"Hello, someone named Meng Dan said we could come to the shop to pick up a pretty box..."
After Paimon and Lumine finished tasting the Sugar Frosted Slime they made, they went to 'Mingxing Store' to pick up the pretty box that Meng Dan had promised them.
"A pretty box? Oh... so it's you two. Old Meng told me. Thank you so much for saving him. Many of the best tribute items in my shop were collected by Old Meng. If anything happened to him, I wouldn't be able to continue my business..."
The owner of Mingxing Store, Xingxi, said gratefully upon hearing them mention Old Meng.
Speaking of which, these two indirectly helped Mingxing Store.
"Here, this gift box itself is an antique, at least a hundred and forty years old. It's been cleaned and prepared, please take a look... Is it suitable?"
Shopkeeper Xingxi placed a cinnabar-red wooden box on the counter. It was antique and exuded a heavy sense of history.
"Not bad, not bad. But what is this plate inside? Is it included? Old Meng is so kind, knowing we were going to give Ningguang snacks, he even thoughtfully prepared a plate..."
Paimon opened the box and found a delicately crafted ceramic dish inside, looking very exquisite. It was just qualified to match her Sugar Frosted Slime.
"Haha, you could say that. This was also specially prepared for you by Old Meng. It's the final masterpiece fired by the most skilled old craftsman in Liyue. There's no other like it in the world. Setting aside its heritage value, this porcelain dish alone is worth at least ten thousand Mora!"
Xingxi was also a bit surprised. Old Meng was truly generous this time, giving away his most treasured possession.
"Worth ten thousand Mora?"
Paimon rubbed her chin and carefully examined the porcelain dish, surprised by its price.
"My dear customer, it's one million Mora."
Xingxi smiled slightly. This customer was truly a comedian. Ten thousand Mora wouldn't even get the old craftsman to open his door, let alone personally fire a piece of porcelain.
"O-one million Mora? This is too precious, we can't accept it..."
Paimon and Lumine exchanged glances and quickly pushed the plate back to Xingxi. They only wanted an empty box.
"This is Old Meng's gesture of goodwill, please accept it..."
Xingxi couldn't help but praise their character. To resist the temptation of such a price was truly rare.
"Then... thank you, shopkeeper."
Unable to refuse the shopkeeper's enthusiasm, Paimon and Lumine finally accepted the gift.
Placing the Sugar Frosted Slime on the plate and decorating it with some powdered sugar and fresh flowers instantly elevated its class.
"Alright, all our splendor and fortune are in this box. Now let's go find Ningguang in the Jade Chamber!"
Paimon felt a little nervous, but her handmade Sugar Frosted Slime was probably worthy of this embellishment, right?
After bidding farewell to the shopkeeper of Mingxing Store, Paimon and Lumine wandered around Liyue Harbor, but after searching for a long time, they couldn't find a way to the Jade Chamber.
"Paimon, do you really know the way?"
Lumine looked at Paimon suspiciously. Why did she feel like they were just going in circles around the city?
"Of course, I'm the best guide, just follow me and you'll be fine!"
Paimon said with confidence, but inwardly she was completely clueless. She had almost searched the entire Liyue Harbor, why hadn't she seen the path leading to the Jade Chamber yet? Did they really have to fly up?
With her confident performance, she managed to fool Lumine for the moment, buying herself some time.
'That's not right. Ningguang's secretary is an ordinary person, she can't fly. She must have taken some kind of vehicle. But what kind of vehicle is it?'
Paimon's few remaining brain cells worked furiously, trying to figure something out.
Unfortunately, this was too difficult for her. She racked her brains but couldn't come up with anything.
Paimon thought it was best to confess to Lumine. As long as she sincerely apologized and treated Lumine to a big meal later with her savings, she believed Lumine would forgive her.
"Oh, why are you two back again? Do you need anything else?"
Unconsciously, Paimon led Lumine back to the previous 'Mingxing Store'. Shopkeeper Xingxi saw them and greeted them enthusiastically.
"It's Shopkeeper Xingxi! Hehe, Boss, you're so smart, let Paimon test you. How should an ordinary person go to the Jade Chamber?"
Paimon's eyes rolled, and she thought of a way to get information.
Shopkeeper Xingxi, who could run such a famous treasure shop in Liyue, must have her own information channels. It was definitely right to ask her how to get to the Jade Chamber.
This way, she didn't admit she didn't know the way, and she could get the information without anyone noticing. Paimon was truly a genius!
As soon as she spoke, Lumine and Xingxi saw through Paimon's "deaf and blind" act.
Lumine lightly touched her forehead. This Paimon guy was indeed pretending. She should have realized it earlier.
"Haha, that's no problem for me. Without Lady Ningguang's invitation, ordinary people cannot board the floating stone that leads to the Jade Chamber. If someone is lucky enough to receive a personally approved invitation from Lady Ningguang, they can go to the city and find a guide named 'Buyun' to go to the palace in the sky through the floating stone..."
Xingxi laughed heartily. Although she saw through Paimon's clumsy acting at a glance, she was happy to play along with the little one.
"Mmm, completely correct. As expected of the proprietress of Mingxing Store!"
Paimon praised her subtly, her heart bursting with joy. She had found the way to the Jade Chamber!
This way, not only did she maintain her image as an all-knowing guide, but she also saved the cost of treating Lumine to a big meal. This was a complete win!
Lumine, watching Paimon's serious act, couldn't help but suppress a laugh. This was much more interesting than directly exposing her.
After bidding farewell to Shopkeeper Xingxi, Paimon and Lumine found the guide Buyun and successfully boarded the floating stone to the Jade Chamber.
...
"Lady Ningguang, Miss Lumine and her partner are coming via floating stone. They are expected to arrive at the Jade Chamber's deck in about a minute."
Bai Wen knocked on Lady Ningguang's door and reported softly.
"I understand. I'll be there now."
Ningguang responded, got up from Feng Yi's embrace, checked her collar and accessories, and prepared to open the door and go out. As if thinking of something, she turned and looked at Feng Yi who was sipping tea:
"Would you be interested in coming along to take a look?"
"No, you go ahead. I have some things to prepare and will wait for you in the study later..."
Feng Yi smiled and shook her head. She knew Ningguang had something to say to Lumine, so she wouldn't join the fun.