Sumeru City.
A long convoy drove out from the roads, arriving at the city gates. This was the checkpoint for entering and exiting the city.
The members of the Corps of Thirty standing guard at the gate were dumbfounded when they saw this convoy.
"Cap... Captain! How... how do we inspect this?!"
"Inspect my ass! Who else in all of Sumeru could possess such novel machinery but Master Ye Xi! Let them pass immediately!"
Hearing the captain's words, the guards snapped back to reality and hurriedly cleared the way.
The people of Sumeru on both sides of the road also looked over, letting out bursts of exclamation.
"Master Ye Xi has made new machines again!"
"It seems to be a vehicle for hauling cargo! This is much stronger than our Sumpter Beasts!"
"Heavens, it's so imposing! There's no comparison with carts pulled by Sumpter Beasts!"
"How much can a Sumpter Beast pull anyway? One of these trucks carries as much as ten of our small carts!"
"It's amazing. Which country in Teyvat has trucks as grand as ours?"
"..."
Watching the large trucks drive into the distance, the city folk praised them repeatedly. Many merchants who traveled between nations also began to feel envious.
"If I had this kind of truck, my business would definitely be better!"
"Yeah, it looks fast and safe! Whether it's a balloon cargo cart or a Sumpter Beast cart, once you encounter monsters, the goods are basically done for!"
"It looks like it doesn't fear wind or rain. I really want to buy one!"
While the merchants of the Chamber of Commerce were envious, a petite figure in a corner also revealed a thoughtful expression.
It was the great merchant of Sumeru, Dori.
Even as Sumeru's most formidable merchant, she had often been troubled by attacks on her cargo. Seeing those gigantic trucks, her eyes practically shone with light!
Inside the vehicle.
Keqing sat beside Ye Xi, holding a map to direct their course. Dehya and the others lay by the car windows, watching the scenery retreating outside, exclaiming in admiration.
Even while the vehicle was in motion, Dunyarzad was able to brew tea for everyone. As the aroma of the herbal tea spread, the girls could no longer hold back.
"This is just too comfortable!"
"It's simply like a moving castle!"
"It's much better than those open-air transport carts! The scenery is also quite nice!"
"It's so spacious, you could simply do whatever you want!"
Dehya still remembered the first time she traveled from the desert to Caravan Ribat; she had taken a cart pulled by Sumpter Beasts. That couldn't even be considered a vehicle. It was just a wooden board with two wheels installed, pulled along by a beast in front. That kind of cart couldn't compare to the vehicle she was sitting in now!
However, Paimon stood with her hands on her hips and laughed, "That's nothing! Being able to eat while watching the scenery in the car, now that is true enjoyment!"
Saying this, Paimon went "ah-woo, ah-woo" and ate a few fruits.
Lumine sighed helplessly. "Eat, eat, eat, you only know how to eat!"
The girls immediately burst into laughter.
The vehicle soon arrived at Chinvat Ravine. This was a massive chasm between Sumeru City and Gandha Hill.
However, Ye Xi directly used the [Abyss Core] to create an arch bridge, so the vehicles passed through with ease. Then, they followed Gandha Hill, heading all the way toward Tianqiu Valley.
The road here was not smooth; it rose and fell, full of bumps. Fortunately, Ye Xi had the foresight to install a good suspension system and large off-road tires on the vehicle. So, even on this uneven mountain road, the drive was effortless.
This route would definitely be paved with asphalt in the future, making it much smoother. Reaching the wilderness, they opened the windows, and the fresh morning air instantly poured in. Being in the wild, the air was filled with the fragrance of green grass, making one feel relaxed and happy.
The road was very wide, and the scenery along the way was beautiful.
The vehicle drove all the way to the vicinity of Lumberpick Valley.
"This is the mining area of The Chasm. We will build a station here later to facilitate ore transport."
Hearing Ye Xi's words, Keqing nodded and made a mark on the map. This was a T-junction, perfect for the loading and transport of ore without affecting traffic on the main road.
Advancing along the valley, a huge lake appeared not far ahead. Ye Xi did not spare his Abyss Power and built a bridge again, passing directly over it. On the bridge, looking at the beautiful scenery in the lake, one couldn't help but feel their spirits lift.
Following the valley and driving for a while, the vehicle headed downwards, entering the edge of Liyue's Tianqiu Valley.
Here was a crossroads. Going north would lead to Wangshu Inn, while the south was the route to Liyue Harbor. Ye Xi turned, driving toward Liyue Harbor.
In the distance, the peaks of Mt. Tianheng were already visible.
The girls had already started discussing how they would play in Liyue Harbor.
