"But my alchemy isn't very good. I lack a lot of essential knowledge and fundamentals."
Albedo Junior wasn't trying to brush off Hu Tao's invitation. He genuinely didn't have a strong grasp of alchemical basics. It was precisely because of this lack of foundation that his attempt to create a high-intelligence seven-element Whopperflower had resulted in nothing but a brainless multicolored Whopperflower. The only silver lining was that the multicolored Whopperflower's nectar tasted far better than he had imagined.
"There's no denying you're a genius at alchemy. If Timaeus had found my alchemical notes, it would be a question whether he could even understand them."
"If you need them, you can take all my alchemical notes from over the years. They're nothing but scrap paper to me here anyway."
Albedo never hesitated to praise those with talent, even if his compliments sometimes left people uncomfortable. For example, he had once told Timaeus that in a few years, he might be able to use Sucrose's textbook—a remark that had left Timaeus feeling down for a long time.
"Scrap paper? You really dare to say that. Aren't you afraid I'll leak them and someone will use your notes against you?"
"Everything in those notes is already stored in my head. If someone really wanted to use them against me, they might need to check if their head was working properly."
'I know you're not talking about me, so why do I feel so annoyed?' Albedo Junior glared at Albedo. Just you wait. One day, I'll beat you at alchemy, and then I'll force you to drink the strangest-tasting potions I can brew.
"Alright, alright. Since we've sorted out your problem, Albedo Junior, how about joining Wangsheng? Your director is personally inviting you. Not many people across all of Teyvat get that honor."
Albedo Junior had already made up his mind to join Wangsheng. But he didn't want to drag them down because of his own issues. After all, he was still effectively a person without legal status. He wouldn't be able to establish himself in Liyue Harbor.
"I've never been registered in any nation before. If I go to Liyue Harbor, I might..."
"If you're worried about household registration, I might be able to help. Though I'm not particularly close with the Qixing, sorting out a simple registration shouldn't be a problem."
Su Bai's words surprised Albedo Junior. Just who was this guy? He could handle such a troublesome issue and even had connections with the Liyue Qixing.
"Hehe, Wangsheng offers high salaries and great benefits. Free room and board, and when your time comes, a full funeral package included. Once you join Wangsheng, even if you have children, from birth to burial—Wangsheng covers it all. That's one of the reasons Su Bai joined."
Su Bai held his forehead. 'Even if the 77th director steps down, and the 87th or 97th directors go to drink tea with their ancestors, I'll still be alive and well.'
"Adeptus? If that's the case, then you really can solve my problem."
Albedo Junior looked at the smiling Su Bai and drew a sharp breath. He had heard from some adventurers that Liyue was a nation where adepti and humans governed together. With an adeptus like Su Bai backing him, not even the Liyue elite would dare touch him.
If Su Bai knew what Albedo Junior was thinking, he would have said that as long as you had a good reason for it, even Ningguang and Keqing would help smooth things over. Su Bai had beaten up plenty of spoiled nobles himself, and the Qixing had always backed him.
"Alright. Since Director Hu herself invited me, I'll return to Liyue Harbor with you and join Wangsheng."
Albedo Junior let out a long breath, making a decision he would be grateful for for the rest of his life. Hu Tao grinned when she heard him agree—Wangsheng was growing stronger.
"Ahem, I hate to interrupt, but I need to say something. Albedo Junior, when you're in Liyue Harbor, please don't use my face. I'd rather not have strangers greeting me the next time I visit."
"Also, do you need me to teach you some basic life skills? I think you might need them. I'd hate to see my brother arrested by the Millelith for not paying his bill."
"Do you think I'm as dumb as you, Albedo? I'm starting a new life—why would I keep wearing your face? Do you take me for an idiot?"
Albedo Junior shot back. Did Albedo really think he was that stupid? He had sneaked into Mondstadt before. He knew the basics of living among people.
"By the way, Albedo, how's the communication device coming along?"
"Hmm. It should be just about done. Just a few more details to iron out."
With that, Albedo picked up the device and aimed it at Albedo Junior. Before he could react, Albedo had already sent his photo through the device.
Albedo: 'Albedo Junior has been cured. Lumine, where are you now?'
Lumine: 'I've reached the summit. I can still receive your messages from here.'
Eula: 'I'm at the foot of the mountain too. Making us run around so early in the morning—I'll remember this grudge.'
Albedo: 'Just testing the device's range. Sorry for the trouble. I've prepared breakfast. If you're free, come back and eat.'
Mona: 'Wait, wait, wait! Didn't anyone notice Albedo sent a photo?! That's something only a Kamera can do!'
Albedo: 'I combined the communication device with Su Bai's Kamera. Surprisingly, it worked quite well.'
Paimon: 'Eh?! Paimon wants a Kamera that can take photos too!'
Su Bai: 'You used MY Kamera?!'
Looking up at Su Bai's less-than-friendly expression, Albedo suddenly felt the need to develop a feature for private messaging—and maybe one for blocking certain people.
At the mountain's summit, Lumine watched the messages stop and offered a silent prayer for Albedo. Then she couldn't help but sigh.
"This thing is starting to look more and more like a phone. Albedo really is a genius—he made this using the authority in Su Bai's blood."
"It seems I still have a lot to learn about Teyvat. I heard from Ningguang that during the Moonchase Festival, the only ship capable of breaking through the storm to Inazuma will dock at Liyue Harbor. I should head there and broaden my horizons."
"I wonder if I'll meet my brother in Inazuma. I heard the Electro Archon isn't the easiest to deal with. Maybe I should bring some companions along."