Chapter 212

The sun rose.

"Miss Ningguang, you should rest now." 

"Alright." 

"I'll fetch you some water." 

"Okay." 

Ningguang lifted her head from the notes in her hands and glanced at the faint morning light outside the window. She gently twisted her stiff neck. 

Her eyes felt dry, her mouth bitter, and her waist ached slightly... 

These were the effects of sitting for too long and staying up late. 

Despite the physical discomfort, it was worth it to read through these notes! 

Ningguang lowered her head and looked at the stack of notes, her eyes carrying a unique gleam. 

No one but herself could understand just how much power these seemingly lightweight pages held. 

Currency Wars... Currency Wars... This was something that could alter the balance of the Seven Nations... 

Ningguang couldn't help but fall into deep thought. 

Until her personal secretary arrived with a basin of water. 

"Miss Ningguang, please freshen up." 

"Alright." 

After washing her face and applying a warm towel to her eyes, Ningguang felt much better. 

"Today is Friday, isn't it?" 

"Yes." 

"Beidou should be returning from Inazuma soon, right?" 

"Within the next couple of days." 

"When she arrives, inform me immediately. I'll rest for now. You should get some sleep too. Wake me up at noon." 

"Understood, Miss Ningguang!" 

Ningguang carefully packed up the notes, taking them with her. The gravity of the contents meant she could only feel secure if she kept them close. 

---

In the afternoon, Ganyu, having completed all her work as usual, left early. 

She returned to her home on Yujing Terrace, took a bath, changed clothes, bought some fruit, and timed her arrival perfectly at Summer shop—only to find the door closed. 

Ganyu paused in surprise and stepped forward to knock. 

"Who is it?" 

"It's me." 

"Miss Ganyu? One moment." 

A moment later, Zhu Zi opened the door and invited her in. 

"Why is the shop closed today?" 

"We have an important guest, so it's not convenient to stay open." 

"Important guest?" 

Ganyu entered the shop, her face puzzled, and then she noticed Baishi standing nearby. 

Immediately, she heard a familiar, peculiar sound coming from the back room. 

Ganyu's expression turned strange. 

Zhu Zi's "important guest" must be... Ningguang, the Tianquan Star? 

Was Mr. Xia giving her a massage? 

---

"Miss Baishi." 

"Secretary Ganyu." 

The two nodded at each other in greeting. 

Ganyu placed the fruit she had brought to the side, casually grabbed a cloth, and joined the others in cleaning the shop. 

Baishi, perhaps feeling awkward standing idle, eventually joined in as well. 

---

In the back room. 

Ningguang closed her eyes in bliss. 

"Massages feel even better after a night of hard work." 

"Right?" 

"Mr. Xia, have you ever considered working in government?" 

"Not interested." 

"Sigh... I read through all the notes you gave me last night." 

"And?" 

"Mr. Xia, you're a true genius!" 

"I just jotted down some casual thoughts. It's enough if they're helpful to you." 

"They're incredibly helpful! Though just a few words, they're like pearls of wisdom, as if you've opened the door to a whole new world for me. My previous understanding of commerce now seems so shallow and narrow..." 

"Those are just abstract theories. You still need to adapt them to Liyue's practical circumstances." 

"Yes, you're right." 

---

"I've heard that Miss Ningguang has many admirers?" 

"They're... annoying." 

"Haha." 

"Let's not talk about that... Are you truly unwilling to work in government? I could propose to the other Qixing to give you a position like Ganyu's." 

"I'd work myself to death." 

"How about a lighter role, like a business consultant?" 

"No, thank you." 

"What a shame... With your help, the prosperity of Liyue's human governance would surely be within reach." 

"Miss Ningguang, you overestimate me. Please turn over." 

"Oh..." 

"However, if you ever encounter a problem, feel free to come and talk to me." 

"That works too..." 

"By the way, how's the reconstruction of the Jade Chamber coming along?" 

"Almost finished." 

"That fast? It's been less than two months, hasn't it?" 

"With Geo Vision adventurers helping and plenty of workers, the progress has been swift." 

"I see." 

 ( name changed from Thousand-Fold Core to Wonder Core ;-; )

"Now we just need the Wonder Core." 

"Any leads?" 

"Yes, Old Zhang from Hanfeng Ironmongers will forge it. He forged the last Wonder Core for the Jade Chamber as well. However, the process requires two special ores: Star Splinter Iron and Subrosium. I've already sent people to search near Mt. Tianheng." 

"Once you have the Wonder Core, will the Jade Chamber ascend again?" 

"Yes." 

Using his omniscient "sight," Xia Zhi noticed that Ningguang's expression wasn't one of happiness but of seriousness. 

He quietly finished her massage and gave her a discounted price. 

Ningguang felt completely refreshed, the fatigue from her all-nighter gone. 

Mr. Xia's skills were truly exceptional. 

---

When Ningguang walked out of the back room, her eyes met Ganyu's. 

Both of their expressions turned slightly awkward. 

After all, under normal circumstances, this should have been work hours at Yuehai Pavilion. 

Yet both the boss and the secretary had skipped out for relaxation, coincidentally at the same shop, with the same masseur... 

Well, it couldn't be helped. The masseur was just that good. 

With a smile, Ningguang greeted, "Secretary Ganyu." 

"Miss Ningguang, were you getting a massage?" 

"Yes. I stayed up late last night and felt exhausted, so I came to Mr. Xia to relax. Baishi, you didn't rest well last night either. Why don't you have Mr. Xia give you a massage too?" 

"No, no need, Miss Ningguang!" 

"It's fine. It'll count as a business expense. Go on, go on." 

With a flushed face, Baishi was ushered into the back room by Ningguang. 

A moment later, another peculiar sound came from inside. 

Ningguang sat down and waited quietly. 

When Baishi emerged, looking thoroughly relaxed, Ningguang didn't rush to leave. 

Since she was already here, she might as well stay for dinner. 

Ganyu cast her a glance, feeling like a treasured secret of hers had been shared with someone else. 

Oh well. 

At least I can still play games tonight. 

---

After dinner, Ningguang and Baishi bid farewell. 

Later that evening, Ganyu sat on her bed, chatting with Shenhe, when she suddenly noticed a faint pink sheen on Shenhe's fingernails. 

"Junior Sister, what's that?" 

"Nail polish." 

"Nail polish?" 

"Just a little thing I tried for fun earlier." 

Shenhe covered her fingers and casually changed the subject. 

"Senior Sister, the boss and Young Master Xingqiu have discussed hosting a Mahjong King Tournament soon." 

"Mahjong King?" 

"Yes, Mahjong. The boss has already talked to Miss Ningguang about it, and the application process should be completed soon. Once it's approved, participants can start signing up. With your luck, Senior Sister, you might have a good chance of winning the championship." 

"Hehe..."

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