ear and whispered very quietly: "Let's go, we can buy gifts for the boss."

Shenhe's expression changed, and she nodded.

Zhu Zi also whispered to Qiqi, who paused before nodding as well.

"Boss, we're going shopping then!"

"Mm, go ahead."

Parting here, Xia Zhi and Ganyu went to Heyu Tea House, which was quite peaceful at this time.

The two found an empty table in a corner and ordered a pot of good tea from Qiaoying Village.

The tea master on stage was telling stories, specifically about a grand event that happened recently at Guyun Stone Forest - "The South Cross Fighting Tournament."

"...For this fighting tournament, the first rule was that participants must be renowned! The second rule was that participants couldn't possess Visions!..."

"...Beidou prepared a specially precious prize for this fighting tournament, which was - an ownerless Vision!..."

"...Participants gathered like clouds, and in the end, even the Traveler who helped Liyue Harbor repel the god Osial was attracted to join!..."

Seeing Xia Zhi listening with great interest, Ganyu smiled lightly: "I didn't expect Mr. Xia would enjoy such tales?"

Xia Zhi nodded and smiled: "I've loved listening to elders tell legendary stories since childhood. After learning to read, I read books myself. Now that my eyes can't see, I can only listen to storytellers."

Ganyu's expression became somewhat apologetic, feeling she had inadvertently touched on Mr. Xia's wound.

Xia Zhi continued: "Although I can't see with my eyes anymore, it's not all bad. My sense of smell, taste, and hearing have become more sensitive..."

Ganyu held her cup, saying softly: "Mm, I've read similar records in books. Where there's loss, there's gain."

Xia Zhi looked at her, his tone suddenly becoming serious: "Miss Ganyu... there's something I'd like to ask you..."

Ganyu saw his serious expression and unconsciously sat up straight: "What would Mr. Xia like to ask?"

Xia Zhi beckoned her closer, then leaned to her ear and whispered: "Is the Tianshu Star preparing for the next election?"

Ganyu felt warm breath on her earlobe, causing a ticklish sensation that made her cheeks flush slightly red, but hearing his words, she was surprised and turned to look at him: "This matter is still in preparation and hasn't been made public. How does Mr. Xia know about it?"

"Don't worry, Miss Ganyu, I heard it by chance."

"Heard it?"

"Yes, a few days ago while walking outside with Zhu Zi and Shenhe, because my hearing is more sensitive than normal people's, I accidentally heard some sounds from a certain direction. Out of curiosity, I listened more carefully and unexpectedly heard some matters concerning the Qixing."

"I see..."

"Is the current Tianshu Star in poor health?"

"Yes, he's elderly, and recently feels his energy severely declining, finding it difficult to handle matters. Worried this might affect important affairs, he wants to hand over his position. A few days ago, he submitted three candidates to Yuehai Pavilion, and I just approved the documents yesterday."

"Among those three candidates, is there one named Zhiyi?"

"Yes."

"Miss Ganyu, this person might be problematic. He seems to have been bought by someone called Yusupov."

"Yusupov? Could it be the Fatui Ambassador?"

"The reason for the Tianshu Star's severe energy decline isn't due to age, but because he's been poisoned."

"!"

Ganyu's expression changed slightly.

Xia Zhi said quietly: "This is information I overheard. I don't know if it's true or false, but since it concerns the Qixing succession, I thought I should tell Miss Ganyu."

Ganyu nodded, her expression solemn: "Thank you for the warning, Mr. Xia. I will report this matter. Since it involves the Fatui, we must be cautious..."

Xia Zhi left it at that, not asking more about these matters, and lifted his teacup for a drink, continuing to listen to the storyteller.

Ganyu, however, lost her previous relaxed demeanor, becoming preoccupied, even finding the tea in her cup somewhat bitter.

On stage, the tea master was saying: "...That person knew they couldn't defeat the Traveler, and with evil thoughts, conspired with the treasure hoarders to secretly steal that Vision!..."

Listening, Xia Zhi developed some interest in this Traveler named Lumine mentioned by the storyteller.

During regular business hours, he had heard some rumors about her from customers at his shop.

She was a girl without a Vision, always accompanied by a flying fairy companion called Paimon.

She came from Mondstadt and had faced Stormterror, helping resolve the "Dragon's Blight" that plagued Mondstadt.

She was a newcomer to the Adventurers' Guild, but the fastest to raise her Adventure Rank. There was no commission she couldn't complete at the Guild - even if it was building a snowman atop Dragonspine, as long as the reward was enough, she would complete it perfectly.

Xia Zhi quite wanted to meet her.

Such a strong person, even without a Vision, should have a progress bar.

Unfortunately, after participating in the South Cross Fighting Tournament, she had left for Inazuma with Beidou's fleet. Who knows when she would return to Liyue.

After listening to this part of the story and having two more cups of tea, Zhu Zi, Shenhe, and Qiqi entered Heyu Tea House.

"Boss! We're back!"

"You finished shopping so quickly?"

"We shopped for over an hour!"

"Don't girls usually shop for a whole day?"

"Things in Feiyun Slope are too expensive! Besides, we're taking Yaoyao and Qiqi to the tailor at Chihu Rock this afternoon to make clothes, we can shop there! But we still bought quite a few things!"

"I see, are you thirsty? Want some tea?"

"What kind of tea?"

"Good tea from Qiaoying Village, 150 Mora per pot, there's half a pot left. Would be a waste not to finish it."

"Sure!"

After finishing the tea, everyone left Heyu Tea House, walking down the stairs, preparing to return to the shop.

Ganyu stopped in the street, her face apologetic.

"Sorry, I have urgent matters and need to return to Yuehai Pavilion immediately. I can't join everyone's activities today."

"It's fine, Miss Ganyu should attend to her business, official matters are important. Oh right, Miss Ganyu, I happen to know a bit about poisons. If you encounter any difficulties in that area, perhaps I could be of some help."

"Mm... goodbye everyone!"

"Goodbye, Miss Ganyu!"

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