Yun Jin's face burned as she stared at Ying'er, feeling a mix of shame and indignation.
When Ying'er had approached her privately, Yun Jin had been delighted. She adored Ying'er's handmade balms and perfumes but rarely had time to visit. She thought this was a friendly social call.
But upon learning Ying'er's true purpose, Yun Jin's brain short-circuited.
Ying'er wanted her to wear that!
And not just wear it—she wanted to take photographs! For a magazine cover that would be sold publicly!
Yun Jin felt faint. If such pictures were distributed, how could she ever face her audience again? How could she walk on stage?
Trying on clothes in private was one thing. Becoming a pin-up model for the masses was entirely another.
"Miss Yun Jin, look closely. The critical areas are covered," Ying'er cooed, her voice smooth as silk. "This is about celebrating feminine beauty. These fabrics are exquisite. I truly believe you are the perfect muse to promote my 'Scent of Spring' collection."
"Just look at the cut. It will accentuate your figure flawlessly."
Ying'er dangled the scandalous garment in front of Yun Jin.
She had pulled this lingerie from a jar at the shop. After studying the design, she had modified it to be even bolder and more avant-garde. Then, she needed a model. Yun Jin, with her elegance and hidden curves, was the ideal candidate.
"No! Absolutely not!"
Yun Jin shook her head frantically, her opera training forgotten as she stammered. "I-I won't wear it! Miss Ying'er, please stop joking!"
The "garment" in Ying'er's hand was essentially a few strips of lace and a piece of cloth that barely qualified as a handkerchief.
Imagining herself posing in that... Yun Jin felt steam practically whistling out of her ears. She was a traditional artist! This was... this was too much!
"Sigh. What a pity," Ying'er sighed dramatically, feigning deep disappointment.
"Miss Yun Jin, are you sure you won't reconsider?" Ying'er pressed, not giving up yet. "If you agree, I'll prioritize your custom balm orders forever. You'll always be first in line."
"I..."
Yun Jin faltered for a second, tempted by the promise of premium cosmetics. But then she looked at the lingerie again.
"No! No means no!"
The embarrassment outweighed the reward. That thing... how can anyone wear that?! It's less fabric than a sock! It's practically being naked!
She glared at Ying'er, her cheeks puffed out. How could she design such a thing? No decent woman would wear this!
"Well, if you insist."
Seeing Yun Jin bristling like a startled kitten, Ying'er knew when to retreat. "Since you are unwilling, I won't force you."
"I'll be going then, Miss Yun Jin. See you around."
Ying'er gathered her samples, but before leaving, she gave Yun Jin one last appreciative glance. "But really, you would look stunning in it. If you ever change your mind, my door is always open."
Ying'er left, lamenting the loss of such a perfect model for her lingerie line.
"Phew."
Yun Jin slumped into her chair, taking a long time to calm her racing heart.
But every time the image of that lingerie flashed in her mind, her face turned crimson again. How can Miss Ying'er be so bold?!
She gulped down a cup of tea, trying to cool off.
Feiyun Commerce Guild.
While Yun Jin suffered her fashion crisis, the crisis at the Horror House was de-escalating.
As the humiliated survivors slunk away, Xingqiu addressed the remaining crowd.
"Everyone! As you can see, the 'Secret Room' is indeed a Domain," Xingqiu announced loudly. "However, it is an illusionary realm. There is no physical danger. Of course, those with weak hearts should still avoid it."
"I haven't finished calibrating the layout, and the current settings are a bit too gory and intense. That is why I closed it today. I need to tone it down. It will reopen tomorrow, fully adjusted, and free of charge!"
"So that's it."
The crowd nodded, relief washing over them.
"I knew it! Young Master Xingqiu wouldn't endanger us."
"Holy crap, though... it was an illusion? It looked so real on the screen. I was sweating just watching them."
"Free entry tomorrow? I can't wait!"
"A real Domain experience without the risk of death? And free? This is the best thing ever!"
"Young Master Xingqiu is too generous!"
The mood shifted from fear to excitement. The prospect of experiencing a legendary "Domain" safely was a dream come true for the adventurous citizens of Liyue.
"But the most amazing part," one man whispered, "is that this came from the Jar Shop. Xingqiu's luck is insane."
"Yeah. That Shopkeeper... selling pocket dimensions? He's definitely not human."
Nearby, the survivors who had crawled out of the house heard the truth—it was all fake—and turned even redder. They hurried away, wishing the ground would swallow them whole.
"A Domain controlled by a human... and a harmless illusion at that."
Ningguang stared at the twisted building, her mind racing.
If she could obtain similar training Domains from the shop, the Millelith could train against legendary monsters without casualties. The strategic value was immense.
"Since the crisis is resolved, we can leave," Keqing ordered the Millelith to stand down and return to their posts.
"Lady Ningguang," Baiwen whispered, leaning in close. "I sensed something from that man... Andrei, the Northland Bank manager. He has the same energy as me."
"Hm?"
Ningguang narrowed her eyes, looking toward where Andrei had fled. Keqing also turned, her gaze sharp.
"You mean he has a Bloodline Limit?" Keqing asked. "Can you identify it?"
"No," Baiwen shook her head. "But when he ran out, I activated my Byakugan briefly. His meridian network was flowing with Chakra, just like mine. He must have pulled something from the shop too."
"If a mere manager has pulled such power... what about the Harbinger?" Ningguang mused.
The Fatui were clearly deeply involved with the shop.
However, Ningguang dismissed the worry quickly. Even if they pulled financial textbooks, Liyue Bank already dominated the market. The Fatui's economic influence was waning.
"Let's go," Ningguang said, turning back toward the Jade Chamber.
As the Qixing departed, the crowd dispersed.
"Phew."
Xingqiu wiped sweat from his brow. Crisis averted.
He turned to his terrified employee. "You can go home. I'll watch the place for now."
He needed to fix the layout before Chongyun returned.
"Yes, Young Master!" The worker nodded furiously and bolted.
The Jar Shop.
While the city buzzed with gossip, a tall, ethereal figure walked silently down the street.
"Hss... is that an Adeptus?"
"She's so beautiful... but so cold."
"I've never seen her in Liyue before. She feels... otherworldly."
Shenhe's arrival turned heads. Her white hair and detached aura made her stand out like a crane in a flock of chickens.
She ignored the whispers, her focus entirely on her destination. She had followed the trail of conversation and elemental energy straight to the shop.
Shenhe stopped in front of the humble storefront.
Wenqi and Doyle, the disguised guards, exchanged glances.
"Uh."
"Who is this? Another new face?"
"She looks strong."
Shenhe didn't acknowledge them. With a calm, blank expression, she stepped inside.
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