Chapter 386

Xia Zhi recalled that yesterday afternoon, after Charlotte had finished taking photos at Yiyan Hall, she had gone over to say a few words to the Adepti.

Thinking back now, she had probably been asking for permission to use the photos for the newspaper.

Adepti disliked being in the public eye.

Blurring their faces was indeed an effective solution.

"Boss, there's more!" Zhu Zi called out excitedly.

"Oh?"

"'Yesterday, Tianquan Star Ningguang issued year-end bonuses for all public servants of Liyue.'"

"How much did she give out?"

"One barrel of oil, one bag of rice, a 1000 Mora red packet, and a 2000 Mora voucher for Liyue Bank—usable at any store partnered with the bank."

"So over 3000 Mora total. If every public servant got that—including the Millelith—that's a huge sum of money."

"Mm! Miss Ningguang is so generous!"

In the outer hall, Xia Ci and Xia Zhen were seated at a table, reading the newspaper Zhu Zi had brought back.

Xia Zhen, upon seeing the news, couldn't help but remark, "This Tianquan Star… she's really wealthy."

"Well, she's the one who smashed a god with the Jade Chamber, after all."

"And she's sharp, too."

"You noticed?"

"Of course. On the surface, it looks like she's spending tens of billions of Mora for nothing. But in reality, she gains a lot."

"True."

"First, reputation. There's never been a tradition of year-end bonuses before. By establishing it this year, she's setting a precedent. Other merchant guilds, seeing the buzz, will likely follow suit and hand out bonuses too. Over time, whenever people think of year-end bonuses, they'll associate them with Ningguang."

Xia Ci nodded thoughtfully.

"Second, goodwill. Since she's footing the bill personally, every public servant will owe her a favor in their hearts. Compared to the other Qixing, Ningguang will quietly secure a lead in public sentiment. In the past, it didn't matter much because Morax oversaw everything. But now that Liyue has shifted from Theocracy to Rule by Mortals, the Qixing are in an invisible competition for influence—and that goodwill matters immensely."

"Third, recruitment. Liyue currently lacks all sorts of talents. Morax used to handle countless tasks effortlessly, but now everyone else struggles to keep up. By broadcasting news of these year-end bonuses, the newspapers are subtly encouraging people to join the public sector."

"That's true... And these vouchers are clever too," Xia Zhen said, tapping the article. "Although worth 2000 Mora, they can only be spent at partner stores—which are basically all Ningguang's own businesses. She gives out money, but it flows right back into her pocket. Plus, it boosts the credibility of Liyue Bank."

"Exactly. Right now, with Lantern Rite coming and year-end approaching, people's urge to spend is sky-high. Injecting this much liquidity into the market spurs consumption, stimulates demand, boosts tax revenue, and elevates her own shops' fame. It's good for the entire economy." Xia Ci paused, then added meaningfully, "She's picked up commercial strategy fast."

"Oh? You taught her?"

"I only chatted with her casually a few times. She figured out the rest herself."

"Being able to rise from scratch to where she is now... she really is a business prodigy."

"You're missing one more point."

"What?"

"This flood of new money will supercharge spending—but if not handled carefully, it could also cause a spike in short-term inflation. That's why she needs a way to absorb the excess liquidity."

Xia Zhen's eyes sharpened. "You mean..."

Xia Ci smiled. "Exactly. Real estate. Just like Cousin told that fishmonger yesterday—Ningguang will soon announce new housing policies and launch a new Liyue Bank mortgage product. A massive pool, ready to soak up the hot money."

Xia Zhen fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "A brilliant plan. Every step tightly interwoven."

"Feel like you've slept for five hundred years and can't keep up anymore?"

"A little. If only Inazuma had talents like her, maybe things would've been different…"

"Even if you did, it wouldn't matter. Inazuma's Tri-Commission are locked in endless infighting. Politics and commerce are both tightly controlled. Liyue's freer environment made Ningguang's rise possible. Inazuma would have crushed her before she even started."

"…"

Before long, breakfast was ready.

Xia Zhi had used [Bliss Rice] to make New Year cakes, sweetened with [White Jade Honey].

He had arranged it because Yaoyao would be stopping by this morning.

"This is a New Year cake," Xia Zhi explained.

"Boss, Inazuma has something similar too!"

"Yeah, my hometown does too. We usually eat it on New Year's Day. It's called 'nian gao'—higher every year. Kids who eat it are said to grow taller each year. Yaoyao, eat a few more pieces."

