Genshin Impact: The Sage's Disciple Doesn't Want Fame

Therefore, in order to avoid such disappointment, Ningguang decided to investigate Ji Ming in advance. You can't deal with this kind of person by playing tricks; you have to use a straightforward strategy to lure him over.

"Ke Qing, can I do you a favor?"

"what's up?"

In my memory, Ningguang had never asked her colleagues for help; she was a very proud woman.

Ningguang crossed her arms and raised the corners of her mouth: "Please invite Ji Ming to sit in the Qunyu Pavilion. I am very interested in him."

"Huh? Why don't you go yourself? Qunyu Pavilion should be your property, right?"

"Because women are naturally shy, I am hesitant to invite a young man, so I can only ask Ke Qing for help."

She doesn't look shy at all. Ningguang is definitely planning something bad, isn't she?

Ke Qing frowned and crossed her arms, saying, "I refuse. This is your private matter. Go and handle it yourself."

“Haven’t you always wanted to build a bridge in Stonegate? Liyue’s income is pretty good this year, so I can allocate you more Mora, and you can really make the most of it.”

"You bastard, this is clearly using public office for private gain! I must impeach you at the Seven Star Conference!"

So, are you going to help me with this or not?

"I...I'll help!"

Keqing was just saying it in anger. Even if she didn't help, Ningguang would probably give her more Mora anyway, so she might as well do her a favor.

Ningguang was very satisfied. She turned and walked into the Qunyu Pavilion. She was in a good mood today, so she might as well take a bath and then sleep to make sure she was well-rested and ready to wait for Ji Ming to come to her.

"Keqing, would you like to take a bath together?"

"I don't want to bathe with you!"

Not bad, not bad. It's nice to tease Yuheng Star occasionally.

Chapter 22 Keqing's Crimes Are Heinous

The operation by the Old Nine Gates lasted all morning, but they didn't get much out of it. Those who dared to show their faces on the street were mostly street thugs, not legitimate gang members.

It's actually quite normal. Reputable gangs like the Nine Gates don't act as casually as street thugs and have a high degree of discipline, especially those gangs that are kept by their families.

After exchanging intelligence at the agreed-upon teahouse on the rock, Ji Ming parted ways with his sworn brothers for the time being, and would take action later when he had accurate intelligence. In the meantime, he would have to collect intelligence on his own.

So, shouldn't we investigate the major families? The Liyue Seven Stars are supposed to be fair and just, but in reality, they are mostly controlled by prestigious families. Apart from Tian Shu and Tian Quan, the rest are basically born into large families.

Let's start the investigation with the Li family. It's best to be discreet. Although Ji Ming already has a backer, he doesn't intend to worry his two senior sisters and True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng.

As for the Fools, they are merely using each other; they are an extremely dangerous double-edged sword, and must be used with utmost care. However, it is acceptable to occasionally let them drop some gold coins or extract some information from them...

Right, why not utilize the Fatui's intelligence network? The Fatui's influence is so great that even the people of Liyue know about them. Finding information about other factions shouldn't be too difficult.

Ji Ming planned to visit the Northern Bank later, but for now, he would first go to Wanmintang to see if Xiangling was busy. If she wasn't, he would chat with the girl and pass the time.

Upon entering the territory of Chihu Rock, Ji Ming glanced at the familiar building in the distance and happened to see the busy cook and the rice crust that kept stealing food, so he quickened his pace.

"Xiangling, I've come to play with you."

"Ji Ming? Come quick and help! I'll give you a bottle of milk as payment!"

"Milk is too ordinary, I want Fonda soda."

"Anything is fine, just come and get to work!"

Arrested by Xiangling, who had evolved into a heartless slave owner, Ji Ming began two hours of unpaid labor. He rarely did service industry work and, to be honest, he was a little unaccustomed to it.

Fortunately, this is Wanmintang, and no customers questioned Xiangling's cooking skills. Anyone who dared to cause trouble here would be disrespectful to the neighbors and would surely be severely punished.

Ji Ming, engrossed in his work, lost track of time. While wiping the table, he asked, "Miss, a plate of golden shrimp balls costs 5,700 Mora. Thank you for your patronage!"

"The golden shrimp balls are worth 5,700 Mora. How much is Mr. Ji Ming worth?"

These words were rather unpleasant to hear, and when Ji Ming recognized the voice, his expression darkened: "Miss Ke Qing, what do you mean by this?"

Even though Ji Ming's tone was harsh, Ke Qing still propped her cheek up and stared into his eyes, saying, "Someone wants to see you; she's a stunningly beautiful woman."

"I'm not seeing you. Pay up and leave now."

Seeing that her persuasion was ineffective, Ke Qing turned to look at the kitchen and said, "Master Mao, the service attitude of your waiter seems to be not very good."

Ji Ming gritted his teeth, ignoring the disappointed expressions on the faces of the diners around him, and questioned, "Are you the Jade Balance Star or a matchmaker?"

"Of course I am Yuheng Star, but Tianquan Star in Qunyu Pavilion wants to see you. Should I go or not?"

Such a strange thing? Tianquanxing and he had never met before, and there was a difference of more than ten years in age between them. They didn't have anything in common.

Unless... Tianquan Star has some information about Ji Ming, summons him to the Qunyu Pavilion for a banquet, and when the signal to smash a cup is given, his axemen immediately rush out and chop him into minced meat.

