After settling the playing card authorization, Ningguang felt completely at ease.
Everything was ready—now she only needed to implement her plan.
However, since the event would involve two nations, she couldn't possibly manage it alone.
She would need assistance.
Thinking this, her gaze slowly shifted toward a certain purple cat resting comfortably in Han Feng's arms.
"This girl… has she gotten addicted to being petted?"
Seeing Keqing still lounging in Han Feng's embrace since entering the shop, Ningguang's lips twitched.
Originally, she had arranged this as a gesture of thanks to Boss Han.
But judging from the situation now—
Keqing was clearly the one enjoying herself.
With a teasing smile, Ningguang walked up to the counter.
"My dear Lady Keqing, are you planning to stay like that forever?"
The purple cat blinked, suddenly realizing something.
She had grown so accustomed to this form—
she nearly forgot she was the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing.
A trace of embarrassment surfaced.
Reluctantly, she jumped down from Han Feng's arms.
Poof!
A puff of smoke appeared.
The adorable purple cat vanished—and Keqing, with her cat-ear-like hairstyle, reappeared in the shop.
"W-Wait… that purple cat was Lady Keqing?!"
Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao were stunned.
They had been wondering why they saw Ningguang but not Keqing.
They assumed Keqing had returned early.
Never in their wildest dreams did they expect—she had turned into a cat.
Especially recalling how lazily she had nestled in Boss Han's arms…
Their worldview shook.
"You've changed back? I thought you wouldn't want to."
Ningguang teased.
"T-That's not true!"
Keqing's cheeks flushed slightly.
But then she huffed.
"You're one to talk. Weren't you completely addicted to playing cards?"
As Tianquan, she had ignored her duties to gamble.
If anyone was being indulgent, it wasn't just her.
"Ahem… let's head back. We still have work to do."
Exposed so directly, Ningguang coughed awkwardly and made a quick exit.
"Hey, wait for me!"
Keqing called out, then followed—but before leaving, she subconsciously turned to glance at Han Feng.
He was smiling at her.
His lips seemed to form silent words.
"Thank you for your unique way of showing gratitude. I liked it. Come again anytime."
"Come again…?"
Keqing froze.
Did he mean as a guest?
Or… as a cat?
At the latter thought, her eyes softened slightly.
A faint blush crept across her face.
If it was Boss Han—she didn't mind.
She actually liked the feeling.
Nodding subtly, she hurried out.
"Whether as a purple cat or as Keqing… both are quite interesting."
Han Feng smiled as he watched her leave.
Though if he had a choice—
He'd prefer to see cat-ear maid Keqing.
He wondered if he'd ever get the chance.
While he was thinking, Lumine and Noelle exchanged glances.
Then slowly approached him.
"Hm? What's this? Feeling defeated?"
Han Feng teased.
They had played enthusiastically earlier—
and lost everything.
Now they were basically bankrupt.
Hearing that, both girls felt even more embarrassed.
Especially Noelle—she looked like she'd committed a grave mistake, head lowered.
Finally, Lumine gathered her courage.
"Hehe… Boss Han, we've lost all our Mora. If this keeps up, we won't even have money to read comics tomorrow.
So… could you maybe lend us some?"
"You want to borrow Mora?"
Han Feng's expression turned slightly strange.
"Don't worry! Once we join the Landlord Tournament and win the championship, we'll pay you back double!"
Lumine hurriedly assured him.
"With Ningguang participating… Are you sure you can win?"
Han Feng smiled knowingly.
Given Ningguang's love for Mora,
there was no way she would casually let someone else take that ten million prize.
More likely, she'd participate herself.
Not only could she reclaim the prize money—her participation would create massive publicity.
The Tianquan of Liyue—wealthy, brilliant, charismatic—entering the tournament.
Wouldn't that attract attention?
Just like celebrities endorsing games.
It was classic star effect marketing.
"Well…"
Lumine deflated.
She wanted to say she'd win.
But after today's crushing losses…
her confidence faltered.
"Even if we can't get first, second or third still has prize money…"
Those still offered hundreds of thousands of Mora.
"Exactly!"
Noelle nodded vigorously.
If they couldn't beat Ningguang—surely they could beat regular players, right?
"Alright. I can lend you money.
But… my body's feeling a bit stiff. Feels numb after sitting all day."
Han Feng stretched dramatically.
Lumine instantly understood.
She'd experienced this situation several times before.
Without hesitation, she stepped behind him and began massaging his shoulders.
"Hehe, just relax, Boss Han. Leave it to me.
Is this pressure okay? Too strong? I'll lighten it…"
"Excellent service. Rewarded."
Han Feng chuckled and casually produced 500,000 Mora.
"Return it after the tournament."
"Thank you, Boss Han!"
Lumine happily accepted the money.
Paimon was right.
The joy of pleasing Boss Han—you truly can't imagine it.
Look at that.
Five hundred thousand Mora, just like that.
Even if it was technically a loan.
And suddenly—a dangerous thought crossed her mind.
Maybe…
she should just let Boss Han support her.
She didn't want to work hard anymore.
—------------------------------
Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer