Xinyan and Shenhe didn't respond immediately.
They were still reeling from Mu Yang's plan.
He'd only been back for a day, had a brief encounter with Genius Invokation TCG, and already thought of using this new card game to win back customers.
Wasn't his mind a bit too quick?
In truth, this tactic wasn't anything groundbreaking.
Someone like Ningguang had probably played this game to death.
But Mu Yang had his own advantages.
He could design exquisite card backs and tie new drinks to Genius Invokation TCG.
Most importantly, he had insider knowledge.
He knew Genius Invokation TCG would become wildly popular in the near future.
There'd even be an entire version dedicated to a major card game event.
When that time came, the card-playing craze would sweep across Teyvat.
Duel! The Summit of Summons!
Of course, the people of Natlan wouldn't participate—they had their own matters to attend to.
For now, Mu Yang wasn't aware of their situation.
He'd only have time to check it out after the Summit of Summons event.
As for the people of Snezhnaya, they were even busier.
After all, the Lady had died, and they only paused work for half a day to mourn.
Who had time to play cards?
In any case, Genius Invokation TCG was bound to take off, so Mu Yang was confident in investing in it.
On the surface, he was helping his disciple win back customers, but in reality, it was all for popularity points.
The most critical part of his plan was shifting the players' card-playing venue from [Cat's Tail Tavern] to [Muyu Snow City].
If possible, he'd even poach Diona while he was at it.
As the shop expanded, they'd need more hands, and Shenhe might not be able to handle it alone.
So, this trip to the Windblume Festival wasn't just for show—it was also about poaching Diona.
If that didn't work, he'd just buy the Cat's Tail Tavern and change its name.
Mu Yang didn't mention this in front of Shenhe.
Traveling all the way to Mondstadt to poach a little cat girl wouldn't exactly reflect well on a Master's image…
He only said the shop was being renovated and that they were heading to Mondstadt for a vacation.
Shenhe, recovering from the surprise, was delighted at the idea of vacationing with her Master.
Having been apart for so long, she was eager to spend more time with him.
She agreed on the spot.
Xinyan was also excited, though even for a company-funded trip, she needed to check in with her family.
Rebellious as she was, her parents were still alive and well, and she couldn't let them worry about her safety for no reason.
With the plan settled, Mu Yang put up a notice.
The milk tea shop didn't need renovations—the system upgraded the milk tea machine in a second.
But Mu Yang was a kind boss.
If he was going out to have fun, it wouldn't be fair to make the milk tea shop work overtime.
So, [Three Bowls Won't Cross the Harbor] wouldn't get a break either…
He'd pay them overtime, ten times their usual wages for these days.
Mu Yang had plenty of money—ten times the wages wouldn't make the milk tea shop close.
That little shop was a daily must-visit for players, where 10,000 Mora could be exchanged for up to 66 Primogems.
It was a major source of his popularity points.
Close it? Impossible.
After posting the notice, Mu Yang informed the girls at the milk tea shop.
They had no objections.
There was no easier job in the harbor than theirs.
Selling just fifty cups of milk tea a day, earning such high wages, and getting doubled bonuses from time to time?
Take a break? No way—they'd work themselves to the bone until the boss went bankrupt.
Mu Yang reminded them, "If Lumine and Paimon come looking for me, tell them we've gone to Mondstadt for the Windblume Festival."
"Got it, boss."
Mu Yang returned to the second floor.
Though it was a long trip, there wasn't much to pack.
The beauty of a fantasy world was that Mu Yang didn't even need to bring a change of clothes.
His outfit was conjured, always spotless no matter what.
As for food supplies, the system's storage kept everything fresh.
If they got hungry on the road, Xinyan could start a fire, and Mu Yang could whip up a lavish meal with a fire and a pot.
Shenhe emerged from her room, also carrying nothing.
The young woman approached Mu Yang, hesitating as if she'd rehearsed her words many times.
"Master, can we invite Senior Sister Ganyu?"
Mu Yang had, of course, thought of his other disciple.
But Ganyu's work was incredibly demanding.
The Lantern Rite had just ended, and he wasn't sure if she could take time off.
Judging by Ganyu's Story Quest, she'd only been away for two or three days, and Yuehai Pavilion was already overwhelmed.
A vacation lasting over ten days?
If Ningguang let her go, wouldn't Yuehai Pavilion fall apart?
Hiss—!
Mu Yang frowned, realizing he might be overcomplicating things.
No, no, if Ningguang's overwhelmed, what's that got to do with me?
With that thought, Mu Yang agreed to Shenhe's request and headed to Yujing Terrace alone.
At Yuehai Pavilion, the junior secretary said Ganyu had been summoned by Lady Ningguang and was currently at Qunyu Jade Pavilion.
Mu Yang flew up to Qunyu Jade Pavilion, arriving just as the two were finishing their discussion and walking out.
Ningguang immediately teased the busy Mu Yang.
"I thought you looked down on this new Qunyu Jade Pavilion. It's been rebuilt for a year, and you're only visiting now?"
Mu Yang didn't hold back. "I'm here for Ganyu."
Ganyu blinked in surprise. "For me?"
Mu Yang nodded. "Yes, here's the deal…"
He explained the vacation plan, saying he and Shenhe wanted Ganyu to join them for some fun.
Of course, if Ganyu wasn't willing, he wouldn't force her.
He'd expected Ningguang to keep Ganyu a few more days to wrap up her work, but that didn't happen at all.
Ganyu agreed immediately, and the matter was settled.
Ningguang smiled. "Surprised?"
"A little," Mu Yang admitted, unsure when the Seven Stars' efficiency had gotten so high.
Ganyu explained, crediting Mu Yang.
Ever since he'd advised her not to stay up late, she'd streamlined her work, hiring a small team of secretaries with clear divisions of labor.
Her workload was much lighter now, even during the Lantern Rite.
She'd just come to report to Ningguang and request a vacation.
As for the reason for her vacation…
Mu Yang had been gone for so long, and she'd wanted to visit Chenyu Vale to check on him.
Now that he was here, safe and sound, her plans naturally changed.
"When are you all leaving?" Ningguang asked.
"Asking for details? Don't tell me Lady Tianquan wants to come along?"
Mu Yang was just asking casually.
Ningguang was busy—there was no way she'd come.
"I'm your friend too, aren't I? Can't I join?"
Ningguang seemed to want a reaction from Mu Yang, but she didn't get one.
She wasn't annoyed—she was used to it.
Then, out of nowhere, Ningguang pulled out a dandelion greeting card.
"This year, Jean sent me an invitation as well. If I don't go, it'd be rude to decline, wouldn't it?"
Mu Yang muttered to himself, This development… is it right?