Chapter 49

After Ningguang's announcement was issued, many businessmen began traveling to Guili Plains one after another.

Those who arrived early were there to inspect the available shops in person.

Although they had heard numerous reports about how different the buildings were from those in Liyue Harbor, they wanted to see it for themselves.

Seeing is believing.

Thus, many merchants decided to visit in person.

Among them was Xingqiu.

Xingqiu traveled to Guili Plains the day after Takumi returned, taking the bus there.

Also aboard the bus were Jean and her group.

Jean had spent a day in Liyue Harbor and was satisfied with what she saw.

Learning that many merchants wanted to inspect the shops, she decided to join them.

She planned to take a look herself and then return to Mondstadt to report on the situation, allowing the merchants there to make their own judgments.

As the merchants arrived, Takumi assigned Keqing to oversee their reception, leading them to the completed shops.

Jean and Lisa were among the visitors.

Meanwhile, Klee returned to Albedo.

Takumi, however, focused on hosting Xingqiu personally.

Looking at Xingqiu, Takumi asked, "Has your father made a decision?"

"Is he planning to buy an entire building?"

Xingqiu nodded. "That's right."

"My father and older brother have decided."

"We will purchase a building for our headquarters."

Takumi nodded and gestured toward a model in front of him.

"See for yourself."

"These ten-story buildings are available for purchase."

"Of course, if you're not looking to buy, you can also rent."

"And if financing is needed, I can arrange installment payments."

Displayed before them was a model of Guili Plains.

Xingqiu's eyes were drawn to the model.

Looking at the grand buildings, he was truly impressed.

"This section is what's currently available for sale."

"The commercial district."

Takumi pointed to an area and explained to Xingqiu.

Other sections were still under construction.

Only this particular area was fully built.

The buildings were three to four stories high, with floor areas of just over 150 square meters.

However, they were perfect for typical businesses.

Merchants who purchased a property could use the ground floor as a shop and the upper floor for storage or living space.

These properties could also be repurposed into restaurants.

It was up to the owners how they wanted to renovate them.

Looking at the model, Xingqiu was impressed.

"These buildings are remarkable."

"Not just stone and wood."

"They are built tall and sturdy."

"The dock is over there, right?"

"The location is excellent, and there's a square too."

He quickly focused on the pier's location.

His objective was clear—he wanted a property near the dock.

Convenient transportation was key.

The primary reason for being close to the dock was to facilitate trade and exports.

Takumi glanced at Xingqiu and immediately understood his thoughts.

"Yes, that's the pier."

"Right over there."

"There's also a bridge that leads toward the snow-capped mountains."

"You can check it out yourself."

"It's still under construction, but if you're interested, you can purchase a property now."

Though unfinished, it didn't prevent Takumi from selling it in advance.

Xingqiu had anticipated this.

After all, a ten-story building wouldn't be completed overnight.

Even if Takumi used advanced materials, it would still take time.

According to Takumi's estimates, it would take roughly two months to finish constructing a building.

That was already a rapid pace.

To ensure swift construction, Ningguang had mobilized numerous Vision wielders.

Concerned about the drying process of cement?

Easy.

Pour the concrete today, toss in a few fire slimes overnight, and by morning, the cement would be dry.

This was how construction was progressing so quickly.

Additionally, there had been no recent rainfall.

Otherwise, construction timelines would have been delayed.

"Let's go check it out."

"The model is appealing."

"I really like it."

"But I still want to see the real thing before making a decision."

Xingqiu quickly made up his mind.

Hearing this, Takumi nodded.

"No problem, let's head over and take a look."

"You can make your decision afterward."

With that, Takumi stood up and walked outside.

Xingqiu followed closely behind.

Leaving Wangshu Inn, they headed straight for the construction site.

Upon arriving in Guili Plains, they reached the commercial district within minutes.

Many merchants were already gathered there.

Keqing was leading them through the shops, allowing them to inspect the properties.

The buildings were complete.

With some finishing touches, they would be move-in ready.

Business owners had full control over interior renovations.

They could choose to decorate with wood or tile—whichever suited them best.

Most preferred wooden interiors.

None of this was Takumi's concern.

His own headquarters in Guili Plains would have modern furnishings.

Marble flooring, contemporary designs.

Takumi led Xingqiu directly to the pier.

Looking around at the ongoing construction, Xingqiu couldn't help but be amazed.

There were so many workers.

"If this city is completed, it will be truly majestic."

"Perhaps it will even surpass Liyue Harbor."

Observing the bustling construction site, Xingqiu marveled at the alchemy-powered machinery being used.

If the entire city were built, with a functioning port and proximity to Mondstadt, it would attract immense traffic.

Liyue's congestion would ease significantly.

Currently, Liyue Harbor was overcrowded.

Once this new city was complete, it would relieve much of the pressure on Liyue's infrastructure.

More merchants could be accommodated.

Right now, Liyue was facing supply shortages.

The biggest problem was transport capacity.

Liyue Harbor had its limits.

Congestion often occurred, preventing goods from moving efficiently.

Many traders who wanted to enter Liyue had to divert to other nations.

Now, with a second major trading hub, commerce would expand even further.

The future of Liyue looked even brighter.

Thus, Xingqiu made his decision.

He had to buy a building.

And why stop at one?

If possible, he'd purchase multiple properties.

In the future, they could be resold or leased for profit.

At this point, Takumi introduced the city's long-term plans.

"This will become the commercial center of Guili Plains."

"See those tall buildings?"

"They're all for sale."

"We're also opening a massive shopping mall here."

"Shops selling clothing, jewelry, and other goods will move in."

"If people need something, they'll find it here."

Takumi shared his vision with Xingqiu.

This was what the future of the city would look like.