Yes, Lady Funina!

"Ms. Funina, you're not joking, are you?" Ningguang looked at Funina, whose complexion seemed normal and didn't appear to have a fever.

“I’m not joking.” Funina said seriously. “I just want to hear your opinion on this matter, Ms. Ningguang. Please feel free to speak your mind.”

“Alright…” Ningguang paused, “Excuse me for being frank, Ms. Funina, your idea is a bit too far-fetched.”

Oh, it's whimsical, isn't it? When Ningguang uttered the words "Excuse my bluntness," Frynn instinctively thought that Ningguang was going to say that her actions were too "bold."

It's all Richard's fault; now she can't even look at the word 'courage' the same way anymore.

However, when Ningguang said "wild imagination," she probably meant that her ideas were unrealistic.

"Leaving aside how to persuade all the people of Fontainebleau to follow you to the Sky City, just building a Sky City from scratch that can accommodate all the people of Fontainebleau would be impossible even for a god in just three years, right?"

“The material issue alone is enough to kill this project.” Ningguang showed no mercy.

"Although floating stones are not among the materials prohibited from being sold to foreign countries, Liyue rarely exports this material. After all, the amount mined each year is limited, and even internally it can only barely meet the demand."

Take Ningguang's Qunyu Pavilion as an example. The huge Qunyu Pavilion was started when her business was doing well, and it took more than ten years to reach its current state.

Furthermore, even now, Qunyu Pavilion can only be compared to a slightly larger village; it doesn't even qualify as a county, let alone a city.

Funina wants to build a sky palace that can accommodate all the people of Fontaine within three years. In Ningguang's opinion, it's not that there's no hope at all, but it's just wishful thinking.

"Sigh, is that really how it is?" Fulina had expected this beforehand. Richard had already warned her about it, and now that Ningguang said it, she immediately felt it was unlikely.

If it were feasible, Richard, with his knowledge, would have already told her. After all, ever since the contract was signed, they've been in the same boat, and there's no reason for them to keep good ideas from each other.

“I’ve heard that Fontaine also has anti-gravity technology. If that technology is mature and reliable, there might still be some hope,” Ningguang said.

How could Fu Ningna not know this principle?

If it were truly mature and reliable, why would she have come to Ningguang? It's precisely because it's neither reliable nor mature that she sought a solution from outside.

“There was hope before, but now…” Funina didn’t continue. Everyone present was well-informed and naturally knew about such a big event as the Fontaine Academy bombing.

The explosion took away not only two-thirds of the Academy of Sciences, but also all the talented people within the Academy, which is the greatest loss of this bombing.

After all, buildings can be rebuilt, but people are gone forever. It takes several years or even more than a decade to retrain them, and the human and material resources required are unimaginable.

It can be said that the Fontainebleau Academy of Sciences is currently facing a shortage of qualified personnel.

"I deeply sympathize with the victims of the Fontaine bombing." That was all Ningguang could say; what else could she do?

Ningguang wouldn't be so saintly as to offer to help Fontaine recover her energy for free; that wouldn't be her.

Not only will she not help Fengdan recover her strength, she even wants to snatch people away from Fengdan.

Of course, if Funina were to offer Richard as a bargaining chip, there might be room for negotiation...

Frynn was certainly unaware of Ningguang's thoughts, and even if she did, she would never give up Richard. It wasn't that she loved beauty more than power, but rather that she couldn't control Richard.

In fact, Furina was well aware that in her interactions with Richard, he was usually the one in control, while she was the one being manipulated.

Well, she seems to enjoy it too.

“I heard from Richard that the Liyue Immortal, Lord Liuyun, is skilled in mechanical arts and has considerable knowledge of levitation. Now that I’ve seen him, I can confirm his extraordinary abilities. So I would like to ask for his opinion.” Funina looked at Xianyun, wanting to hear her thoughts.

