Chapter 287

Entering the dream world.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata looked somewhat helpless. "Cousin, you're late again today."

Shenhe glanced at her and said, "We're not that late, are we?"

"Half an hour!"

"Only half an hour…"

"Half an hour in the real world translates to six hours in the dream."

Shenhe didn't argue further.

After all, she and the boss had actually been playing for much longer than half an hour…

Xia Zhi opened his meditation space, and the three of them went inside to play some games and watch two movies.

As Greater Lord Rukkhadevata watched the elementary school in the movie, she suddenly said, "Children in this world aren't as fortunate."

"What do you mean?"

"Opportunities for education. Even in Sumeru, not everyone can enter the academies to seek knowledge. Liyue is even worse. When we go out for walks, we often see children running around with wooden swords, dreaming of becoming great heroes. There are also many children at the docks who love to play as pirate captains… You've seen it too. Although Liyue has a large population, a significant portion of it is illiterate. Children of that age should be in school, receiving proper education."

"That's true…"

"If Ningguang had used the money she spent on building the Jade Chamber to construct schools instead, Liyue's future would undoubtedly be brighter."

"That makes sense."

"I'll talk to Ningguang later and tell her not to just focus on making money but also on spending it wisely."

"I think you're just looking for a new way to have fun…"

"Nonsense! I'm clearly thinking about Liyue's future for the next hundred years!"

"Alright."

Xia Zhi didn't say more.

In fact, Liyue did have schools, but not everyone sent their children to study there, and the teachers at these schools weren't particularly knowledgeable.

Take Yaoyao, for example. With her exceptional talent, Granny Ping preferred to personally guide her.

As Xia Zhi watched the movie, he recalled the scene from the banquet at the Jade Chamber yesterday.

The guests there were all elite figures in Liyue, most of whom had received a good family education, and many of them had treasure chests.

While education and treasure chests weren't absolutely correlated, there was certainly an influence.

If in the future everyone in Liyue could receive a good education, at the very least, he would encounter more people with treasure chests when walking down the street.

That would be a good thing.

Next time during a massage, he'd have to mention this to Miss Ningguang.

After watching the movie, the three of them went out to search for materials.

Xia Zhi took out the [Treasure Compass] from his pocket.

Shenhe took it and looked at it, her expression slightly surprised. "Boss, it seems different from before?"

Xia Zhi nodded. "Yes, I've modified it a bit. Now it can search for better things."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata curiously leaned over. "Let me see… It does look prettier, but it resembles a pocket watch. Cousin, are you jealous that I have a pocket watch, so you secretly made one too?"

"What do you think?"

"I'm sure that's the case!"

"Hmph, women."

"Shenhe! Look! Hit him!"

"Shenhe, don't be afraid, I'll definitely help you!"

"Shenhe…"

Shenhe ignored her, carefully looking at the compass needle. "Boss, it's pointing in that direction."

"Alright, let's go."

A night passed, and the three of them once again experienced the stunning scenery of the dream world. Xia Zhi also gained more points than yesterday.

The investment in the compass was definitely worth it.

Waking from the dream, Xia Zhi practiced spear techniques with Shenhe.

Shenhe's double ponytails eventually came undone.

Xia Zhi picked up Shenhe's jade comb and slowly combed her hair.

"Today's the 29th, right?"

"Yes, October 29th."

"Tomorrow's the 30th, and the day after is November. Time flies."

"The shop will be paying wages again soon."

"Yeah, this month I'll have to give you and Diona a raise."

"Me?"

"The shop next door is yours, of course I'll give you a raise. Consider it rent."

"That's not necessary."

"It's fine, I don't need the money. You can use it as pocket money."

"Okay."

"What do you want to eat today?"

"Something sour."

"You really love sour things. Is it because you've eaten too many herbs before?"

"Maybe…"

"What does fresh Qingxin taste like?"

"Very bitter."

"I can't believe you can eat that. Let me think… I'll make you sweet and sour pork ribs today, a mix of sweet and sour flavors."

"Okay."

"The mahjong tournament starts next week. Do your best."

"Mm."

After chatting in bed for a while, the two of them went downstairs.

Considering that the shop would start selling Rainbow Wine tomorrow, Xia Zhi used the [Dragon-Turning Pot] to brew a jar of wine.

"Boss, this jar is so small. We have quite a few members now. Will it be enough to sell?"

"Since we're aiming to elevate our image, this wine will definitely be a limited supply."

"Limited?"

"Yes, we'll only sell one jar a day. If customers want to drink it, they'll have to come early. This way, Diona won't be too overworked, and we can maintain the mystery and value of the Rainbow Wine."

"Oh!"

"Of course, to make customers feel they're getting their money's worth, I'll make the wine a bit special."

"Special?"

Xia Zhi smiled mysteriously.

He planned to add a drop of [Bliss Rice Wine] to each jar, as a small token of appreciation for the customers who had always supported the shop.

In the afternoon, Miss Yelan came to the shop alone.

She also brought a gift of tea.

"Miss Yelan, you're too kind!"

"It's just some tea from my own shop. A small gesture, not worth much."

"Then thank you."

"I'm here to ask Mr. Xia for another massage."

"No problem."

Xia Zhi invited Miss Yelan to the back hall, had her remove her clothes, and lie down on the small bed. He was surprised to find that Yelan had some fresh injuries on her body, seemingly from just yesterday.

"Miss Yelan, how did you get injured again?"

"Just minor injuries, Mr. Xia. Don't worry about it."

"Did Miss Yelan go on another mission?"

"Yes."

"If Miss Yelan got injured, the mission must have been quite difficult, right?"

"It was manageable."

Yelan didn't disclose the specifics of the mission, likely due to confidentiality.

Xia Zhi didn't ask further and quietly treated her wounds, then applied essential oil.

Under the dual stimulation of pain and pleasure, Yelan bit her lip lightly, her face flushing with a strange redness.

This person…

Once the massage was over, Miss Yelan's injuries had already healed.

"Thank you, Mr. Xia."

"You're welcome."

"How much do I owe you?"

"We're friends…"

"Even friends have to pay."

"No, what I mean is, you can give me a friend's discount."

"Hmm… this price is even cheaper than going to the pharmacy for treatment."

"Right? We added a bathhouse to the shop yesterday. Miss Yelan, why don't you go take a soak?"

"Alright. It seems I'll be troubling Mr. Xia a lot in the future."

"Feel free to come anytime."

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