Times have changed.
Technology has transformed life!
In the past, if Jean wanted to issue an order, she would either have to return to the Knights of Favonius herself or find someone influential to relay the message.
But now? She can simply pick up her phone and send a message directly to the Knights' work group chat.
So convenient!
News about the phones, equipment devices, and cards spread incredibly fast.
The Knights who were qualified to stay on duty naturally informed their families immediately.
The Knights of Favonius didn't classify this as confidential information since it was something everyone would eventually learn about—and the sooner, the better!
Thus, starting with the families of the Knights and spreading to neighbors, the information quickly circulated.
In just half an hour, the concept had already spread from person to person.
Many Mondstadters had no idea what the "cards" were about.
But some had seen Venti use a card on the Statue of the Anemo Archon.
Now that they understood the concept, they realized what Venti had done to the statue.
It was no exaggeration to say this caused an instant sensation.
Soon, people began arriving at the shop.
Unfortunately, the shop didn't offer card draws yet, but they could immediately get their hands on the same high-quality gear the Knights were using!
Lu Heng watched as the people of Mondstadt lined up to pay the robot and receive their equipment devices and phones.
Then, he turned to Jean and asked, "Does the Knights of Favonius plan to purchase computers and other equipment soon?"
"Yes!" Jean nodded.
Previously, the order quantity was too large, making it inconvenient to directly "import" from Liyue Harbor.
But now, it was much easier.
They could either go through the teleportation gate or place an order directly with the Civilization Core.
"The Civilization Core will stay here for a few days. You can arrange a time," Lu Heng said.
"Thank you, Mr. Lu Heng." Jean gave a slight bow.
"No need for formalities."
Lu Heng shook his head.
The Civilization Core had stockpiled a massive amount of goods in its warehouses in Fontaine and Liyue Harbor.
For now, even if sales continued for half a month, there would be no shortage.
So, he decided to let it stay here for a few days to replenish its reserves.
As for how big the warehouse was...
Hehe.
Spatial technology!
Lu Heng hadn't understood it before, but the [Art of Creation] was incredibly profound.
If he could create entire worlds, a little spatial technology was child's play.
"My tasks are all settled now, so I have some free time," Lu Heng said, looking at the group.
"I want to explore Mondstadt!" Furina gazed at Lu Heng expectantly.
"Sure." Lu Heng nodded in agreement.
"Do you need a guide?" Jean asked.
"I can do it," Venti said with a smile.
"No need."
Lu Heng shook his head. "We'll just wander around casually. You all can attend to your own business. Let's go."
With that, Lu Heng left with Furina and Focalors.
Venti turned to Zhongli.
"I'll go for a walk too."
Zhongli had never actually been to Mondstadt before.
Or rather, he had never left his own nation.
In the past, his identity as the Geo Archon had restricted him. But now?
Since he and Venti were friends, and he was practically retired, there was no harm in strolling around.
"Fine."
Venti suddenly remembered something and added, "Don't send me the bill!"
Zhongli: "..."
He paused mid-step.
To be honest, the thought had crossed his mind.
But Venti was just as broke as he was, so there was no point in making things difficult for him.
"You can send it to the Knights," Jean offered.
"No."
Zhongli declined.
If Venti were paying himself, he wouldn't hesitate to send the bill to him.
But having the Knights foot the bill... Zhongli would rather not buy anything.
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It was like this: spending a friend's money was fine, but spending money from a friend's junior? That was a no-go.
After Zhongli left, Jean and Lisa finally relaxed completely.
As for Venti, since he was their own god, respect was a given, but they weren't as tense around him.
"Feeling more at ease now?"
Venti teased, "Don't be so nervous. Boss Lu and the old blockhead don't bite."
"Lord Barbatos, please don't joke like that."
Jean wiped imaginary sweat from her forehead and forced a smile. "With unfamiliar deities present, and someone even more esteemed than a god... it's hard not to be nervous."
"True." Lisa nodded in agreement.
They had been terrified of making a mistake and leaving a bad impression. If that happened, it wouldn't just reflect poorly on them—it would tarnish Mondstadt's image as well.
So, they had remained on high alert until now, slowly starting to unwind.
"Being cautious is good."
Venti nodded approvingly, then grinned. "But Boss Lu is easygoing. Since you're not his enemies, he wouldn't want you to be overly cautious."
"The more careful you are, the more distance you create."
"If you relax and treat him like a powerful friend, you might gain even more from the interaction."
...
Venti wasn't just spouting nonsense.
When someone's status and position reached a certain level, those around them would inevitably act with extreme caution.
If Lu Heng were an emperor, a king, or the leader of a faction, that would be one thing.
But he had no interest in such things.
"Do we really have that honor?" Jean couldn't fathom it.
"There's no need to lower yourselves too much."
Venti chuckled. "Boss Lu is especially lenient with beautiful girls. Just relax."
Jean and Lisa exchanged bewildered glances.
What did he mean by "lenient with beautiful girls"?
Seeing their confusion, Venti shrugged. "Is that so strange? Boss Lu isn't some emotionless deity—he's a man. What's wrong with liking beautiful girls?"
"That makes sense in theory, but for someone of his stature... it feels a bit odd."
"It just shows how human Boss Lu is."
Venti shrugged again. "If he lacked humanity entirely, that would be truly frightening."
The two pondered this and realized he had a point.
Lisa suddenly grew curious. "Lord Barbatos, if Boss Lu is so indulgent toward beautiful girls, wouldn't his lovers have any objections?"
"Focalors wouldn't mind," Venti said confidently.
"As for Furina... she probably wouldn't either."
"Don't be fooled by their identical appearances. After Focalors developed human emotions, they became distinct individuals."
"So, if Furina could accept Focalors, accepting others shouldn't be a problem, right?" Venti stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Besides, for someone like Boss Lu, two lovers seems a bit... modest."
"Huh?"
Seeing their stunned expressions, Venti spread his hands. "You've got to think bigger! It's just that gods like me and the old man have no interest or need for romance... Honestly, I have a plan to turn this shop into a branch immediately!"
"What plan?" Jean was intrigued.
"The Beauty Scheme!" Venti declared with absolute certainty.
"Lord Barbatos, are you serious?" Jean asked, stunned.
"Dead serious!"
Venti laughed heartily, then added, "Anyway, I'm just saying it casually, and you can take it as you will."
"Alright then!"
"I'm off to Angel's Share for a drink with Kaeya. See you later!"
With that, Venti dashed off toward Angel's Share, leaving the two women staring at each other in bewilderment.
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T/N:
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