Didn't you go to Teyvat to earn money to support me?

"Huh? We promised to be best friends forever! I was even ready to latch onto the powerful magistrate! And now you're going to Liyue with Ryoko? What am I going to do all by myself?!" Yoomiya exclaimed.

Shen Liang thought to herself, "Traveling with me isn't a good job. I'm a player who doesn't refuse anyone. If you stay with me for too long, you'll eventually discover my true scumbag nature. It's better to part ways now. In your eyes, I'll always be that kind-hearted young hero. Wouldn't it be better if we went our separate ways amicably?"

"Speaking of building a force, you mean that to start an organization you need a project, right?" Shen Liang thought carefully for a moment. "What kind of project can I do? With my current fame and influence, what kind of project would be very attractive to others?"

"You are a very good fighter."

"You are from another world."

The two girls shared their opinions at the same time.

"Fighting a war doesn't count as a project, right? I can't exactly start a mercenary company and travel around the seven kingdoms, going wherever there's a war and then having the comments section flooded with praise and support for the war... To be honest, I'd be risking my life to start a company like that. You guys don't really think all the gods would tolerate me using this otherworldly technology to join the war, do you?" Shen Liang sighed. "Even Thor almost wanted to get rid of me."

This statement was agreed upon by the girls. Although they didn't understand some of the terms, they could grasp the general idea. After a moment's thought, Ayaka Kamisato said, "Let's start from the perspective of someone from another world. Ryoko, your identity as someone from another world is probably known to the upper echelons of the Seven Kingdoms. This identity is a very interesting topic."

"But what projects can be derived from this?" Xiaogong continued, counting on his fingers, "Clothing, food, housing, and transportation—what projects can the topic of otherworldly people constitute?"

Shen Liang's first thought was about food.

"An interdimensional catering company?"

"So what exactly is a 'company'?" Xiaogong shouted in dissatisfaction.

"It's a form of business organization that has emerged to meet the needs of a market economy and large-scale socialized production. In layman's terms, it's an organization that brings together a group of people in order to make more money," Shen Liang explained quickly, then pondered its feasibility.

His culinary skills were quite good, one of the few talents he possessed during his time as an ordinary person. At the orphanage, he was responsible for the meals of Bronya, Seele, and the Arlene sisters, and sometimes, when there were not enough people for group meals, he was also responsible for the meals of Cocolia and a group of nun teachers.

This has led to him being proficient in Siberian cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Hunan cuisine, and Sichuan cuisine, with a basic understanding of Japanese and some Western food. To satisfy his sisters' quirky and picky eating habits, he has explored a wide range of cuisines. Although he is not at the top level, he knows a little about everything, making life a bit better.

The restaurant industry is also the easiest to replicate; he could easily start by opening a small restaurant. The various seasonings available on Earth are a game-changer for Teyvat; he could even engage in the seasoning trade! It's well known that the spice trade in feudal times was comparable to the gold trade; if you do this well, you're sure to make money!

Just as Inazuma is similar to Japan on Earth, Liyue is said to be quite similar to China on Earth. It must also be a land of delicious food, where food is paramount. This project is incredibly feasible!

“Ryoko…” Ayaka Kamisato interrupted, seeing Ryoko's thoughtful expression, she decided to question her first, “Is running a restaurant company really the way out? Even if the restaurant industry in this other world is strong and developed, Ryoko is currently trying to build a team in Inazuma, right? Attracting people with her cooking… and attracting some young people with higher social status, I'm afraid there’s not much of a chance, is there? After all, the restaurant industry is based on opening a store, and not many people would be willing to stay in a foreign country and open a restaurant, right?”

Shen Liang glanced at Linghua in the mirror, then at Xiaogong, and suddenly realized what was going on.

That's true. He wants to build up his power base and wants to recruit promising, capable, and talented people, like Ayaka Kamisato.

However, such people are already capable. If they just think the restaurant industry is promising, they can simply send someone to work for them; there's no need for them to become their subordinates or, in other words, employees. For example, Ayaka Kamisato could easily send Thomas to Liyue with her, and then let him be in charge of either opening a restaurant or a spice trading post.

How could a high-ranking official like Princess Egret possibly work as an assistant in a restaurant, as a chef or waitress?

