Chapter 144

Takumi began his tour under the guidance of Jiang Ji.

Many agencies had also been relocated here, including mechanical arms and similar equipment used to transport large materials. These were inventions of Cloud Retainer. 

All the large instruments were gathered in this place, giving it a highly industrial appearance. While these devices were mechanical in nature, they functioned similarly to machines. This entire construction was built according to Takumi's design.

Beneath these mechanisms was the shipbuilding area—more precisely, the ship assembly site. 

Ship parts were produced in various workshops and then transported here for final assembly. 

After inspecting everything, Takumi nodded in approval. 

"Good! If that's the case, start producing the necessary parts. Here are the blueprints. Start with the battleship first. I hope you can move quickly. I'll handle the core assembly after my trip to Mond. Once the body is constructed, just move it aside. I'll be back in time to launch them into the water."

Takumi handed over several design drawings with the core components omitted. Jiang Ji quickly browsed through them, his eyes widening in shock.

"The ship you're planning to build is this large?"

Takumi continued, "Get started first. For alchemy-related parts, consult the alchemy workshop. If there are any mechanical concerns, go there and get assistance. Just mention that I sent you. If anything seems unclear, pause production. Focus on what can be done first."

What Takumi worried about was that his absence might cause confusion or mistakes in production. To avoid complications, he left clear instructions before heading to Mond.

Many of the components on Takumi's blueprints were already feasible to construct. The real core technology remained in his hands and would be implemented upon his return.

Hearing Takumi's words, Jiang Ji nodded. 

"Understood, Lord Takumi."

Takumi then pulled out additional design blueprints and handed them over. 

"Keep these safe. These are blueprints for additional ships—merchant ships and fishing boats. But for now, our priority is the battleship! This will protect Liyue's waters. As the head of the Maritime Safety Administration, you're well aware of how many pirates roam the seas. With these ships, our trade fleets won't have to worry about being harassed by island raiders."

Jiang Ji, his face serious, nodded in agreement. 

He was well aware of the piracy problem. However, he hadn't expected Takumi to be considering these issues as well. 

Determined, he resolved to complete the project.

Takumi spent the entire afternoon at the shipyard, providing further instructions before finally leaving.

Upon returning, he didn't head home right away but instead went to Xiangling's restaurant. 

By the time he arrived, the place was bustling with activity. Many people had finished work and came here to eat, while Xiangling was busy in the kitchen.

Although the restaurant now operated as a buffet-style eatery, business remained strong. 

Affordable and delicious—who wouldn't love that?

As soon as Takumi walked in, a waiter immediately called out, "Lord Takumi, please head upstairs. I'll inform Chef Xiangling right away."

Takumi quickly stopped her. "No need to call her. Let her continue working. Just ask her to prepare a couple of side dishes for me."

With that, Takumi made his way upstairs. The waiter understood and rushed to relay the message to Xiangling.

Upon hearing the request, Xiangling nodded. "Alright, I got it. I'll bring it up once I'm done here."

With that, she poured the food from her pan into a large serving dish before continuing to cook.

The kitchen wasn't run by Xiangling alone—she had hired additional chefs. 

Ever since Takumi suggested improvements, business had skyrocketed. Under Xiangling's training, the new chefs had improved considerably, creating dishes that satisfied customers. 

Now, many people made it a routine to dine at Xiangling's after work.

Takeout was also popular—especially among workers from the next street over. 

With so many employees in the area, lunchtime saw a surge in takeout orders. Many couldn't leave their posts, making Xiangling's restaurant the top choice.

Even the two high-end hotels nearby couldn't compete with Xiangling's restaurant. While the hotels catered to an elite clientele, Xiangling focused on affordable meals for the common people, making her establishment widely loved.

Even if Xiangling wasn't personally cooking, her staff maintained the quality.

However, when Takumi visited, she always made sure to cook for him herself.

Takumi never had to pay for his meals either. 

According to Xiangling, it was her way of repaying him for the car he had given her.

Soon, Xiangling finished preparing a few dishes and called out to Guoba, "Guoba, take these upstairs!"

After setting the tray, she prepared her own meal as well, intending to eat with Takumi.

Arriving at the private dining room, Xiangling smiled and said, "Takumi, sorry for the wait!"

"Lulu~~!" Guoba cheerfully greeted Takumi as well.

Takumi immediately stood up to help set the food down. Then, without hesitation, he began eating.

Xiangling sat down beside him. "Takumi, have you finished your work?"

She knew that Takumi had been cooped up in his house working on something. 

Had he only just come out today?

Otherwise, he usually asked her to deliver meals to him.

Hearing Xiangling's question, Takumi nodded. "Yes, everything is settled. Tomorrow, I'm heading to Mondstadt. It may take a while before I return."

As he spoke, he continued eating.

Upon hearing that Takumi was going to Mondstadt, Xiangling's eyes lit up. 

"You're going to Mondstadt? Great! Let's go together!"

"I've been meaning to visit Mondstadt to find some new ingredients! I heard that the pork from Springvale is excellent."

"So, how about we travel together?"

Upon learning of Takumi's plans, Xiangling immediately decided to join him on the journey.