Dehya suggested, "Let's go buy some perfume! I heard there is a very amazing perfume master in Liyue Harbor!"
When it came to dressing up, Dehya was the one who loved it the most among Ye Xi's wives. She cherished her own beauty, so in her spare time, she would go to the market to buy eyeliner, powder, and other cosmetics to prepare for any occasion. Moreover, she was accustomed to wearing makeup every day, so these consumables were used up quickly.
If asked why, firstly, mercenaries often gave people an image of being sloppy, and she didn't want to be seen that way. Secondly, naturally, it was for Ye Xi. As long as it made Ye Xi look at her just one more time, she felt happy!
Since they had finally come to Liyue Harbor, she had to buy some things that couldn't be bought in Sumeru.
Being reminded of this, Dunyarzad's eyes instantly lit up. "I've heard of this perfume master! But I can't remember her name!"
Keqing, sitting in the passenger seat, turned her head and said, "You are talking about Miss Ying'er from Scent of Spring, right?! The perfume brewed there is truly exceptional!"
"Right, right! That's her!"
Dunyarzad remembered and nodded hurriedly. "Has Keqing bought it too?"
"Eh!?"
"Uh... b-bought it!"
Keqing stammered for a long time, stealing a glance at Ye Xi. Finding that Ye Xi wasn't paying attention, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Actually, she had never been there. Usually, the maids at home went to buy things, but even if they bought it, she couldn't be bothered to use it. After all, she didn't particularly care about such things, as they were of no help to her work. However, she definitely couldn't say this directly, or Ye Xi would surely think she lacked femininity.
In her heart, girls who loved to dress up like Dehya were the popular ones. She planned to privately ask Dehya for advice later.
Hearing Dehya and the others talking, Eula and the rest also showed great interest. After all, no girl would refuse perfume.
Perfume was different from cosmetics. Its expression was not visual, but olfactory. Everyone wished to smell good. Only someone with an Adeptus constitution like Ganyu, who naturally carried a charming fragrance, wouldn't care about this matter.
Lumine looked excited upon hearing this and nodded in agreement. "Buy! Must buy! Hehehe~"
"Collei, I think the [Golden House's Secret] perfume suits you! You must buy a bottle!"
"And Amber! I especially like [Golden House's Secret], you should buy it too!"
"I remember Sister Ying'er saying that this perfume is sweet and dreamy, the favorite of little girls!"
Indeed. Lumine remembered very clearly. back when she was preparing for the Rite of Descension for Rex Lapis, she had gone to find Ying'er to make perfume!
"As for Ah-Qing and Dunyarzad, buy [Mountain Shade Brocade]!"
"This perfume is noble and imposing, the favorite of wealthy young ladies!"
"And for Dehya, Alusha, and Eula, buy [Ethereal Adepti Fate]!"
"This perfume is said to have a scent that is gentle yet lingering, like the dim light of the sky and hazy mist~ It is an indispensable perfume for mature women!"
Hearing Lumine's introduction, Dehya's clear eyes were full of surprise.
"Traveler, I didn't expect you to know so much! If I didn't know you were the Traveler, I would have thought you were a sales guide hired by that Miss Ying'er!"
Lumine crossed her arms and tilted her chin up, looking incredibly smug.
Keqing, however, sighed helplessly and said, "Traveler, we are buying perfume, but not to buy it for you..."
"Eh——!"
This sentence instantly dealt Lumine a heavy blow.
Eula didn't forget to stick the knife in. "Traveler! The perfume you introduced doesn't suit me at all!"
"Why? Where does it not suit you!"
Hearing Lumine's question, Eula crossed her arms. "Even if I buy one, I will buy the [Golden House's Secret] that little girls like! Hmph, to actually say I am a mature woman! I am clearly still a young girl!"
"I will remember this vengeance!"
"Eh——!?"
Lumine wanted to cry but had no tears. She certainly knew that Eula's age wasn't great, similar to Amber. But...
She couldn't help but ask Ye Xi in the front, "Ye Xi, do you think Eula counts as a mature woman!"
Ye Xi: ???
To be honest, he was just enjoying the drama right now! In his heart, he completely agreed with Lumine's view. Indeed, whether it was Dehya, Alusha, or Eula, they were definitely most suited for the mature lady style of perfume!
But don't point the gun at him! Wasn't this a death question?!
He decided that in private, he must teach this blonde idiot a good lesson!
"Ye Xi, say something~!"
"Cough..." Ye Xi said while driving, "I agree with Eula's point of view."
"Eh!?"
Lumine got anxious, crossing her arms. "Eula's boobs are that big, and her butt is so perky! Any way you look at it, she should be a mature woman... Mmph——"
Before Lumine could finish, Eula, flushed red, covered Lumine's small mouth.
