"The starting bid is ten thousand Mora. Feel free to bid as you wish," Ningguang announced.
"Fifty thousand!"
"Eighty thousand..." "One hundred and twenty thousand..." "One hundred and fifty thousand..."
"One hundred and eighty thousand!"
Even a common teacup like this could fetch 180,000 Mora? They must have truly tasted the sweet rewards.
"One hundred and eighty thousand, going once! One hundred and eighty thousand, going twice! One hundred and eighty thousand, going thrice! Sold! The teacup belongs to this gentleman!" Ningguang announced calmly.
The man crossed his arms, a smug look on his face. "Hmph, excellent. Mine now."
Qin Yu stifled a laugh. This fool really thought he'd struck a bargain? As if Ningguang would ever let anyone profit at her expense!
Still, watching these clueless fools fall into her trap was quite amusing.
Every item at this auction was utterly ordinary, their prices completely disproportionate to their quality.
Yet people were still bidding high prices. Either they were fools with more money than sense, die-hard Ningguang fans, or simply blinded by their "trust" in her—believing they'd inevitably profit again.
With such high expectations, the moment doubt or disappointment crept in, they'd reveal their true colors. It was a simple fishing technique, one Ningguang favored for its effectiveness.
As soon as the auction ended, Ningguang instructed Qin Yu to deliver the items to the buyers.
"Please accept this."
"Thank you for your trouble."
Returning to Ningguang's side, Qin Yu nodded slightly.
"It's about time they showed their hand," Ningguang said with a faint smile.
Sure enough, moments later, the man who had bid 180,000 Mora for the teacup approached them, his expression displeased.
"Lady Ningguang, there's something amiss with what you're selling," he said. "If I may be so bold as to ask, could you be selling counterfeit goods?"
Ningguang replied calmly, "Counterfeit goods? There are no original models for any of these auction items. How can they be considered counterfeit? These are ordinary wares sold throughout Liyue. The auction was conducted without coercion or manipulation; all bids were voluntary."
"Lady Ningguang, we're only asking because we trust you—believe that your wealth is earned through righteous means, not deception or fraud. We simply seek reassurance."
Ha?
Qin Yu's brow furrowed. "Deception and fraud?" she retorted. "Without evidence, we can legally sue you for slander."
"According to Article 246 of the Liyue Penal Code, serious cases can result in imprisonment of up to three years, detention, house arrest, or deprivation of political rights. I advise you to choose your words carefully," Qin Yu added.
Anyone wishing to speak ill of Ningguang would have to get past Qin Yu first.
The man's face paled at her words.
"As you can see, there were no irregularities in the auction," Ningguang said calmly. "If you have any specific grievances, please state them clearly."
The man clicked his tongue. "Looks like I'll have to swallow this loss. But if news of this auction gets out, people will just think Lady Ningguang is too shrewd for her own good, don't you think?"
Qin Yu's displeasure deepened.
"Then let me ask you," Ningguang challenged, "did you buy the auction item simply because you trusted me?"
"Of course... what else could it be?" the man replied, his expression shifting uncomfortably.
Ningguang narrowed her eyes. "Could it be that you've been hoarding my lost treasures? When the Jade Chamber was destroyed in the battle against the God, many precious artifacts fell into the sea. Some, through illicit channels and multiple transfers, ended up in your hands."
"Only after tasting the sweet taste of profit would you believe you could gain even more advantages from me."
"This auction was held for one purpose only: to reclaim what is mine. If you return all my artifacts in their original condition, I will refund every coin you spent at the auction in full."
Those who dare provoke Ningguang never fare well. Perhaps realizing he had no room to maneuver, the man sighed.
"Fine, fine. I'll return everything to you."
Ningguang nodded. "That's for the best."
Don't take what isn't yours—even children understand that, Qin Yu thought, feeling much relieved.
Using the same method, Ningguang compelled the others to return their privately hoarded artifacts.
In truth, after being salvaged and changing hands multiple times, the situation was complex. Determining ownership rights was troublesome, and the parties were unwilling to cooperate. Ningguang devised a plan and organized this auction.
"How short-sighted," Qin Yu remarked.
"Indeed, utterly short-sighted. But if you were in my position, what would you have done?"
Qin Yu smiled faintly. "Of course, I would use this as an excuse to meet Lady Ningguang in person!"
Ningguang nodded approvingly. "Exactly! That's the wisest choice. If they hadn't hoarded my treasures and had instead returned them honestly, I wouldn't have minded granting them some favors. After all, Mora cannot buy integrity."
