Following Ningguang into the Jade Chamber, the first thing Lu Ze saw was a spiral staircase leading down to a remarkably large room. It looked like… a basement?
As they descended the stairs, a large table laden with countless delicacies greeted them, clearly prepared long in advance.
"Mr. Lu Ze, please be seated."
Lu Ze and Bronya sat together, while Ningguang chose to sit opposite them.
"I'm curious about the house Lady Ningguang mentioned. I'd like to inspect it later to see if it's suitable. If it is, I'll open my branch there. You're welcome to visit anytime, Lady Ningguang."
The mention of a branch had Ningguang's mind racing. After all, who would refuse an opportunity to grow stronger? Even as a shrewd capitalist, she understood the importance of consolidating power.
"Is that so? I'll have a servant escort you later then. I'm quite busy with affairs, but I will certainly attend on the day of your grand opening."
"Thank you kindly."
The meal concluded swiftly. Lu Ze and Ningguang discussed development plans and topics like weapons and stigmata, leaving Ningguang's appetite whetted to an extreme.
She was almost impatient to try her luck with the gacha.
As lunch ended, a secretary to Ningguang approached, holding documents, and said softly:
"I will guide you from here. Please, follow me."
Lu Ze and Bronya exchanged glances before following the secretary down from the Jade Chamber. Ningguang, watching from behind, gazed at a wall filled with intelligence reports, silently holding a long pipe.
Recent events in Liyue had been troubling her. Not only were the Fatui increasingly active, but the upcoming Rite of Descension also presented a headache. Counting the days, it was drawing near, and she hoped nothing would go awry then.
The three arrived at the Adventurers' Guild in Liyue. After obtaining the keys, they found a very large house in the residential building directly behind the Guild. It could only be described as a testament to Ningguang's generosity, as the property's market value in Liyue would have been at least two million.
"I've shown you the place. I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave. Lady Ningguang said that if you have any needs, you should feel free to ask her. This is considered an investment in Mr. Lu Ze."
With that, the secretary turned and left, giving Lu Ze no chance to speak. Bronya, at some point, had appeared behind him.
Her slender fingers began to twist his waist.
"Ouch! Ouch! What are you doing? Why are you pinching my waist?"
Despite the pain, Lu Ze dared not swat her hand away, merely enduring the discomfort.
"What do you think? If you didn't have some kind of… relationship with this 'Ningguang,' I wouldn't believe it. Giving you a house and resources, what does she want? Tell me honestly, did she take a liking to you? Is she trying to keep you?"
It had to be said, the Great Herrscher's thought process was truly formidable. She had immediately misinterpreted the situation and was digging herself deeper.
"What kind of relationship could I possibly have with her? Don't misunderstand. Didn't she say it herself? It's an investment, to build good connections."
As an experienced professional, how could Bronya not understand? It was simply that her little jealousy had been stirred, and she wanted to punish the person in front of her.
She retracted her right hand, her lips pouting deeply, looking as if she were angry. Ah, no, she *was* angry.
"Alright, alright, don't be angry. I love my Great Herrscher the most. How could Ningguang compare to my Great Herrscher?"
"Who is 'Great Herrscher'?"
In an instant, the temperature seemed to drop several degrees. Bronya silently brought out her Houkai Gekijo-kei 0019. Hmph… if you don't give me an explanation today, I'll freeze you into an ice popsicle!
Indeed, a jealous girl is terrifying. A girl whose jealousy has been provoked is even more so. A girl who has caught you cheating is the most terrifying. If you commit all three offenses, prepare to die on the spot.
Time passed quickly. The house had two floors. The second floor could serve as their living quarters. After placing the Imaginary Teleport Anchor on the second floor, they could return to Mondstadt.
The first floor, as usual, was filled with numerous lounge chairs, each with a helmet placed on it. Since there weren't many machines, they had already asked Cabbage Head to rush production overnight, though the efficiency was a bit slow, requiring patient waiting.
Currently, there were only four machines in Liyue. Lu Ze still needed to meticulously replicate the gacha machines and other items. This system didn't sell machines; it only sold technology. Alas, it was clear this system often slacked off.
A large signboard needed to be custom-made. After all, one had to adapt to local customs. This time, they wouldn't use an electronic signboard but a wooden one, like those used by inns.
A considerable sum was added to expedite the process, and it was ready by the afternoon. Since there were only two of them, there was a lot of work to be done. By around 6 PM, most of the tasks were completed.
"Shouldn't we go eat? I heard Wanmin Restaurant on the opposite street is delicious. Shall we go there?"
Bronya happily hugged Lu Ze from behind. You ask why she was so happy? It was mainly because after the "Great Herrscher incident" at noon was resolved, she became so cheerful.
She had no idea that just a moment ago, her eyes held murderous intent. How terrified was Lu Ze at that time? He was already prepared to flee.
"Let's call Wendy and the others too. It's rare to go out for a meal, and it wouldn't be complete without everyone present."
Perhaps because she was in a good mood today, she agreed to the request.
The two walked to the Imaginary Teleport Anchor and, through it, returned to the Honkai Impact 3rd experience store in Mondstadt.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, was this truly the feeling of home?
"Hmm, you're back? Lu Ze."
Wendy happened to be passing by, an apron in her hand, seemingly preparing to cook. The three little ones downstairs were already engrossed in their games, battling it out with game consoles and displays.
"Ahhh, Your Majesty is too much! You only hit me, and I won't retaliate."
"Bella, take this! At least fight back, it's no fun otherwise."
"Lilia… it looks like she's almost in first place."
Watching the happy trio, Lu Ze smiled faintly and called out loudly, "Alright, stop playing. Close the door, we're going to Liyue for dinner. It's rare to go out for a meal, and everyone should come."
Upon hearing Lu Ze's voice, two of the three little ones put down their game consoles and rushed over, launching themselves into his arms. Feeling the two small bodies collide with him, life like this was quite good…
Hearing the news of going out to eat, Wendy reluctantly set down her apron and prepared to join them.