"What did you say? Ganyu brought that junior brother to Yuehai Pavilion, and they're working in the same office?"
Today's gossip spread incredibly fast - one didn't even need to deliberately inquire to hear this news.
Originally, Keqing was discussing the upcoming Rite of Descension with Ningguang at Jade Chamber when she heard this rather intriguing piece of news.
"And then?" Ningguang asked with interest, resting her jade-like face on her hand.
The little secretary Baiwun said, "It caused quite a stir at Yuehai Pavilion today. Madam Ganyu's junior brother is truly an exceptionally beautiful young man..."
Keqing interrupted, "Stop. You may leave... But, Ganyu bringing her junior brother to her side, did something happen?"
However, Baiwun didn't heed Keqing's words, instead quietly looking at Ningguang until she waved her hand, only then taking her leave.
Keqing snorted, "Your secretary really is utterly loyal to you."
Ningguang smiled, "Those by one's side should naturally show absolute loyalty..."
Keqing said, "But, Ganyu keeping this junior brother by her side, surely he must be someone with potential?"
Ningguang's expression turned peculiar: "I have a different view. Keqing, don't forget what you told me before about Ganyu having someone she likes..."
Ningguang paused before continuing, "So I think this is more like Ganyu keeping her beloved young man by her side, where she can watch him day and night."
Keqing frowned, "That's impossible, Ganyu isn't the type to mix personal affairs with work..."
Ningguang played with a priceless gem in her hand and said with a slight smile: "This isn't really mixing personal and professional matters. Being able to see what you love, even being able to reach out and touch it freely, can ease both mind and body, making work twice as efficient."
Keqing retorted, "Seems the Tianquan has such experience? Wonder which family's young master is so lucky to catch your eye?"
Ningguang glanced at Keqing: "Who said anything about people? All these decorations in the room are things I love. Looking at these antiques and paintings bought from auctions gives me a sense of achievement and helps me relax."
Keqing pouted. Every verbal sparring with this woman always ended up being smoothly deflected... how boring.
"Let's not discuss this anymore. If Ganyu wants her junior brother to stay there, let him stay," Ningguang said. "Let's double-check the final details for the Rite of Descension..."
...
Three days' time had allowed Jiang Ning to familiarize himself with various affairs at Yuehai Pavilion. Though he couldn't handle everything independently, he had significantly improved Ganyu's work efficiency.
This allowed Ganyu to process the same amount of paperwork without overtime as she previously did with overtime.
Rare as it was, tomorrow's Rite of Descension had Ganyu running around outside, leaving Jiang Ning without anyone to assist, suddenly finding himself with free time.
Senior Sister Shenhe was still out clearing monsters and hadn't returned for several days.
Feeling restless from idleness, Jiang Ning thought for a moment and suddenly remembered he hadn't visited Mr. Zhongli for several days.
So, following Mr. Zhongli's initial instructions, he first went to Feiyun Slope, then inquired about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's address.
The funeral parlor was in the most secluded part of Feiyun Slope, appearing remarkably desolate.
Even there, Jiang Ning instinctively felt cold.
At the entrance was a middle-aged man dressed in black, looking very solemn.
After inquiring about Mr. Zhongli's whereabouts, Jiang Ning followed this middle-aged man's directions to the inner courtyard.
Zhongli was currently drinking tea, and just from the fragrance, one could tell it was expensive, quality tea.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Zhongli."
Jiang Ning said with a smile.
Zhongli put down his teacup: "Good afternoon. What brings you here today?"
"Isn't tomorrow the Rite of Descension? Senior Sister Ganyu is busy running around, and I can't help, so she basically gave me a day off."
Jiang Ning sat down across from Zhongli.
Zhongli said, "Rare free time indeed should be properly enjoyed... Unfortunately, you've come at an inopportune time. The Director isn't at the parlor today, otherwise, I could have introduced you."
"Director?" Jiang Ning was curious.
Zhongli nodded slightly, the image of that mischievous young lady appearing in his mind, causing him to show a trace of helplessness: "You're about the same age, but that child, the Director... I'm not good at dealing with her."
"There are people even Mr. Zhongli can't handle well?"
Jiang Ning was surprised.
Zhongli said, "Let's not discuss this. When the time is right, I'll introduce you... After finishing this cup of tea, I was planning to go for a walk. Would you care to join?"
Jiang Ning nodded: "Sure! Although I've been here for quite a while, I haven't properly explored... Could Mr. Zhongli introduce me to the area?"
Zhongli nodded: "Certainly... Shall we?"
Two figures, one tall and one small, strolled through Liyue's streets.
Zhongli introduced each shop to Jiang Ning, who was shocked to discover that almost every prosperous and busy establishment with an impressive storefront had the Tianquan's influence.
"That's amazing..." Jiang Ning couldn't help saying.
Zhongli didn't spare his praise for the Tianquan: "This Tianquan can be said to be the most outstanding in history. I look forward to seeing how far Liyue can go under her influence..."
As they talked, the two arrived at Liyue Harbor's actual port.
The port was huge, with ships coming and going, bustling with activity - truly worthy of being called a place where thousands of sails gather.
Standing at a high point, Zhongli watched a porter below. Though Jiang Ning didn't understand what was so interesting, since Mr. Zhongli was watching, he waited too.
The porter below appeared to have just finished his work, with his employer checking the transported goods beside him.
It seemed the inspection was complete, as the employer nodded with satisfaction and took out a bag of Mora, handing it to the porter.
"Thank you for your hard work. You've worked all day, here's your payment... You can rest now."
"Thank you, boss!" The porter was very happy, his face showing both fatigue and the joy of completing his work.
Zhongli's eyes moved slightly as he murmured, "Worked all day, so he can rest now?"
"Tell me, is it that after working for enough time, one can rest?"
Jiang Ning was startled, then said, "Of course! Otherwise, why would Liyue have working hours and rest times, and retirement age? People aren't machines, they can't keep working forever."
Zhongli nodded slightly: "I see... That's good."