“We had almost no interaction before.”

Upon hearing this, Yi Chen immediately produced the standard answer.

"To express respect and love."

Keqing was amused by his overly formal answer and shook her head.

"Hehehe... What a strange reason. You clearly don't understand me at all, do you?"

"That's wrong!"

Yi Chen immediately retorted. He stopped and looked at Ke Qing very seriously, as if stating a remarkable advantage:

"I know you! I know you disrespect the immortal master!"

Keqing's smile froze slightly. This was not a secret in Liyue, but it was the first time she had said it so bluntly, even with a hint of praise.

"Oh? Then... what do you think about this, Yichen?"

She was curious to see how this guy from Mondstadt would evaluate her "rebellious" opinion.

What do I think?

Yi Chen tilted his head, seemingly deep in thought about the question.

He raised his head and looked up at the vast sky over Liyue Harbor, his gaze becoming somewhat distant.

"I think... the people of Liyue are a bit too lazy."

Ke Qing's pupils contracted slightly, but she didn't interrupt him; she simply listened quietly.

Yi Chen continued, his gaze sweeping over the bustling streets around him.

"Look, from what I've been learning about Liyue's business environment, it's actually a very... unhealthy business environment."

"The investment trends and industry booms and busts almost every year change according to the Emperor's occasional remarks or personal preferences."

The emperor loved antiques, so the antique market was booming.

The emperor commented on a certain type of tea, and its value immediately skyrocketed...

Aside from the Seven Stars still striving to plan and guide, most businessmen, and even ordinary people, seem to have given up on truly independent thinking, blindly chasing after the shadow of the gods.

"But this can't go on."

Yi Chen turned his head and looked at Ke Qing.

"What if... I mean, what if, one day the Emperor gets tired of it? Or what if he stops guiding us? What will happen to Liyue, who has become completely accustomed to relying on divine pronouncements?"

"So, I think your idea of ​​'disrespecting the immortal masters,' or rather, not blindly believing in the authority of gods, insisting on 'rule by man,' and advocating that the people of Liyue should control their own destiny... is actually quite advanced! It's a forward-thinking approach!"

Ke Qing was completely stunned.

She had anticipated many possible responses: perhaps influenced by Mondl's ideals of freedom, perhaps simply ingratiating, or even provocative...

But she never expected to hear such a direct and insightful analysis!

These words seem to express the core ideas that she has been pondering deep in her heart, yet which have repeatedly been thwarted in her efforts to implement reforms!

Looking at Yi Chen's face, which still retained a touch of youthful innocence, she realized for the first time that beneath that "abstract" and "straightforward" exterior lay such a clear mind and keen observation skills.

An indescribable thrill and joy, like finding a kindred spirit, slowly spread through her heart.

She remained silent for a long time, and when she spoke again, her voice carried a genuine, heartfelt smile and appreciation:

"...I never expected that the one who could understand my 'disrespect' the most would be you, a guy from Mondstadt."

"So, the 'respect and love' I expressed is genuine."

As Yi Chen spoke, his expression switched back to that playful grin, as if the person who had just calmly analyzed the current situation of Liyue was just an illusion.

But for some reason, after hearing his insightful and to-the-point remarks, Ke Qing found his "unserious" demeanor much more pleasing to the eye.

Even that punctual, straightforward, and somewhat reckless "like" doesn't sound so abrupt or childish anymore; instead, it carries a touch of... well, a unique sincerity?

Ke Qing slightly curled the corners of her lips, but did not respond to the topic. She simply quickened her pace: "Let's go, business is more important."

The two soon arrived at the Fatui's encampment in Liyue Harbor.

It was an area whose atmosphere was clearly out of place with the surrounding Liyue architecture, carrying the cold and hard style unique to the Winterlands. There were even debt collectors secretly patrolling the entrance.

However, the most eye-catching figure was the one who was leaning on an exquisitely carved cane, barely standing at the entrance of the camp—

His orange hair was still flamboyant, but his face was terribly pale, and he seemed to be wrapped in many bandages. His signature executive coat was loosely draped over his shoulders. He looked like the "Young Master" Tadalia, who had just barely crawled out of serious injury but insisted on posing as if to welcome someone.

Upon seeing the young master, Yi Chen's eyes widened instantly, his mouth slightly agape, his face filled with disbelief.

"Young master?! You're not dead?!"

The young master's smile froze instantly, and a vein on his forehead throbbed involuntarily. His fingers tightened around his cane, knuckles turning white, and he almost couldn't resist throwing the cane directly at Yi Chen's face, which was filled with "curiosity"!

This guy... he definitely did it on purpose, right?!

He suppressed the surging blood in his chest, gritted his teeth, and forced out an extremely twisted and dangerous "smile":

"Thanks to you... I'm still alive!"

Standing beside Yi Chen, Ke Qing tried her best to maintain the dignity of Yuheng Star, but the corner of her mouth couldn't help but twitch slightly. She subconsciously turned her face to the side and coughed lightly to cover up her smile.

Yi Chen, however, seemed completely oblivious to the gritted teeth in the young master's words. Instead, he seemed relieved and nodded very honestly.

"Oh, thank goodness you're not dead. I was worried that if I had really killed you, things would have been a bit troublesome in the Winter Kingdom."

Young Master: "..."

He really wants to die, or for Yichen to die.

Seeing that the atmosphere was about to escalate into an uncontrollable violent conflict, Ke Qing quickly stepped forward and steered the conversation back on track.

"Young Master, it seems your injuries have not yet healed, yet you are still concerned about official duties. This is truly... impressive."

Her words were perfectly logical, but upon closer examination, there seemed to be something else going on.

