"W-What are you saying all of a sudden?! Why!?"
Faced with the sentence Ningguang had suddenly popped out, Keqing's small face was filled with astonishment. This proposal truly frightened her, causing her heart to pound wildly. However, she found it strange. Why was her first thought not to refuse, but to ask for the reason!?
Ordinarily, she would definitely have subconsciously rejected it immediately!
"I am not joking, Keqing." Ningguang crossed her arms and asked in return, "Do you not wish for Liyue to develop and become even more prosperous?"
"Of course I do!" Keqing nodded, putting her hands on her hips. "The Adepti handed Liyue over to us to manage; naturally, we must produce results to be convincing."
"Then, Keqing, do you think you can do it?" Ningguang frowned slightly, lowering her voice to ask word by word, "Ask your own heart: relying on us humans, can we really govern Liyue well?"
"I..." Keqing lowered her head.
Actually, from the beginning, she firmly believed that the gods were not omnipotent. She even stubbornly held the view in her heart that the important reason Liyue could survive for thousands of years was not the Lord of Geo, but humanity itself. Rex Lapis was merely a high and mighty god. To put it bluntly, did Rex Lapis understand everything?
However, only after she truly took over the many affairs of Liyue Harbor did she realize how outrageously wrong she was! When those thorny problems became more and more numerous, popping up one after another just as one was solved, she could increasingly feel the toil the Lord of Geo had endured for thousands of years.
She gradually began to think that perhaps the Lord of Geo truly was omniscient and omnipotent. Because no matter how much overtime she worked, the tasks could never be finished. It was truly exhausting. And after she dealt with these trivial matters, what of Liyue's development?
Let alone surpassing the Liyue of the 'Divine Rule' era. The Liyue Qixing working desperate overtime was merely maintaining Liyue's development, nothing more.
"Have you figured it out?" Seeing Keqing's contemplative appearance, Ningguang sighed and said, "No matter how hard we, the Liyue Qixing, work, Liyue's progress is extremely slow. Do not forget, we will also grow old. At the current speed, it will be difficult for Liyue to achieve a leap in progress in our hands. And when our generation passes away, can a new batch of Liyue Qixing really stand up among the humans?"
"If, a hundred years from now, Liyue Harbor returns to the hands of the Adepti, what use will our efforts have been?"
These words left Keqing speechless. The facts were just so, allowing her no room for rebuttal. The Liyue of the past flourished day by day under the rule of the Lord of Geo. As long as the Lord of Geo gave an order, the people of Liyue would strictly execute it. This order was not something said casually, but experience accumulated by a god over a river of time spanning thousands of years.
Therefore, Liyue Harbor became more prosperous year after year. But after Liyue Harbor fell into their hands, lacking those thousands of years of experience, just maintaining Liyue's development was already mentally and physically exhausting! They could only rely on frantic overtime to make Liyue move forward a tiny bit.
"Keqing, Ye Xi is the closest opportunity we have to achieving our goal!"
"Think carefully about the plan he proposed. Centering on Wangshu Inn, developing Dihua Marsh into a water-top metropolis. Expanding the city toward the Guili Plains, reopening the mines of Mingyun Village, and developing the tourism industry of Yaoguang Shoal. Using the so-called 'Railway' to connect Mondstadt and Liyue together; not only can merchants travel back and forth easily and safely, but even commoners can communicate with each other!"
"This series of plans is all well-organized, and it can be seen that Ye Xi understands Liyue's terrain extremely well!" Ningguang said without a doubt, "If we can truly keep him here and let him help transform Liyue, only then will the Liyue under our governance have the possibility of surpassing the era of 'Divine Rule'!"
Hearing this, Keqing's heart was completely shaken. This feeling was like a footrace! If she ran it herself, the finish line might be out of reach. But Ye Xi was like a pair of wings, capable of carrying her across the finish line in an instant! This temptation was too great!
She managed the land in Liyue; hearing Ye Xi's planning and arrangements, she indeed saw countless hopes of prosperity within them! Asking herself honestly, she found it hard not to agree with Ye Xi's theories.
"But, there are many ways to keep Master Ye Xi, right?"
"Such as?"
Ningguang spoke directly: "What the world pursues is nothing more than fame and fortune, and what men pursue is money, power, and women. Do you think he lacks money? Even if he did, relationships maintained by Mora can only be relied upon for a moment; they will not last long. As for status, I think that goes without saying. The only thing that can attract him is women."
"A gentleman loves beauties; the fact that beauties gather around him is naturally due to his preference. He will not dislike having too many beauties around him. Therefore, wanting to win him over, starting with women is the simplest and most effortless angle."
