Watching Chongyun leave the shop with a face full of conflict, Felix remained expressionless. He settled back into his chair, waiting for the next customer.
Time passed quickly.
By noon, the shop was still quiet. No one had come to open jars.
"Fried chicken bucket. Chicken wrap. Tomato beef brisket with rice."
Felix sat up and addressed the Gourmet Tablecloth spread across his desk.
Instantly, the delicious spread materialized, steaming hot.
"Too convenient," Felix grinned. Having infinite food on demand was truly a luxury.
"It smells so good!"
A familiar, excited voice rang out, making Felix's eyelid twitch.
Hu Tao marched in, looking as shameless as ever. She sat down opposite him, grabbed a drumstick without asking, and took a big bite.
"I thought you wouldn't come for lunch," Felix said, raising an eyebrow.
"Impossible," Hu Tao replied, her plum-blossom eyes twinkling. "Shopkeeper's food is the best in Liyue. This Director plans to eat here every day from now on!"
"Are you paying?" Felix asked dryly. "Or do you plan to mooch off me for the rest of your life?"
"Shopkeeper, we're so close! Do we really need to talk about money?" Hu Tao giggled. "Besides, this Director is broke right now."
"No money? Then pay with your body," Felix retorted casually.
Hu Tao froze mid-chew. Her face turned a brilliant shade of red, and a rare look of shyness flickered in her eyes.
"Shopkeeper! Shopkeeper!"
Before the moment could linger, someone sprinted into the shop. "I want to open jars!"
It was Cai Zihao, one of the early customers. He looked ecstatic, clutching a heavy coin pouch. "Two jars today!"
"Take your pick," Felix nodded, accepting the Mora and ignoring Hu Tao's flushed face.
Cai Zihao quickly selected two jars.
Bang! Bang!
He smashed them both in rapid succession.
Two stones rolled out. One white, one glowing blue.
[White Iron Chunk]: An ore commonly used in forging. In the hands of a skilled smith, it can become something great.
[Noctilucous Jade]: A rare mineral that glows in the dark. Condensed from the flourishing elements of the world.
"Seems your luck isn't great today," Felix noted with a hint of sympathy. Cai Zihao hadn't pulled anything spectacular in days.
"It's fine! Just consider it my contribution to your business!" Cai Zihao beamed, unbothered. "The items I got before already changed my life. If I get something good, great. If not, I'm just happy to support the shop."
He knew his current wealth came entirely from the initial items he pulled. Without the shop, he would still be struggling.
Felix nodded appreciatively. Few customers had such a healthy mindset.
Northland Bank.
Andrei stood with his head bowed low before Childe.
"So, the Feiyun Commerce Guild's Young Master pulled a Domain from the shop and plans to open it to the public tomorrow?" Childe summarized. "And Chongyun's harbor-freezing strike was also a result of a shop item?"
"Yes," Andrei nodded vigorously. "The Domain incident even drew out the Tianquan and the Yuheng. It turns out the Domain is a harmless illusion, but the psychological impact is real."
"Sigh."
Childe leaned back in his chair. "A shop that sells pocket dimensions... Liyue is becoming ridiculous."
He had watched the city transform over the last few days. If Snezhnaya had a shop like this, the Tsaritsa's goals would be achieved overnight.
"You may go," Childe waved his hand.
The Jar Shop.
After lunch, Hu Tao and Felix lounged on their respective chairs. A few customers trickled in during the afternoon, but it was generally quiet.
"Director Hu, are you planning to stay for dinner too?" Felix asked as the sun began to set.
"Correct!" Hu Tao chirped.
Felix: "..."
Fine.
They ate dinner together. Afterward, Hu Tao finally left, and Felix closed the shop at 10 PM sharp.
Another day passed.
The next morning, the sun rose over Liyue Harbor, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling city.
Feiyun Commerce Guild.
A massive crowd had gathered outside the "Horror House." Word had spread like wildfire about the Domain, the Qixing's involvement, and Xingqiu's promise of a free opening.
"Where is Young Master Xingqiu?"
"Is it really free?"
"I heard it's an illusion, so we won't die. But it's scary!"
"Even Lady Ningguang came yesterday? This must be a big deal."
Suddenly, the door opened, and Xingqiu stepped out, smiling confidently.
"Welcome, everyone! The Domain has been re-calibrated. It is now safe for public viewing," Xingqiu announced. "We will admit groups of 100 at a time. Please line up in an orderly fashion!"
"As promised, admission is free for the next three days! After that, we will begin charging tickets. However, members of the Feiyun Commerce Guild will always enjoy free access!"
"Awesome!"
"Free for three days? I'm coming every day!"
"Bro, don't abuse the system."
"Being a member has perks? I should sign up!"
The crowd cheered. Xingqiu's marketing strategy was a hit. Not only was he promoting the attraction, but he was also driving membership for his family's guild.
Xingqiu glanced toward the direction of the Jar Shop, his heart filled with gratitude. Shopkeeper... you've given the Guild a new future.
Mt. Aocang, Liyue (Northwest).
Far from the noise of the harbor, amidst the mist-shrouded peaks, Shenhe walked up the stone path to Cloud Retainer's abode.
As she passed the outdoor stone table, she noticed a man sitting there. He was handsome, elegant, and radiated a calm aura. He raised a cup of tea to her in silent greeting.
Shenhe nodded back.
Mr. Zhongli.
He claimed to be a mortal, yet he was very familiar with her master. Cloud Retainer had instructed her never to disturb him when he was drinking tea here.
Shenhe continued past him to the entrance of the Adeptus abode. She placed her hand on the seal.
Hum.
The barrier rippled, and she vanished inside.
"Hm? You're back?"
Inside the domain, Cloud Retainer—in her crane form—tilted her head. "One told you to go down the mountain to relax. It has barely been three days. Why have you returned?"
Usually, when Shenhe went to Liyue, she would stay for weeks. To return so quickly meant something had happened.
"Did you encounter trouble?" Cloud Retainer asked, concern in her voice.
"I need money," Shenhe said bluntly, staring at the giant bird. "I have no money."
Cloud Retainer: "..."
The Adeptus stared at her disciple, dumbfounded.
She had imagined many scenarios—battles with monsters, social misunderstandings, maybe even a breakdown.
But Shenhe coming back just to ask for cash?
For Shenhe, the logic was simple. She wanted to open jars. She had no Mora. Selling herbs took too long.
The fastest way to get money was to ask her master.
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