It's not that Ayaka Kamisato is arrogant or unwilling to start from small things; rather, it's that even if a young lady with such abilities were to be subordinate to someone else, she would still have the air of a "strategist," "colleague," or "business partner," and would never be the type of "laborer," "shopkeeper," or "waitress."

It's a complete waste of resources for capable and wealthy people to do grassroots work. If Shen Liang lets the people he brought in do this kind of thing, they might think he's deliberately humiliating them and just go back to their hometown.

They are easy to discourage.

"Besides, many people are definitely here to broaden their horizons because of your reputation as the unparalleled beauty of the West, Ryoko. Opening a restaurant or something... is not classy enough."

"Yes, the sixteen-year-old Umi no Mikoto, the Regent of Umi no Mikoto! Everyone is looking forward to seeing what unheard-of things you can bring!" Yoomiya looked Shen Liang up and down, scratching her head as she thought of what else she might have missed. Then she suddenly noticed the rather stylish trench coat, short skirt, and white silk boots that Ayaka Kamisato was wearing.

Suddenly, a thought struck her: "Speaking of which, Ayaka, isn't your outfit from Ryoko's world? Women's clothing?"

Ayaka Kamisato and Ryo Shen instantly understood what she meant.

"That's a very direct temptation!" Shen Liang exclaimed. "And it's classy!"

"Especially the girls, which of the noble ladies or even wives in Inazuma doesn't yearn for romance from another world? Yes, an aesthetic and romance that's hundreds of years ahead of its time!"

Princess Bailu immediately summoned her servants, gave them a few instructions, and then looked at Shen Liang with a smile, saying, "I've already sent out the news about the clothing project. A clothing project seminar will be held this afternoon on the second floor of the Oguraya. I've invited the young people from the Inazuma family to attend. Time is tight, so Ryoko, start preparing now. How you attract talent is entirely up to you."

"Thank you, no problem." Shen Liang thought for a moment and replied confidently.

--------

Two streets below the castle tower of Inazuma Castle lies Koguraya, the most renowned tailor in the castle. Their designs are often the latest trends in Inazuma, and their fabrics and silks are of the best quality in the castle. They basically provide clothing designs for the nobles and officials of Narukami Island.

Today, Ogura-ya is closed to the public, and the owner, Mio Ogura, is working as a waitress. The clothing showroom on the second floor has been used for the project seminar, and the men and women, mostly young people, have gathered there.

Ogura Mio recognized these people as mostly young nobles, bureaucrats, and aristocratic families from Narukami Island. Although she didn't know what they were doing here or what news they had received, Ogura Mio didn't dare to ask. She only knew that someone was going to hold a clothing exhibition here.

At exactly three o'clock in the afternoon, Shen Liang entered with two young girls.

The guests at the project seminar gasped softly, for many of them were seeing Shen Liang for the first time. Yes, although his decisive victory over the shogunate army at the Battle of Narushita had made him famous, for these young people who had long held high positions on Narukami Island, they could only come into contact with this otherworldly being through snippets of information in intelligence reports.

So when Princess White Heron sent out invitations, even if they arrived in the same afternoon, everyone came without complaint or hesitation. In their eyes, the formidable Regent of Haiqi Island was indeed someone they should treat with caution… he was a powerful figure who had once confronted Thor head-on!

but……

This child isn't scary at all!

Knowing someone from information is completely different from knowing someone in reality. Even though many people know that Prince Umi-no-Kami is a boy who is less than 1.6 meters tall and more beautiful than the current goddess priestess, this description is not worth mentioning compared to his fearsome reputation.

But when the boy, who was almost half a head shorter than the petite Ayaka Kamisato, calmly walked in, it was quite disillusioning. Many people had very complicated expressions, and some couldn't help but glance at Sara Kujo.

—So you were defeated by this little guy?

It was only then that Ogura Mio suddenly realized that the handsome young man introduced by the daughter of the magistrate was actually the "Executioner Shen Liang" that the people of Narukami Island had been talking about for the past year.

How could it be him……

For a moment, she didn't know whether to blush or turn pale. When she saw Shen Liang's gaze fall on her, she hurriedly covered her face and rushed downstairs.