Hearing Ningguang's analysis, even Keqing nodded subconsciously. "But Ningguang, why me?"
"This question is even simpler." Ningguang smiled and said, "Among us Qixing, you are the most beautiful. Looking at the wealthy merchants and political dignitaries of Liyue, which rich young master does not admire you greatly, wanting to obtain your heart? I think, even Ye Xi would be attracted by your beauty, right? Otherwise, why would you come back wearing a set of new clothes? Dare you say nothing interesting happened last night?"
Ningguang's words made Keqing's face burn with shame. She couldn't help but sigh; Ningguang was indeed Ningguang. Her words were full of logic and reason; she could analyze anything clearly and logically. It was just, how did it suddenly turn into flattery about her beauty? Especially that last sentence.
Seeing the playfulness in Ningguang's eyes, Keqing found it impossible to defend herself. "You... Where did your thoughts go! What happened last night has nothing to do with Master Ye Xi!"
"Oh? Then what happened last night?"
"I..."
Keqing instantly blushed. She couldn't very well say she slept stark naked with Ganyu for a night, could she?
"Anyway, Ningguang, you aren't bad either! Quite a few rich young masters in Yujing Terrace are pursuing you too, right?! Moreover, if you also became Ye Xi's concubine, wouldn't that keep him even more?"
Ningguang smiled and said, "You and I are both Liyue Qixing, why the need for mutual commercial flattery? If Ye Xi takes a fancy to me, we can talk about it then. Mr. Ye Xi's appearance is quite good; at least I feel he is the most outstanding in appearance among the young talents in Liyue Harbor. Coupled with his unparalleled wisdom and business mindset. If he has an interest in me, I naturally would not decline."
Before, she was curious why there were so many owners of an Eye of God around Ye Xi willing to be concubines. Just what charm did he have to attract women so much? Now she understood.
Who wouldn't like a young, handsome, and so intelligent man? Just that set of theories on urban construction was enough to crush all the rich young masters within Liyue Harbor.
Hearing Ningguang say this, Keqing huffed, "If I were to become his concubine, the first thing I'd do is make Ye Xi take you in too!"
"So, you agree?"
Faced with Ningguang's question, Keqing lowered her head and whispered, "I've only known him for a day, we aren't familiar enough yet..."
"That is not a problem." Ningguang pondered for a moment and spoke, "Starting today, I will temporarily take over your work. And your main task is to be responsible for all of Ye Xi's itinerary in Liyue. Just following by his side will do."
"Eh!?"
Keqing hadn't expected Ningguang to be so resolute, actually wanting to take over her work! "The work of the Yuheng Star is very busy."
"No matter, I will just work overtime. This way you surely won't refuse, right?"
Keqing sighed helplessly. "F-Fine then..."
Faced with such an offensive from Ningguang, Keqing had no method for a moment. "However, let me say this first! I'm only giving it a try! Although Master Ye Xi is indeed excellent, matters of emotion still depend on fate. If I have no feelings for Master Ye Xi, even if it affects Liyue's development, I will not force myself. After all... I believe my personal matters are also very important."
Marriage was a major event; she wanted to decide for herself. Work was work, life was life.
Hearing Keqing's words, Ningguang nodded repeatedly. "Good, as long as you agree."
After the discussion concluded, Ningguang brought Keqing back to the reception room. Ye Xi didn't know what kind of tricks these two beauties were up to, but seeing that Keqing seemed to have become somewhat preoccupied, he couldn't help but ask, "Keqing, why are your cheeks so red?"
"Eh!? N-Nothing!"
Keqing hurriedly sat down obediently, trying her best to maintain her composure. She was just a bit flustered in her heart. 'Why did I just agree to Ningguang about such a thing?'
After leaving the room, Keqing had slowly calmed down. She couldn't help but start scrutinizing herself, feeling that something about her today was abnormal. For the sake of Liyue's development, becoming someone's concubine was something she would absolutely never agree to. So, why did she just agree with the flow just now?
Thinking about these random things, Keqing sighed. 'Forget it, if the other party is Ye Xi, it's not impossible..."
After sitting down, Ningguang took the initiative to speak, "Mr. Ye Xi, Keqing and I have decided that all your affairs in Liyue will be directly handled by Keqing! That is to say, when we proceed with the infrastructure projects next, Keqing will accompany you by your side. You have no objections, right?"
