Meanwhile, at the Jade Chamber...
Ningguang studied the Millelith's report, her expression thoughtful.
"To be able to calculate a person's remaining lifespan..."
While this ability sounded outlandish, Liyue was a vast land brimming with exceptional talents. Such a power wasn't entirely impossible.
Moreover, Hu Tao herself had personally verified its authenticity, leaving no doubt about its truth.
However, with Liyue now exposed on all fronts—without the protection of the Gods—various factions were stirring restlessly. To prepare for any contingency, they needed to thoroughly investigate Chen Feng's background.
"But... they were recruited by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Ningguang shook her head in resignation at this news.
Knowing Hu Tao as well as she did, Ningguang was certain that the young director now regarded Chen Feng as Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's golden goose.
Ningguang wasn't worried about anything happening to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor itself. Her concern was that with Chen Feng joining the staff, Hu Tao would likely turn all of Liyue into a chaotic circus.
"It seems we need to investigate this man's background as soon as possible... I'll have Yelan handle it."
While Chen Feng's current abilities didn't pose a significant threat to Liyue, his involvement with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor compelled Ningguang to send Yelan to investigate.
Using discreet channels, Ningguang swiftly conveyed the mission to Yelan.
She trusted that Yelan's methods would uncover Chen Feng's background within two days at most. All that remained was to await the investigation's results.
Setting the matter aside for now, Ningguang took a sip from her teacup and prepared to tackle other pressing matters.
Just then, Baiwen rushed in, looking flustered.
"Madam Ningguang, disaster has struck!"
"What is it?"
Ningguang's expression darkened slightly at Baiwen's flustered demeanor.
After the god's assault on Liyue Harbor, what could possibly constitute a true crisis in Liyue now? Such a trivial matter causing such a loss of composure suggested Baiwen needed stricter discipline.
Perhaps I should reassign Baiwen to assist Ganyu instead? Ningguang mused.
Baiwen remained completely oblivious to Ningguang's inner thoughts, as the latter concealed her emotions perfectly. Upon hearing Ningguang's inquiry, Baiwen immediately relayed the information she had just received.
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been reported to Miss Ganyu, accused of forcibly seizing the remaining lifespans of innocent citizens for profit!"
Ningguang: "?"
Ningguang was momentarily stunned. She had just been considering whether Chen Feng's appointment as a key member of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor might lead to trouble in Liyue. Well, well, she thought, it seems I was far too optimistic!
"Lady Ningguang, this matter has caused an uproar at Wanmin Restaurant. Miss Ganyu is unsure how to handle it and has sent me to seek your guidance."
"Even Ganyu, as a half-adeptus, hasn't heard of any such ability?"
Chen Feng's mystique deepened in Ningguang's eyes. After a brief pause for contemplation, she spoke again.
"Have the Yuheng make a trip to calm the public. I'll provide her with detailed instructions for handling the matter in two days."
Baiwen nodded, then hurried off to contact Keqing, who was currently on field duty.
Watching Baiwen's retreating figure, Ningguang felt a flicker of unease.
She knew a little about the situation in Fontaine.
Although Fontaine was desperately trying to suppress news of the incident to save face, the scale of the event made it impossible to conceal entirely. Only the details remained vague.
Given that Liyue and Fontaine were neighboring nations, and considering the existence of an ability even Ganyu had never heard of, Ningguang couldn't help but suspect that Liyue might become a target. After all, Liyue openly lacked a divine guardian, making it appear vulnerable.
However, if anyone dared to set their sights on Liyue, they would pay a terrible price. Ningguang was absolutely confident of this.
Liyue had received war reparations from Snezhnaya, and Rex Lapis had not truly passed away but had merely retreated into the shadows to continue protecting Liyue. Coupled with the Jade Chamber, a formidable war machine, and the countless talented individuals within Liyue, the nation was arguably at its strongest in the past century.
In fact, Ningguang had deliberately projected an image of weakness, precisely to flush out Liyue's hidden malignancies and pave the way for rapid development.
In short, Liyue currently feared no challenge!
Of course, while one could strategically disdain their enemies, they must always give their all tactically.
Ningguang immediately made extensive adjustments to Liyue Harbor's defenses, ensuring the Millelith could respond within moments of any emergency.
