Chapter 64

There was no doubt that the merchants of Mondstadt were very interested in the newly developed city of Guili Plains.

After learning all the details from Grand Master Jean, they made up their minds.

They wanted to expand their businesses, open new stores in Guili Plains, and earn more profits.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Jean knew her goal had been achieved.

Now, it was up to them to decide their next steps.

Jean also informed them about the warehouse rental system at Liyue Harbor.

For future exports and imports, merchants could utilize these warehouses for storage.

A small fee would be charged for their use, providing another channel for trade.

This arrangement pleased the merchants, and they expressed their gratitude to Jean.

Only Diluc, who had a stoic expression with his cat resting on his shoulder, remained silent, lost in thought.

He had already decided to travel to Guili Plains.

A new city meant new business opportunities.

Perhaps he could even open a tavern there.

Thinking of this, his resolve was set.

He decided to establish a tavern in the new city.

Additionally, Dawn Winery could acquire property there.

A new city with a port under Liyue's control meant a steady influx of people.

Business would undoubtedly thrive.

Meanwhile, he was also intrigued by the concept of automobiles.

A vehicle that could run without horses?

Perhaps Kaeya could buy a few for Mondstadt.

After all, as the Cavalry Captain without a horse, Kaeya could certainly use one.

Takumi was unaware of what was happening in Mondstadt.

At that moment, he was busy assigning tasks to Klee.

He instructed her to clear unnecessary obstacles using her bombs.

Takumi had already mapped out the installation route for the high-voltage power lines.

Now, all that remained was execution.

The next steps involved laying cement blocks and constructing the high-voltage transmission towers.

Each transmission tower would be strategically placed to connect seamlessly with the existing grid.

Furthermore, Guili Plains itself needed to be developed.

After discussing the logistics with the workers and confirming all the necessary steps, Takumi and Klee got to work.

They began estimating the required materials.

Once the calculations were done, the transport of supplies commenced.

From cement to materials required for building the high-voltage towers, everything had to be transported.

However, the steel components for the high-voltage towers still needed to be manufactured at Liyue Harbor.

Takumi planned to send the blueprints back that evening and have them processed at the steel factory.

It would take only a few days to produce and deliver the materials.

Additionally, rust-proof and insulating coatings had to be applied.

There was a lot to manage.

By the time the cement piers were completed, the necessary materials would be ready for transport.

Constructing high-voltage towers was no easy task.

The foundations alone needed to be deeply embedded in the ground.

It was undoubtedly a massive project.

Meanwhile, Takumi and Klee spent their days demolishing unnecessary obstacles with explosions.

Excavators and other machinery began arriving in Mingyun Village.

They were tasked with clearing and digging the foundation for the power towers.

The excavated soil was repurposed to fill abandoned mines in Mingyun Village.

However, with some workers reassigned, the manpower shortage at Guili Plains became evident.

This frustrated Keqing.

Yet, there was little choice.

As a last resort, she ordered the Qianyan Army to speed up their efforts.

She instructed them to capture more members of the Treasure Hoarders to supplement the workforce.

As a result, the Treasure Hoarders in Liyue found themselves in an unfortunate situation.

Many were captured on the spot and forcibly taken away to work.

Additionally, Keqing made a special trip back to Liyue Harbor.

She posted recruitment notices, seeking additional workers.

Not limiting the search to Liyue, she even sent recruitment notices to Mondstadt.

If it weren't for Inazuma's closed borders, she would have sent messages there as well.

Still, with many people smuggling out of Inazuma, there was hope.

Perhaps when Beidou returned, she could spread the recruitment news in Inazuma.

Liyue was in urgent need of manpower.

This was an opportunity for anyone who wanted to earn money.

Although Beidou wouldn't return for another half a month, recruitment efforts had to continue.

For now, Keqing focused on Mondstadt and the Treasure Hoarders.

If possible, she would have divided herself into two to manage everything.

Thankfully, with the continuous capture of Treasure Hoarders, the number of workers at the construction site increased.

This gave Keqing some relief.

But she remained vigilant.

Who knew what Takumi would come up with next?

So, to avoid delays, she ordered continued efforts to capture and recruit workers.

Apart from the labor shortage, renovations in Liyue Harbor's shops were also progressing steadily.

Every day, more people arrived to learn how to drive.

Takumi had been busy for a long time, and he finally found a moment to relax.

At that moment, Wangshu Inn welcomed a guest—a white-haired woman with a cold and elegant demeanor.

It was Shenhe, Chongyun's aunt.

She appeared to be searching for someone.

Takumi was surprised.

After a moment of thought, he approached her directly.

"Hello, Miss Shenhe."

Hearing Takumi's voice, Shenhe frowned slightly.

Her gaze shifted to him.

She was surprised by his appearance—he had a striking presence.

Although she wasn't one to be swayed by looks, she couldn't deny his handsomeness.

"Do you know me?"

Since he called her by name, he must have known her beforehand.

Then she remembered something.

Looking at Takumi, she asked:

"Is my master here?"

Takumi immediately understood.

She was looking for Cloud Retainer.

Realizing this, Takumi nodded.

"Are you looking for Cloud Retainer?"

"She's at the alchemy workshop outside."

"She hasn't left recently. She's completely engrossed in her research."

Speaking of Cloud Retainer, Takumi found it amusing.

The adeptus was now fully dedicated to developing automated production lines.

Takumi had suggested many new ideas, and she was determined to bring them to life.

She was, without a doubt, a true technology enthusiast.

Hearing this, Shenhe nodded.

"Thank you."

After saying this, she turned to leave.

She headed straight in the direction Takumi had indicated.

Seeing this, Takumi quickly followed.

"I'll take you there."

Shenhe didn't reply but gave a small nod.

The two of them then proceeded toward Cloud Retainer's workshop.

On the way, Takumi introduced himself.

"My name is Takumi."

Shenhe was momentarily silent before nodding.

She quietly memorized his name.

Since she didn't respond further, Takumi didn't press for conversation.

He simply led her toward the factory.

As they arrived, they could already hear Cloud Retainer's voice—filled with frustration as she worked on her latest invention.