Chapter 324

In the bathhouse, white steam rose and lingered in the air. 

Ningguang and Yelan leaned against the edge of the pool, soaking together, their expressions relaxed and content. 

"How's the progress on gathering information about those paper manufacturers? Ningguang asked casually" 

"I've collected most of it. I'll organize it and give it to you in a couple of days." 

"Good." 

"Are you planning to take them down?" 

"That depends on their choices." 

"Oh?" 

"With the innovation in paper-making technology, although the price of paper will drop by more than ten times, the market for paper will expand by a hundred times. If they have vision, they won't see this as a bad thing. Instead, they'll seize the opportunity." 

"What you're saying makes sense, but this new technology is only in your hands." 

"Exactly." 

"So, they don't really have a choice." 

"Heh, the world is never short of fools. I need your intelligence to plan—who's worth recruiting, who needs to be divided, and who must be suppressed… After all, this is my first serious business collaboration with Mr. Xia. I want to make sure it's done beautifully." 

"…I'll organize the information as soon as possible." 

As they were chatting, the door to the bathhouse was gently knocked twice, followed by Yanfei's voice. 

"Ladies, I'm coming in." 

"Come in." 

Yanfei walked in, removed her towel, and slipped into the pool. As the warm water enveloped her body, she couldn't help but let out a comfortable sigh. 

Ningguang smiled at her. "Miss Yanfei." 

Yanfei looked up. "Yes?" 

Ningguang spoke softly. "In the coming days, some paper manufacturers might come to you for legal disputes. Please consider carefully." 

Yanfei was momentarily surprised, then nodded with a smile. "I understand." 

---

In the back hall. 

Miss Yun Jin bit her lip, her cheeks flushed. 

"Actually, you don't have to hold back." 

"Mmm… it's fine… ugh…" 

It had to be said, among the four clients Mr. Xia had just served, Yun Jin had the best figure. 

After all, she came from a family of opera performers and had been paying attention to her posture since childhood. 

However, years of rigorous training had also left her with many hidden injuries, especially in her knees and ankles. 

If this continued, Yun Jin would develop severe rheumatism within ten years, and rainy days would be a nightmare. 

Fortunately, she had a kind friend like me. 

Xia Zhi held Miss Yun Jin's slender, soft feet and carefully applied essential oil. 

[Essence of Sun and Moon], specifically for treating miscellaneous ailments. 

Feeling her small feet being tightly held and massaged, Yun Jin's body tensed up. 

A warm, tingling sensation spread from her feet. 

It felt strange. 

"Mr. Xia…" 

"Don't move. How many times have you sprained these feet before?" 

"I… I can't remember…" 

"Was the training that intense?" 

"It's mainly because of the difficult moves. It's hard to avoid, but I've been applying ointment. It's a secret recipe from my family, very effective for sprains!" 

"Even if it's effective, it's still just ordinary medicine. It can't withstand the abuse you're putting your feet through…" 

"Ouch…" 

"It hurts, right? Bear with it." 

"It's… it's fine… ugh…" 

Xia Zhi lowered his head and massaged the acupoints on her soles. 

Although Yun Jin trained every day, her feet didn't have any unsightly calluses. They were fair and tender. 

Her toenails were neatly trimmed, a healthy pink. 

If she applied nail polish, it would look quite nice. 

Xia Zhi couldn't help but think of this idea. 

Stop! 

I'm here to give Miss Yun Jin a massage. 

As for the extra service of applying nail polish, that would cost extra. 

After finishing the massage on Yun Jin's feet, Xia Zhi carefully took care of her knees. 

"Miss Yun Jin." 

"Yes?" 

"Your meniscus is severely worn." 

"Huh? Meniscus? What's that?" 

"It's here." 

"Ouch…" 

"You felt that, right? This isn't something that can be fixed immediately. It'll take time to heal." 

"What do you mean, Mr. Xia?" 

"You'll need to come to my shop for more massages. Otherwise, you'll suffer from bone pain or even paralysis. You don't want to be unable to perform in the future, do you?" 

"It's that serious? Oh, okay." 

The massage was comfortable, but the thought of her feet being kneaded like this made her feel embarrassed. 

Miss Yun Jin's toes curled cutely, and her face turned even redder. 

But there was no other way. This was for her health, and Mr. Xia was a skilled doctor. He wouldn't lie to her. 

"I'll come every week." 

"Good. By the way, didn't you say you had inspiration for a new play?" 

"Yes! The night before last, I brewed some Silver Dew tea and suddenly had an idea…" 

It was indeed the effect of the tea. 

Xia Zhi continued massaging while discussing it with her seriously. 

"All done." 

"Huh?" 

"Go soak in the bath at the back. There's no rush for the new play. Take your time." 

"Okay! Thank you, Mr. Xia!" 

"You're welcome." 

"And thank you for the advice!" 

"Haha, I'm a fan of opera, and I'm looking forward to seeing your new play. If the timing is right, maybe we can invite you to perform at the school, just like the banquet at the Jade Chamber the other day." 

"I'll work hard on it!" 

Miss Yun Jin clenched her fist, full of determination, and went to soak in the bath. 

Xia Zhi shook his head with a smile and called others. 

After they finished their bath, dinner was almost ready at the shop, so they naturally stayed and had a meal. 

"It's delicious!" 

"Miss Yun Jin, are you done eating?" 

"I'm full!" 

"This pear and red date porridge is good for your throat. It can improve your voice." 

"…I'll have another small bowl!…" 

"It also helps with blood circulation. Ying'er, have more of this porridge." 

"Thank you, boss." 

After dinner, Yanfei and Yun Jin stayed behind—one to work on compiling textbooks, the other to focus on her new play. 

Ningguang and Yelan bid farewell, one heading back to Feiyun Slope with her assistant, the other returning to Chihu Rock. 

Yanshang Teahouse was already in sight, but Yelan didn't stop. She continued walking. 

After passing through a few streets, Yelan arrived at the Adventurers' Guild, where people were still accepting and turning in commissions. 

Yelan glanced inside and then entered the blacksmith's shop next door—Hanfeng Ironmongers. 

It was late, but Old Zhang was still forging inside. 

This was the normal rhythm of running a shop. 

As for the luxury of working from nine to five, only Summer Shop in all of Liyue could offer that. 

"Customer? Oh, it's you…" 

Old Zhang heard someone enter and looked up. Recognizing Yelan, he immediately remembered her. 

She was the customer who had come a few days ago with an order from Lady Ningguang to forge the [Wonder Core]. 

Yelan smiled and nodded. "Good evening, boss." 

Old Zhang stopped forging, put down his hammer, wiped his sweat, and politely asked, "What brings you here today?" 

"The Wonder Core." 

"Huh? Did something go wrong with the one I forged last time?" 

"No, the last one worked perfectly. This time, I'd like you to forge a new one." 

"Another one?" 

Old Zhang was puzzled but didn't dare to ask further. 

"I can do it, but I've used up the materials from last time…" 

"Don't worry. I've brought new materials." 

Yelan took out a few rare ores from her bracelet. 

"This is Star Splinter Iron and Subrosium. Here's the deposit." 

"That's good. I'll forge the Wonder Core as soon as possible." 

"Alright." 

Yelan nodded and left. 

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