With these arrangements in place, Ningguang finally turned her attention back to her other pressing duties.
-
"Those people actually went and filed a complaint, huh?"
Hu Tao looked at Keqing with a bitter expression.
"This Director thought they were just letting off steam."
"This is utterly absurd! How could this Director possibly do such a thing?"
"Director Hu Tao, there's no need to worry. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been rooted in Liyue for generations. I naturally trust that you wouldn't do such a thing."
"I also hope you can understand the grief of the family who lost their loved one. Once the Liyue Qixing has thoroughly investigated this matter, we'll provide a satisfactory explanation to everyone."
Keqing paused, then continued, "Director Hu Tao, is Chen Feng here? I'd like to speak with him."
"Of course he is. I'll go fetch him."
With that, Hu Tao returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and summoned Chen Feng.
Chen Feng had already changed into fresh clothes and taken a bath, looking much cleaner and even a bit handsome. His white hair only accentuated his extraordinary aura.
Keqing studied the remarkably young man with curiosity. After learning of his abilities, she was equally astonished.
White hair...
Generally, the people of Liyue have black hair, but some individuals with Visions, their Elemental Power overflowing, experience a change in their hair color as a result.
However, upon closer inspection, Keqing noticed that the man didn't appear to possess a Vision.
"Keqing, I've brought him to you," Hu Tao said, eyeing Keqing warily. "But you absolutely must not try to poach him from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
Hu Tao's protective tone made Keqing feel a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"How could the Liyue Qixing ever stoop to such tactics?" Keqing replied with a hint of amusement.
"You tried to poach our Consultant, Zhongli, not long ago!" Hu Tao retorted, her tone sharp.
"Ahem, ahem..." Keqing coughed awkwardly, suddenly remembering that embarrassing episode.
Some time ago, Ningguang had recognized Zhongli's extraordinary talents and felt it was a waste for him to merely serve as a Consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, where his abilities were being underutilized. She had extended an invitation for him to work at Yuehai Pavilion, but he declined.
Hu Tao had actually supported the idea back then, but her fiercely protective attitude toward this new man made it clear he held a special place in her heart.
Keqing shook her head, then turned to Chen Feng, who was watching her with curiosity, and slowly began to speak.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing."
"I wanted to meet you, Chen Feng, because of what happened at Wanmin Restaurant earlier."
"Greetings, Miss Keqing," Chen Feng replied calmly. His composure left Keqing slightly puzzled; he seemed almost too composed.
Though Keqing wasn't arrogant enough to assume everyone in Liyue knew her, she reasoned that anyone living in Liyue Harbor would have at least heard of the Liyue Qixing.
Even someone with exceptional composure would likely show some reaction upon meeting such a prominent figure. Yet Chen Feng gave her the impression of someone completely unfamiliar with the Liyue Qixing.
"Chen Feng has amnesia," Hu Tao interjected, as if sensing Keqing's confusion. "So if you're hoping to ask about his background, he won't be able to answer you."
"Amnesia?" Keqing asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Truth be told, Keqing initially suspected this was a ruse—a ploy to conceal his true motives for approaching Hu Tao. After all, such a claim seemed rather cliché.
However, Chen Feng's reaction when he first learned she was one of the Liyue Qixing didn't seem feigned, which made Keqing somewhat believe his story.
"If that's the case, I don't have many more questions... Chen Feng, would you shake my hand?"
"Sure, one handshake costs one hundred Mora. Thank you for your patronage!"
Keqing: "???"
"You're charging for a handshake?!"
Upon hearing Keqing's words, Chen Feng immediately furrowed his brow.
"What, you think you can freeload?!"
Hu Tao, standing nearby, wanted to bury her face in her hands at the sight. She quickly tugged Chen Feng's arm and said, "Chen Feng, this Director will cover the cost. Just shake Keqing's hand already."
"Oh, I get it now."
Chen Feng glanced at Hu Tao, then at Keqing, a knowing expression spreading across his face. He extended his right hand to Keqing.
Whether it was Keqing's imagination or not, she thought she saw a hint of pity in Chen Feng's eyes, as if he were looking at a penniless man trying to find a rich woman to support him.
