"All of this… was only because back then, I failed to make room for you in my heart."
"This line is too moving… I've never seen a story like this before."
After finishing Volume 4 of Fox Spirit Matchmaker, Venti's mouth was full of praise.
If there were wine here, he would've downed several cups on the spot.
Su Han happened to finish installing the wall panels. Hearing Venti's words, he chuckled.
"Right? That's why I'm counting on you tomorrow for promotion. Don't let me down. Our commission system remains the same as before."
"No problem! It's getting late anyway. Hehe, I'm going home to savor it slowly."
Venti waved goodbye and fluttered away with the manga under his arm.
Watching the bard depart in such carefree fashion, the Hall Master couldn't help sighing in envy.
"Flying really is faster than running… Su Han, when will I be able to fly too? If I could fly, Qiqi definitely wouldn't be able to escape next time."
Su Han originally wanted to say: Once I get my next flying artifact, I'll give you one.
But hearing her "Qiqi" comment, he swallowed the words.
Qiqi didn't have it easy either…
...
Meanwhile.
Jean had cried her eyes red.
The story of Wang Quan Fugui and Qing Tong had already moved her to tears… yet she didn't expect the story that followed to be even more heartbreaking.
"Eastern Yuechu is so silly…"
"And Red Red… she's so silly too… If only she had faced her true feelings earlier… sob…"
The usually strict Acting Grand Master curled up in her chair, quietly sobbing.
She didn't dare lose control, if a Knight saw her like this, all the dignity she'd accumulated over the years would vanish instantly.
Even though she cried messily, Jean still couldn't resist rereading Fox Spirit Matchmaker from the beginning.
Only then did she realize how many foreshadowing details she had overlooked.
"So that red-clothed fox spirit from the opening chapters… was Red Red herself… No wonder everyone kept pushing Bai Yuechu and Tu Shan Susu together."
After reorganizing the story in her head, Jean finally understood why everyone supported that couple, because their past life was even more tragic than Wang Quan Fugui and Qing Tong's.
At least those two had confessed their feelings.
But Yuechu and Red Red… only understood each other at the moment of death.
If that isn't tragic, what is?
That night, Jean didn't return home.
She stayed in her office.
The two Knights standing guard outside looked at the light that stayed on through the night and exchanged a sigh.
"Acting Grand Master is working too hard… She only rested for a few days, and now she's pulling an all-nighter again."
"Exactly. If anyone dares say Lady Jean doesn't work hard, I'll be the first to tear into them."
...
At dawn.
Just as Mondstadt citizens stepped out their doors, they heard fireworks bursting in the sky.
Right after, countless children ran through the streets shouting promotional lines.
"Extra! Extra! Liyue's manga shop has opened a branch in Mondstadt! Opening-day purchases come with free gifts!!"
"Come see, come see! Mondstadt Manga Branch now open! Two brand-new series available! Suitable for all ages!"
"Curious about Liyue's Adepti? Want to understand the meaning of love? Buy a manga! Everything you seek is inside!!!"
"If you don't read Fox Spirit Matchmaker, you'll never understand the true essence of love!!!"
"Wind & Cloud has reached its grand finale!!!"
"Under One Person contains real immortal arts! Reading it gives you a chance to obtain a true Adeptus technique!!!"
Such overwhelming promotion was a first for Mondstadt.
But undeniably… it worked extremely well.
Even residents who didn't like Wind & Cloud were tempted to try other titles.
By the time the shop opened, a huge crowd had already gathered outside.
Seeing the enormous posters beside the entrance, the crowd was shocked.
Romantic types were especially moved by the poetry displayed.
"That poem—'What is love, that binds us life and death apart?'—it's amazing! Worth buying the manga just for that!"
"Right? If the poem is this good, the manga must be even better."
"I thought the ads were exaggerating… but apparently not. This really has substance."
When the doors finally opened, the citizens were surprised to see the familiar Noelle as the shop's attendant.
Today she wasn't wearing her armor, she wore a fluffy mascot suit, looking irresistibly cute.
"Welcome, everyone! Today marks the official opening of our manga branch. Per Boss Su's instructions, the price here is the same as in Liyue Harbor. No markup at all!"
The customers cheered instantly.
Hu Tao's transported manga wasn't expensive either, but transportation costs usually added a premium.
For the Mondstadt branch to match Liyue prices was unbelievable.
Noelle smiled.
"Let's begin! Everyone, please line up, no pushing. We have plenty of stock!"
Even so, those who had experienced previous shortages still rushed to buy early, nothing was more torturous than everyone else reading manga while you couldn't.
Despite the heavy foot traffic, the many attendants kept things orderly.
While Noelle was busy working, a soft voice reached her ears.
"P-Please… may I have a copy of Fox Spirit Matchmaker?"
"Hm? Miss Glory? But… you can't see, can you?"
"Yes… I'm blind. But with no news of Goodwin for so long, I miss him dearly. I just wanted someone to read the story to me."
No long-time Mondstadt resident would fail to recognize this poor girl.
Though Glory had a lover, the unfortunate truth was that he had been away far too long.
Noelle nodded gently.
"Then I hope you find some comfort in it. And, there's a gift with each purchase. One moment."
A soft, fluffy object was placed in Glory's hands.
"Is… is this a toy?" she asked.
"This is a bond-knot. In Liyue, it symbolizes eternal love and beautiful wishes. May you and your lover reunite soon."
"I see… Thank you. Truly."
Clutching it to her chest, Glory expressed heartfelt gratitude.
...
Meanwhile.
Inside the Goth Grand Hotel next door, a woman in a black veil dress and a crown-like mask had just finished breakfast.
Her subordinate quickly presented the manga she had ordered.
"Milady, here is your book."
"Mm. And the Knights' recent activities?"
Rosaline The Witch of Flame, rested her chin on one hand.
While flipping through Fox Spirit Matchmaker, she asked about Mondstadt's situation.
Though things were not currently in her favor, the Flame Witch only felt one thing:
The fun was just beginning.
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