Ye Xi's eyes lit up upon hearing this; he hadn't expected Ningguang to be so thoughtful. He immediately smiled and said, "Miss Ningguang, you are very considerate. Then Keqing, in the coming days, please take care of me."
"Eh?... Oh!" Keqing hurriedly nodded and said, "I will diligently complete all work during the cooperation period."
"Mn."
"Miss Ningguang, there are still some matters to discuss. I need to import some mineral resources from Liyue Harbor, and in addition, there is a business deal for fresh fruits."
The construction of the railway required steel materials, and building bridges in the desert also required concrete. Although there was no lack of sand, materials like limestone were better imported from Liyue.
Upon hearing fresh fruits, Ningguang immediately became interested. "It is possible, only if we talk about transportation..."
"Leave this to me. You only need to prepare the goods and wait for the fruits to be delivered to your door."
Hearing this guarantee, joy rose in Ningguang's heart. "In that case, naturally, it is a deal. Then, here is to a happy cooperation."
Saying this, she took off her glove and extended her tender, jade-like hand in front of Ye Xi. Ye Xi reached out and shook it. It had to be said, Ningguang's soft, tender hand truly felt first-class. The scallion-like jade fingers were snow-white and lustrous, the nails translucent, without a single callus. One touch and you knew it was a small hand that had never done heavy labor.
After the business was discussed, Ye Xi spoke in detail about the planning for Liyue. During this time, Ningguang naturally was full of praise. She even wanted to take pen and ink to record all these plans!
Before long, the time arrived at the noon meal hour. Ningguang breathed a sigh of relief and issued an invitation: "I will play host next. How about I treat Mr. Ye Xi to a meal at Liuli Pavilion?"
"Oh?"
Ye Xi was just about to agree, but he remembered the matter of Zhongli. Since he came to Liyue this time, he had to go see him no matter what. Although opportunities to eat with Ningguang were few, it would have to be next time.
Thinking of this, he waved his hand and said, "Miss Ningguang, next time. I have to go see an old friend in a while."
These words surprised Ningguang somewhat. She thought it was Ye Xi's first time in Liyue Harbor, and couldn't help asking, "Mr. Ye Xi has old acquaintances in Liyue?"
"Not exactly an old acquaintance, I suppose. Anyway, Keqing doesn't need to follow me today; the official business is already finished."
"Eh!?"
Hearing this, Keqing's heart was filled with a strange feeling. Normally speaking, she should feel fortunate, so why did she feel a bit empty in her heart instead, a sense of loss? She thought she would be following behind Ye Xi today; she didn't expect to be cast aside by Ye Xi.
Ningguang also took this into her eyes. "I-I understand, Master Ye Xi. I will wait for your return."
Just like that, Keqing watched as Ye Xi left the reception room. Leaving the Yuehai Pavilion, Ye Xi couldn't help but start thinking. He had forgotten a very important matter. To transport those fruits and minerals, he intended to use large trucks. In the mountains and wilds of Liyue, large trucks could pass, though they would have to take some detours. None of this was a problem; the most important thing was that there were no personnel who knew how to drive. He had to train a batch of people who could drive! He would talk to Enjou about it when the time came.
....
Yuehai Pavilion.
Gazing at Ye Xi's departing back, Ningguang's eyes were full of contemplation. "Keqing, did really nothing happen between you and Ye Xi last night?"
"Y-Yes... why do you ask?" Keqing was a bit guilty. Beside her, Ganyu's pretty face blushed, and she immediately lowered her head.
Ningguang looked at Keqing, then looked at Ganyu whose face was full of shy redness, and her heart was filled with doubts. "Strange. Why would Ye Xi leave you behind? You are so beautiful; is he not interested in you?"
Hearing Ningguang's words, Keqing suddenly felt the sense of loss in her heart deepen a few degrees. She couldn't help but start letting her imagination run wild. 'Do I really have no attraction?'
She still had some confidence in her own looks. If Ye Xi really had no interest in her, it actually gave birth to a sense of defeat!
Ningguang closed her eyes in deep thought. Normally speaking, Ye Xi was alone in Liyue, unfamiliar with the place and people. Having a guide like Keqing accompany him, wouldn't that be the best of both worlds? To actually leave Keqing behind, this did not conform to common sense.
Ningguang thought for a moment, then ordered the secretary Baiwen by her side: "Have Yelan protect Mr. Ye Xi in the dark, and incidentally, see who Mr. Ye Xi's friend is!"
"Yes, Lady Ningguang!"
Although doing this was somewhat impolite, knowing the identity of Ye Xi's friend and using this friend to keep Ye Xi was also a method!
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