When she first started reading, her expression was calm.
However, as the gaze moves downwards, upon seeing keywords such as "sweet rain," "clear skies," "glow," "strolling side by side," "ambiguity," and "joyful smile"...
Yura's smile gradually disappeared, and the surrounding temperature seemed to drop several degrees instantly.
Her fingers tightened slightly as she held the letter, and a chilling aura began to emanate from her. Even the workers nearby couldn't help but shiver and subconsciously softened their movements.
"……very good."
Yura whispered, almost gritting her teeth, each word distinct.
"I've only been in Liyue for a few days and I've already offended so many people... I'll remember this grudge!"
She clenched the letter tightly, her gaze sharpening as she looked up towards Liyue.
It seems we need to speed up the supervision of the renovation process.
Chapter 18 Hardcore Academic Man
The next day, at the Qunyu Pavilion, Ningguang's slender fingers gently tapped on the newly presented intelligence summary, still fragrant with ink.
"Mondstadt's First Deepest Affection"
"Publicly confess to Yura Lawrence one hundred times"
"Publicly confess your love to Jean Gunnhild one hundred times"
Phrases such as "For the Qin Troupe Leader, the City of Freedom will be transformed into the City of Flowers" were used.
Even the well-informed and composed Tianquan Star felt a slight tremor in his understanding at this moment.
She raised her eyes, her gaze passing over the desk and landing on Yichen, who was engrossed in checking the accounts not far away.
The young man frowned slightly, his fingertips tracing the numbers on the paper. His profile appeared exceptionally serious in the soft light of the Jade Pavilion... even somewhat naive and easily deceived.
Ningguang's gaze lingered on him for a long time, trying to connect the sensational and almost obsessive "Legend of Mondstadt" in the intelligence report with the diligent and reliable assistant in front of her, whose mind seemed to be only focused on "making money".
The stark contrast gave her a sense of absurd amusement.
She picked up her teacup, using the rising steam to conceal a complex and enigmatic smile on her lips.
This guy... did so many amazing, "performance art" feats in Mondstadt, how come he's become so... well-behaved in Liyue?
Aside from the day he carried her back to her room and was particularly "useful," he was practically a model employee the rest of the time.
Aside from seeking advice at work and their shared pursuit of Mora, Tianquan Star, who was incredibly wealthy in Teyvat and possessed top-tier looks and power, he didn't reveal any "inappropriate thoughts" beyond the scope of colleagues.
Ningguang narrowed her eyes slightly.
Could it be that... his "deep affection" style has geographical limitations?
Is it because the feng shui of Liyue is wrong?
Or is it because... his unique way of thinking hasn't yet switched the operating environment of the "confession" program from "Mondstadt" to "Liyue"?
An idea popped into my head uncontrollably.
What if... you could help him switch "channels"?
Thinking of this, Ningguang put down her teacup, and in her eyes as she looked at Yichen, in addition to the original appreciation, curiosity and calculation, a trace of extremely dangerous, eager desire to explore quietly mixed in.
She suddenly wondered if this seemingly well-behaved guy could unleash the same dazzling brilliance he had in Mondstadt if placed in a suitable "Liyue environment".
That scene must have been very interesting.
So, over the next few days, Ningguang began to subtly exert her charm.
She would use the pretext of giving guidance to lean slightly closer to Yichen, her hair brushing against his arm, carrying a hint of alluring fragrance;
When he was reporting on his work, she would gaze at him with a smile in her beautiful golden eyes, her tone drawn out and carrying a hint of ambiguity.
She would even personally hand him a delicate pastry during afternoon tea, calling it a "reward for a diligent assistant."
However, all of this was like casting a seductive glance at a blind man.
Yichen's nerves seemed to be entirely woven from the materials of "learning" and "work".
He was either oblivious to the ambiguous atmosphere that Ningguang was deliberately creating, or he continued to pry into the details of a certain business case.
Alternatively, one could accept the pastry with an upright expression and then casually ask, "Lady Ningguang, what is the approximate cost of this pastry? What is the profit margin?"
He devoted all his energy to absorbing knowledge and organizing his experiences.
When it's time to leave work, he's like a schoolboy hearing the school bell ring; he packs up his things as quickly as possible and says goodbye politely but quickly.
"Goodbye, Lady Ningguang! Goodbye, Sister Baiwen, Sister Baixiao, Sister Baishi!"
Then he disappeared in a flash, leaving Ningguang with a tiny bit of doubt about her own charm for the first time.
Yi Chen rushed back to the inn, hastily finished his dinner, and then plunged into his room, spread out his papers, and began to write furiously.
He wants to deeply analyze and transform everything he has learned, seen, and heard while around Ningguang these past few days, in conjunction with the actual situation in Mondstadt.
By candlelight, he wrote the title:
"Lessons to Learn from Liyue's Business Model and Mondstadt's Business Environment, along with Suggestions for Modification"
Yichen wrote with great dedication, depicting Liyue's spirit of contract, the operation of commercial guilds, Ningguang's investment vision, port management models, and so on.
Combining Mondstadt's free atmosphere, wine industry advantages, and adventurer needs, many bold ideas and specific modification plans were proposed that both preserve Mondstadt's unique characteristics and enhance economic benefits.
It wasn't until late at night that Yichen finally finished writing the last word, let out a long sigh of relief, and looked at the paper that embodied his hard work with satisfaction.
"System, submit the task!"
Yi Chen silently recited in his heart.
Wow! Host is awesome! (/≧▽≦)/
The system's sweet, childlike voice immediately rang out, exaggerated and full of adoration.
