Chapter 167

Liyue's shipyard had already started construction when Takumi left.

However, not a single ship had been completed yet.

After all, Takumi hadn't been gone for long.

Now that he was back, he could go and check on its progress.

At first, Ningguang thought Takumi would be away for a while, but she never expected him to return so soon.

It had only been two or three days.

Hearing Ningguang's words, Takumi nodded.

"I see."

"I'll check on it when I go back."

"For now, I'll leave the matters with Mondstadt to you."

"I'll take my leave."

After saying that, Takumi turned around and left.

Next, he needed to cash the checks he had received from Mondstadt.

Ningguang didn't say much.

She focused on the documents in her hand, refining some details before finalizing the draft.

Once that was done, she would speak directly with Jean.

Some of her current work would have to be put aside for now.

She also decided to summon Ganyu.

With that in mind, Ningguang took action.

Takumi descended from the Jade Chamber.

Riding his own car, he made his way to the Northland Bank.

As he pulled up outside the bank, his flying vehicle immediately caught the attention of the Fatui guards stationed at the entrance.

Seeing the car land right in front of them, the guards were visibly startled.

Their expressions turned vigilant.

One of them even picked up a walkie-talkie to notify those inside.

Takumi sighed.

Were walkie-talkies already being sold?

He hadn't been paying much attention to that market.

He would have to check later.

If walkie-talkies were already in circulation, then mobile phones would soon become commonplace too.

Not to mention radios.

After pondering for a moment, Takumi got out of his car and walked forward.

"Keep an eye on my car. Don't let anyone steal it."

After saying that, he entered the bank.

It seemed that Childe wasn't here today.

The manager of the bank's lobby noticed Takumi's arrival and immediately approached him.

"Hello, Mr. Takumi!"

"How can I assist you today?"

Takumi nodded.

"I need to cash these checks."

"I want to withdraw everything immediately."

With that, he handed over the checks he had received from Mondstadt.

Seeing the amount on the checks, the bank manager couldn't help but be surprised.

But he quickly regained his composure.

"Please wait a moment."

"I'll arrange everything right away."

"Feel free to take a seat in the meantime."

Since the amount was substantial, Northland Bank needed extra hands to move the Mora.

Before long, several large boxes filled with Mora were brought out.

Takumi glanced at them and used his Vision to check.

After confirming that they were all genuine, he began storing them away.

If he had to carry them physically, it would be a hassle.

Fortunately, Takumi had a Gnosis, which functioned as a storage space.

He stored the money effortlessly.

Speaking of which, should he discuss with Zhongli about diversifying Liyue's currency?

Wouldn't it be more convenient to introduce paper money?

Zhongli had the power to create Mora.

If he modified it slightly, he could turn Mora into a paper currency system.

Yes, that was worth discussing with the old man another day.

It was time to phase out the old Mora and introduce new currency.

However, such a decision required discussions with the Seven Archons.

So, there was no rush.

It wouldn't happen overnight.

But if it was only between Mondstadt and Liyue, there wouldn't be any major issues.

Sumeru might also adopt it.

That little scholar Nahida seemed easy to persuade.

As for Inazuma…

It was still locked down.

So, in the future, they would have to wait until their internal affairs stabilized.

Once they reopened trade, they could introduce the new Mora system there as well.

Moreover, implementing this change would also open the path for banking services.

The foundation of a financial network was already in place.

In the future, online transactions would surely become a thing, right?

Takumi also planned to establish a food delivery service.

For example, rehabilitated Treasure Hoarders could work as delivery drivers.

Eventually, construction would slow down.

Liyue didn't need an infinite number of houses.

So, there wouldn't always be demand for construction workers.

Their employment needed to be planned for the long term.

Letting them roam freely would only lead to trouble.

Some members of the Treasure Hoarders were decent people.

But there was always the risk that they could return to crime.

Takumi mulled over these thoughts as he drove away from the bank.

Just as he was about to take off and return to Guili Plains, a voice called out from behind him.

"Takumi!"

"Wait for me!"

Hearing this, Takumi paused for a moment.

He instinctively stopped.

Because he recognized the voice—it was Hu Tao.

What was she doing here?

"Hehe~!"

Takumi had just turned his head when he saw Hu Tao jump into the backseat of his car.

She plopped down with a playful grin.

"Takumi, you're heading back to Guili Plains, right?"

"Take me with you!"

"I want to go there too."

Looking at the mischievous girl behind him, Takumi sighed in exasperation.

"Where's your own car?"

"Why aren't you using it?"

Hearing Takumi's question, Hu Tao blinked.

"I don't feel like driving today."

"I only use it when I visit Wuwang Hill."

"Now that I'm in Liyue Harbor, I don't want to leave so soon."

"By the way, Takumi…"

"I want the same car as yours."

"Sell me one!"

Hu Tao looked at Takumi with expectant eyes.

Zhongli had been using a bicycle lately whenever he returned to Liyue Harbor.

So, Hu Tao had taken an interest in these vehicles.

She really liked them.

Originally, she planned to visit Guili Plains to ask Takumi for one.

But she found out he had gone to Mondstadt.

This morning, she heard from Xingqiu over the phone that Takumi had returned.

Just as she was about to go find him, she ran into him by chance.

Perfect timing!

Takumi didn't overthink it.

Instead, he simply started the car and took off into the sky.

Hu Tao, sitting behind him, immediately wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Wow~!"

"We're flying!"

"I don't care, I don't care!"

"You have to get me a car like this!"

Hu Tao wriggled around excitedly in the backseat.

Takumi sighed in frustration.

"Calm down."

"Don't fall off."

"Once we get to Guili Plains, I'll get one for you."

As expected of the so-called "saint" Klee had mentioned.

She was quite persistent.

Takumi muttered to himself but refrained from saying it aloud.

Otherwise, Hu Tao would definitely start a fight with him.

Keeping his own life intact was more important.

Hu Tao would never allow anyone to joke about her!

With that, Takumi continued his journey, taking Hu Tao along toward Guili Plains.

Since there were no other vehicles in the air, he could drive at full speed.

If someone happened to be gliding with Wind Gliders and got hit…

Well, that would just be bad luck.

Hopefully, it wouldn't be Bennett.