"Traveler! You! What nonsense are you spouting!"
Saying things about her... size in front of a man was just too shameful!
Ye Xi spoke up, "So, I wasn't finished. Why can't you buy both perfumes? Only children make choices! Adults, of course, want them all!"
There was no flaw in Ye Xi's words, so he received everyone's total agreement.
A world where only Lumine was hurt had been achieved!
Paimon spread her small hands, her little face full of sympathy.
At this time, Amber asked, "Then what kind of perfume does the Traveler want to buy?"
"Me?" Lumine laughed loudly. "What would I buy! I'll just smell you guys~ Ah-Qing~ After you buy it, I want to hold you at night and give you a good sniff!"
Keqing instantly looked disgusted. "No! Way!"
"Then who are you buying it for to smell!"
"Eh!?"
Lumine's question caught her off guard. She stammered for a long time, "I... I'll give... myself a smell..."
As she spoke, she looked at Ye Xi, her pretty face covered in a blush. She was naturally doing it for Ye Xi to smell! But how could she be embarrassed to say such words out loud?!
On the other hand, Dehya was very open. She leaned next to Ye Xi and asked, "Which perfume does Master like me to wear~?"
Ye Xi smiled. "I think the scent on your body is already very fragrant."
"Eh!? That's too cunning!"
Hearing this, Dehya's heart bloomed with joy. What girl wouldn't be moved hearing this?
However, Dehya quickly raised a new question. "Then, where does Master hope I smell even more fragrant?"
Ye Xi: ???
Good lord. He almost threw the steering wheel out of his hands. This woman, she was too good at teasing, wasn't she? Someone come and take this enchantress away!
The girls beside them all blushed. Everyone was an adult; who couldn't understand that?
Dunyarzad patted Dehya's behind with a face full of shame and said indignantly, "Dehya! Everyone is here! Watch your propriety a bit!"
"Eh? Hahaha..."
Dehya nodded and obediently stopped talking. In her heart, she certainly shouldn't speak recklessly in front of outsiders, but which person in this car wasn't family in the future? There was nothing to be scrupulous about. It was just a matter of sooner or later.
Chatting idly, Mt. Tianheng became increasingly close at hand. The time had already passed the lunch hour, and the girls were a bit hungry.
Finally, the destination was reached. Ye Xi saw the team coming to receive the goods.
...
On the other side.
The Millelith Instructor who came to receive the goods looked at the convoy in the distance and couldn't help but be startled.
"Seems they are here!"
The subordinate beside him looked amazed. "Instructor, are you sure those aren't monsters!? What a huge formation!"
Actually, the Instructor was also a bit unsure. The speed of the convoy was very fast. As it got closer, the Millelith soldiers saw the trucks clearly and couldn't help but exclaim repeatedly.
"My god! What is that!"
"That is a vehicle for hauling cargo!?"
"How is that possible! This is too imposing!"
"When did Sumeru become so developed! I remember the Sumeru merchants I know saying that over there it's still all Sumpter Beast carts!"
"Sumeru must have developed secretly!"
The Instructor hurriedly said, "Quick! Go report to Lady Ningguang!"
"Yes!"
When a truck drove close, only then did the Millelith feel the shock. Looking from afar just now, these vehicles were like sesame seeds. Looking up close, they realized they were several heads taller than a person!
One by one, like black giant beasts lying on the ground, they made people feel appalled. Not to mention anything else, if these trucks just crashed over, they, the Millelith, mostly wouldn't be able to withstand it! Even with bows and spears, they might not be able to pierce the steel vehicle body!
If these trucks weren't used for hauling cargo but for war, they would absolutely be very ferocious machines! The eyes of the Millelith flashed with a sharp light as they watched.
Before long, Ningguang arrived at the rear mountain surrounded by three small secretaries.
Seeing these trucks, she was also slightly surprised. She immediately thought of the value of these trucks!
No wonder Ye Xi said at the time to leave the transportation of goods to him. With so many transport machines, not to mention how massive the business opportunities brought by them were!
She was now even more firm in her thoughts. That was to keep Ye Xi! As long as she could obtain the wisdom in Ye Xi's mind, Liyue would not worry about development!
Ye Xi was like a treasure! She had to find a way to grasp the treasure!
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but pin her hopes on Keqing. It wasn't that she wanted to use Keqing to fulfill her own selfish desires. Rather, she wasn't sure if Ye Xi could actually take a fancy to her. If Ye Xi had no interest in her, what use was her hard work?
But, if she had value in Ye Xi's eyes...
She would not hesitate.
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