Chapter 236

Takumi gave Lumine a light tap on the head.

"These tasks are funded by our side."

"Don't make trouble!"

"I didn't hand them the blueprints because I wanted to train them in research."

"Otherwise, what would be the point of the task?"

He rolled his eyes as he spoke.

Lumine, hearing this, was stunned.

Were these tasks actually issued by Takumi?

Realizing this, she felt a little frustrated.

"Ugh, that's unfair!"

She sighed. Takumi could just give them the blueprints directly, yet he chose to have people complete tasks to obtain them.

It felt like such a waste of resources.

But she didn't bother to argue. She already had her money now.

As Lumine and the others continued clearing the battlefield, Takumi was ready to leave.

Taking Klee and Noelle, he took off and left.

With the situation settled, there was no reason for them to stay.

On the way back, Noelle drove her motorcycle close to Takumi. She hesitated for a moment before voicing her question.

"Mr. Takumi, did you enhance my Vision?"

Takumi had patted her shoulder earlier, and immediately after, she had felt a surge of power flow into her Vision.

Soon after, she realized she had seemingly limitless strength.

It was obvious Takumi was behind it.

Hearing her question, Takumi nodded.

"Yes."

"Your Vision is of the Geo element, and this is Liyue."

"I am quite familiar with the Geo Archon, so I was able to enhance your Vision's power."

"That's about it."

He explained casually, making it sound more reasonable than it really was.

Noelle, listening, was momentarily shocked.

Takumi had such an ability?

The Geo Archon?

Her mind reeled at the thought, but she was also immensely grateful.

Now, she was incredibly strong!

And it was all thanks to Takumi.

This was a huge favor.

Noelle let out a small sigh before pushing the thoughts aside and focusing on the road ahead.

After returning to Guili Plains, Takumi dropped off Klee and Qiqi at the tavern.

Parting ways, he went off to take care of his own business, while Diona and the others continued running the shop.

When Takumi arrived back at his office, he found Zhongli already seated inside, waiting for him.

Seeing Takumi enter, Zhongli spoke calmly.

"You just fought at Guyun Stone Forest?"

Takumi nodded.

"Yeah."

"Some people activated the Ruin Guards, and then things escalated."

Zhongli nodded in understanding.

"For the time being, I'd advise against going there."

"Osial's seal has weakened."

"Whether it's passing ships or adventurers, tell them to avoid the area."

"Have the navy keep an eye on things."

Zhongli's expression was serious as he gave his warning.

Hearing this, Takumi raised an eyebrow.

"It's already weakening?"

"Did you do that on purpose?"

Takumi couldn't help but tease him.

Without Zhongli's approval, how could the seal weaken?

Clearly, he had allowed this to happen.

Zhongli gave a slight nod.

Indeed, he had.

"Got it."

"I'll have the news station make an announcement."

"Also, Zhongli, you should hurry up and prepare those textbooks."

"After the Rite of Descension, the school will officially open."

It was a simple request, not a big deal.

Zhongli nodded in acknowledgment.

"Just remember to pay me my salary."

"I have no money for food."

He had been working for some time now, and Takumi still hadn't paid him.

Takumi blinked in surprise.

Then, his expression turned odd.

Did Zhongli just come over to remind him about Osial as an excuse, but his real goal was to get his salary?

Morax, focus on the bigger picture!

Takumi rolled his eyes.

"Fine."

"I'll have someone deliver it to you."

He sighed in exasperation.

Still, he needed to talk to Keqing about it first.

"Just wait a few days."

"I'll have Yuheng handle your payment."

With that, Takumi gave a definite answer.

Zhongli nodded, satisfied.

Without another word, he turned and left.

His salary secured, all that was left was to wait.

As he walked away, he muttered to himself.

He just hoped Hu Tao wouldn't come and confiscate his salary again.

She had done it before, and he wasn't keen on it happening again.

That was the whole reason he had come personally to remind Takumi.

He needed to be paid on time!

Once Zhongli was gone, Takumi immediately sent a message to Keqing, summoning her to his office.

Keqing, upon receiving the message, was puzzled but hurried over.

"What's wrong?"

She entered the office, looking at Takumi with curiosity.

Hearing her question, Takumi got straight to the point.

"Pay Zhongli's salary."

"He just came over to remind me."

Keqing froze.

"What?"

"Pay the Geo Archon's salary?"

She looked utterly baffled.

Takumi nodded.

"Yep."

"He literally came over just to ask when he's getting paid."

"So, while we're at it, let's also sort out everyone else's wages."

"It's the 15th today, so from now on, we'll process payments on the 15th of every month."

"Tell finance to handle the payroll."

With that, Takumi made an executive decision.

He had no idea how payments were managed before, but from now on, they would be distributed properly.

Keqing, still in shock, nodded slowly.

This was a lot to process.

Had the Geo Archon seriously just asked for a paycheck?

Then again, considering Zhongli's current lifestyle…

She sighed and shook her head, understanding the situation.

Then a thought struck her.

Hu Tao had been confiscating Zhongli's salary before.

Maybe… maybe she should inform Hu Tao that Zhongli was getting paid soon?

The idea amused her.

She wasn't exactly a die-hard follower of the Archon.

In fact, while she often voiced criticism, her home was filled with dragon-themed decorations.

A contradiction, to be sure.

But still, seeing Zhongli in a bind would be quite entertaining.

Keqing smirked mischievously.

"I think I'll go tell Hu Tao."

"Zhongli's about to get paid, after all…"