He changed Tiwat

If Bai Shi were genuinely asking for his help, Han Fulai wouldn't be unable to understand. However, Bai Shi had clearly been around Ning Guang for too long, behaving like a domineering mother-in-law towards her son-in-law, which made Han Fulai extremely uncomfortable. He wasn't here to be a live-in son-in-law!

Of course, Han Fulai selectively ignored the strange parts mixed in with Bai Shi's words.

After all, his purpose in coming to see Ningguang today was not simple. If he could gain some insights from Ningguang's schedule, it would be a good thing for him.

Thinking of this, Han Fulai took the schedule from Bai Shi's hands again.

“Miss Baishi, I understand your feelings for Lady Ningguang. As secretaries of Yuehaiting, our daily work is to serve the Seven Stars, and I am willing to share Lady Ningguang's burdens. If there are any suitable tasks to be done, I will help Lady Ningguang handle them... but!”

Han Fulai gently tapped Bai Shi on the head with the schedule, and Bai Shi looked at Han Fulai with a blank expression.

"What I need done depends on my mood. Is that alright?"

Bai Shi nodded like a chick pecking at rice, "I'll leave everything to Vice Minister Han!"

Han Fulai reopened the densely filled schedule and sighed inwardly. To be a good Liyue Seven Star, one had to work just as much overtime as he, as her secretary. Ningguang's schedule probably meant she had even less rest time than he did.

At that moment, a line of text among the important tasks caught his eye—

"I met with three intelligence officers today to exchange information."

That's it!

Chapter 54 A Date with Sister Ningguang (Part 1)

Because he had other things to do, Bai Shi left Qunyu Pavilion after handing over the schedule to Han Fulai.

Based on the information revealed in Bai Shi's words, it seems that Ning Guang doesn't intend to have her three personal secretaries accompany her today. Of course, otherwise, Bai Shi wouldn't have needed to wait in front of Qunyu Pavilion so early and specifically ask Han Fu to take care of Ning Guang.

However, Ningguang didn't really need his special care. After all, Ningguang came from a poor background, rising from a fishmonger in Yaoguang Beach to become the richest woman in Liyue. She wasn't so destitute that she couldn't take care of herself. As Baishi said, his care for Ningguang's daily life was more about saving her time. Besides, things like changing clothes, bathing, and grooming were things that Han Fulai, as a man, couldn't do for Ningguang.

The Jade Pavilion was quite quiet in the early morning. Several maids were sweeping and dusting in the hall, trying not to make a sound, obviously out of consideration for not disturbing Ningguang's rest.

Following the maid's directions, Han Fulai arrived at Ningguang's boudoir.

This was the first time Han Fulai had seen Ningguang's bedroom. To be honest, the grandeur of this bedroom was more like a "palace" than a boudoir.

Ningguang's boudoir occupied the entire first floor of the Qunyu Pavilion, its two large doors already as tall as the gates of the Yuehai Pavilion. The patterns on the doors were exquisite and elegant, indicating that the wood used was of exceptional quality. On either side of the doors stood antique vases as tall as a person, each one extremely valuable. The vases were filled with seasonal fresh flowers, their fragrance filling the air. Every morning, the maids would replace the flowers with a fresh batch, ensuring that the flowers here would never wither.

Just looking at this gate is enough to make you imagine what a luxurious scene lies inside.

Han Fulai gently knocked on Ningguang's door. After two knocks, Ningguang responded quickly.

"Okay, I'm awake now. Wait a moment, I'll be right out after I change my clothes."

Not long after, Ningguang came out of the room. Her clothes and appearance were as exquisite and elegant as ever, and it was clear that even without Baishi and the others by her side, it would not hinder Ningguang's life.

"Good morning, Xiao Han. How did you sleep yesterday?" Ningguang asked with a smile, clearly in a good mood.

Han Fulai responded with a smile, "I'm so excited I can't sleep."

"Heh, I didn't realize you were so good at winning people over."

Ningguang blinked and noticed the schedule in Han Fulai's hand.

"It seems that Bai Shi did something unnecessary. Sigh, I clearly told her not to worry about it."

"This is all from Miss Baishi's heartfelt wishes," Han Fulai said, handing the schedule to Ningguang. "What are your plans for today, Sister Ningguang?"

Ningguang raised a slight glance at him, "I'd like to hear your opinion."

"When in Rome, do as the host says. I'm here to keep Ningguang company today. If Ningguang says go east, I won't go west." Han Fulai said obediently. Although he was curious about Ningguang's meeting with the intelligence agent, he couldn't bring it up right away.

“Well…” Ningguang flipped through the schedule in her hand, “Speaking of things to do today, there is one: at noon, I’m going to Liuli Pavilion to accept Ms. Luo Qiao’s invitation to a banquet…”

“We’ll have to prepare this properly.” Ningguang looked Han Fulai up and down. “Hmm, we’ll also need to prepare some clothes for you.”

"Ah... I don't need to..."

Before Han Fulai could finish refusing, Ningguang stopped him.

"You just said you came here today to keep me company. I wanted you to come to the banquet with me, but you won't even do that?"

Ningguang's words carried a hint of reproach, which made Han Fulai somewhat embarrassed.

"In that case, I shall respectfully accept your offer. By the way, what is Ms. Luo Qiao's relationship with Sister Ningguang? Is she a friend? Or a business partner? It seems Sister Ningguang values ​​her quite a bit?"

Ningguang pressed her finger to her lower lip, tilted her head back slightly and thought for a moment, "Hmm, she's someone I've never met before. Today's lunch should count as our first meeting."

"First time meeting?" Han Fulai's curiosity was piqued. For Tianquan Star of Liyue to value this so much, it seems that this Ms. Luo Qiao's identity is not simple.

"Hehe." Ningguang chuckled softly, "Because she bought my 'time' at a high price, I should take her investment seriously. Otherwise, wouldn't it seem a waste to spend tens of millions of Mora just for a lunch at Liuli Pavilion?"

"Tens of millions?" Even though Han Fulai had seen the world, he was still shocked when he heard this number. My new house, which uses the best outdoor scenery technology, costs 50 million Mora even at a discounted price. I still have to save money to pay off the loan. You earned that amount in just two meals? And someone else paid for those meals?

Evil capitalists!

Ningguang nodded calmly, seemingly already used to this reaction from others.

"Yes, even at this price, the number of people wanting to buy this lunch opportunity hasn't decreased at all. Let me make it clear from the beginning that I've never interfered with this price, so I'm a little surprised that it's gone up to this level."

“For me, time is more precious, so when I first came up with this kind of deal, my rule was ‘highest bidder wins.’ Later, it gradually developed into a highly profitable business.” Ningguang deliberately shook the schedule in her hand, then put it away.

"...Lunch with Buffett," Han Fulai murmured.

"What did you just say?" Ningguang tilted her head.

"I mean, this is an investment. Think back to when Sister Ningguang announced the reconstruction of Qunyu Pavilion. How many businessmen spent hundreds of millions of Mora to compete for the chance to ask Sister Ningguang a question? Now, you can get this opportunity for only tens of millions, which is much more cost-effective," Han Fulai said with a smile.

“There is a difference—as payment for rebuilding the Jade Pavilion, I must answer that question to the best of my knowledge, but as for the casual conversation during lunch, I can choose not to answer.” Ningguang smiled playfully.

"Most of those buying this opportunity are businessmen. They believe that the money they spend now will be earned back many times over in the future. Whether they truly profit in the business world depends on their own insight and perspective; I'm just sharing some of my understanding. The exact value of my understanding in Mora varies from person to person..."

“Speaking of which, you’re very lucky. Attending this luncheon is completely free for you.” Ningguang smiled and glanced at him.

Even the dresses are free… Han Fulai added to himself with a touch of smugness. But he also knew that there's no such thing as a free lunch, and for Ningguang, this luncheon might just be part of an investment.

As for Ningguang's business acumen... Han Fulai already has a relationship with the business god Morax, and there are others like Keqing, Tian Shu, Xingqiu... A little Morax between his fingers is enough for him to become rich. If you really want to make a fortune in business, Ningguang isn't the only option.

Of course, all is well, this is still a lunch worth tens of millions of Mora.

Han Fulai smiled and nodded, "Then I look forward to Sister Ningguang's invaluable teachings."

"Then, let's have breakfast first."

Ningguang spoke, leading Han Fulai toward the restaurant.

"How valuable is the opportunity to have breakfast with Sister Ningguang?" Han Fulai joked.

“Priceless.” Ningguang’s beautiful eyes flickered. “I never have breakfast with outsiders.”

Chapter 55 A Date with Sister Ningguang (Part 2) [4k5]

Ningguang's restaurant is small, with two screens separating the inside from the outside. Inside, there is a long table and a few chairs. The tableware on the table is not expensive, and it looks quite homey.

