Chapter 359

The inside of the shop was as warm as spring.

Charlotte let out a slow breath. She had been too nervous earlier, and now that the sweat on her back had cooled, she was starting to feel a chill.

Xia Zhi chuckled.

"Don't they have blind massage parlors in Fontaine?"

"They do…"

"Then why are you still so surprised, Miss Charlotte?"

"No, no… Is Lady Ningguang not done yet?"

"She just finished her massage and is soaking in a bath out back. It'll be a little while."

"Oh."

They chatted idly for a while longer, listening as Charlotte shared some amusing stories from her past interviews.

"Miss Charlotte, are you heading back to Fontaine as soon as the Lantern Rite is over?"

"Not exactly."

"Hm?"

"I'll compile my report on the Lantern Rite and post a commission at the Adventurers' Guild, asking someone to deliver it back to the publishing house for me. As for myself, thanks to Lady Ningguang's invitation, I'll be staying in Liyue for a bit longer."

"I see."

Just then, Ningguang emerged from the back. Seeing his curious expression, she smiled and explained, "It's about the newspaper."

Xia Zhi looked thoughtful. "Is Miss Ningguang planning to open a publishing house?"

"Mhm. I'd thought about it before, but the high cost of paper back then forced me to shelve the idea. Now that we've developed a new kind of paper, those problems are resolved, and it's finally possible."

"The materials are sorted, but what about the people…?"

"That's why I reached out to Miss Charlotte. She's a very seasoned journalist who has worked for the Steambird for many years. She's familiar with every aspect of running a newspaper and can help me establish a solid foundation."

Xia Zhi nodded. "I see. And it just so happens Miss Charlotte came to Liyue for the Lantern Rite—what a coincidence…"

Ningguang smiled without replying.

It wasn't a coincidence at all.

Many newspapers had tried to establish distribution in Liyue by getting close to the Qixing, but Ningguang had turned them all down.

Controlling public opinion to such a degree—she wasn't about to let that fall into outsiders' hands.

So when Xia Zhi brought her the new paper-making process, Ningguang began making her moves—undermining the existing paper merchants while preparing to establish an official Liyue newspaper.

Charlotte hadn't been her only candidate—she had also considered other well-known reporters and editors from various publishing houses.

In other words, she had known Charlotte's itinerary from the start. That's why Baiwen had been waiting at the dock in advance to greet her.

"Mr. Xia, thank you for hosting us tonight."

"You're too polite, Miss Ningguang."

"Things have been hectic at the Yuehai Pavilion lately. I'll take my leave now."

"Very well. Safe travels."

Leaving the Summer Shop, Ningguang walked down the street with Charlotte and her petite assistant.

Charlotte took in the night scenery of Liyue with great curiosity. The charm here was entirely different from Fontaine's streets.

They walked in silence for a while. Once they were far from the shop, Ningguang finally spoke.

"Miss Charlotte, were you satisfied with dinner?"

Charlotte nodded immediately, her face still savoring the memory. "It was wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! The best meal I've ever had!"

"Then do you know why I brought you to meet Mr. Xia today?"

"...Was it because you wanted me to write a feature on Mr. Xia's Summer Shop, to promote its fame?"

"Fame?"

Ningguang gave a soft laugh and shook her head.

"You've tasted the Rainbow Juice from Mr. Xia's shop, haven't you? Do you think something that delicious would have trouble attracting customers?"

"No…"

"I brought you here today… just so you could meet Mr. Xia."

"Huh?"

That's it?

Charlotte blinked in confusion.

They arrived at the broad staircase of Feiyun Slope, and Ningguang began walking up.

"Come on. I'll show you the location of the Liyue Newspaper."

"Oh!"

The newly established Liyue Newspaper was located right next to the [Wanwen Bookhouse], adjacent to the old Liyue Publishing House.

Ningguang led Charlotte through the place, then said, "The office opens tomorrow. I've already arranged the staff. They're new to this, though, so they'll need a mentor like you to guide them."

"I'll take care of it."

"You can bring them with you to the Lantern Rite. Let them shadow you, learn what it takes to be a proper journalist. As long as your interviews don't violate Liyue's laws, we'll give you full cooperation."

