Keqing crossed her arms, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh? You've got quite the nose, don't you? Want to take a whiff of my scent too?"
After all, Ningguang's personal belongings had never been given to a man before, Su Han was the very first.
Yet this man had the nerve to tease her after getting such a rare gift? He really was infuriating.
Seeing the situation turn awkward, Su Han immediately felt embarrassed. It wasn't as if he meant it that way! To avoid making things worse, he hurriedly changed the subject. "Ahem… I just thought the scent was familiar, nothing more. Anyway, let's talk about something serious—about Liyue's current issues."
Once he mentioned business, both women instantly became attentive.
Su Han's suggestion was simple: assign a dedicated group to secretly monitor the Fatui.
"Remember, don't follow them too closely, just keep track of their movements. Also, plant hidden watchers throughout the city. Let them do normal jobs, run stalls, anything that blends in. That way, they'll collect information while staying unnoticed."
Ningguang nodded. "That's simple enough. I'll handle the arrangements, manpower isn't an issue. But… one thing puzzles me. Shouldn't we also worry about the Forbidden Talisman?"
Of course, what concerned Ningguang most was that talisman. It was too dangerous. If the Fatui got their hands on it, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Su Han nodded. "No need to rush. Right now, I know of someone in this very city who holds one. The Fatui are likely already watching him. And incidentally, he lives quite close to us."
"Who?" Keqing asked immediately, while Ningguang fixed her eyes on him.
If they could, they would have issued a public order to confiscate every Forbidden Talisman. But that was impossible, if anyone learned of its true value, chaos would follow.
Su Han walked to the window and pointed into the distance. "There, see that?"
The two followed his gesture, and saw a tea house.
Ningguang recognized it at a glance. "The Rock Tea House? But I thought it was nearly out of business."
"That's right. The owner there. If we move too slowly, he'll probably pack up and run in a few days. Keqing, I'll leave this one to you."
"No problem. I'll make sure he tells us everything."
Now that they had a clear target, Keqing wouldn't let him slip away, this concerned all of Liyue's safety!
To save time, the Yuheng Star didn't even bother taking the door. She took a deep breath, stepped onto the window frame, and turned into a streak of lightning that vanished into the sky.
Watching her graceful figure disappear, Su Han asked curiously, "Is she always like that?"
Ningguang covered her mouth with a small smile. "Keqing has a straightforward nature. And since this matter is serious, the sooner it's handled, the better. Since we've got a moment, why don't we chat about something else?"
"With a beauty to keep me company? How could I say no?"
Su Han poured her some tea and offered a few snacks. The two chatted pleasantly as they ate.
To Ningguang's surprise, Su Han not only understood Liyue's security risks but also offered sharp insight into business development.
For instance, patent rights.
The concept could protect merchants and eliminate counterfeit goods.
Then there was the booming popularity of comics. Su Han grinned and said, "If you're willing to cooperate, I'll only take twenty percent of the profits. I won't interfere with management or sales."
"You're basically giving money away!" Ningguang's beautiful eyes flickered. This man was generous, did he even realize how profitable that business could be?
With comics becoming popular, related products like clothing, figurines, and art prints would sell for huge sums. And Su Han even mentioned "official authorization," meaning anyone else selling without permission would be breaking the law, it was a perfect business.
Su Han chuckled. "I just want to help Liyue's development. And since you already gave me your token, I should return the favor. How about this, if you feel uneasy about the split, we can take ten percent of the profits to establish an orphanage, for Liyue's homeless children."
Ningguang's eyes trembled, memories flashing through her mind. "Why would you suddenly want to do something like that?"
In her childhood, Ningguang had lived alone. She often went to bed hungry, barefoot on the streets while other children laughed and played. That kind of hardship could never be forgotten.
Because of that, she always cared deeply for Liyue's children, and admired those who did the same.
Su Han's words struck directly at her heart.
Still, she wasn't sure if he meant it sincerely or had other motives. She'd met many men who tried to win her favor through tricks. But this time, she was clearly mistaken.
Su Han poured her another cup of tea, his tone gentle. "I've wandered for years myself. Back then, I worked over ten hours a day just to survive.
What stuck with me most was my boss shouting, 'If you won't work, someone else will!'
So I thought, if we build an orphanage, not only will those children have food, but they'll also gain a sense of belonging to Liyue. If we treat them well, someday when they grow up, they'll surely repay this land."
Hearing his story, Ningguang felt a pang of sorrow. That boss, what a heartless man! How could he treat people like that?
After some thought, she said, "If it's for Liyue's children, then let's do more. I'll put in twenty percent. You take twenty percent profit, another twenty goes to the orphanage, and the rest will sustain operations and pay the workers."
"Of course, no problem." Su Han agreed instantly, it cost him nothing, after all.
With Ningguang backing the plan, everything was decided. Their conversation that day deepened her understanding of Su Han, and her trust as well.
Time passed quickly.
By noon, the new shop officially opened. Thanks to a morning of promotion, a long line had already formed outside.
When the firecrackers went off, voices rang out from the crowd.
"Congratulations to Boss Su on the grand opening! The Feiyun Commerce Guild sends two flower baskets and a pair of stone lions!"
"Congratulations to Boss Su! Wanmin Hall presents a plaque and a golden toad!"
"Congratulations to Boss Su! The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor offers a couplet and six flower baskets!" (TL/N: how generous lmao)
"Congratulations to Boss Su! Lady Ningguang of the Heavenly Authority sends a jade ruyi and ten guards!"
…
The gathered customers were dumbfounded. They had heard that Boss Su had powerful connections, but this was beyond imagination.
In just a few days, even Lady Ningguang herself had sent gifts? That was an incredible show of prestige.
Any lingering doubts or schemes among the crowd vanished instantly.
Upstairs, Su Han looked at the mountain of gifts with surprise. Ningguang's generosity he understood, but even Master Mao and the Feiyun Guild had gone all out!
As he scanned the crowd, he suddenly noticed someone waving at him, it was Xingqiu! No wonder the Feiyun Guild sent such grand gifts, the young master himself had returned! (TL/N: two flower baskets considered grand gift?)
Sure enough, after presenting the gifts, Xingqiu immediately asked the attendants where Su Han was.
Upon learning he was upstairs, Xingqiu smiled brightly. "Take me to see your boss! I need to report on the latest business. Actually, never mind, I'll go myself. You all keep working."
The shop was bustling with guests.
Seeing the crowded room, Xingqiu decided not to bother the staff. He made his way toward the stairs, but just as he took his first step, a figure blocked his path.
Looking up, he saw a middle-aged man in a silk robe smiling politely. "Young Master Xingqiu, please allow me to announce your visit first. The boss is currently entertaining an important guest."
Xingqiu frowned slightly, he could tell this man was a skilled martial artist, though not quite his equal. Still, his movements were sharp and disciplined.
However, the man's body showed signs of old injuries, limiting his strength.
This person was none other than the shop's new manager, one of Ningguang's trusted subordinates, sent to assist Su Han personally.
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