Han Fulai recalled that the banquets at Qunyu Pavilion were always held outside, and no guests were ever invited inside to dine. It made sense; so many people lined up to invite Ningguang to dinner, she probably didn't have many opportunities to dine inside Qunyu Pavilion, and a simple breakfast wouldn't require such a grand affair.

However, Ningguang's expression was quite surprised at this moment, her phoenix eyes fixed on Han Fulai—

"Xiao Han, did you prepare all this breakfast for me?"

"Huh?" Han Fulai shook his head honestly. "I've only been here for less than fifteen minutes. How could I have had time to prepare such a sumptuous breakfast?"

"Hehe, I understand now. Please have a seat and savor the skills of the chefs at Jade Pavilion. Pastries like these will taste bad if left out for too long."

Speaking of which, Ningguang seems to have a reputation as a gourmet connoisseur, and her family's chef must be extraordinary as well... Han Fulai followed Ningguang to sit down and began to taste the special breakfast offered by Qunyu Pavilion.

The breakfast in front of us was exquisite. "Crystal Shrimp", "Moonlight Egg" and "Golden Shrimp Balls" were delicacies that could only be tasted at Crescent Moon Pavilion, the head of the Moon Vegetables in Liyue.

But the most unforgettable dish was undoubtedly the "Lotus Seed and Poultry Egg Custard." The clear, golden-yellow custard was topped with fragrant lotus seeds, making it incredibly tempting. The tender custard melted in the mouth, slipping down the throat almost unconsciously. Afterward, the lingering sweetness on the lips and teeth was like that of a lotus flower in its first bloom.

This poultry egg custard paired perfectly with the other desserts, providing both nutrition and a refreshing contrast, showcasing the chef's ingenuity.

"So, is it to your liking?" Ningguang asked.

"I ate a lot without realizing it, and now my stomach is a little bloated," Han Fulai replied with a laugh. If he were to have breakfast like this at Xinyuexuan, he would have to worry about his wallet.

"Don't forget we have lunch to attend. If we eat too much, we might miss out on even better food." Ningguang covered her mouth and smiled. "But I'm happy that you're so sure about my taste."

"By the way, do Miss Baishi and the others usually have breakfast with you?" Han Fulai asked casually.

“Occasionally.” Ningguang nodded. “But generally speaking, there are a lot of things to do, and everyone is in a hurry. There’s no time to sit down and enjoy tea and breakfast. Usually, breakfast isn’t this elaborate and plentiful, so I was a little surprised when I came here. I thought you had cooked for me and added some dishes.”

"I can indeed cook a couple of dishes, but I don't know if they'll suit your taste..." Han Fulai began to seriously consider whether he should demonstrate his cooking skills at Ningguang's house. Could he gain Ningguang's approval with the skills personally taught by the top chef Xiangling?

"It's alright, I was just joking. These extra dishes must have been arranged by Bai Shi yesterday." Ning Guang waved her hand.

"I feel that the chefs at Qunyu Pavilion are no less skilled than those at Xinyuexuan and Liuliting." Han Fulai has tasted all three major cuisines of Liyue, and he has his own opinions on Liyue cuisine, Yue cuisine, and Wanmintang cuisine. The breakfast that Ningguang treated him to was of a quality no less than that of the head chefs of those two major cuisines.

“Because the former head chefs of these two restaurants are in the kitchen.” Ningguang said matter-of-factly. “Breakfast determines a person’s condition for the whole day, so it can’t be rushed. If you wake up every morning and only feel repetitive in your diet, then fatigue will have already accumulated before you even start doing anything.”

I usually don't have time for breakfast in the morning... Besides, what about Gan Yu, who only eats light and refreshing food every morning...?

Han Fulai thought to himself.

I'd also like to hire a famous chef to make a different breakfast every morning! Why don't you get a chef for Yuehaiting too? Hmm? Speaking of which, if Ganyu's breakfast were changed to Qingxin on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Liulidai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Tiantianhua on Sundays, wouldn't that make it less repetitive?

Just as Han Fulai's thoughts were drifting off, Ningguang steered the conversation back on track—

"Alright, we've almost finished breakfast. We need to do some preparations before heading to Liuli Pavilion. Could you help me bring my clothes to my room?"

"Hey, can I get your clothes for you?"

"Go to your room again?" Han Fulai's mind jolted. He suddenly remembered Bai Shi's constant refrain of "golden phoenix purple silk bodice, cicada wing light gauze skirt." He had already begun to imagine Ningguang wearing these clothes—no, no, Han Fulai quickly stopped imagining. This was called "when you're well-fed and warm, you think of lust!" Besides, I already had Ahe!

