Liyue's people felt a strange atmosphere today.
Some kiln-burning factories were suddenly ordered by Ningguang to start producing a mysterious powder. Moreover, the Qianyan Army was dispatched to guard the sites, leaving many citizens puzzled.
No one understood what was happening.
Early in the morning, Liyue Harbor was already buzzing with rumors and speculation about the unusual event.
Meanwhile, Takumi woke up, took a simple shower, and changed into the clothes Baiwen had sent him the night before. Now ready to go out, he decided to take a stroll around Liyue Harbor.
Dressed in Liyue's traditional clothing, Takumi now blended in much better. Unlike yesterday, when his foreign attire had drawn countless curious gazes, he now looked like a true Liyue citizen.
Though, from time to time, girls still turned their heads to glance at him.
That was likely due to his strikingly handsome face.
Even if Zhongli stood next to him, Takumi would still have the upper hand in terms of looks.
One could only imagine how incredibly attractive Takumi was.
Not far from Yujing Terrace, there was a bustling commercial street.
In the game, this was where Xiangling's family restaurant, Wanmin Restaurant, was located.
It was also home to luxurious establishments like Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion.
Takumi glanced at these high-end restaurants but quickly lost interest.
Even though he was now wealthy, such extravagant places didn't appeal to him.
Besides restaurants, the street was lined with various merchant guilds.
Compared to the game, the real Liyue was far more alive and intricate.
...
As he walked through the streets of Liyue, Takumi observed his surroundings with curiosity.
The early morning market was bustling with activity.
Workers headed toward the docks, merchants opened their stalls, and citizens stepped out for breakfast.
Unlike the sparsely populated game version, the real Liyue was packed with energy.
Countless shops were open, and vendors loudly advertised their goods.
"Wowotou, freshly made wowotou! Three for 10 Mora!"
"Mora Meat! Delicious and juicy! Only 5 Mora each!"
"Crystal Shrimp! Freshly prepared with the best prawns!"
"Sir, would you like some breakfast?"
"Hash Browns from Mondstadt!"
The street was filled with lively calls from vendors.
Takumi was amazed by the authenticity of the scene.
Even in the game, some of these dishes existed, but now he could see and smell them firsthand.
At this hour, the teahouses were already full.
Many people sat drinking tea and eating pastries, creating a scene reminiscent of a bustling modern-day city.
"Not bad at all."
Takumi enjoyed this lively atmosphere.
Even in his previous world, streets like this were rare.
The air was filled with the comforting scent of freshly cooked food.
After some time wandering, Takumi finally arrived at Wanmin Restaurant.
It was just as lively as he had expected.
Wanmin Restaurant was famous for its affordable yet delicious food, making it the go-to spot for the working class.
Even in the early morning, it was packed with customers.
One could easily see how beloved the restaurant was in Liyue.
Takumi didn't hesitate and stepped inside.
The moment he entered, a waiter greeted him warmly.
"Welcome, sir. Please come this way."
Takumi nodded and followed the waiter to a seat.
Unlike in the game, Wanmin Restaurant wasn't just a small kitchen where anyone could walk in.
It was a large, three-story establishment with multiple dining areas.
Of course, there was still a food stall outside selling ready-made dishes, but it wasn't open yet.
Once seated, Takumi placed a simple order and sipped his tea while waiting.
Within five minutes, the waiter returned with his meal.
Unfortunately, Xiangling wasn't around, which left Takumi slightly disappointed.
Still, he didn't dwell on it.
Instead, he picked up his chopsticks and began eating.
After finishing his meal and settling the bill, Takumi left the restaurant and continued exploring Liyue Harbor.
However, before he could wander too far, he heard a familiar voice.
"Mr. Takumi!"
"Finally, I found you."
Turning around, Takumi saw Keqing approaching him in a hurry.
"What's the matter, Keqing?"
Why was she looking for him so early?
Before he could ask further, Keqing grabbed his wrist and said:
"Takumi, come with me."
"We need to discuss how to recruit workers."
Without waiting for his response, she started pulling him toward the General Affairs Department.
Takumi was momentarily stunned.
Being dragged along by Keqing, he chuckled and gently freed himself from her grip.
"So it's time to begin?"
"Recruitment, huh? Got it."
Realizing what she had just done, Keqing's face turned slightly red with embarrassment.
But she quickly composed herself.
"That's right. We're about to start hiring workers."
"Also, you need to think about how the new city should be built."
"All of this is your responsibility."
"Ningguang won't interfere."
"Now is not the time for sightseeing."
"Get to work."
"There's no time to rest when there's so much to do."
...
She sounded just like an old-fashioned boss.
Hearing Keqing's words, Takumi sighed.
But there was no avoiding it.
Work had to be done.
Together, they headed to the General Affairs Department.
Gan Yu was already there, waiting.
Upon seeing Takumi, she waved.
"Mr. Takumi, over here."
Takumi and Keqing immediately walked over.
Behind Gan Yu, a large map of Liyue hung on the wall.
Takumi immediately understood what was about to happen.
Planning and drawing the blueprints.
As he took his seat, Keqing began explaining what they had discussed the previous night.
"This is the map of Liyue."
"We will build in Guili Plains."
"But where we start is up to you."
"Lady Ningguang has entrusted you with full authority over these decisions."
"She will only provide funding and materials."
Takumi listened carefully and had no objections.
"Understood."
"So, today is all about planning, right?"
Both Gan Yu and Keqing nodded.
"That's right."
"Your next step is to draft the blueprint."
"It's all up to you, Mr. Takumi."
Gan Yu confirmed this.
Takumi turned his attention to the map and, after thinking for a moment, spoke:
"Before anything else, we need to construct a cement road leading to the site."
"There's no need to overcomplicate it."
"Just mix sand, cement, and stone, then lay it down."
"The ground can be reinforced with wooden beams as support."
"Then, we pour the concrete over it."
"If we had steel reinforcement, that would be even better."
Hearing this, Keqing immediately took notes.
Seeing her so focused, Takumi continued sharing his thoughts on the city's development.