Chapter 234

"I heard from Shenhe that you participated in the recent battle at Guyun Stone Forest, Miss Ganyu?"

"Mm~"

"Lady Ningguang said it was a dangerous situation?"

"Not really... Compared to the Archon Wars I fought in long ago, this battle was relatively mild. Still, I didn't expect Shenhe to be so powerful…"

"Really?"

"Yes... Since you couldn't see the fight, you wouldn't know. Shenhe fought Beisht one-on-one, wielding her spear with such force that everyone was stunned."

"So Shenhe's that strong, huh... Having such a formidable employee around really gives me a sense of security. Looks like I'll have to increase Shenhe's bonus in the future…"

"Ugh…"

"Does it hurt?"

"No… it feels really good... This essential oil massage is completely different from the massages I've had before."

"Right? Please lift your leg."

"Oh!"

"Lady Ningguang will be hosting a banquet at the Jade Chamber next week. Will you be attending, Miss Ganyu?"

"Of course."

"Yunjin will be performing a new opera. We can sit together and watch."

"Mm~"

"Did you finish the instant noodles I gave you?"

"There are still two packs left."

"I'll make some new flavors tomorrow for you all to try."

"New flavors? Did you cultivate a new type of mushroom again?"

"Mm."

"I can't wait!"

"Right, please lift your waist."

"Oh!"

"Miss Ganyu, you have a great figure."

"It's all thanks to you, Mr. Xia. If it weren't for your help, with how much I eat, I'd surely be overweight by now."

"A bit chubby can be cute, too."

"No way!"

"Are you still busy with work these days, Miss Ganyu?"

"Yes, but once this period is over, the Qixing plans to form a new secretarial team. I should have a much lighter workload then."

"Congratulations."

---

When the massage was finished, Ganyu looked rejuvenated, as though she had been deeply nourished. She felt amazing, though her body was now covered in essential oil, leaving her a bit self-conscious.

"Miss Ganyu, you should take another bath."

"Mm, thank you for your hard work, Mr. Xia."

"It's no problem."

Blushing, Ganyu headed to the bathroom for another shower.

Xia Zhi cast a [Warmth] spell to dry the small bed that had gotten damp during the massage, tidied up the space, and then walked to the back room door.

"Zhu Zi, you're next."

"Coming!" 

Zhu Zi dashed into the back room and nimbly climbed onto the small bed, lying down.

"Boss, this smells amazing. Is it a new incense?"

"No, it's a new aromatic essential oil I recently developed. I just used it on Miss Ganyu."

"I want to try it, too!"

"You're not as overworked as Miss Ganyu."

"But I've been working five days straight! I'm exhausted!"

"The ingredients for the essential oil are very expensive. It costs extra to use."

"Huh?"

"1,000 Mora."

"Never mind then…"

"But the first trial is free."

"I want to try it!"

"Alright, turn over."

"Okay! …Hiss… This feels so strange…"

"That's how essential oils work. Are you still writing that novel?"

"Not at all!"

"Your neck joints are so stiff. You've been staying up late again these past few nights, haven't you?"

"Ugh…"

"No wonder you said you're tired. What time have you been going to bed?"

"I write for a bit and then go to sleep."

"Is that so?"

"It is!"

"Well, manage your time properly. Novels can wait, but your health is more important."

"Got it."

"Tomorrow, remember to visit Lady Ying'er and ask her to send over more cups. We'll need them for the expansion."

"Okay!"

After her massage, Zhu Zi also looked radiant, as though she had been deeply nourished. She felt amazing and noticed a faint floral scent lingering on her skin.

"Go take a bath."

"Mm, thanks, Boss!"

---

Next was Chi Yu. Xia Zhi gave her the same pitch about the essential oil massage, and Chi Yu happily gave it a try, leaving quite satisfied.

Then it was Qiqi's turn. Xia Zhi tested the [Essence of Sun and Moon] on her but found that it didn't have a nourishing effect on a zombie's body. However, after using [Path of the Nether Chef], it worked perfectly.

After that came Diona, who seemed to enjoy the essential oil's effects immensely, making soft, kitten-like sounds of satisfaction.

Finally, it was Shenhe's turn. There wasn't much to say about this session—except to note, once again, that Shenhe's figure was incredible.

Unfortunately, Miss Ganyu was still around tonight…

Feeling slightly regretful, Xia Zhi was tidying up the back room when Greater Lord Rukkhadevata walked in.

She curiously eyed the golden bottle on the small table.

"What's this?"

"Essential oil."

"Didn't you say you'd never tried making it before?"

"I hadn't. But after hearing you say this type of massage was enjoyable, I decided to try creating an essential oil. I tested it on everyone just now, and they all loved it."

"What are the ingredients?"

"Can't you tell?"

"I can identify some, but there are a few I don't recognize. They're probably not from this world, are they?"

"Correct. I added rare materials with nourishing properties. Want to try it? This should be very beneficial for your body."

After a brief hesitation, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded.

"Alright."

"Lie down, then."

"Mm…"

"You didn't accuse me of having ulterior motives."

"...?"

"You're supposed to be my cousin."

"Childish."

"Ha."

"There's something I'm curious about regarding Morax."

"Hm?"

"You said you made a contract with him. Did he approach you first?"

"Yes."

"But you've only been in Liyue for two months. As an external deity, even if you lived next door, someone as cautious as Morax wouldn't normally let you stay so easily."

"You mean he's been unusually kind to me?"

"Yes… If it were me, and I hadn't seen your life firsthand, I'd be deeply wary of you."

"I was puzzled about it too, but after meeting you, I think I have an answer."

"And that is?"

"I suspect… Morax may have encountered a future version of me who traveled back in time."

Xia Zhi spoke softly, recalling the first time he met Zhongli outside the shop. At that time, Morax's gaze carried a profound, knowing look.

"But he didn't mention it directly. Either your guess is wrong, or he has his reasons for keeping it secret."

"Exactly, which is why I haven't asked him… Please lift your leg."

"Okay… Mm~ Mmm…"

---

Meanwhile, in Sumeru's Akademiya, Nahida sat weakly on the floor, her face flushed and her eyes misty.

She felt strange waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

"Why… is this happening?"

----

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