In the bustling square in the center of Fudè Port City, a grand sales event was in full swing within a specially constructed venue.
Dvalin was at the heart of the event, posing for photos one by one with fans who were lucky enough to win precious ultimate collectible figures.
Whenever the camera focused on him, he would meticulously adjust his posture, striving to appear friendly and approachable.
In truth, Dvalin wasn't entirely accustomed to such close proximity with humans.
But Lin Yide had told him that for every photo taken with a person, he would earn a commission of one hundred Mora.
Dvalin agreed without hesitation.
After all, earning ten thousand Mora effortlessly by posing with a hundred people was like a windfall from heaven compared to the hundred thousand Mora he earned from a month of diligent work.
At a blind box drawing booth, Xingqiu's presence was particularly noticeable.
He had already consecutively drawn ten precious ultimate collectible figures, and according to the event's rules, he had won a rare opportunity to fly around the sky on Dvalin.
However, Xingqiu did not stop there; he continued to draw blind boxes.
He wanted to win the same opportunity for Chongyun, who was beside him.
"Xingqiu, please stop drawing for me, the cost is too high," Chongyun said, looking at Xingqiu with some concern.
Xingqiu temporarily stopped opening blind boxes. He looked up, gazing at Chongyun with determination. "Mora, to me, is far less important than you are."
As soon as he finished speaking, he resumed opening blind boxes.
The profound emotion contained within these simple words echoed in Chongyun's heart for a long time.
After a long while, and after yet another guaranteed pull, Xingqiu finally drew the twentieth ultimate collectible figure, having spent a total of sixteen million Mora.
At this point, a sales assistant, with a kind smile, reminded him, "Esteemed sir, we can repurchase these figures you've drawn for one thousand Mora each."
Xingqiu waved his hand slightly, calmly replying, "No need. Please arrange for storage service for me."
He already had a plan in mind: to sell these figures in Liyue through his family's commerce guild, pricing each at nine thousand Mora, which he expected to sell very well.
Subsequently, the sales assistant escorted them to a VIP lounge to rest temporarily.
After the event concluded, Dvalin would take them soaring through the sky to experience the unparalleled beauty of the heavens.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long.
Because the event was extraordinarily popular, all the blind boxes sold out ahead of schedule.
Then, guided by staff members, all those who had won the qualification to fly around the sky on Dvalin gathered in an open space in the square.
Xingqiu looked around and noticed that besides himself and Chongyun, there were also several prominent wealthy merchants present, from Liyue, Mondstadt, and Fontaine respectively.
Soon after, Dvalin approached. He quickly scanned the passengers about to board him, and a hint of disappointment arose in his heart.
According to the agreement, each passenger would bring him a commission of ten thousand Mora, but now there were only a handful of people.
Dvalin's mood at that moment was like that of an unlicensed taxi driver waiting for passengers outside a train station, watching only one or two passengers occupy his spacious vehicle, a mix of helplessness and despondency.
But Dvalin was fundamentally different from an ordinary unlicensed taxi driver; he possessed extremely high professional ethics and integrity.
He obediently lowered his massive body, making it convenient for staff to set up stairs on his back for passengers to climb.
At the same time, he meticulously controlled Anemo energy, forming a sturdy shield to ensure the safety of every passenger.
A short while later, amidst the gazes of countless onlookers, Dvalin slowly ascended into the sky with Xingqiu and the others, embarking on a marvelous journey.
He gracefully glided through white clouds, guiding them to admire the breathtaking scenery of the sky.
The passengers were engrossed in this picturesque scenery, as if transported to a dreamy wonderland.
However, good times always pass quickly.
A quarter of an hour later, Dvalin slowly descended back to the ground, marking the perfect conclusion to this unforgettable journey.
It was then that Xingqiu and Chongyun were surprised to discover that, during the flight, their hands had unknowingly become tightly clasped together.
By unspoken agreement, neither of them mentioned it, pretending not to notice.
As they dismounted from Dvalin's back, they found a West Factory Guard already waiting there.
"Young Master Xingqiu," the West Factory Guard stepped forward, his voice calm, "Our Director wishes to speak with you."
Xingqiu was slightly taken aback, feeling a little surprised and not quite understanding why Lin Yide would want to see him.
After a brief moment of thought, he agreed to the Guard's request; he also wished to behold the demeanor of this legendary figure.
So, he asked Chongyun to return to the hotel to rest while he himself followed the West Factory Guard to meet Lin Yide.
Approximately half an hour later, Xingqiu met Lin Yide on the rooftop of the West Factory Agency's office building.
He had originally expected Lin Yide to be a cold, ruthless figure, but unexpectedly, the real person was a gentle, mild-mannered young man, more akin to a young scholar who had just left school.
"Young Master Xingqiu, it's a pleasure to meet you," Lin Yide said with a smile. "I greatly enjoy your Chronicles of the Autumn Sword."
Although Xingqiu knew this was merely a polite remark, he still felt very pleased. "Thank you for your praise, Director Yide. Actually, my novel isn't very popular among readers; they find the plot too outlandish."
Lin Yide maintained his smile upon hearing this. "That's because they don't understand that stories in real life are often stranger than fiction. They cannot imagine someone reaching the state of 'mastering one principle allows mastery of all' at such a young age, nor can they believe that someone could master a hundred unique martial arts techniques of the Guhua Clan in just ten days to half a month."
Upon hearing this, Xingqiu's heart was profoundly stirred.
These experiences, even his own family, with whom he spent every day, didn't believe were real.
Yet, Lin Yide, whom he had never met, actually believed him!
After a brief moment of astonishment, he asked with doubt, "Director Yide, why do you believe these things are real?"
Lin Yide did not answer directly, but instead replied in a way that seemed to dodge the question: "Because I am the Director of the West Factory Agency."
Xingqiu did not press further, but instead directly asked his question: "May I ask what matter you wished to discuss with me?"
Lin Yide also expressed his intentions frankly: "The Furina Foundation hopes to collaborate with the Feiyun Commerce Guild and fully support you in becoming the next Liyue Qixing!"
Xingqiu refused without hesitation. "Director Yide, I have no intention of becoming one of the Liyue Qixing, nor will I meddle in the affairs of the Feiyun Commerce Guild."
Lin Yide was not surprised by his answer. "In that case, could you introduce me to your elder brother?"
Xingqiu hesitated for a moment, then solemnly stated, "Director Yide, our Feiyun Commerce Guild will not betray Liyue's interests for its own gain."
"Liyue's interests?" Lin Yide chuckled softly, speaking with deeper meaning. "There are three types of people in Liyue: the Liyue Qixing, the great merchants, and the common folk. Our West Factory Agency pursues justice and fairness. What we aim to do is to make that unfair distribution of wealth fair!"