Keqing couldn't tolerate this any longer. "Director Hu Tao, that won't be necessary," she declared. "It's just a hundred Mora, right? I'll give you a thousand!"
"Boss, you're so generous!" Chen Feng's eyes lit up immediately at Keqing's words.
He stepped forward and reached out with both hands, each grasping one of Keqing's hands.
Keqing instinctively tried to pull away, but then remembered she had paid for this and forced herself to stop, even extending her hands willingly.
Soon, Keqing felt her hands enveloped by Chen Feng's warm, large hands. What puzzled her was why he needed to hold both her hands.
The next moment, Chen Feng pulled Keqing into a hug. Her eyes widened in shock, her mind blank.
Hu Tao, witnessing this, couldn't help but gape. While she believed in shipping everything for a balanced diet of drama, she really didn't want to ship this pair. Chen Feng was the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's God of Wealth!
Oh no, has Chen Feng fallen for Keqing's pretty face?
What if Chen Feng runs off with Keqing? What will happen to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's development?!
Damn it! I should have just said Chen Feng wasn't here!
Hu Tao inwardly regretted her actions.
Meanwhile, Chen Feng released Keqing after just three seconds, before she could even recover from the shock.
"Miss Keqing, I won't take advantage of you."
"Since you gave me a thousand Mora, I'll provide you with corresponding service."
"Of course, if you still feel shortchanged, I can calculate the exact date of your death as well."
Keqing: ...
Upon hearing these words, Keqing wanted nothing more than to slap herself. Why did I impulsively offer a thousand Mora?!
"L-let's call it a day for today. I'll be going now."
After uttering those words, Keqing fled in disarray, her retreating figure almost comical.
This was the first time Hu Tao had ever seen Keqing, the Yuheng, so flustered. Her gaze toward Chen Feng completely shifted.
"You haven't paid me yet!" Chen Feng shouted at Keqing's retreating figure. In Hu Tao's view, Keqing nearly tripped over nothing.
Feeling the curious glances from the scattered passersby, Keqing's face flushed crimson.
A bolt of lightning flashed, and Keqing teleported before Chen Feng, shoving 1,000 Mora into his hand, and vanished in another flash of lightning.
"Today's my lucky day!" Chen Feng chuckled, counting the Mora. His upturned lips were even harder to suppress than an AK-47's recoil.
"Director Hu Tao, if you ever find another gold mine like this, remember to call me!"
Hu Tao's lips twitched at Chen Feng's money-grubbing demeanor.
Relieved that Chen Feng wasn't merely after Keqing's beauty, she felt more at ease. Otherwise, she might have had to sacrifice herself to divert his affections and keep him around.
As it turned out, no such sacrifice was necessary.
With that thought, Hu Tao's spirits lifted again.
"Ha, this little bit of Mora is nothing! Get up early tomorrow morning, and this Director will take you to make real money!"
Hearing these words, Chen Feng's eyes lit up instantly.
Meanwhile, after using her Elemental Power to distance herself far from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Keqing still felt her heart racing.
She had actually been hugged by a man!
This was the closest she had ever been to a man since childhood, feeling his presence so intimately.
If not for his amnesia and apparent mental instability, she would have had him arrested and thrown into Prison immediately!
Keqing tried to reassure herself: It was just a hug. It's nothing. After repeating this countless times, she finally managed to calm down.
To be fair, she couldn't entirely blame Chen Feng. If she hadn't proposed the handshake as a test, or kept adding Mora under his intense gaze, things wouldn't have escalated this far.
Yet the thought that Chen Feng had hugged her solely for Mora left her feeling inexplicably angry.
Though she had dedicated herself to Liyue's development and abandoned any thoughts of romantic love, as a woman, how could she feel good knowing her charm was worth less than a mere thousand Mora?
No, why am I thinking about these things?
Realizing her inappropriate thoughts, Keqing shook her head vigorously, banishing the intrusive notions from her mind.
Though the situation had taken an unexpected turn, it had allowed her to gain a clearer understanding of Chen Feng's capabilities.
Judging by the feel of his muscles, Chen Feng was clearly an ordinary person, and even on the weaker side physically.
How strange... Can such a frail body truly contain such extraordinary power?
As she pondered this, Keqing made her way toward the Jade Chamber.