"Okay! Thank you, big brother!"

They had made a lot, so Xia Zhi left a few pieces aside and gave the rest to Guoba.

Ever since eating the [Gods' Temptation], Guoba's strength had been recovering, and he was growing bigger. His appetite had grown along with him.

After breakfast, everyone packed their belongings, preparing to head to the construction site.

"Bring all your clothes—we won't be coming back for a few days."

"Got it!"

"Xiangling, grab the kitchen gear."

"Okay, Master!"

"Yaoyao's coming too?"

"Yes!"

"Did you tell Granny Ping?"

"I did! She said I could go!"

"Good. Miss Ganyu, we'll part ways here then."

"Goodbye, everyone. I'll head back to Yuehai Pavilion."

After locking up the shop, they set off on foot toward the worksite.

The trip would take about two hours, but they didn't hire a carriage—considering it a pleasant walk instead.

As they walked, the landscape grew greener, though much of the foliage was tinged with winter's yellow.

Qiqi kept glancing toward the trees along the road.

Ying'er noticed and asked curiously, "Qiqi, what are you looking for?"

"Chubby finches."

"It's too cold to see many right now."

"I sometimes see them when I go gathering herbs at night."

"You'll need luck."

"Mm."

After a while, Yaoyao suddenly lowered her binoculars, excitedly tugging Qiqi's sleeve. "I see one! There's a Chubby Finch in that tree!"

Qiqi's expression lit up slightly. "That way…"

Shenhe, smiling, led the two little girls off toward the grove.

When they returned, two round, fluffy Chubby finches were perched on Qiqi's shoulder.

The other girls gathered around to gently poke the tiny birds' soft feathers.

"How did you do it, Qiqi?"

"I whistled. Then they weren't afraid of me."

"It's like Boss's singing."

"Yeah! When Boss sings, even fish don't swim away."

"But I don't think Boss's singing can attract birds."

Xia Zhi chuckled. "Not necessarily."

"Really?"

"Let's try."

He invoked [Fairy's Voice], calling softly toward Qiqi, "Little ones, come to me."

Unlike the oceanic resonance of [Mermaid's Voice] or [Siren's Voice], this carried the scent of forests—fresh, natural, irresistible.

As the lord of the woods, Xia Ci felt it most acutely.

Since when did Cousin know something like this? she thought, surprised.

The two Chubby finches on Qiqi's shoulders perked up, then fluttered over to Xia Zhi, nuzzling affectionately against his neck.

"Easy, that tickles," Xia Zhi laughed, brushing them gently with a finger.

The finches obediently stilled.

The girls watched, wide-eyed.

"Boss, how did you do that?"

"Maybe because I really like small animals, and they like me back."

"Uh…"

Xiangling piped up weakly, "Master… but you're a chef…"

The atmosphere froze awkwardly.

Even Qiqi's expression looked faintly conflicted.

Clearing his throat, Xia Zhi lightly nudged the finches. "Alright, little ones, go back."

The two birds hesitated but obediently returned to Qiqi's shoulders.

They continued walking.

Xia Zhi could faintly hear Qiqi whispering to them, "Don't be scared. Boss won't eat you…"

The girls giggled quietly.

Xia Zhi could only shake his head helplessly.

Along the way, they paused often to admire the scenery and take photos.

After nearly three hours, they finally arrived at the construction site.

Even on New Year's Day, the site buzzed with activity.

Zhongli and Keqing were waiting at the entrance.

"Mr. Xia, you're here," Keqing said warmly.

"Good morning, both of you."

"This isn't the place to talk—please, come inside."

Inside the floating platform made of [Sunset Vermillionite], a simple wooden hut had been set up.

"Sorry for the rough conditions," Keqing said.

Xia Zhi smiled. "I should be apologizing—it's because of my request that you two have had to stay out here for so long."

"Haha, I'm used to it," Keqing laughed. "As Yuheng Star, I often stay on-site. It's mostly Mr. Zhongli who…"

Zhongli shook his head calmly. "It's fine. Compared to the early days of Liyue, these accommodations are quite luxurious."

Only Xia Ci and Xia Zhen caught the deeper meaning behind his words.

The early days of Liyue... back when the city was just being built.

Xia Zhi took out the New Year cakes he had brought. "These are for you—made fresh this morning."

"Thank you, Mr. Xia."

After sharing some tea and chatting, they discussed construction progress.

Then Xia Zhi suggested going for a walk around the site.

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