"Ganyu... do you know Nathan?"
Regarding their exchange, Ningguang as an observer saw things most clearly.
In her memory, Ganyu, this otherworldly adeptus, had never shown such interest in anyone before.
Even with daily work colleagues, she maintained a neither distant nor close relationship.
Let alone with strangers like Nathan, whom she should normally keep at a respectful distance.
But now, at least from Ganyu's behavior, there must be some unexpected story behind this.
"No... no, I must have mistaken him for someone I knew long ago."
Noticing Ningguang's confusion, Ganyu awakened from this strange eye contact.
Her tone was flat, matching her otherworldly bearing.
As an adeptus with qilin blood, Ganyu had lived for thousands of years.
When she said "long ago," it truly was an incredibly distant past.
She herself didn't know why she cared so much about Ganyu and Nathan's relationship.
But in her heart, there was always a voice compelling her to ask.
Regarding this not-quite-right state, Ningguang could only explain it as concern for her business partner.
Belatedly, Nathan noticed the tone of the beauty before him.
Though this was a life simulation side story, he seemed to have gotten caught up in some strange atmosphere.
At the same time, another group in the central plaza dispersed this weird atmosphere.
"Lady Ganyu, since everyone has arrived, shouldn't we start the assessment?"
It was a woman standing opposite Nathan's group, appearing about the same age as Ningguang.
She also wore luxurious clothing, but in both figure and appearance, she fell far short of the beauty Ningguang.
At first, Nathan... was somewhat grateful to her for breaking this strange atmosphere.
But seeing the woman's sharp gaze coldly directed this way.
He instantly understood that this must be that noble family's daughter who was causing trouble for Ningguang.
After all, the jealousy and hatred in those eyes was nearly materializing.
"Then let's begin, Ganyu. It seems someone is quite impatient!"
Faced with this wave of hatred, Ningguang paid it no mind, not even bothering to argue.
"Say that again, just who's impatient?"
But even being ignored, that noble woman didn't want to let it go.
"Pfft... simple, whoever's agitated... is the one who's impatient!"
Ningguang laughed lightly, still not giving the other a proper glance.
Instead, her grip on Nathan's arm grew more intimate.
This feeling was as if mocking her competition opposite, suggesting they weren't worth mentioning compared to Nathan.
"You..."
The noble woman furrowed her brows, pointing angrily at Nathan.
Actually, not just her, but even Ganyu as the examiner quietly frowned at the side.
Though the reasons for their frowns were definitely different.
The noble woman frowned because of Ningguang's dismissal, while Ganyu's frown was purely because she didn't want to see such intimate gestures.
As for the exact reason why, only Ganyu herself knew the answer.
"Ningguang... is this that noble family competitor you mentioned?"
Nathan looked ahead, where after that moment of agitation, the noble woman had directly calmed her emotions.
Such composure finally showed a bit of noble family bearing.
"That's her, but no need to pay attention. Such an opponent isn't worth mentioning!"
At this, Ningguang smiled, drawing Nathan's gaze back with her.
"Ahem... now then, let me announce the rules for the second round of assessment!"
Clearing her throat, Ganyu forced herself not to look at Ningguang and Nathan's intimate behavior.
"The second round's content is a continuation of the first round...
You must use the money earned in the first round, to be utilized by your chosen partner."
Mentioning "partner," Ganyu's tone paused.
This was the second assessment's important content. As one of the Liyue Qixing's Tianquan, one must not only have unparalleled ability.
Their eye for identifying and cooperating with people must also be excellent.
These two assessments were interlocked.
The first test required demonstrating one's own talent, while the second required finding a partner.
So when Nathan initially proposed cooperation, that's why Ningguang was surprised.
Whether helping her complete the first assessment task, or becoming an important role in the second assessment, it all seemed too coincidental.
"Rather than calling him a partner, shouldn't he be called a boy toy?"
Regarding the term "partner," that noble woman also reacted.
Her implication was clearly targeting Nathan at Ningguang's side.
"Hehe, boy toy? Well, my taste is much better than someone who only knows how to find old men!"
With Ningguang's light laugh, how could she not counter-attack?
Holding Nathan's arm, she deliberately turned together with him.
For the first time directly facing that noble woman, and beside her... was an elderly man.
In the life simulation, thirty-year-old Nathan.
Whether in appearance or bearing, he was leagues above the old man beside the noble woman.
Such a comparison made the difference even more stark.
"You... if someone like you who indulges in male beauty becomes Tianquan, it would be a disgrace to the Liyue Qixing."
Struggling to calm her emotions, the noble woman hadn't expected that her own attack would be turned against her by Ningguang.
Compared to Nathan who was merely good-looking window dressing, the old man beside her was the greatest helper arranged by her family.
"Someone who only knows how to scheme in the shadows is what truly brings shame to the Liyue Qixing!"
"We'll see about that. You're only talking tough now, but later you won't even be able to cry!"
Understanding she was no match for Ningguang in verbal sparring, the noble woman finally stopped her offensive.
"Wait a moment, there's actually one additional condition. Your partner can conduct any business in Liyue, but they only have one chance.
The final winner will be decided based on everyone's profits."
Ganyu added, her peripheral vision constantly drifting toward Nathan.
As chief examiner, she had to ensure a fair and just attitude.
But personally, compared to the aggressive noble woman, she rather wanted Ningguang's group to win.
The biggest reason for this absolutely, absolutely, absolutely wasn't because of Nathan.....
"Now then, I declare the second assessment officially begins!!!!"