After finishing the coffee, Kaedehara Kazuha got down to business. "Director, the protest demonstrations in Mondstadt City, fueled by us and the Fatui, are growing larger by the day. If this continues, I fear the Knights of Favonius will find it difficult to withstand the pressure."
Lin Yide pondered for a moment, then said decisively, "Our people must stop participating immediately. Let the Fatui take the lead."
Kaedehara Kazuha looked confused. "I don't understand. Why withdraw at this critical moment?"
Lin Yide explained in a calm tone, "Because these protests will soon escalate into uncontrollable riots. Our original intention is to change Mondstadt, not plunge it into chaos."
He paused slightly, then added, "Furthermore, we need to provide assistance to those injured by the riots and counter the Fatui's actions."
"I understand, Director." Kaedehara Kazuha nodded, then quickly departed with Thunderclap to carry out Lin Yide's orders.
After the two quickly left to execute their mission, Lin Yide, who had originally planned to enjoy some fishing time, also lost the mood to continue.
He gently raised his hand, and an elemental orb combining fire and lightning materialized in his hand, radiating a dangerous yet captivating light.
With a casual toss, the elemental orb arced gracefully and landed precisely in the lake.
"Boom!"
Accompanied by a deafening roar, a massive surge of energy instantly erupted on the lake's surface, sending spray everywhere, and countless fish stunned by the blast surfaced belly-up.
Following this, Lin Yide walked lightly on the shimmering lake surface, as if performing the Wave-Skimming Step. He picked up the fish floating on the surface one by one and threw them into a fish bucket.
Lumine, standing aside, was completely stunned by the sight before her.
Her eyes widened, staring fixedly at Lin Yide. This was the first time she had seen anyone besides herself and her brother capable of using multiple elemental powers so freely.
When Lin Yide finished collecting the fish, she couldn't help but step forward and say, "Yide, you're actually the Descender, aren't you!"
Lin Yide chuckled, "Guess?"
Lumine was so annoyed her teeth itched; if only her strength hadn't fully recovered yet, she would have given him a good beating long ago.
Afterward, Lin Yide and Lumine rode Dvalin again and flew together towards Springvale.
As soon as they landed, he saw Diluc coming forward to greet him.
Diluc said directly, "Director Yide, please hand Schubert over to me. In exchange, our Dawn Winery is willing to enter into full cooperation with your West Factory."
Lin Yide shook his head. "Master Diluc, I apologize, but this is my personal time. I do not wish to discuss any work-related matters during this period."
Hearing this response, Diluc's brow furrowed involuntarily.
He believed Lin Yide was reminding him that Lin Yide had the final say in the matter of cooperation.
A deep sense of powerlessness arose within him.
Diluc suppressed his emotions and said in a low voice, "I understand. Then, I will come to you tomorrow during your working hours to discuss this matter."
After saying that, he turned to leave.
Just then, Lin Yide's voice rang out again, "Master Diluc, it's getting late. Why not stay and join us for dinner? I just happened to catch quite a few fresh fish today, we can enjoy them together."
Hearing "fish", Diluc felt even more desolate. Yide was hinting that he and Kaeya were like defenseless fish, meant only to be slaughtered at will.
His hands clenched into fists, and a look of struggle appeared on his face. Helplessness and indignation intertwined in his heart, finally turning into a heavy sigh.
He said gloomily, "I understand."
Lin Yide was unaware that Diluc had already concocted a dramatic scene of bullying through coercion in his mind.
Lin Yide leisurely walked to Diona's doorstep, gently knocked on the door, and called out kindly, "Little Diona, there's fish for dinner tonight!"
The door quickly opened in response. Little Diona's face beamed with excitement, and she cheered joyfully, "Uncle Yide, you're the best!"
Lin Yide smiled warmly and said to Diona, "So, my lovely Miss Diona, could you mix a fine drink for me?"
Diona put on a tsundere-like pout and said coyly, "I really don't understand you adults, why do you all love drinking so much?
But, since you're treating me to fish today, I'll reluctantly mix a drink for you."
Not long after, Draff returned laden, carrying a pile of fresh game in his hands.
Brook, the town's chef, once again showcased his culinary skills, meticulously preparing a delicious and lavish dinner that excelled in color, aroma, and taste.
Amidst cheerful laughter, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the rare feast, but Diluc alone remained troubled and uneasy.
…
The next morning, while it was still faintly light, Diluc rode his horse swiftly towards Stormterror's Lair.
By the time he reached the top of the ruined high tower, it was already close to noon.
At this moment, Lin Yide was leisurely sitting on a chair, reading an interesting novel, "The Pale Princess and the Six Pygmies", with great relish.
Beside him, Dvalin was lying on the ground, counting a pile of glittering Mora over and over again with his huge dragon claws. These gold coins were Lumine's recent harvest from exploring ruins.
Diluc walked slowly up to Lin Yide and asked, "How does the West Factory plan to cooperate?"
Lin Yide was not in a hurry to answer. Instead, he calmly took out a chair from his System Space and invited Diluc to sit.
After Diluc was seated, he spoke unhurriedly, "We plan for the Furina Foundation, Dawn Winery, the Church of Favonius, and the Knights of Favonius to jointly establish a joint venture company."
"In this company, the Furina Foundation will hold 51% of the shares, while the other three parties will each hold 16%. Additionally, 1% of the shares will be reserved for a certain drunkard."
"The main business of this joint venture company will be to control the import and export trade between Mondstadt and Fontaine."
An expression of disbelief appeared on Diluc's face. The terms proposed by the West Factory were actually so generous!
This was completely beyond his expectation.
He asked with a hint of hesitation, "Director Yide, is what you are saying true?"
Lin Yide nodded affirmatively. "Absolutely true. Our Fontaine is a nation that upholds justice, and the West Factory has always been dedicated to pursuing fairness and justice."
Hearing such a reply, Diluc didn't hesitate for a moment and immediately expressed his agreement. "On behalf of Dawn Winery, I accept this cooperation."
Lin Yide waved his hand, signaling him not to rush. "Master Diluc, don't be too quick to make a decision.
For Dawn Winery to obtain this 16% share, there is one additional condition – Dawn Winery must share all the intelligence it possesses regarding Mondstadt with the West Factory."
Dawn Winery operates several taverns in Mondstadt City named "Angel's Share". These taverns have become important channels for Dawn Winery to gather intelligence on Mondstadt, possessing almost all the information in Mondstadt City.
This is also a key reason why Lin Yide values cooperation with Dawn Winery.
Diluc pondered for a long time. Finally, he asked bitterly, "What if I refuse?"
Lin Yide replied in a calm but firm tone, "Then, news will spread in Mondstadt City tomorrow that Schubert is dead."
Diluc sighed helplessly. "I agree."