[They actually wrote such a solid paper! The host has demonstrated a profound understanding and practical application of 'learning how to make money'! Mission exceeded expectations!]
A smug smile crept onto Yi Chen's lips, his fatigue vanishing completely.
"Stop talking nonsense! Hurry up and give me the reward!"
【Okay~!】
[One million Mora has been automatically deposited into the host's Northern Bank Black Card. Please check your account!]
[Extra reward being drawn... Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained the passive skill: Golden Rule (Pseudo)! Effect: You will have unexpected, steady, and continuous wealth~ Although it may not be of immediate use to the current host~ Hehe~!]
Yi Chen's smile froze instantly.
As he listened to the system's introduction and looked at the skill description in his mind that emitted a soft golden light but was labeled "Golden Rule (Pseudo)," he felt a sudden darkness before his eyes and almost choked on his breath.
If he had known the final reward was something like this, he wouldn't have bothered learning anything!
What's the point of writing a thesis?!
Why not just lie in bed at the inn every day, sleep soundly, and wait for Mora to fall from the sky?!
What is he doing all this time, getting up earlier than the rooster, going to bed later than the dog, acting like a good boy in front of Ningguang, and frantically absorbing knowledge?!
Just as he was internally screaming in agony, the system, as if not satisfied with finishing off his rage, added a line in an innocent, childlike voice:
[Hehe~ Actually, my initial thought was that with such a beautiful face and... uh, unique personality, the host could just find a rich woman like Ningguang to take care of him, which would count as completing the mission~ After all, living off a woman is the best way!]
"system--!"
Yi Chen's temples bulged with veins, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and he forced out the sounds through clenched teeth.
"Get out here right now! I promise I won't kill you!"
[Oops! Bad signal! See you next time, host! Bye-bye!]
The system quickly went offline, leaving Yi Chen alone, helplessly furious at the air.
So love can disappear, right?
What happened to the promise that knowledge changes destiny?
Why is the final reward some kind of random, luck-based mystery?!
Chapter 19 What a joke!
The next day, Yi Chen woke up as if his anger toward the system from the previous day had never existed, and he was full of energy again.
The golden rule and such are too abstract and vague; the solid paper in his hand gives him a greater sense of security.
After all, improving Mondstadt's economy would be a great thing!
He excitedly took the stack of papers filled with his heartfelt writing and climbed up to the Jade Pavilion again, heading straight for Ningguang.
"Lady Ningguang! Look at this!"
Yi Chen handed over the paper, his eyes shining, like an excellent student waiting for the teacher to grade his work.
Ningguang took the rather heavy paper with some surprise and began to read it carefully.
The more she looked, the more surprised she became.
This is by no means a perfunctory work. It not only meticulously outlines the essence of Liyue's business, but more importantly, it puts forward many practical and even ingenious improvement suggestions based on the actual situation in Mondstadt.
Her insights were so unique and her thinking so profound that they completely exceeded her expectations of Yichen.
Ningguang looked up at Yichen's praise-seeking expression, and a thought flashed through her mind.
"So, this is why you've been disappearing as soon as you get off work these past few days?"
She waved the paper in her hand.
Yi Chen nodded vigorously.
"These past few days, my mind has been filled with these data and plans. I've been thinking about them even while eating and sleeping! I can't even remember exactly what happened these past few days, hehe."
He scratched his head sheepishly, completely unaware of what his words had implied.
Upon hearing this, Ningguang nodded to herself, and the slight sense of frustration she had felt earlier vanished.
It turns out it's a single-threaded brain.
Once you focus on something, you automatically filter out all other irrelevant information, including... ambiguous signals.
This discovery instantly lifted Ningguang's spirits. A stronger, more controlling interest welled up within her.
If that's the case... then what if his single-threaded, limited-capacity brain was filled not with academic papers and data, but with Ningguang herself?
What interesting things will happen?
So Ningguang put down the paper and gave Yichen high praise without reservation, making Yichen a little smug.
Then, she naturally extended another invitation.
"Such a brilliant paper deserves a celebration. The weather is perfect today, how about we take a stroll together in Liyue Harbor? Perhaps it will provide some new inspiration for your next paper."
Yi Chen nodded in agreement.
This time, Ningguang didn't bombard everyone with business advice like she did last time.
She took Yichen to sample street food, admire the craftsmen's skills, stop at the storyteller's stall to listen to a legend, and even pick up a kite at the toy stall and try it out a few times.
With a charming smile, her demeanor no longer solely bore the majesty of the Heavenly Star, but also possessed a vibrant and captivating charm befitting a woman her age.
She would intentionally or unintentionally approach Yichen, gently touch his shoulder, or point to something interesting.
When she tastes a particularly delicious snack, her eyes light up, and she naturally shares half with him;
As you walk across the arched bridge, you slow down to admire the lights reflected on the water, as if you're indulging in this moment of tranquility.
The two walked side by side, appearing no different from any other young couples on a date in the eyes of onlookers. In fact, Ningguang's stunning beauty and aura made her even more eye-catching.
In front of a stall selling antiques, Zhong Li stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over each item.
As if sensing something, he turned his head slightly and saw Yi Chen chatting and laughing with Ning Guang in an atmosphere that was almost intimate and harmonious.
Zhong Li sighed almost imperceptibly.
He had already planned to find a suitable opportunity to get to know this interesting foreign unicorn in a natural way.
Whether it's discussing history, appreciating fine tea, or... offering guidance on his overly unrestrained use of power.
However, for some reason, whenever he felt the time was right, unexpected problems would always arise.
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