Chapter 44

Mondstadt's workers were not the most reliable.

Relying on them would only cause unnecessary delays, which benefited no one. Moreover, it would require a considerable amount of Mora to pay them.

Most of Mondstadt's citizens were carefree and laid-back, perfectly embodying the spirit of the Anemo Archon.

When Jean heard this, she felt a bit helpless.

She couldn't deny it—what Takumi said was true.

However, Jean was not willing to give up so easily.

After thinking for a moment, she said:

"How about I select a group of diligent workers?"

Since Ningguang did not want unreliable workers, Jean proposed choosing a team of industrious people from Mondstadt.

"If that's the case, then that's acceptable," Ningguang agreed.

"As long as they're hardworking and willing to put in the effort, they are welcome to join."

"Even Liyue is starting to experience a shortage of labor."

Ningguang paused momentarily before continuing:

"If they are willing to work and not slack off, we wouldn't mind having them."

"At the same time, we also welcome Mondstadt's citizens to seek employment in Liyue."

"Liyue's large-scale infrastructure projects are ongoing, and we are gradually running out of workers."

"This means we need more people to get involved."

"I believe we can negotiate on this matter."

Once again, Ningguang proposed a cooperation plan—allowing Mondstadt's people to work in Liyue.

Of course, only those who were diligent.

Jean considered this and nodded in agreement.

"No problem!"

She had no objections.

Finding work for Mondstadt's citizens was something she was happy to do.

After concluding this discussion, Jean and Ningguang shifted the conversation to automobiles.

They discussed selling cars to Mondstadt and negotiating wine export shares.

Since Liyue had a limited number of ships, securing a portion of the export market through Liyue's ports was crucial.

This was one of Jean's main objectives for coming to Liyue—securing more export opportunities for Mondstadt's goods.

The two engaged in a lengthy discussion about this issue.

Takumi, feeling bored, decided to step outside once they finished their talk.

Klee, equally uninterested in the negotiations, decided to follow him.

Takumi and Klee wandered around Liyue Harbor.

While they were walking, a familiar voice called out to them.

"Yo, Takumi, Klee."

"You're back."

Hearing the voice, Klee immediately turned her head.

Upon seeing who it was, a bright smile appeared on her face.

"Sister Hu Tao!!"

The person before them was none other than Hu Tao.

Hu Tao ran straight toward Takumi and Klee.

After ruffling Klee's hair, her eyes turned to Takumi.

"Takumi, that car you made seems really impressive."

"Can you make one for me?"

"You gave Zhongli a car, didn't you?"

"That guy stares at his car all day and insists on driving it himself."

"I asked him to let me drive it, but he refused."

"I'm so mad at him!"

Hu Tao immediately started venting her frustrations about Zhongli.

Such a nice car, yet he wouldn't even let her take it for a spin.

He even told her that the hall master shouldn't drive recklessly, in case she crashed it.

She was a genius, after all!

At the age of three, she could recite poetry while standing on her hands.

At six, she was already skipping school to take naps in coffins.

By eight, she was studying funeral rites.

By her teens, she was managing ceremonies and organizing funerals.

With all that knowledge, learning to drive a car should be a piece of cake!

Yet, Zhongli refused to let her even touch the vehicle.

Now that she saw Takumi, she immediately took the opportunity to complain and request a car.

Takumi was left speechless by her words.

"You're unbelievable."

"Alright."

"But if you want a car, you need to pass the driver's test first."

"And once you get your license, I'll make you a custom one."

"It'll be stylish and unique, just for you."

Hu Tao's eyes lit up at his words.

Now that was something she liked.

"Deal, deal!"

"Hehehe."

"A driver's license? Easy!"

"This hall master will show you just how fast I can pass!"

"But... when do the tests start?"

She wasn't sure about the process.

Although Ningguang had announced that a license was required to buy a car, the details hadn't been disclosed yet.

No one knew how to take the test or when they could get a license.

Hearing her question, Takumi chuckled.

"Soon."

"We just need Yanfei to finalize the traffic rules."

"Once that's done, the exams can begin."

"If you're impatient, you could visit Yanfei and ask her about it."

Since the traffic regulations weren't fully established yet, the driver's test couldn't start immediately.

It would take some time, but not too long.

Yanfei had already outlined the main framework, and she would soon consult Takumi to finalize the details.

If nothing unexpected happened, the announcement about the exams would be made shortly.

Hu Tao's eyes sparkled.

"Yanfei?"

"I'm going to find her right now."

With that, she ran off immediately.

Watching her energetic departure, Takumi shook his head.

She was always so lively.

Deciding not to dwell on it, he continued strolling through Liyue Harbor with Klee.

By noon, Takumi brought Klee to Wanmin Restaurant.

At the time, Xiangling was in the kitchen.

When she saw Takumi, her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Takumi, you're back!"

"Come in!"

"Huh? Who's this?"

She eagerly greeted Takumi but soon noticed Klee beside him.

Her face filled with curiosity.

Who was this adorable little girl?

"Hello, sister!"

"I'm Klee."

"I'm from Mondstadt."

Upon hearing Klee's introduction, Xiangling was surprised.

"You're from Mondstadt?"

"That's right—I heard Mondstadt had guests today."

"So you must have come with them."

"Come in quickly."

"I'll treat you to lunch today."

With that, Xiangling led them inside.

She guided them to a private dining area on the second floor.

After serving them tea, she immediately rushed to the kitchen to prepare their meal.