“Yes, changing your clothes can also change your mood.” Ningguang, of course, had no idea what Han Fulai was thinking, and spoke in her usual tone, “I’ve already asked Lanyang to prepare the clothes. She’s organizing things in the collection room. You can go and get them from her later.”

"...I understand." Han Fulai nodded, forcing himself to remain calm.

"Then I'll head back to my room first." Ningguang gave him a half-smile and left the restaurant with her usual elegant gait.

It wasn't until Ningguang left that Han Fulai realized—there were so many maids in Qunyu Pavilion, why did they specifically ask him to fetch clothes?

But despite the doubts, the things that need to be done still need to be done. In order to find out Ningguang's thoughts, what's wrong with being her personal secretary for a day?

He was also familiar with the name Lan Yang. She was a secretary assistant at Yuehai Pavilion, assigned to assist Tianquan Xing Ningguang in his work at Qunyu Pavilion. When Han Fulai found Lan Yang, this slender, long-haired woman was coming out of the collection room, looking like she had just finished working.

After learning his purpose, Lan Yang asked him to wait a moment and then turned and went into the collection room.

Han Fulai peeked through the crack in the door, but couldn't see the bottom of the room and had no idea how big it was.

This "moment" lasted for almost a quarter of an hour. Just as Han Fulai was getting a little impatient, Lan Yang finally came out of the collection room carrying a brocade box.

"This is it. Please give this to Lord Ningguang." Lan Yang said, handing the brocade box to Han Fulai.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. This room contains many of Lady Ningguang's collections, not just clothes, but also various antiques, jade artifacts... We're currently rearranging the layout according to Lady Ningguang's wishes, so the room is a bit cluttered..."

Is this the trouble of the rich? Just one of their collection rooms is like a maze; it takes them forever to find even a single piece of clothing…

Han Fulai didn't say much, accepted the brocade box, and walked towards Ningguang's bedroom.

On the way, he curiously opened the brocade box and peeked inside. It was a purple dress he had never seen before. He gently touched it with his hand. The dress fabric was as thin as a cicada's wing, and its texture was like a beautiful woman's skin, smooth and silky to the touch.

Clearly, these weren't clothes that ordinary people could afford. With a sigh, Han Fulai knocked on Ningguang's door once more.

Naturally, the good deed of helping Ningguang change clothes didn't fall to Han Fulai.

Ningguang simply extended a fair, jade-like wrist from inside the door to take the brocade box, then closed the door. He could only wait silently outside.

When Ningguang reappeared before Han Fulai after changing into her formal attire, he had to admit that Ningguang's beauty was still unparalleled in his life.

To be fair, he had seen quite a few beautiful women in Liyue during this time, each with their own unique charm. He had become quite familiar with many of them, and even had intimate relations with a fairy-like figure like Shen He. He was no longer as defenseless against beautiful women as he once was.

But Ningguang's impact on him was no less than when they first met.

The purple gown, woven from fine silk, accentuated Ningguang's skin, making it appear as smooth as cream and as white as fresh snow; her full, high breasts created a deep cleavage; her fragrant shoulders, slender waist, and two long, snow-white legs outlined a beautiful, exquisite curve...

—But what's even more irresistible is the allure of her turn.

Ningguang's long, white hair cascaded down her back, yet it couldn't conceal her smooth, bare back, stretching from the nape of her neck to her waist. Her back was like a piece of fine silk, making one yearn to paint upon it and leave their own mark.

Han Fulai now deeply understood what Bai Shi had said earlier—"Ningguang's bare back is the most precious thing in Liyue!"

“This dress is a new one I recently had made, and I love it. What do you think? Just tell me your first impression.” Ningguang smiled, anticipating his response.

To be honest, there are only two words to describe it—it's very smooth!

But as a top student in the Chinese department, Han Fulai obviously couldn't describe his feelings in just two words.

Without hesitation, the "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" came to mind:

"It appears faintly like light clouds veiling the moon, drifting like swirling snow in a flowing wind. From afar, it shines like the rising sun amidst the morning glow; up close, it glows like a lotus emerging from clear water."

Although Ningguang didn't know which passage Han Fulai was quoting, she understood that he was praising her, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew... Thank you. Actually, I was a little nervous. With your affirmation, Xiao Han, I have enough confidence in it."

"Sister Ningguang looks good in anything. If you don't have confidence, how many women in this world dare to say they have confidence in themselves?" Han Fulai used his special skill of sweet talk at the right time.