There are still very few traffic laws, so anyone with a good memory can easily pass the test.
After passing the first test, it is time to go to Guiliyuan to learn how to drive. Once they pass the test, they can obtain their driver's license.
The exam room is large, but not big enough to accommodate everyone at once. Because of this, Yanfei only allowed a group of people to take the test at a time. The rest had to wait for their turn once the current batch was finished.
Three or four people could share a car, making it feasible for around fifty or sixty people to take the test simultaneously.
However, those like Zhongli, who already owned a car, were given special consideration. Yanfei directly handed Zhongli his driver's license on the spot, along with his license plate.
The license plate number was impressive: Liyue 1
The first license plate in all of Liyue was given to Zhongli. Seeing this, Zhongli felt somewhat honored. He immediately attached the plate to his car and received his official driver's license. His ID was affixed to the license, taken using a Fontaine camera, and stamped with the seal of the Liyue Traffic Management Bureau.
When others saw Zhongli receiving his driver's license so quickly, they couldn't help but feel envious. But who could argue? He was, after all, the first person to own a car in Liyue.
For Zhongli, the exam was nothing more than a formality.
Seeing this, Hu Tao grew excited. It was only a matter of time before she would get her driver's license too. Once that happened, she could finally go to Takumi and claim a stylish car for herself.
"Zhongli, next, I'm heading to Guiliyuan to learn how to drive," Hu Tao announced. "From now on, you'll be my personal driver. Take me there!"
Zhongli, who had just finished securing his license plate, turned to look at her.
"It's a long way to Guiliyuan," she continued. "I need a ride!"
Liyue had buses operating, but they were still in limited supply. Ningguang had proposed a bus route between Liyue Harbor and Guiliyuan. For a small fare in Mora, people would soon be able to travel between the two cities conveniently. In the future, once the road was fully repaired, they could even travel directly to Mondstadt by car.
However, as of now, the official bus service to Guiliyuan was still under development. Only a single bus was available. The car factory was still ramping up production, so additional vehicles would take a few more days to be ready.
For now, those heading to Guiliyuan to learn to drive had to either walk or take a carriage—a journey that took several hours. Some even had to stay overnight.
Taking advantage of this time, merchants who had purchased shops in Guiliyuan hurried to begin their store renovations. They aimed to open as soon as possible, marking the true start of business in Guiliyuan.
The day after passing the written test, Hu Tao dragged Zhongli to Wangshu Inn.
She was eager to start her driving lessons, but upon arrival, she noticed something strange.
"Why is there construction going on here?" she wondered aloud.
At that moment, Takumi and Keqing were engaged in a discussion. When they noticed the approaching car, they turned their attention to the new arrivals.
"Hu Tao?" Takumi raised an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"
"Sister Hu Tao!" Klee, who was nearby, beamed and ran toward her.
Seeing Klee, Hu Tao sighed internally. This little troublemaker was full of energy, and while Hu Tao liked her, she was wary of getting roped into another one of Klee's "adventures."
"Hello, Klee. We meet again," Hu Tao greeted her with a slightly strained smile.
Zhongli, observing this, found it amusing. Was Hu Tao actually intimidated by Klee? Quite the rare sight indeed.
"Takumi, I'm here to learn how to drive!" Hu Tao declared, eager to change the subject. "Where's the practice area? I'm ready to start!"
Takumi chuckled at her enthusiasm. He had also noticed her awkwardness around Klee.
"Keqing, take Hu Tao to the driving practice area," he instructed. "I need to discuss something with Zhongli."
Keqing nodded. She stepped forward and addressed Hu Tao with a serious expression. "Follow me."
Hu Tao hesitated for a moment. Every time she saw Keqing, she couldn't shake the feeling that Keqing was about to hit her over the head with a sword.
Still, she followed, with Klee trailing closely behind.
With the others gone, Zhongli turned to Takumi. "What do you need from me?"
"Come inside. I'll explain," Takumi said, leading Zhongli into the workshop.
As soon as they entered, Zhongli's eyes fell upon a massive model of Liyue. His gaze was drawn to the detailed representation of Dihua Marsh.
"So, this is what the area will look like once it's developed?" Zhongli mused. "Impressive."
Takumi gestured for him to sit and poured him some tea. Then, he pulled out a blueprint and laid it on the table.
"I have a task that requires your expertise," Takumi began. "I need you to help me construct this. I'll pay you 30,00000 Mora."
Zhongli examined the blueprint. He quickly understood the design—it was a dam intended for electricity generation.
"Constructing this out of stone?" Zhongli asked.
Takumi nodded. "Yes, it's a hydroelectric dam. It will generate power for Liyue. However, we also need to open up the underground river below it to prevent flooding in Dihua Marsh."
Zhongli took a moment to think before giving his answer.
"I can do it."
He was the Geo Archon, after all. Constructing a dam with stone was a simple task for him.
"I don't need the payment," Zhongli added.
Takumi stared at him, unconvinced.
A man who never carried Mora was refusing payment?
"Are you sure?" Takumi raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were always short on Mora."
Zhongli sipped his tea calmly. "Consider it a contribution to Liyue's future."
Takumi sighed. "Alright, but if you ever need money, just let me know."
He handed Zhongli the blueprint. The construction of Liyue's first hydroelectric dam was about to begin.