On Liyue's ancient streets, a tea pavilion quietly stood.
Normally, this place was always bustling, filled with the clamor of people thanks to the captivating stories told by the storyteller Tian Tiezhui. But recently, with Tian Tiezhui away to avoid some trouble, the tea pavilion seemed somewhat desolate and tranquil.
In a quiet corner of the tea pavilion, Lin Yide and Zhongli sat facing each other.
Between them, a chessboard lay quietly, with black and white pieces interspersed upon it.
Zhongli calmly placed a black piece on the board and said, "Yide, the Qixing are Liyue's most outstanding merchants. They bring enormous Mora profits to Liyue every year."
Lin Yide pondered for a moment, precisely placing a white piece at a crucial point, then replied, "The Qixing are undoubtedly successful merchants, but they are by no means qualified entrepreneurs."
Zhongli looked puzzled upon hearing this. "What makes you say that?"
Lin Yide slowly explained, "The Liyue Qixing earn half of Liyue's total wealth. However, the employees they hire account for less than one percent of Liyue's population."
He gazed at Zhongli and posed a question, "Do you know what problem this reveals?"
Zhongli fell into deep thought. He had never considered such a question before.
After a long time, unable to find an answer, he shook his head. "I do not know the reason behind it."
Lin Yide let out a soft hmph, revealing the answer: "The Qixing have effectively monopolized all high-profit industries in Liyue, while showing no interest in low-return sectors."
He extended his hand, pointing far off to the Jade Chamber suspended in the sky, his tone carrying a hint of criticism: "Take, for example, the esteemed Lady Ningguang, high above. She would rather squander vast sums to build that extravagant sky-palace to flaunt her wealth, yet she is unwilling to invest in laying a convenient railway for Liyue. To my knowledge, many people in Liyue's remote regions still live in poverty."
If Ningguang were merely a merchant, Lin Yide would absolutely not criticize her. How one spends their own earned money is a personal freedom.
However, as Liyue's de facto supreme leader, such behavior is clearly highly inappropriate.
Her actions not only foster an unhealthy trend of extravagance and waste, but more importantly, they lead to a significant waste of social resources.
The black piece in Zhongli's hand hung in the air, unable to be placed, because this game was already lost.
He slowly placed the black piece back into the container. "This was my oversight. A nation managed by merchants, it now seems, is indeed not the most suitable choice. But then again, the Qixing's trial has already begun. If they can successfully pass it, I am still willing to temporarily entrust them with the governance of Liyue."
Lin Yide began to slowly collect the pieces. "What if I were to participate?"
Zhongli also collected his pieces, saying with an easy tone, "That would naturally be a good thing. If you are willing, I can entrust Liyue to your management."
A hint of surprise flashed across Lin Yide's face, but he quickly regained his composure. He questioned with a smile, "Do you trust me that much? You should know, I'm no great benevolent person."
Zhongli maintained his rhythm, placing black pieces one by one into the container. "I have lived in this world for over six thousand years and have seen all kinds of people. Perhaps I am not skilled at governing a nation, but I know full well who can be trusted. What's more, you are the renowned Master of the West Factory."
Lin Yide glanced sideways at him and said teasingly, "Not skilled at governing a nation? You're just too lazy to bother, unwilling to get involved."
Zhongli did not deny his words. Instead, he picked up a black piece and placed it in the very center of the board. "This game, I'll go first."
Lin Yide then lightly placed a white piece, starting a new round of play with Zhongli.
Gobang, a fun board game, though highly entertaining, on a professional competitive level, it doesn't compare to Go.
Without any restrictions, meaning without forbidden moves rules, the first player often holds a winning strategy.
The game progressed quickly, and soon after, Lin Yide was defeated.
However, he did not seem overly concerned about this loss.
He leisurely finished the tea in his cup, then stood up to bid Zhongli farewell.
Zhongli quietly watched Lin Yide's gradually receding figure, his gaze slowly growing deeper and more distant.
Just then, a handsome chestnut-haired youth walked up to Zhongli's seat and asked with a somewhat provocative tone, "Hey, are you that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's Consultant Zhongli? I heard that anyone who can withstand one of your moves becomes invincible in Liyue."
Zhongli looked up at him, then shook his head. "I am merely an ordinary person, powerless even to tie up a chicken. If you truly wish to find a suitable opponent, I can recommend someone."
His voice was steady and powerful, like an unyielding rock, exuding a convincing strength.
The youth immediately pressed, "Who?"
Zhongli slowly uttered a name: "Master of the West Factory, Yide."
...
After bidding farewell to Zhongli, Lin Yide leisurely strolled through the streets of Liyue Harbor.
Its level of development was close to that of the Republic of China era, but far more prosperous and stable.
Before long, he stopped before a magnificent mansion.
In front of the mansion's main gate, a burly attendant stood imposingly.
Lin Yide calmly walked forward and said politely, "I am Young Master Xingqiu's friend. I've come specially to visit today; please announce my arrival."
The attendant scrutinized Lin Yide. Seeing his elegant demeanor and extraordinary bearing, completely unlike ordinary people, he dared not show any negligence and immediately turned to go inside and announce.
A moment later, a kind-faced middle-aged man hurried out to greet him, closely followed by Xingqiu and Xingqiu's elder brother, Xingchun.
Upon seeing Lin Yide, he profusely apologized, "Master Yide, I am truly sorry for the discourtesy; I failed to come out to greet you properly!"
His words were filled with genuine apology, which made a good impression.
Lin Yide gently waved his hand, indicating he didn't mind. "President Xingyun, you are too polite; there's no need for this."
"Please, come in!" Xingyun warmly extended his hand, making an inviting gesture.
And so, led by Xingyun, Lin Yide entered the impressive mansion.