[The way Ogura Mio was looking at you seemed a bit off...] Torachiyo, watching the beautiful pink-haired proprietress in her kimono's flustered retreating figure, realized something. [Wait, boss, you wouldn't...]

"We met when I bought Rosalia a traditional Chinese dress, before you were bound to a contract," Shen Liang said calmly. "We played together for a few days, and now you can get a 10% discount when you buy clothes from her."

[As expected of the boss, businesses are everywhere.] Torachiyo peered out the window for a while. [But she seems to have a boyfriend, the owner of 'Nebutsuki no Gen' across the street. Looks like they've been dating for a long time. He seems like a very honest man... Wait, is that owner's surname also 'Mikoto'?]

Shen Liang remained silent for a while.

Chiyo, I think it's best if we don't pry into other people's lives.

Torachiyo looked at the shy smile on the face of Ogura Mio's eyes and sighed helplessly. "Hmm... you're right, boss. Respect. Best wishes."

Chapter 234 Ryoko-sama's Genius Speech

Once everyone had mostly arrived, someone finally couldn't help but shout out, "Isn't this supposed to be a project seminar? This place is all empty, what are we supposed to discuss?"

Shen Liang took a deep breath.

In the past few hours, he has already helped Anna buy a trendy clothing store in Munich, and now he needs to carefully operate a teleportation screen.

The area of ​​the teleportation light screen was expanded to cover the entire clothing store, and then the other end of the teleportation portal opened on the ceiling of the small warehouse. After the crowd was evacuated, Shen Liang carefully adjusted the coordinates of the light screen and then opened it!

Countless shelves and wardrobes were precisely placed in the showroom of the small warehouse! If it weren't for the inability to demolish the load-bearing wall, Shen Liang would have actually wanted to teleport the fitting room over as well, but fortunately, the small warehouse already had its own fitting room.

The force of countless heavy objects hitting the ground startled the group of young masters and ladies, and the dust kicked up made them cover their noses and cough. However, their eyes were now filled with more shock. The use of spatial abilities proved that this boy was indeed the young general who could instantly transport countless flames to burn down the Mingzhui Beach. The contempt in their eyes vanished almost instantly.

Several people were hit on the feet by the falling shelves. Shen Liang casually tossed a Hua Hai Yue over, then watched the crowd gradually calm down, raising his chin arrogantly in accordance with the persona they had in mind.

"These clothes are from my world. The materials, workmanship, and style are completely different from any clothing known in Teyvat." Shen Liang looked around at the group of people, her beautiful red eyes as cold as ice. "I intend to start a company and establish my clothing brand in Teyvat. This is a preliminary plan. Those who are willing to follow me must travel with me to the seven countries. As for those who join now, I can give them shares and dividends at my discretion."

He crossed his arms and said, “The reason I’ve gathered you all here is because I think you are all the pride of Inazuma, and you are all young people with open minds who can better understand the market for this project. I am a very picky person and only like to work with outstanding talents, because my time in Inazuma is limited—so I will only gather you to join my organization and let us subvert all the concepts in the fashion industry of Teyvat.”

He then waved his arms vigorously, like a dramatic orator, “I know very well that many people in Inazuma cannot tolerate me, and even hate me. But the elites are different. I believe that you, as the elites, will not care about my past as a so-called ‘executioner of the shogunate’! You will naturally tolerate me, rely on me, and trust me! Because you have foresight!”

This opening line was suggested by Ayaka Kamisato, who said that his appearance made it too difficult to establish an intimidating presence, so it would be better to set the tone for the conversation directly with an arrogant and aloof tone. Even if he looks like a pretty young boy, as long as the tone is established, everyone will feel that he is at least a very strong and capable young boy.

Although Shen Liang felt that this was basically the domineering CEO style from female-oriented novels, which was a bit arrogant but mostly just chuunibyou (a Japanese term for someone with delusions of grandeur)... it seemed to work well, and Inazuma-ren was quite into the chuunibyou genre.

Ayaka Kamisato had already noticed that some of these people had smug looks on their faces, the kind of expressions that said, "I really am the kind of person that the Regent of the Coral Palace would value."