"Understood!"

"During this time, any expenses you incur can be reimbursed through Baishi."

"Got it!"

"I know you've been in danger lately. Your exclusive scoop exposed truths that offended some powerful people, and your publisher sent you away to keep you safe. If you work well for me, I'll help resolve this through diplomatic channels."

"Thank you, Lady Ningguang!"

"You must be tired from your journey by boat. Get some rest tonight. If you need anything, report to me directly."

"Will do!"

--

Inside the bedroom.

Xia Zhi opened the system and looked over the golden-tier items he currently owned:

[Blazing Incense Burner], [Hat of Secrecy], [Dream Pillow], [Master Key], [Revival Coin], [Heart Badge].

After days of accumulation, his point total—previously depleted by purchasing the [First Meditation Technique] and various equipment sets—had recovered to over a thousand. It was now enough to evolve one of his gold-tier items into platinum-tier.

Xia Zhi studied them, then lowered his gaze in contemplation.

The [Blazing Incense Burner] was mainly used for crafting incense. Its functionality was too narrow and not very useful to him at the moment.

The [Hat of Secrecy] granted [Stealth Mode], erasing presence—very powerful.

The [Dream Pillow] allowed entry into the dream realm, but now that he had inherited the dream authority from his cousin, he could already travel there at will.

The [Master Key] could open all sorts of doors—amusing, but situational.

The [Revival Coin] could bring him back to life, though it was a one-time use item that could be re-purchased from the [Shop].

The [Heart Badge] could evolve the bloodline of beast-type monsters—not useful for now.

After considering for a while, Xia Zhi finally chose to evolve the [Hat of Secrecy] over the [Master Key].

He opened the [Evolution] panel, placed the [Hat of Secrecy] inside, and tapped the evolution button.

The system voice echoed in his mind.

"Do you wish to evolve the [Hat of Secrecy]? This is a gold-tier item. Current success rate is 10%. Cost: 100 points."

"Yes."

Xia Zhi operated smoothly. After spending 500 points, the evolution succeeded.

The plain-looking black hat now had a slightly more elegant appearance—but that was the only visible change.

He placed it back in his inventory and checked its updated attributes.

[Hat of Secrecy] 

Rarity: Platinum 

Type: Special Equipment 

Traits: Stealth, Mystery 

Effect: When equipped, grants [Stealth Mode] and can simulate any false aura or pressure. 

Hidden Effect: Blocks divination and can simulate any false fate. 

Recyclable: 1000 points.

Xia Zhi read the item description. Simulate any aura or pressure…

He thought for a moment, then equipped the [Hat of Secrecy].

Entering [Stealth Mode], he activated the [Mystery] trait.

In the next instant, his aura erupted like a tsunami—savage and overwhelming.

It was the aura and pressure of Osial.

"This suffocating sensation… it's identical. But the sky hasn't changed… So it really is just fake."

With a thought, the violent pressure vanished, replaced by a gentle and refreshing aura—like a breeze through a forest.

This was his cousin's aura.

"This warm, springlike feeling… Wait a second… Why does it even replicate her unique fragrance…?"

With another thought, his presence shifted again—calm and transcendent, like Zhongli.

"Next time I watch an opera with Zhongli, I might try using this…"

Then Xia Zhi tested simulating different fates.

Originally, due to the [Anti-divination] trait, no one could predict his destiny. Now, with a shift of intent, his fortune-telling signs kept morphing.

One moment he had a dreadfully ominous fate, the next a romantic, entangling peach-blossom one…

Finally, Xia Zhi settled on simulating an utterly mundane, ordinary fate.

This way, even if someone tried to divine his future, it wouldn't result in gibberish—it'd show a completely average destiny.

"The platinum upgrade is useful… but also kind of useless. Simulated pressure and aura don't provide actual strength—just illusions. Good for scaring normal folks, though…"

Then, Xia Zhi's expression suddenly shifted.

He thought of that being he had glimpsed at the very start—within the void.

That supreme deity who nearly erased him with a single glance.

If it was that aura…

He recalled the scene, drawing on his [Ancient Wisdom] to reconstruct that slender, beautiful silhouette—

And those brilliant, terrifying eyes—brighter than the sun, purer than the moon, deeper than the stars…

In the next instant, Xia Zhi's presence transformed.

