Chapter 319

"It's been a few days, and Mr. Xia's juice-making skills have improved!" Hu Tao said.

"Right?"

"When I was at the Stone Gate, something interesting happened related to the instant noodles you made. Let me tell you about it."

"Oh?"

So, Hu Tao recounted the story of the "Instant Noodle Resurrection" to Xia Zhi.

Xia Zhi found it amusing and laughed along.

"It's almost noon. If you're not busy, why not stay for lunch?"

"Sure, I'll take you up on that."

"No need to be so formal. We're neighbors, so feel free to be more casual."

"Hehe."

At noon, Xia Zhi prepared two extra dishes to treat Hu Tao.

After the meal, Hu Tao didn't stay long, saying she needed to return to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's library to look for historical texts to use as references for Zhongli's textbook.

…Morax, with his [Ancient Wisdom], has lived longer than the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor itself. What historical texts does he need? He is history!

Seeing her so motivated, Xia Zhi didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. He simply smiled and nodded, inviting her to come by for a bath anytime.

During the leisurely afternoon, Xia Zhi brought down the improved lipstick from upstairs and explained the changes to Ying'er in detail.

Ying'er's eyes sparkled as she took notes.

After the explanation, Xia Zhi sought Ying'er's opinion. "These lipsticks, especially the red one, have great commercial potential. They'll be very popular among women."

"Boss, what are you suggesting?"

"You could find a business partner, like with the mahjong set, and sell the rights to mass-produce and sell the lipsticks."

"Oh!"

"Since you have a good relationship with Miss Ningguang, I think you should collaborate with her."

"Okay, I'll follow your advice, Boss!"

"Then this afternoon, when Miss Ningguang comes for her massage, I'll discuss it with her."

"Thank you, Boss!"

Ying'er was quite proper in front of Xia Zhi, her boss and teacher, and didn't make any inappropriate jokes. However…

Xia Zhi "watched" as Ying'er walked over to the others.

"Ying'er, you look so happy."

"Because my lipstick is finally done! Boss said it's great and can be sold. Here, try them out."

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

"Zhu Zi, how's your novel coming along?"

"The first volume is almost done. I'm planning to polish it a bit more."

"Doesn't that mean you'll soon be able to sign with a publisher?"

"I'm not sure if it's good enough to get published."

"I think it's quite good. You'll definitely make it. Have you thought of a pen name?"

"Not yet…"

"You should think of one soon!"

"I'm not sure what to choose."

"How about I suggest one?"

"What?"

"Duo Duo." (means very very hot/sexy)

"Uh, what's the meaning behind this pen name?"

"Because it's hot."

Ying'er answered with a straight face.

Zhu Zi didn't get it at first, thinking that "Duo Duo Shao" was a type of snack from Inazuma. Although she liked it, she thought it was too ordinary for a pen name.

However, Diona, who wasn't from Inazuma, immediately understood and blushed, muttering, "You're the hot one."

"…"

Zhu Zi also blushed and playfully hit Ying'er.

"You're crazy! I'm not using such a weird pen name!"

Xia Zhi silently withdrew his probing gaze. Ying'er was much more candid when talking to Zhu Zi and the others.

Yaoyao sometimes tilted her head in confusion, wondering why Zhu Zi and Diona suddenly turned red.

At this moment, Xia Ci walked over and poked his shoulder with a serious expression.

"Cousin, what is it?"

"Cousin, there's something very important that we've forgotten."

"What is it?"

"It's something that must be done every day at the school, something crucial for the children's health, very, very important…"

"Speak plainly."

"Morning exercises."

"…"

Xia Zhi fell silent for a moment, then nodded with equal seriousness.

"You're right. We definitely need that."

"Right?"

"We'll need to design a broadcasting system. Can you do it?"

"Don't worry, it's simple."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

"We'll also need to design new exercises, right?"

"Yes, I'll leave that to you too. Create a set of exercises more suitable for the youth of Teyvat."

"Hehe…"

"Don't include any weird moves."

"Don't worry!"

"That's exactly why I'm telling you this!"

"I'll let you check it later."

Xia Zhi sighed. There was no helping this mischievous goddess of joy.

In the afternoon, as the shop filled with customers, discussions about the construction site became more frequent.

This was mainly because news of Shenhe single-handedly moving a mountain had spread from the site, further boosting her reputation.

However, due to her icy, aloof demeanor, the customers only dared to glance at her from a distance, not daring to speak loudly to such a formidable figure.

Shenhe, as usual, paid no attention to the customers' gazes and went about her work.

Though in her mind, she was quietly pondering which color of nail polish to use tonight…

---

At the Yuehai Pavilion, in her office, Ningguang was taking a bath.

The office of a wealthy woman was naturally spacious enough to include a bathing area.

After washing up, Ningguang dressed and called for her secretary, Baishi, to accompany her to discuss paper-making matters with Mr. Xia.

As she stepped out of the Yuehai Pavilion, she saw a familiar figure waiting ahead.

"Miss Ganyu?"

"Miss Ningguang."

"Are you waiting for me?"

"Yes, I also have some matters to discuss with Mr. Xia."

"Then let's go together."

"Sure."

Ningguang subtly glanced at Ganyu's hair.

Like her own, it was slightly damp.

No doubt, Ganyu had also just finished bathing.

Fellow travelers, it seemed.

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