"If you ever venture into business, remember this: do not let petty greed cloud your judgment, especially when it comes to ill-gotten gains."
Venture into business? Nah, too much hassle.
For Qin Yu, the ultimate goal remained: to acquire enough wealth to never have to work again—or better yet, to live comfortably off the interest alone, achieving true financial freedom.
Simple laziness, really.
However, working alongside Ningguang, this goal should be within reach soon. Buying a new house and working for another year or two should suffice.
What will I do then? Qin Yu found himself pondering the question unintentionally.
In response to Ningguang's words, Qin Yu replied:
"I understand. Besides, doing business is really tiring. I'm perfectly content just working by Lady Ningguang's side!"
Evaluation: A+
Wealthy and sensible.
Ningguang found Qin Yu's words incredibly pleasing. She said cheerfully, "I'm very satisfied with your attitude. That's right, as long as you stay by my side, you'll catch up to me in no time. Whatever you desire, I'll grant it."
As her words faded, the last person dejectedly placed a box on the table.
Opening it revealed several precious artifacts.
"Looks like this is the last one. Very well, with this, this matter comes to a temporary conclusion." Ningguang closed the box and handed it to Qin Yu.
"It's time to head back, isn't it?"
Ningguang shook her head. "No, let's go to the next place."
Ah? The next place?
"Where are we going?"
"The teahouse you reserved."
Understanding dawned on Qin Yu's face, and she smiled. "I see. Are we discussing business with someone? If you need any data, I can pull it up right away."
"Neither business nor work."
Seizing a moment when no one was watching, Ningguang gently brushed Qin Yu's bangs aside.
"I simply want to admire the moon with you and take a proper rest," she said softly, her voice warm with tenderness.
Just you and me to admire the moon? Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat, her ears growing hot.
"Do you mean it'll just be Lady Ningguang and me?" she asked.
"Mm-hmm. Or would you like to invite others?"
"No, no, not at all!"
Alone with Ningguang? Would she... do anything strange? Qin Yu inexplicably thought of Keqing and stole a glance at Ningguang.
She really is stunning, no matter how many times I see her.
If I could be with Ningguang like that...
No, no! Stop thinking such things! Qin Yu shook her head gently, trying to dispel these wayward thoughts.
It's all Keqing and Hu Tao's fault for making me think such odd things!
"Are you unwilling?" Ningguang asked.
"Eh? Ah, of course I'm willing! I'd love to admire the moon with Lady Ningguang! But what about the artifacts you just recovered? Should we have Senior Baiwen and the others take them back?"
Ningguang glanced at the box in Qin Yu's hands. "No, bring them along. It'll be a good chance for us to catch up."
"Understood."
After instructing Baiwen on the remaining matters, Ningguang followed Qin Yu to the private tea room they had reserved.
"I specifically chose this location. Although moon viewing wasn't on my mind at the time, its proximity to the sea, high floor, unobstructed ocean views, and clear sky access made it perfect," Qin Yu explained with a smile. "Plus, it's far from the streets, so it's very quiet. We can do whatever we want here!"
Whatever we want?
"Whatever we want?" Ningguang repeated, her interest piqued.
Why is she focusing on that?
Ningguang nodded approvingly. "Excellent choice. I'm quite pleased with this place. As expected of my personal maid."
"It's an honor to have Lady Ningguang's approval."
That's exactly what I should have said.
Evaluation: S-
Ningguang took her seat first, and Qin Yu moved to sit beside her as usual.
"Qin Yu, sit across from me."
"Ah, okay..."
Why? Qin Yu wondered inwardly, but she obediently settled into the seat directly opposite Ningguang.
The room was brightly lit yet not harsh. Across from her, Ningguang, clad in a deep blue gown, gazed at her with a faint smile, making Qin Yu feel inexplicably nervous and self-conscious.
It felt... like a date.
No, no, no, a date? Absolutely not! Qin Yu thought, taking a sip of her hot tea.
"Excuse me, may I sit next to Lady Ningguang?" she blurted out, unable to contain herself.
"Not this time. We're just friends catching up," Ningguang replied.
Ha? If that's the case, why does it matter where I sit? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly. Taking a deep breath, she reasoned, If Ningguang said that, then I can sit wherever I want, right?
She stood up, walked over to Ningguang, and sat down beside her.
Ah, finally at ease.
Ningguang gazed at her silently for a moment before a soft smile touched her lips. She gently poked Qin Yu's cheek.
"Still, having you within reach is rather nice."
Hearing this, Qin Yu immediately regretted her boldness.
Can I go back to my original seat?