"Miss Ningguang, we're not as impressive as you might think. We only managed with the help of the Adeptus, Cloud Retainer."
Nolan humbly responded and then glanced at Shenhe, who stood beside him.
"Your letter has already been delivered to the Adeptus, and this is Shenhe, a disciple of Cloud Retainer. The Adeptus has asked her to convey a message."
He felt that it would be better for Shenhe, as Cloud Retainer's disciple, to relay the message herself.
"Oh, so you're the talented disciple of the Adeptus? I believe Ganyu mentioned you once during one of our chats."
Ningguang crossed her right leg over her left, and the elegant curve of her pale knee peeked over the desk for all to see.
"Ganyu... The senior disciple my master mentioned? I heard she began working in Liyue Harbor a long time ago, but I haven't had the chance to meet her."
Shenhe spoke with little emotion in her voice.
"Is that so? Well, now that you're here in Liyue, you should make time to meet her. She's been grieving deeply over Geo Archon' passing."
Ningguang nodded, slightly surprised, and then continued, "So, has Cloud Retainer made any plans after learning of Geo Archon' passing?"
Ningguang, as expected, was a shrewd figure, well-versed in political and business matters. She started with some casual conversation to ease into the topic when faced with a stranger like Shenhe, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere before inquiring about the Adepti's plans.
This approach likely made her seem more approachable.
Nolan felt he had learned something valuable from observing her.
"My master said she doesn't believe that the Lord Rex Lapis was truly assassinated, so she and the other Adepti will personally come to Liyue to verify his divine body."
Shenhe spoke calmly.
"Mm, it's only natural that Cloud Retainer would make such a request. However, to prevent any malicious intent, I have secretly stored Geo Archon' body in a secure location. When the Adepti arrive, I will personally guide them to where it is kept."
Ningguang nodded in understanding but did not reveal the exact location of the body.
Although the Jade Chamber was highly secure, she was cautious, knowing that some might use powerful secret techniques to eavesdrop. As a businesswoman, she understood the importance of being vigilant.
"That sounds reasonable." Shenhe had no objections.
"Yes, and by the way, it's quite late now. Will you be able to return easily? If not, you're welcome to stay the night at the Jade Chamber. There are plenty of rooms available."
Ningguang, ever meticulous, had noticed that Nolan and the others hadn't yet mentioned accommodations for Shenhe.
"Hehe, thank you, Lady Ningguang. We're fine going back, but Shenhe just arrived in Liyue, so we'll trouble you for her stay."
Paimon smiled brightly as she spoke.
"Haha, it's a small matter." Ningguang nodded slightly and turned her gaze toward her secretary, Baixiao, who was standing outside the office.
She instructed, "Baixiao, please escort Miss Shenhe to the guest room."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang." Baixiao nodded and then gestured politely to the rare sight of the white-haired woman inside the office. "Miss Shenhe, please follow me."
"Hmm." Shenhe responded with a barely noticeable sound and turned, her long legs wrapped in a tight black leather bodysuit swaying as she prepared to leave.
Just as she was about to exit, Lumine, who had been quietly thinking, suddenly tugged on Shenhe's sleeve and said:
"By the way, when we arrived at Mt. Aozang around noon, we met you, and then you introduced us to Cloud Retainer. Now, we've come all the way to Liyue and have skipped two meals. How about grabbing a bite with us before heading back?"
"No need, I..." Shenhe was about to decline, not wanting to trouble Lumine and the others, when a faint "grumble" unexpectedly came from her stomach, covered by her black silk outfit, with a hint of her navel visible.
Everyone present had exceptional abilities, and naturally, their hearing was sharp. The subtle sound clearly reached everyone's ears.
Shenhe frowned slightly, feeling an unfamiliar emotion stirring in her heart, but she couldn't quite describe or express it.
"Hehe, it seems I didn't consider everything properly. I didn't realize that none of you had eaten yet. Baixiao, take them to Xinyue Kiosk for dinner, and bring Miss Shenhe back afterward. Put it on my tab," Ningguang said, gently covering her lips as she chuckled softly.
Apparently, the contrast between Shenhe's hungry stomach and her ethereal demeanor hit Ningguang's sense of humor.
"Understood, Lady Ningguang." Baixiao, who was just an ordinary person and standing at a distance, hadn't clearly heard the sound.
"Alright then, Miss Ningguang, we'll be heading out now."
Nolan was a bit pleased when he heard Ningguang suggest Xinyue Kiosk for dinner. After all, he had promised Paimon a feast when they returned to Liyue Harbor, and now he wouldn't have to spend anything on it!
...
Liyue Harbor, Xinyue Kiosk.
By the time Nolan and the others finished their dinner at Liyue's most famous restaurant, led by Baixiao, Lady Tianquan's secretary, it was almost ten o'clock.
Shenhe returned to the Jade Chamber with Baixiao, while Nolan and the others headed toward the teleport waypoint near the alchemy plaza.
At this point, their stomachs were so full that none of them wanted to move; all they wanted to do was lie down.
Since Lady Tianquan had officially treated them, Baixiao had ordered all of Xinyue Kiosk's most famous dishes so as not to embarrass Ningguang.
When the food was served, they realized the entire table was covered with dishes.
Shenhe, however, seemed not accustomed to the food, only taking small bites of vegetables and fruits, while merely tasting everything else.
Baixiao, having already eaten, didn't touch her chopsticks at all.
With no other choice, Nolan, Lumine, and Glutton Paimon ended up taking on the task of finishing the entire meal.
Even Paimon was stuffed this time and felt like she wouldn't be craving a feast again for several days.
"I'm so sleepy... Why aren't we there yet?" Paimon floated weakly in the air, her limbs drooping as her stomach worked hard to digest the food, sapping her usual energy.
Lumine also yawned.
"We should be almost there."
Nolan stretched his back, cracking his neck and shoulders, and smiled.
At this hour, the streets were gradually becoming less crowded. To avoid the need to sneak around to use the teleport waypoint, Nolan decided to level up his "Concealment Form" skill to the maximum level, hoping it might allow him to make others invisible as well.
He glanced at his character panel's Adventure EXP.
[Adventure EXP: 43,071]
Sigh, I still need about 2,000 more Adventure EXP to max out a secret art level skill. How inconvenient.
Thinking this, Nolan naturally shifted his gaze to Lumine, who was walking beside him on his left, and then casually took her hand.
Lumine's amber eyes slid over to him, glancing briefly:
"What's wrong?"
(End of Chapter)
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