This is absolutely out of the question! Tianquan Star even sent Yuheng Star as an intermediary. Doesn't he know that he hates these childish rich girls the most?

"No, no, just eat and leave. This meal is on me. Don't ever show your face in front of me again."

Such cold-blooded words made Ke Qing's face darken immediately. She snorted and said, "Mr. Ji Ming, even if you and I dislike each other, you should at least maintain a facade of politeness."

Okay, so you want politeness, huh?

"Lord Yuhengxing, thank you for coming in person. However, I am truly unworthy of your presence. Please return home."

Ke Qing clenched her small fists, wishing she could punch Ji Ming's smug and handsome face. She suppressed her anger, and then her eyes lit up as she thought of another good idea.

If the soft approach doesn't work, then the hard approach will. Anyway, this guy hates her, so what if he hates her to the extreme?

“If you don’t go, I’ll tell Gan Yu.”

Ji Ming: "?!"

Damn it, you're playing dirty tricks, aren't you!

Ke Qing, her face full of joy, chuckled softly, then realized she was in Wanmin Hall. Seeing herself acting like a little girl in front of everyone made her blush slightly, and she immediately glared at Ji Ming.

Hearing the commotion, Xiangling quietly bent down and hid behind the kitchen counter, peeking out her bright little eyes to observe the situation. She was surprised that Ji Ming knew Yu Hengxing, even though she had never heard of him before.

Could it be that the Heavenly Power Star sent the Jade Balance Star to forcibly abduct men? No, Ji Ming is still a child who needs care, how can this be done...?

Tianquan Star, bad!

Just as the cook was about to step forward, she heard Ji Ming readily agree: "Okay, I will go see Tianquan Star, but don't come looking for me again."

What are you talking about? This guy is so narcissistic, does he think he's some kind of heartthrob? Don't worry, Keqing plans never to come looking for him again in this lifetime, never!

Ke Qing turned to leave, but Ji Ming, who was covered in black lines, grabbed her wrist and said irritably, "The dignified Lord Yuheng Star, do you intend to dine and dash?"

"Didn't you say you'd pay for me, kind sir?"

Ke Qing is not short of money, but she just wants to see Ji Ming look miserable. Who told this guy to be so cheeky?

Alright, alright, anyway, I'm going to cause trouble for the Li family soon, so Ji Ming plans to let her off the hook for now and get revenge later.

Ji Ming is not short of money, but he just doesn't want to pay for Ke Qing. Despite his high salary and benefits, he still tries to exploit and oppress her. No wonder she is a daughter of a prestigious family, she is simply wicked!

That's not all; the real problem is that she threatened him with Senior Sister Gan Yu, which made Ji Ming extremely unhappy.

Holding a warm little hand, Ji Ming was pulled into the kitchen by Xiang Ling. The girl looked at him seriously: "Tell me quickly, is Tianquan Xing trying to force you?"

What do you mean by forcing me?

"So...it was coercing you, so what's the truth of it?"

"It shouldn't be. I've never seen Tianquan Star, and a big shot like Tianquan Star couldn't possibly have seen me, so this kind of thing doesn't make sense."

Xiangling's momentum vanished, and she transformed back into a cheerful little cook. She ran to the stove, brought over a steaming cup of milk, and held it to Ji Ming's lips: "That's alright then, drink the milk first!"

"Xiangling lied to me. Didn't you promise to give me Fengda soda?"

"Fengda soda is unhealthy. I only have milk here, so drink it all."

Xiangling's eyes curved into a smile, though she was two years younger than Ji Ming. In her eyes, Ji Ming would always be a child, so he was absolutely forbidden from coming into contact with anything unhealthy.

In the end, unable to resist Xiangling's insistence, Ji Ming took the glass, took a sip of milk, pursed his lips, and asked, "Xiangling, did you put sugar in the milk?"

Xiangling tilted her head, gently touched her lips with her right index finger, and denied it, saying, "No, milk is better when it's all-natural."

"Didn't you put sugar in it?" Ji Ming smacked his lips, feeling that this glass of milk was unbearably sweet.

Chapter 23 The Art of Judging People, Social Skills

Bu Yun was the guide at the entrance of Qunyu Pavilion. He had worked under Ning Guang for many years and was considered one of Tianquan Star's most loyal confidants.

In all his years of working for Ningguang of Tianquan Star, Bu Yun had never seen Ningguang invite a woman to the Qunyu Pavilion. The black-haired boy in front of him was the first.

"Mr. Ji Ming, please come with me."

Since they were Lady Ningguang's guests, there was no need to use a secret code. Bu Yun led Ji Ming into the courtyard, and after confirming that no one was around, he activated the transport mechanism. This process would take at least a few minutes.

Taking advantage of this time, Bu Yun began to observe the black-haired boy beside him again, and tentatively asked, "How old is Mr. Ji Ming?"

"Under the age of nineteen."

"That means she's eighteen."

Bu Yun wondered to himself, could this person be a distant relative of Lord Ningguang?

As a loyal confidant, he had followed Ningguang since before she became the star of Tianquan, but he had never heard of Ningguang having any relatives, even though she had never shown herself during the stage when she was starting from scratch.

No, perhaps not a distant relative, but... a male concubine?