Xianyun hadn't expected to have anything to do here, especially since it was Richard who had gotten her into this mess, so she instinctively wanted to refuse.

But seeing the expectant and yearning look in Funina's clear and innocent eyes, the words of refusal seemed stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say them no matter what.

"Even so, even if Lord Water God asks me this question, I do not know what anti-gravity technology is all about, so naturally I cannot give any specific advice."

After all, she didn't even know what the anti-gravity technology that Funina mentioned was, so how could she offer any opinion?

However, Funina was prepared for this and brought over a summary of relevant documents on anti-gravity technology.

The reason it's described as an overview isn't for any secrecy, but because there are simply too many documents and summaries about antigravity technology. Even just the table of contents alone would be as thick as three or four books combined, not to mention the specific projects involved.

If all the information were brought here, the entire private room would probably be filled with sheets of paper used for recording information.

"This is an overview of the anti-gravity technology that Fontaine is currently researching. I would appreciate it if you could take a look, True Lord." Funina adopted a very humble posture and her attitude was extremely sincere.

This attitude surprised Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun. She did not expect Fu Ningna to bring out the anti-gravity technology so directly.

You should know that even the catalog of this technology is a confidential matter. Even our own people have to go through layers of testing to see it. And now it's just being given to her, an outsider, to read at will.

After all, even if it's just a catalog, with the technical prowess of True Monarch Liuyun Jiefeng, she could gain a general understanding of the technology after reading it once. If she wanted to research the technology afterward, she could probably catch up with Fengdan's progress very quickly.

It can be said that Funina's move was equivalent to directly sharing her technology with Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun.

With such trust, it's hard to imagine they've only known each other for a short time.

However, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun knew that this trust was not for himself, but for Richard. It was precisely because Richard felt he could trust her that Fu Ningna was so at ease entrusting her technology to him without worrying about it being leaked.

Thinking of this, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun couldn't help but look at Richard, who had given her another big problem.

To say that she wasn't interested in Fontaine's anti-gravity technology would be a lie. As a seasoned tech geek, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun was naturally interested in anti-gravity technology from a foreign country.

Unlike the floating stones in Liyue that levitate in the air due to their own properties, Fontaine's anti-gravity technology is driven by energy, relying on a massive energy flow to achieve levitation.

The difference between the two is like that between gasoline cars and new energy vehicles. One uses oil and the other uses electricity. They are two completely different paths, but they lead to the same goal.

He didn't know before, but now that he does, True Lord Liuyun Borrows the Wind naturally wants to figure out the differences and explore the underlying principles.

But the problem at hand is that once she accepts this technology, it also means that she will have to shoulder the corresponding responsibilities.

After all, we can see from the fact that our True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng is actually a very responsible immortal, unlike some other guy who likes to be a hands-off manager.

Thinking of this, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun couldn't help but glare at Richard. She came to help Shen He solve his troubles, not to cause trouble.

Richard is despicable! He actually used such methods to seduce her. He's utterly despicable!

Seemingly aware of Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun's concerns, Richard finally spoke:

“I believe that through this cultural exchange event between the two places, Liyue and Fontaine can carry out closer cooperation. For example, regarding anti-gravity technology and many other technologies, Liyue and Fontaine can jointly establish a special research organization to tackle technical problems together and achieve win-win cooperation.”

"That being said, how will the research results be distributed, and why did Liyue agree to cooperate with Fontaine?" The one speaking now is Ningguang from Tianquan Star, and Ningguang, representing Liyue, will not compromise just because she likes Richard.

Like Richard, she is the kind of person who clearly separates public and private matters. As the saying goes, business is business, and if there is no tangible benefit, even if it were Richard, Ningguang would refuse.

"The distribution of research results is naturally based on contributions. As for why we need to cooperate with Fontaine, it's even simpler: Fontaine has what Liyue needs, such as technology."

Richard was well aware that Liyue's industrial strength was generally inferior to Fontaine's. After all, Fontaine had already developed autonomous robots, while Liyue was still in a state where manual blacksmithing was required.

