Chapter 209

In the morning, Baizhu came to the shop again.

His face looked a bit haggard, with dark circles under his eyes, seemingly from staying up all night. However, his spirits were high, and his eyes shone brightly.

"Doctor Baizhu, any discoveries?"

"Yes! Using it, I saw an entirely different world!"

"That would be the microscopic world."

"Microscopic? That's an apt term! Yes, the microscopic world. Who would've thought that within a single drop of water, so many living organisms exist?"

"Doctor Baizhu only observed water?"

"No, I observed many other things—hair, leaves, boiled water... I found that only in raw water are these tiny organisms abundant, whereas boiled water has very few. This might be why drinking raw water causes illnesses."

"Indeed."

"By extension, many other illnesses might have similar causes. For instance, wounds becoming inflamed might be due to these tiny organisms invading the wound..."

"Agreed."

"Mr. Xia, you must have already used it to study these things, right?"

"I've only scratched the surface. After all, these findings deviate greatly from traditional medical theories. Without seeing it with your own eyes, even you, Doctor Baizhu, might find it hard to believe, no?"

"That's true."

"I think this could be a new path in medicine. However, my eyesight has deteriorated, and I can no longer continue such studies. If you're interested, Doctor Baizhu, perhaps you could explore this path further."

"I will."

"Research is important, but you should also take care of your health."

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Xia."

Baizhu expressed his gratitude sincerely before leaving.

---

In the afternoon, Xingqiu came by the shop.

He was there to deliver fresh reeds and to update Xia Zhi on the current state of Mahjong sales.

"At present, we're mainly in the promotion phase. As a new tabletop game, Mahjong is simple and easy to pick up, quickly gaining popularity. Just at Feiyun Tea House alone, it's fully booked every day now..."

Xia Zhi listened quietly to Xingqiu.

He now possessed the skill [Commerce Mastery], which he had obtained from Ningguang. As a business expert, he interpreted Xingqiu's words differently.

"Does the Feiyun Commerce Guild have further promotion plans?"

"Of course. We plan to integrate it into our various industries..."

Xia Zhi shook his head after hearing this.

"No, I'm talking about a large-scale promotional plan."

"A large-scale promotional plan?"

"Something like the grand Cooking King Contest hosted by Liyue's authorities before—large in scale and widely recognized."

"You're suggesting..."

"I think we could organize a similar event—a Mahjong King Tournament."

"Oh? That's a brilliant idea, Mr. Xia. But organizing such a tournament would require approval from Liyue's authorities, which is a hassle to apply for..."

"No need to trouble yourself with that, Young Master Xingqiu."

"Do you have a way, Mr. Xia?"

"I happen to have a bit of a connection with the Tianquan Star. I'll ask her about it later."

"Lady Ningguang? So the rumors are true..."

Xingqiu's expression turned peculiar as he looked at Xia Zhi.

The fact that Ningguang visited Xia Zhi's shop every afternoon for a glass of Rainbow Juice was already a well-known story in Liyue. Various exaggerated versions had even spread.

Things like a wealthy lady falling for him, drugged juice, or a mysterious and terrifying background...

Xia Zhi spoke with a serious face, "Young Master Xingqiu, don't let your imagination run wild. Lady Ningguang and I have a purely innocent friendship."

Xingqiu nodded, "I believe you, Mr. Xia."

Xia Zhi waved his hand helplessly, "Forget it if you don't. I'll ask about the Mahjong King Tournament and let you know once I have news."

"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Xia."

"We're partners afterall"

"I'll visit again tomorrow."

"Alright."

Xingqiu departed.

---

Later in the evening, Ningguang arrived with her personal secretary.

Xia Zhi invited her to the quiet back hall, handing over juice preparation duties to Diona, while he himself went to discuss business with the wealthy lady.

Ningguang, sipping juice through a straw, listened to Xia Zhi's proposal with interest in her eyes. "A Mahjong King Tournament?"

"Yes. Young Master Xingqiu said the application process is cumbersome. I was wondering..."

"Oh, this is just a minor issue. I'll inform the appropriate people. Feiyun Commerce Guild can directly submit the application to the Ministry of Civil Affairs ."

"Thank you, Miss Ningguang."

"Just saying thank you isn't very sincere, Mr. Xia."

"What kind of sincerity does Miss Ningguang desire?"

Ningguang smiled knowingly at him.

"I've heard your massage skills are remarkable, Mr. Xia."

"I know a little."

"You're being modest. Ganyu's secretary work used to wear her out, but ever since she met you, she works even harder yet remains full of energy. I found it curious, and later discovered she visits your shop weekly for massages."

"That's true. Miss Ganyu works hard, so I help her relax."

"Does massage really work that well?"

"It's effective, though results may vary by person."

"May I try it?"

"Miss Ningguang wants to try?"

"Yes. I've been feeling fatigued lately, likely from overthinking..."

"In that case, I'll gladly offer Miss Ningguang a massage."

"I'll pay the standard rate."

"Payment isn't necessary. I'd prefer to thank Miss Ningguang sincerely with the kind of sincerity you desire."

Ningguang couldn't help but laugh.

"Shall we start now?"

"No rush. The shop is closing soon. We can start after hours."

"Why wait?"

"Because massages can cause discomfort or pleasure, and Miss Ningguang might unintentionally make peculiar sounds. If the customers outside hear, it could harm your reputation."

"...You're quite considerate, Mr. Xia."

"Rest assured, Miss Ningguang, my massages are proper and only involve normal areas like arms and back. Nothing inappropriate."

"I trust you, Mr. Xia."

After all, Xia Zhi was someone who could chat and laugh with the Adepti.

Ningguang continued sipping her juice and nibbling on snacks as they chatted.

The two discussed Liyue's commercial development. With his [Commerce Mastery] skill, Xia Zhi conversed with Ningguang effortlessly.

"I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about commerce, Mr. Xia."

"I only know a little. My crude opinions must amuse you."

Ningguang's gaze brightened as she looked at him.

Such a talented individual...

If not for his unique status, she would've liked to recruit him under her wing.

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