"We have come here today to inquire about the purpose of your recent frequent personnel changes. Liyue Harbor wishes to maintain the existing peace and order and does not wish to see any unnecessary misunderstandings."

The young master took a deep breath, struggling to shift his murderous gaze from Yi Chen's innocent (?) face, and looked at Ke Qing, resuming his standard fake smile befitting an executive when dealing with diplomatic matters:

"So it's Lord Yuheng Star who graces us with his presence. We apologize for not greeting you sooner. It's just a routine staff rotation and rest period, after all..."

He glanced meaningfully at Yi Chen.

"Some time ago, one of our important members was unfortunately seriously injured in a 'friendly sparring' session, and we need more manpower to maintain daily operations. This will not affect the order of Liyue Harbor at all, so please rest assured, Seven Stars."

His explanation was reasonable, but Ke Qing and Yi Chen both knew that this was not as simple as "rotation and rest".

Yi Chen muttered under his breath, "He attacked first but still couldn't win..."

The sound wasn't loud, but everyone present could hear it clearly.

Young Master: "!!!" (Killing intent rising.jpg)

Chapter 32 Little Fans

"Ha, do you still dare to speak so arrogantly on the territory of the Fools?"

Suddenly, a cold and arrogant female voice came from deep within the camp, carrying a sense of oppressive condescension.

A woman dressed in a black and white, elaborately designed, gorgeous long dress slowly walked out.

She wore a mask that resembled a black crown, covering the upper half of her face, revealing only her sharply defined jawline and lips painted with dark lipstick.

He exuded a chilling aura, like the dead of winter, and the arrogant air of someone who had long held a superior position.

Ke Qing's expression instantly became even more serious. She turned her head slightly and quickly reminded Yi Chen in a very low voice.

"Be careful, Yichen. This woman is the eighth seat of the Fools' Executive, [Lady] Rosalyn Cruzshika Loehfat."

His strength is unfathomable, his personality is extremely wicked, and he is far more troublesome than the young master.

However, Yi Chen's expression turned extremely shocked the moment he heard the name "Rosalind Cruzshika Loehafat"!

Rosalyn Cruzshika Loefat?!

Isn't this the name of the protagonist in that legendary tale about the 'Flame Witch' that I saw in a super old book in the Mondstadt library when I was bored?!

The story says she was a tragic hero who, after losing her lover, devoted herself to the Ice Queen and vented her rage on monsters...

I always thought it was just a fabricated legend!

I can't believe it... it's actually true?!

And he's right in front of me?!

A tremendous shock, like meeting an old friend in a foreign land (?) and a legend coming to life, instantly swept over Yichen!

He completely ignored Keqing's warning and the cold hostility emanating from the woman. His eyes lit up as if he were a little fan seeing his idol.

Amidst the astonished gazes of Ke Qing, the young master, and even the lady herself, Yi Chen actually stepped forward and asked very seriously, even somewhat nervously:

"Excuse me... are you the legendary... 'Flame Witch'?"

"I...I'm your fan! I read about your story when I was very young (a few months ago)! I never thought I'd actually meet you in person!"

Woman: "...Huh?"

Even the well-informed and stoic "lady" was stunned by this completely unexpected turn of events.

She turned her face slightly toward Yichen, as if to confirm whether she had misheard.

Then, the lady glanced at the young man beside her who was using a cane, and for the first time, a hint of doubt arose in her heart.

This young man... doesn't he seem quite polite and easy to talk to?

Her eyes are quite clear...

This is completely different from the savage, violent, and madman who attacked without saying a word that you described.

Could it be... that this young master himself is too annoying and has angered them?

The atmosphere suddenly became extremely strange.

Ke Qing covered her forehead, unable to bear watching any longer.

She began to seriously doubt whether bringing Yichen along was the right decision.

The young master, standing to the side, was so angry he nearly crushed his cane—how could this guy have two faces?!

He attacks him with full force, but turns into a little fanboy when it comes to women?!

The woman remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly reassessing the dark-haired young man before her.

"You...have heard my story?"

Yi Chen nodded frantically, his eyes sparkling.

"Of course I've heard of it! When it comes to pure love warriors, Ms. Rosalyn, you're simply my idol!"

To go to such lengths for a deceased lover...that's amazing!

Hearing this completely unexpected, even somewhat "outdated" praise, especially the word "pure love," the woman felt as if a very subtle string in the deepest part of her long-frozen heart had been inadvertently plucked.

Although she had long since abandoned her weak past and dedicated herself entirely to the Ice Queen and the great cause of Winter, to be gazed upon with such pure admiration by such a young man with clear eyes and a sincere tone, and to have that long-forgotten legend mentioned...

A complex emotion, both extremely unfamiliar and not unpleasant, quietly swept over me.

Her haughty and aloof attitude softened slightly without her noticing.

Hmph... This young man is much more eloquent than he appears.

The lady pondered to herself, and when she glanced at the young man again, her eyes were filled with obvious disdain and suspicion.

It seems this brainless brute provoked them first, which is why he got beaten up like this. He's truly disgraced the executor.

Yi Chen was completely oblivious to the subtle changes in the woman's heart, and was still rambling on about his regrets.

"It's a pity that I left the book that tells your story in Mondstadt, otherwise I would definitely have brought it today for you to sign!"

The woman looked at him and remained silent for a moment.

"...Old stories, not worth mentioning."

Although his tone remained indifferent, he neither denied Yi Chen's words nor reacted.

This was the closest thing to a "friendly" attitude that the eighth executive, known for his harshness and arrogance, could show.

The woman remained silent for a moment. Originally, she had planned to come out and give Ke Qing a hard time, but with a "fan" there, she couldn't make a scene.

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