"I come from a more civilized world. Although this may sound unpleasant, I've been wondering why I came here, to this desolate world? To participate in war? To promote rice cultivation? Or to satisfy my own desires? No, none of those. It's to find like-minded friends." Shen Liang raised a finger, coldly surveying everyone, then suddenly softened his voice, "Because I'm lonely."

Men and women from various prominent families listened attentively to what he had to say.

"My world is more civilized and advanced. I came here with a sense of superiority, but I am lonely and have no friends to walk the same path with." Shen Liang revealed a sad expression at the right moment. The sight of him showing such vulnerability on his delicate and flawless face made many girls' hearts tremble. They clenched their fists, seemingly wishing they could come up and wipe away the non-existent tears of this boy right now.

"What I need are talents, and that's you—energetic and capable prodigies! The barren land of Inazuma will only stifle your talents, and the millennia-old political struggles of this land will dull your minds! So, come with me to the Seven Kingdoms!" Shen Liang pointed to each of them, his voice bold and impassioned. "Let's start with a clothing company! As someone from another world, I welcome you to join the project of transforming the world!"

He held that impassioned pose for three seconds, after which enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience, and everyone joined in. It was undoubtedly an honor; to be praised so highly by the esteemed Shen Liang brought tears to the eyes of some! Especially the girls, whose faces flushed slightly as they watched the boy, his delicate leather shoes perched on a stool, maintaining a haughty and assertive demeanor while giving his speech. They hadn't even heard what Shen Liang had actually said.

The invitation was perfect, and Shen Liang was quite satisfied with his speech.

Although the last sentence, "starting from a clothing company," momentarily lowered the overall tone, it was a minor issue. He could only rely on the exotic clothing to change the minds of these young people. He could only do his best to attract as many as he could.

If it weren't for the fact that operating weapons as a business is too risky, he would have liked to move the armory stored at Narukami Taisha over here, which would definitely attract a lot of people!

Next, Shen Liang jumped off the stool and announced that everyone could freely appreciate the modern clothing craftsmanship of Earth before deciding whether to follow him. He himself rested for a while before acting as a model for these people to appreciate the clothing.

After all, his own face is the best spokesperson for menswear.

"Please wait!" Just as Shen Liang was drinking water, a girl suddenly exclaimed, "Linghua...you, is this a tabi sock from another world?"

Shen Liang turned to look at the unfamiliar girl, who was wearing a plain blue kimono and was circling around Ayaka Kamisato in surprise. She even reached out to touch Ayaka's skirt and then squatted down to touch her calf.

Ayaka Kamisato wore a beautiful high school uniform with black velvet knee-high socks, Kiana's school uniform from St. Freya Academy. Because it was modern clothing, it stood out among the young people. This understated yet incredibly elegant and beautiful outfit drew frequent glances from many boys who admired Princess Shiraga, demonstrating her immense popularity among the young people of Inazuma.

“Ryoko… Lord Kaigozen brought these from his world. They’re called ‘over-the-knee socks,’ not our Inazuma tabi socks. They’re smoother than the finest silk, and although they’re very dense and not see-through at all, they’re very thin.” Ayaka Kamisato explained to her friend with a smile, “They’re also very comfortable to wear. They feel as cool as if you’re not wearing anything, and they prevent too much skin from being exposed.”

"What amazing fabric." Hiiragi Senri glanced at Ayaka, then whispered, "But, was it a gift from Lord Kaigozen?"

“He gave me several of these clothes… He’s very strict; he’ll get angry if I don’t wear clothes from his world.”

"Oh~" Hiiragi Chisato drawled, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Ayaka, you look beautiful in this, it really accentuates your legs... Lady Kaigozen really knows how to dress, you must have done it on purpose, right?"

"Don't say that, there's clearly no exposed part." Ayaka Kamisato blushed.

"Oh my, you've dressed up exactly as I wanted and you're still trying to look good~" Hiiragi Chisato teased her with a mischievous grin.

Hiiragi Senri seems to be the young lady of the Kansei Order. Regardless of these two sisters who have been best friends since childhood, Shen Liang wants to go and see the Yoru Palace.

He also prepared a JK uniform for Xiaogong, but after the Fireworks Queen threw away her breast wrap, Shen Liang realized he had underestimated her. She was even more ferocious than Kiana; the shirt that Kiana was already struggling to hold up was practically unbuttoned on her.