After taking over the Three Bowls Inn, Mu Yang immediately began renovations.
He first announced a temporary closure for remodeling, then conducted a major purge of the existing staff.
Compared to the meager wages Degui had paid them,
Mu Yang's severance packages were generous—enough for them to live comfortably for a while even without working.
A place like this was bound to attract all sorts of people, so he needed to recruit a new team of his own.
Mu Yang kept only two veteran employees:
the storyteller Tian Tiezui and the waitress Zhiruo.
The reason for keeping Tian Tiezui was simple—Mu Yang had no intention of changing the first floor's business model at the Three Bowls Inn.
The first floor would still cater to dockworkers and sailors who loved their drinks, as well as loyal customers who enjoyed listening to stories.
Mu Yang wasn't foolish enough to drive away regular patrons.
The reason for keeping Zhiruo was even simpler.
Degui's incriminating evidence had come from this kind-hearted waitress.
Despite being constantly manipulated and mistreated by the old man, she still cared about the customers, so Mu Yang lent her a hand.
Of course, this help was mutual.
Knock, knock—
The office on the third floor was knocked on. "Come in," Mu Yang said.
The visitors were Tian Tiezui and Zhiruo.
Both bowed slightly. "Boss."
"Sit," Mu Yang gestured for them to take a seat.
He then asked them to review his plans for the future.
If they had any questions or difficulties, they should raise them now, as he would be leaving on a trip soon.
Zhiruo had no issues; she was just a bit overwhelmed with gratitude.
The new boss had not only promoted her to a leadership role,
but from the plans, it was clear he was a boss who cared about the customers' experience.
This was evident in the affordable prices and even the detailed quality control measures for the dishes.
Zhiruo felt she had truly met a benefactor.
Tian Tiezui had no major concerns either. With Mu Yang's arrival, his status had risen, and his salary had doubled.
He cautiously asked, "Boss, the first-floor customers often say they're tired of the old stories. What do you think…"
"I've thought about that too." Mu Yang pulled out a stack of books from under the table. "Take a look and see what's suitable."
Tian Tiezui's eyes lit up at the sight of the thick pile of books, and he eagerly took them.
Degui, that old miser, always said the old stories were good enough, claiming they were classics.
He wouldn't spend a single Mora, and some stories were so repetitive that even Tian Tiezui was sick of telling them.
Wanwen Bookhouse hadn't had any fresh stories lately either.
Without new material, Tian Tiezui had to rely on his own creativity, which was tough.
He flipped through the books casually—Chu Liuxiang, Lu Xiaofeng, classic martial arts novels.
The Legend of the Mortal's Journey to Immortality? Probably a story about a mortal seeking immortality—could a mortal really become an immortal?
Further on, Tian Tiezui was stunned.
The Age of Sail, Pirate King Luffy?!
Ninja, Naruto Uzumaki… Would Liyue's folks even enjoy stories from Inazuma?
"Boss, these books… I've never heard of them."
"No need to dwell on it. Just adapt them boldly."
With that said, Tian Tiezui didn't press further.
He needed to hurry back and adapt these stories into versions suitable for Liyue during the renovation period.
Though he always said he wasn't jealous of his senior, Tea Master Liu Su, earning more,
now that the chance to surpass him was right in front of him, how could Tian Tiezui not seize it?
He had truly met a benefactor!
In the days that followed,
Mu Yang arranged for workers to renovate, interviewed new employees, and finalized purchasing and procurement plans…
Once everything was in place,
Mu Yang was finally ready to set out to find people.
Should he go to Inazuma first or Mondstadt?
The new event naturally required inviting the three Archons.
Whether Teyvat's people knew their mortal identities didn't matter.
What mattered was that players needed to see these figures appear in the event's side story.
This way, Mu Yang could elevate his own prestige.
As he stepped out of the Three Bowls Inn, he ran into Xiangling.
"Mu Yang? Isn't the place next door under renovation? Why are you coming out of there…"
"♪♪～"
"Because I'm the one who ordered the renovation."
"Huh?" Xiangling's jaw dropped.
"I'll invite you all once it reopens. Don't tell Chongyun and the others yet."
Xiangling nodded. "Got it."
She had heard rumors about the Three Bowls Inn.
It was said the owner watered down the wine.
That's why Beidou preferred drinking at Wanmin Hall over going next door.
Now that Mu Yang had taken it over, it was probably a good thing.
"By the way, Mu Yang, are you free today? I was thinking…"
Mu Yang quickly interrupted her spellcasting. "Sorry, Xiangling, I've got to head to Inazuma for something. I'll be back in a while."
Looks like he didn't need to decide—Inazuma it was.
Poor bard, your wine will have to wait.
Blame Xiangling.
"To Inazuma? Want me to show you around? I know that place like the back of my hand~"
That voice, that tone.
Mu Yang's senses sharpened, and sure enough…
Yae Miko was nearby. Her voice arrived before she did.
This trick startled Xiangling, who thought she'd seen a ghost in broad daylight.
Seeing that Mu Yang had spotted her, Miko stopped playing tricks.
In a flash, she appeared beside him.
"What are you doing here?" Mu Yang asked.
"I figured Ei might lift the Sakoku Decree soon, so I came to say hi to Sister Ganyu in advance."
The fox covered her mouth and chuckled. "Those two little ones have been working hard, after all."
Xiangling stood there, utterly confused.
Mu Yang gave a brief introduction. "This is Yae Miko."
"She's a 'good friend' I've known for a very, very long time."
Miko, ever the troublemaker, couldn't accept such a minimalist introduction.
She was determined to stir things up…
"Hi, I'm Xiangling! This is my buddy Guoba."
"Nice to meet you, Xiangling, Guoba."
Mu Yang didn't believe Miko's purpose was so simple.
Fortunately, he no longer needed to go to Inazuma himself.
He could just have her bring Ei back.
In truth, Miko's purpose was straightforward—she came to check on Mu Yang.
Back then, she hadn't connected Mu Yang to the Adepti.
At the time, Mu Yang was far too weak, and the fox hadn't seen much of the world.
Now, she was certain.
Since he was an Adeptus, asking Sister Ganyu was the quickest way.
Unfortunately, Ganyu seemed a bit distant after years apart and was evasive, unwilling to say much.
Luckily, she ran into Mu Yang now.
"Old friends meeting up, and you're not treating me to something?"
Mu Yang invited Miko to sit at Wanmin Hall.
While waiting for the food, they made a simple deal.
Mu Yang would answer a few of Miko's questions,
and on the opening day, Miko would bring Ei along.
Of course, not as the Raiden Shogun—having a general from a locked nation show up would be too conspicuous.
Miko gave a reassuring gesture, promising to get it done.
The meal was delightful for Miko.
She learned a bit more about Mu Yang.
Or rather, she had never truly understood him before.
This time, she got her fill of insights…
Plus, Mu Yang remembered her preferences and ordered fried tofu for her…
Though the last dish was a bit odd.
Still, that small flaw didn't dampen Miko's good mood.