Ancient. Mysterious. Overwhelming. Merciless…

"This unfathomable feeling… So this is what it means to be supreme… Way beyond diamond tier… Even if it's fake, if I'd shown this in front of Osial, it might've scared it straight back into the sea!"

Xia Zhi dispersed the aura and exited [Stealth Mode].

"This must be the true way to use [Mystery]. But… it probably shouldn't be used recklessly. Last time, when I peered into a forbidden name through the mirror, it shattered. It's clear Teyvat's waters run deep. If I carelessly release a supreme god's aura in public…"

He shook his head.

Too dangerous.

Better not create any breaking news. Scaring regular folks is enough.

The next morning.

Charlotte awoke in the finest inn in Liyue. Looking out at the ocean, she smiled brightly.

"This is amazing! I can indulge all I want on the company's dime!"

That said, she still got up early.

After washing up, she grabbed her beloved kamera and headed to the Liyue Newspaper office.

Pushing open the door, she was surprised to see that everyone had already arrived.

"Morning, Chief Editor!"

"Morning, everyone!"

Enjoying her new title for a moment, Charlotte clapped her hands and got into gear.

"Let's start with introductions, then we'll dive into our work. Let's aim to finalize the newspaper's first issue by tonight!"

"Got it!"

…

Evening.

[Yuehai Pavilion].

Baishi handed a newspaper draft to Ningguang.

"Lady Ningguang, this is today's final draft from the newspaper. Please review it."

"Oh?"

Ningguang set aside her paperwork and quickly flipped through the paper. A faint smile tugged at her lips.

"For a first issue, this is quite decent. But… never mind. Go get Charlotte."

"Yes!"

Baishi turned and left.

Charlotte had been waiting just outside and immediately approached when she saw Baishi emerge.

"How did Lady Ningguang react?"

"She said you all did a good job."

"Hehe."

"But… she seemed dissatisfied with something. She wants to see you."

"Huh? Oh, okay!"

Charlotte stepped into the office, a little nervous.

"You're here."

"Lady Ningguang, is there something you're not satisfied with?"

"This layout."

"The layout?"

"Mhm. If I recall, the Steambird has an entertainment section, yes? Stuff like 'Astrology Chat'?"

"Yes."

"Then why is there none of that in this?"

"Well, because this is Liyue Newspaper's first issue, we didn't think it was necessary to include shallow entertainment content. That's normally just filler when there's a news gap, but we had plenty of news today, so…"

"That kind of thinking is wrong."

"Huh?"

"If it's the first issue, it has to serve as the standard for all future issues. Everything that should be there must be there. What shouldn't be there, mustn't."

"So, Lady Ningguang means…?"

"Of course, include the entertainment section."

"Understood! Got it!"

"Do you really?"

"Yes! I'll go revise the draft right away!"

"Hold on. What content were you planning to put in the entertainment section?"

"Oh! We visited the trade guilds in the Xiao Market today and saw some interesting stuff, I thought—"

"I don't think that works."

"Huh?"

Charlotte looked dazed.

"Then, what do you suggest, Lady Ningguang?"

Ningguang gazed at her, sighing softly with some exasperation.

"Charlotte, do you know why I brought you to meet Mr. Xia yesterday?"

"To… introduce me to him?"

"And?"

"...?"

"You spent all day walking around Liyue. Didn't you hear any rumors about me and Mr. Xia?"

"Ah? Well… yes, I heard some… ahem! But I know those are all fake!"

"Whether they're fake or not doesn't matter. What matters is—I think those rumors would be perfect for the newspaper."

"Huh?"

"You should write it in a way that makes everyone believe the rumors are fake. You're a professional journalist—you know how to spin it, don't you?"

"Oh! I get it now!"

"Good."

As Charlotte's silhouette disappeared out the door, Ningguang lowered her head and returned to her paperwork.

Scoring both wealth and romance…

With someone like Mr. Xia, I'll have to take the initiative.

And besides—I'm one of Liyue's Qixing.

If I want to stir up a little scandal for myself…

Isn't that perfectly reasonable?

---

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