Chapter 101

Beidou and Ningguang had a complicated relationship.

If Beidou had to negotiate with Ningguang, she expected she would be at a disadvantage. However, thinking about the profits that could be made if such a ship were actually produced, she made up her mind.

She decided to have a proper discussion with Ningguang. It wasn't a big problem.

Takumi brought everyone to the newly opened Wanmintang, owned by Xiangling. By this time, Wanmintang had already opened, and it was bustling with customers.

Some construction workers had finished their shifts and, instead of eating at the cafeteria, chose to visit Wanmintang for a hearty meal. At the same time, many shop owners from the area also preferred dining here.

After all, Wanmintang was known for its high quality and affordable prices. Xiangling's cooking skills were beyond question—so long as she didn't experiment with unusual ingredients, her food always tasted excellent.

Takumi parked the car in Wanmintang's designated lot, and one by one, the group stepped out of the vehicle.

Looking at the newly established Wanmintang, Beidou was surprised. It was even more spacious than the one in Liyue Harbor, and business was thriving.

On this street, she recognized many familiar shops. Several merchants had come here to open branches, and even some of Liyue's most famous hotels had followed suit.

The moment Yaoyao stepped out of the car, she ran inside, followed closely by Klee and Qiqi.

As soon as they entered, a waiter greeted them. However, upon recognizing Yaoyao, the waiter seemed momentarily stunned.

"Miss Xiangling is in the kitchen. Miss Yaoyao, you can go straight in."

"Huh? Big Dipper-sama!!" the waiter suddenly exclaimed, noticing Beidou.

"And Lord Takumi, Lord Keqing! Please come in quickly!"

As the waiter was about to continue, he noticed Takumi and the others and hurriedly welcomed them.

Meanwhile, Yaoyao ran straight to the kitchen. It wasn't long before Xiangling emerged, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Big Sister Beidou!!"

Beidou grinned when she saw Xiangling.

"Long time no see, Xiangling! Get me something delicious. I haven't had your food in ages."

Hearing this, Xiangling happily agreed.

"Alright! I'll whip up something special for you. Come and sit in the private room upstairs."

She then instructed the waiters to guide Takumi and the others to their seats before rushing back into the kitchen.

The waiter quickly led them upstairs, where they settled into a comfortable room. As they sat, Beidou turned to Takumi with a few questions.

She was particularly interested in the property prices in the area.

Looking at the well-built houses around her, she considered buying one to serve as a headquarters for her fleet.

"The houses here are all sold by Ningguang," Takumi explained, smirking slightly. "You can negotiate with her if you're interested. Who knows, maybe she'll give you a building for free."

Beidou immediately rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right! That woman would never do such a thing. There's no way it'd be free."

Everyone laughed at her response.

"Oh? Am I that kind of person in your eyes?" a voice suddenly spoke from outside.

The next moment, the door to their private room opened, and Ningguang stepped inside.

Seeing Ningguang, Takumi was slightly surprised, but Beidou wasn't.

She figured Ningguang must have received news of her fleet returning to Guyun Stone Forest and had followed her to Guiliyuan. After all, she knew Ningguang's intelligence network better than anyone.

"Sister Ningguang!" Yaoyao greeted sweetly upon seeing her.

Ningguang smiled warmly at Yaoyao before taking a seat.

"Returning to Liyue but not docking at Liyue Harbor? Many merchants were left waiting for nothing," Ningguang remarked as she poured herself a cup of tea.

When she had learned Beidou had returned but sailed straight to Guiliyuan instead of Liyue Harbor, she had set out immediately.

Some merchants also caught wind of Beidou's return, only to wait in vain at Liyue Harbor. Now, they were likely in a panic, wondering where she had gone.

Who would have thought Beidou would head straight for Guiliyuan instead?

"What's the rush? I'm not worried about selling my goods," Beidou replied nonchalantly. "Why are you here?"

Ningguang smiled at her. "I have business with you. I need your help acquiring some supplies—especially from Inazuma. Right now, only your fleet can make the journey."

Beidou was taken aback. "Inazuma? What do you need from there? Tell me, and if I can get it, I'll bring it back next time."

Without hesitation, Ningguang pulled out a list and handed it to Beidou.

"Everything I need is written here."

Beidou curiously took the list and scanned it. Most of the items were things she regularly transported for Ningguang, but one particular item caught her attention.

"Electro Crystals? What are these for? And how much do you need?"

She frowned slightly, unfamiliar with the significance of the item.

"You may not know yet, but Liyue is experiencing a shortage of Electro Crystals," Ningguang explained. "We're currently laying electrical wires between Guiliyuan and Liyue Harbor, and we require a large quantity of them."

"If possible, I'd like you to make a special trip to Inazuma to bring back as many as you can."

Ningguang's tone was serious.

Although she had ordered miners to speed up Electro Crystal extraction in The Chasm, the supply still wasn't enough.

Miners across Liyue were already scouring for Electro Crystals, and Ningguang had even sent people to Mondstadt. However, Mondstadt's supply was limited, as Electro Crystals were primarily found in Stormterror's Lair—an area too dangerous for extensive mining.

Due to this, sourcing from Mondstadt was barely making a dent in Liyue's demand.

Now, Ningguang was looking to Inazuma as the best alternative.