It's not that human labor is bad, but compared to human labor, tireless machines are obviously much more efficient. Not to mention that Liyue is currently in a post-disaster reconstruction phase, and everything needs to be rebuilt. Fontaine's advanced technology is obviously indispensable to Liyue.

Simply put, the collaboration proposed by Richard is actually a technology exchange.

Using Liyue's lacking technology to gain technological breakthroughs in many fields, including anti-gravity technology, from Fontaine, while also promoting friendly relations between the two countries, can be described as a win-win situation. It is precisely for this reason that Richard firmly believes that Ningguang would not refuse such cooperation, both morally and logically.

Indeed, after hearing Richard's account, Ningguang did not object, but she did not immediately agree either. Instead, she said that she needed to go back and discuss it with her colleagues before giving a corresponding answer.

Richard didn't expect Ningguang to give an immediate answer; in fact, Ningguang's lack of objection already meant that the matter was half settled.

After all, such a major matter of cooperation between the two countries is obviously not something that Ningguang can decide on her own. Whether or not she agrees will have to wait until Ningguang returns and discusses it with the other seven stars before a decision can be made.

Before that, cultural exchange activities between the two places are the most crucial.

After all, if we can't even do basic cultural exchange activities well, let alone cooperate to tackle technical problems.

After finishing the business, the conversation became much more relaxed, and inevitably, it turned to a certain person.

Now is the time for the very talkative Zhenjun to show his skills (and get his revenge).

"I heard from Ningguang that her Qunyu Pavilion is half of yours, Richard. Is that true?"

Volume 1: Chapter 117 Whose subordinate is this? He's incredibly powerful!

"Uh-huh?"

Is there half of Richard in the Jade Pavilion?!

Funina suddenly looked at Richard. Why hadn't she heard Richard mention this before?

Richard's response was, "I don't want it, but she insists on giving it to me."

Of course, that's not how you should put it, so Richard replied, "It was just a joke from years ago, it doesn't count."

“Of course it counts. Not only Qunyu Pavilion, but also all the businesses under my control should have half of it. Merchants are based on integrity. Are you trying to make me go back on my word, or do you look down on me?” Ningguang was not joking. Let alone Qunyu Pavilion sharing half with Richard, she would even give him half of her remaining life.

“Ningguang…” Richard called out her name helplessly.

Meanwhile, Frynn was still in shock that the Jade Pavilion had half of Richard's wealth. Everyone said that Ningguang was the richest man in Liyue, so wouldn't Richard, who had half of Ningguang's wealth, also be the richest man in Liyue?

Just like there are five of the Four Heavenly Kings, it's normal for the richest man in Liyue to have two, right?

But why would Ningguang give half of her assets to Richard? Just because he's handsome?

Funina couldn't help but ask, "So why did you give half of your fortune to Richard? That must be quite a sum, right?"

“It is indeed not a small amount, but compared to the help he gave me back then, this money is nothing,” Ningguang said.

“Even without me, you’ll quickly rise to prominence with your abilities, and all I’ve taught you are some business matters.” Li sensed that Ningguang was trying to ‘kidnap’ him again.

However, Ningguang's method is more sophisticated than ordinary moral blackmail; it's a form of 'gratitude blackmail.' She amplifies Richard's past kindness and then approaches him under the guise of repaying that kindness, interspersed with financial incentives along the way...

It has to be Richard. If it were any other man, he probably would have fallen head over heels for Ningguang long ago.

"There is never love without a reason, nor is there hatred without a reason. Just teaching people how to do business and make money was a great kindness to me at that time."

Only those who have experienced poverty can truly appreciate the importance of money and understand what a great favor it is to teach others how to make money.

In fact, many people who apprentice under a master have to give 70% or more of their earnings to their master. But Richard didn't take a penny. He even took Ningguang's suggestion of splitting the profits 50/50 as a joke. This was no longer the behavior of a master. Even biological parents would have done the same.

