Gan Yu and Takumi entered Liyue Harbor.
The sun had set, and people were beginning to return home after a long day's work. It was rush hour, with crowds moving busily through the streets.
Looking at the bustling Liyue Harbor, Gan Yu, who was walking ahead, appeared strangely detached, as if she didn't quite belong to the city.
Takumi understood why.
For thousands of years, Gan Yu had watched Liyue Harbor grow and prosper. But as a half-qilin adeptus, she naturally disliked the increasing noise and chaos. Yet, her human side longed for this splendid city, leaving her conflicted.
She loved Liyue Harbor, but she also longed for the quiet life of the deep mountains and forests.
With the Emperor's decision to return Liyue to its people, she felt even more uncertain.
Should she leave as well?
Lost in thought, Gan Yu gazed at the lively harbor in a daze.
At that moment, Takumi's voice pulled her back.
"Miss Gan Yu, you seem troubled. Did something happen?"
Snapped out of her thoughts, Gan Yu quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Takumi. I was lost in thought."
She shook her head but said nothing more. Instead, she changed the subject.
"Mr. Takumi, do you have any plans for the future? The Emperor said you would change Liyue's status quo, but he didn't give me any specifics."
Takumi smiled, sensing the deliberate change in topic but choosing not to press further.
"I've thought about it on the way here. Liyue, as it stands, would be difficult to change. Instead of altering its current structure, it might be better to build a new city—one similar to Liyue but with a different concept."
"So, I plan to build a new city! And I've chosen Guili Plains as its location."
Takumi's tone was serious.
Gan Yu's eyes widened in surprise.
"Building a new city... Mr. Takumi, is that really feasible? Wouldn't it be too difficult?"
Takumi nodded confidently.
"Why not? Liyue Harbor is already overcrowded. If this continues, in a few years, the city will face bottlenecks in every aspect. Wouldn't it be better to prepare for that now?"
"Building a new city will ease the congestion in Liyue Harbor and serve as a testing ground for some of my ideas. It's a win-win."
"Guili Plains is an excellent location. To the east, there's Dragonspine. To the north, Wangshu Inn is a crucial trade route connecting Dihua Marsh to Mondstadt. The west has the deep mountains of Jueyun Karst, and to the south, there's Liyue Harbor. If Yaoguang Shoal is well-developed, it could even become a prime vacation spot."
"With such a deep river current, we could also construct a new dock."
Gan Yu was surprised by Takumi's detailed vision. The more she thought about it, the more she realized Guili Plains was indeed a promising location for development.
Still, she couldn't make this decision alone. The Liyue Qixing would have to decide.
Moreover, what would Ningguang think?
Gan Yu had left in a hurry to pick up Takumi without informing Ningguang. Keqing had gone ahead, so she should have informed Ningguang by now.
Just as she was considering this, Baiwen, Ningguang's secretary, hurried over.
"Miss Gan Yu."
She glanced at Takumi. "Lady Ningguang has prepared a banquet at the Jade Chamber. Please come with me."
Gan Yu nodded.
"Mr. Takumi, let's go. It seems Ningguang is already expecting us."
She took the lead, walking ahead.
Meanwhile, Baiwen studied Takumi curiously.
Keqing had rushed back earlier, immediately informing Ningguang of something urgent. Ningguang had then arranged a formal banquet and summoned the other Liyue Qixing.
Was it all for this man?
Baiwen couldn't help but be curious.
As Gan Yu and Takumi followed Baiwen, they arrived at Yujing Terrace.
Compared to the in-game version, it was much grander, bustling with people.
Takumi looked around and spotted an elderly woman seated at a tea stall in the corner—Madame Ping, the adeptus who had chosen to live in seclusion here.
Madame Ping sensed something and turned toward Takumi.
Takumi gave her a respectful nod, which she returned before resuming her tea.
The silent exchange went unnoticed by Gan Yu and the others as they continued forward.
Takumi didn't linger and quickly followed.
Madame Ping watched him leave, sighing softly.
She seemed deep in thought for a moment before shaking her head and returning to her tea.
Unbeknownst to Takumi, Zhongli had already informed the adepti of his presence.
If Takumi needed assistance, the adepti were not to refuse him.
At the same time, they were tasked with keeping an eye on him—to prevent any reckless actions.
Zhongli had put multiple safeguards in place.
Takumi remained unaware of all this.
For now, it was up to him to decide his next steps.
If he failed or led Liyue into chaos, the adepti would step in.
However, since Zhongli had so much faith in him, perhaps things would work out.
...
Takumi followed Baiwen and Gan Yu into the Jade Chamber via an elevator.
This floating palace was a dream destination for many in Liyue.
As they arrived, Takumi immediately spotted Ningguang, Keqing, and Uncle Tian waiting at the entrance.
Behind them stood a line of servants and secretaries.
This alone showed how much importance Ningguang placed on this meeting.
The Emperor had given his decree.
This man was to change Liyue.
The Emperor wanted to return Liyue to its people.
Had this man truly met the Emperor?
There was no doubt—this was a moment of great significance.