"Cao Zhong, open the door—it's me, Amber!"
A series of urgent knocks made Cao Zhong tense up inside the workshop.
When he realized it was Amber, he became even more nervous.
What do I do? Is she here for revenge? Should I pack up and run? Mondstadt isn't safe anymore!
He was panicking completely.
"Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble!"
Fortunately, Amber noticed his concern from outside.
The door creaked open.
Cao Zhong leaned against the wall in a cool pose.
"What are you saying? I was just preparing a handsome entrance to welcome the beautiful Miss Amber!"
No guilt at all—his "playboy nature" was on full display.
"Alright, I'm here for something serious."
Amber cut him off and pulled someone from behind her.
"This is my new friend, Lumine. She doesn't have a place to stay in Mondstadt. Since your shop needs help, she can stay here and assist you."
Cao Zhong had already recognized Lumine, but pretended not to.
At that moment, a tiny floating creature popped out from behind her.
With a small crown and a starry cape, she looked adorable.
But Cao Zhong knew exactly how troublesome she could be.
Yes—Paimon.
"Waaah! It's a real scumbag!"
Paimon shouted loudly as soon as she saw him.
Cao Zhong's face darkened.
Listen to that—does that sound like something a person would say?
"What is this? It can fly?!"
Cao Zhong pretended to be surprised and grabbed Paimon.
"Waaah! Traveler, help me!"
Lumine looked at him speechlessly.
Can you act a little more convincingly? This is way too exaggerated.
"Alright, stop bullying Paimon!"
Amber rolled her eyes and rescued her.
"So her name is Paimon? I thought she was some kind of flying vegetable… or emergency food."
Paimon exploded in anger, stomping mid-air.
"You're the emergency food! I'll give you an even worse nickname—pervert!"
"Flying vegetable!"
"Pervert!"
"Flying vegetable!"
"Pervert!"
…
Lumine and Amber looked at each other, feeling embarrassed.
How can someone be this childish?
After a while, the workshop finally quieted down.
"Alright, I'm leaving them with you. If anything happens, you'll answer for it!"
Amber said seriously.
Then she pulled Lumine aside, leaving Cao Zhong and Paimon glaring at each other.
Amber whispered to Lumine, "Don't forget what I asked you. Keep an eye on him—find out which girls he's involved with."
Then she added softly, "You're the only one I can trust now."
With teary eyes, she held Lumine's hand.
"Don't worry, I'll complete the mission."
Lumine nodded confidently, clearly moved.
After Amber left, Cao Zhong looked at Lumine and Paimon.
Although Lumine appeared calm, the slight unease in her eyes didn't escape him.
Something's off… they're hiding something.
After thinking for a moment, Cao Zhong figured it out.
He couldn't help but smile.
Amber… you really dared to put another girl beside me?
But since they were staying, he couldn't let them freeload—especially Paimon.
Her food expenses alone would be outrageous.
"Alright, since Amber entrusted you to me, I'll take responsibility. I have many commissions here. Let's sign a contract—you complete the tasks, and I'll give you a share of the rewards."
Paimon, still annoyed, immediately perked up at the mention of money.
"How do we split it?"
"For each commission, we split 70–30."
He handed the contract to Lumine.
"Only 30%?" Paimon frowned.
"Yes—70% is mine. Giving you 30% is already generous because of Amber."
Cao Zhong looked like a true capitalist.
Paimon got angry.
"Then aren't we basically begging on our knees?!"
"Well… you could say that. Plenty of people would love this opportunity."
He shrugged.
"You—!"
Paimon wanted to argue, but Lumine stopped her.
"Alright, Paimon. 30% is fine. We also get a place to stay."
She was thinking about Amber's request anyway. As for money—she could always take on more work.
Hard work would pay off.
"As expected of Lumine—such great awareness!"
Cao Zhong gave a thumbs-up.
Truly the number one worker of Teyvat… even capitalists would be moved to tears.
After Lumine signed the contract, Cao Zhong happily patted her shoulder.
"Work hard. I'll try to get you a 'sister-in-law' by the end of the year."