Chapter 47

Takumi had no objections to Jean's request.

However, the warehouse at the dock would take some time to build.

With that in mind, he conveyed the situation to them.

"The warehouse at the dock will take a while."

"For now, all we can offer are shops on a street."

"Of course, if you don't have the funds to buy one, you can opt to rent."

"Also, our shops here are not freehold properties."

Hearing this, everyone was momentarily stunned.

Not permanent?

Even Ningguang was surprised.

A non-freehold shop—would anyone even buy that?

Why hadn't Takumi mentioned this earlier?

"The shop you buy… isn't permanent?" Jean asked, puzzled.

Takumi nodded.

"Certainly not permanent."

"All land in Guili Plains belongs to the Liyue government."

"When you buy a shop, you only get the right to use it for 70 years."

"After 70 years, the land ownership reverts to Liyue, but the previous owner has the first right to renew the contract."

Takumi explained his reasoning.

Upon hearing this, Ningguang's eyes gleamed with understanding.

She could already see the advantages of this system.

Ningguang remained silent, effectively expressing her approval of Takumi's approach.

It was a brilliant idea.

She would need to have a deeper discussion with Takumi about it later.

Jean, on the other hand, found herself a little perplexed.

In Teyvat, purchasing property typically included permanent land rights.

You could do whatever you wanted with your land.

She had never expected Liyue to adopt a different approach.

Perhaps, this was the difference between Mondstadt and Liyue?

Despite her doubts, she chose not to press further.

She simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Lisa, however, quickly understood Takumi's rationale.

"I see. I'll explain this to the Mondstadt merchants when we return."

Jean nodded, not thinking much of it.

It was enough to inform the merchants later.

Jean's purpose in Liyue had now been fulfilled.

However, she was in no rush to leave.

Since they had come all this way, they might as well enjoy their stay in Liyue for a few days.

"Miss Ningguang, we'll take our leave for now."

"I plan to stay in Liyue for two days to explore the city."

Jean said with a smile.

Ningguang nodded in understanding.

"I see."

"Baishi, ensure our guests are well taken care of."

"Don't slack off, understood?"

Baishi, who stood nearby, quickly acknowledged the command.

Ningguang trusted Baishi's hospitality skills.

Her three secretaries had been by her side for a long time, and their competence was beyond question.

Jean did not refuse the offer.

Having a guide would certainly be convenient.

She then turned to Klee.

"Klee, do you want to come with me?"

Hearing Jean's offer, Klee immediately nodded.

"Yes!"

"Brother Takumi, I'll go explore with Captain Jean for the next few days."

"I'll find you later!"

She waved at Takumi before happily running to Jean's side.

Seeing her excitement, Takumi chuckled but said nothing more.

After seeing them off, Ningguang turned her gaze to Takumi.

"Takumi, tell me more about this property system you mentioned."

Clearly, she was intrigued.

She even found it to be an excellent strategy.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Takumi rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Should he introduce the concept of shared property spaces?

Perhaps letting the people of Liyue experience the real estate business from another world?

But after thinking about it, he decided against it.

That would be too unethical.

"Everyone will only have 70 years of property rights in Guili Plains."

"Also, the land must be regulated."

"Once a building is constructed, owners can renovate or rebuild it within their 70-year tenure."

"However, all modifications must be reported for approval."

"Even though the property rights last for 70 years, the land is never permanently owned."

...

Takumi proceeded to explain some real estate principles from his previous world to Ningguang.

As she listened, her eyes sparkled with interest.

"Interesting."

"I approve."

"I'll have Yanfei help draft new property laws."

Without hesitation, she agreed to implement the concept.

Seeing her eagerness, Takumi couldn't help but think that if he had introduced the idea of common areas, Ningguang would have embraced it without a second thought.

This woman was truly a capitalist at heart.

While silently musing about it, Takumi suddenly remembered something else.

"By the way, Ningguang."

"Guili Plains is facing a labor shortage."

"I need your help."

Hearing this, Ningguang frowned slightly.

"Not enough workers?"

Takumi nodded.

"That's right. This is city construction—it's normal to need more manpower."

"If possible, send more workers over."

Takumi sighed.

They needed a massive workforce to complete the development plans.

Ningguang, however, shook her head.

"Many new factories have recently opened in Liyue Harbor."

"Most workers have already been recruited there."

"So, we're also experiencing a labor shortage."

"It seems we'll have to look to Mondstadt for workers."

Hearing this, Takumi tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought.

Then, he suddenly spoke up.

"I have an idea."

"Let the Qianyan Army crack down on the Treasure Hoarders."

"Round them up and put them to work."

"Instead of letting them cause trouble everywhere, they can do hard labor."

"We'll pay them less than regular workers, but it will serve as labor reform."

Ningguang raised an eyebrow at this unfamiliar term.

"Labor reform?"

"Interesting."

"That actually sounds feasible."

"We do need workers, and this would solve multiple problems at once."

She then turned to Keqing and Ganyu.

"What do you two think?"

Keqing agreed immediately.

"No objections."

"Actually, I think we shouldn't even pay them."

"Giving them wages is just a waste."

Takumi was taken aback.

Wow, Keqing was even more ruthless than him.

She didn't even want to pay them at all.

Ningguang, however, shook her head.

"We should pay them."

"Fifty Mora a day, with food and shelter included."

"Let the Qianyan Army start rounding them up."

"It's a shame Yelan isn't here—she would have handled this efficiently."

Although she also preferred to minimize costs, she ultimately decided to pay the Treasure Hoarders a small wage.

After all, many of them resorted to crime simply to survive.

With 50 Mora a day, they could at least support their families.

That amounted to 1,500 Mora a month—just enough to get by.