In a way, Richard didn't leave empty-handed; he won Ningguang's heart, an emotion that, after more than a decade of refinement, had become more precious than gold.

If Richard had chosen to take the money and leave back then, Ningguang might have been grateful, but she definitely wouldn't be acting like this now, practically offering herself up as a free lunch.

Sometimes, what's free is the most expensive!

When Frynn heard Ningguang mention the phrase "like a second life" in her words, she felt quite uneasy.

No, you too...?

Looking at the five people at the table, apart from himself and Richard, two of the three were actually rivals in love!

She had just been enjoying drinks and conversation with her love rival, and it seemed like she had even organized the dinner herself, urging Richard to come over, saying he couldn't refuse.

"So, does this count as actively helping them out?" This thought suddenly popped into Funina's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.

After all, she didn't know at first that Ningguang and Shenhe had feelings for Richard. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss, and even if she hadn't dragged Richard along, Ningguang and the others would definitely have gone to find Richard on their own later.

But... I'm still so angry!

The little devil inside Funina was pounding his chest in frustration.

However, on the surface, Frynn remained calm and collected. Having played the role of the water goddess for so many years, she still had this much composure. But in the ensuing conversation, Ningguang inevitably discovered something amiss.

Noticing that Funina's words lacked the warmth she had shown earlier, Ningguang realized that Funina had seen through her ulterior motives towards Richard. Now, her words were deliberately distant, as if to say:

We're adversaries, so let's not get too friendly and keep our distance.

Ningguang didn't care much about this. Funina would find out about this sooner or later anyway, so whether it was exposed or not didn't matter.

"It's almost time, I should take my leave." Funina checked the time and felt it was time to end the dinner.

If Frynn hadn't realized Ningguang had feelings for Richard, she wouldn't have cared about having a long talk by candlelight. But once she did realize it, she didn't want the dinner to continue for even a second longer.

Putting everything else aside, just the thought of herself helping Ningguang and Shenhe make Funinga feel uncomfortable all over.

Shen He was alright. Apart from the previous "husband and wife follow each other" statement about eating whatever he ate, he ate his meal peacefully afterward.

Ningguang was different. Frynn felt that this Tianquan from Liyue was radiating charm at all times. Even she, a woman, thought that Ningguang was incredibly elegant, even when eating. Her speech and behavior were simply incomparable to ordinary women.

Moreover, although her figure is not as good as Shen He and Clarinde's, it is definitely graceful and slender, and she is definitely better than me.

Most importantly, she is also very rich. Even if Funina doesn't understand the emotional relationship between men and women, she knows that a woman who is rich, powerful and beautiful has a demonic power to attract men.

“Indeed, it’s getting late. Ms. Funina, if you have something to attend to, please go ahead. Are you free later, sir? If it’s convenient, why not come to my residence in Fontaine for a cup of hot tea and catch up? It’s just a short walk from Momang Palace.” Ningguang extended an invitation to Richard.

Richard pondered for a moment, and just as he was about to answer, he saw Funina staring at him expectantly, giving off a feeling that she would cry if he agreed.

Richard: ...

"Never mind, you've had a long day, get some rest." After Richard finished speaking, he saw that the tension on Funina's face visibly eased, and she unconsciously loosened her grip on the ring on her left hand.

how to say?

There's a sense of relief, like a housewife seeing her husband refuse a social engagement with his glamorous female boss.

Ningguang wasn't discouraged by Richard's refusal. She smiled and replied, "You're right, let's pick another time then."

"Who's going to pick another good time for you!" Funina thought to herself.

It'll be completely dark soon, and you're inviting Richard to your house for tea? Do you really think it'll be tea? I bet you want to drink Richard's tea!

Although that's what she said, Furnessa was wondering if she should someday follow Ningguang's example and invite Richard to dinner after get off work, then bring him home for tea and a chat...