Diluc listened as Takumi explained the concept of the grand shopping mall.
"Can you tell me more about this shopping mall?" Diluc asked. "I'm quite interested."
Takumi's eyes lit up at the question.
"Of course."
"The shopping mall is essentially a large marketplace made up of various stores."
"You can buy almost anything here—clothing, drinks, grains, and oils."
"You can even find entertainment options and places to relax."
"If you're interested, you could open a liquor store inside."
Hearing Takumi's explanation, Diluc immediately understood.
It was a place where all kinds of goods were sold.
After some thought, Diluc asked, "Are the stores inside available for purchase?"
He was business-savvy enough to see the potential.
If the mall became a bustling hub, owning a store there would be highly profitable.
Even though construction was still underway, it was clear that many people would visit in the future.
Takumi was momentarily surprised by Diluc's question.
Then, he laughed.
"Not for sale—only for rent."
Selling the stores outright wasn't an option.
Renting would provide a continuous stream of income.
Diluc nodded, not surprised by the answer.
After thinking for a moment, Diluc said, "If possible, reserve a large storefront for me near the entrance."
"I'd like to sell my family's wine there."
The location was ideal, and he wanted to secure a good spot before anyone else.
Since the mall was still under construction, there likely weren't many rental agreements yet.
Takumi smiled.
"No problem."
He hadn't expected Diluc to act so decisively.
Diluc nodded, then turned his attention to the residential buildings.
His gaze landed on the model of the Feiyun Commerce Guild's building.
He then pointed toward an unsold complex nearby.
"I want this building."
Takumi was taken aback.
Diluc was truly wealthy.
"Are you sure?" Takumi asked in surprise.
Diluc nodded firmly.
"Yes."
"I need to establish a branch here."
"It will be dedicated to export business."
"Dawn Winery is relatively close."
"On my way here, I saw construction crews working on the roads."
"Once the roads are completed, transportation will be much faster."
"With the cars you have here, deliveries will be even quicker."
"In business, time is money."
"Investing more now will pay off in the long run."
His final statement was clear—he didn't mind the cost.
Hearing this, Takumi waved his hand.
In an instant, the building Diluc had pointed to was marked as belonging to Dawn Winery.
"Then it's yours."
"However, if you want to discuss the price, you'll need to speak with Ningguang."
"For a whole building, you'll need to make a trip to Liyue Harbor."
"If you have a car, the journey isn't far."
"You can take one of our buses."
"You'll get to experience the convenience of the vehicles firsthand."
"If you like it, you might even buy one."
"Of course, only if you can drive."
"Mondstadt doesn't have traffic laws, so you don't need a license."
"Just make sure not to crash into anyone."
"That said, if you want to get a Liyue driver's license, you're welcome to take the test."
Diluc nodded.
"I'll make the trip."
He was genuinely interested in the changes happening in Liyue.
"By the way, Mr. Takumi, if you ever visit Mondstadt, I'd be happy to host you."
He respected Takumi's vision and ability to innovate.
Turning Liyue into what it was now in such a short time was no small feat.
Takumi nodded.
"I'll visit when I have the time."
"But for now, I can't leave here yet."
Even if he wanted to visit Mondstadt, it would have to wait until the dragon crisis began.
For now, his priority was further developing Guili Plains.
Diluc didn't press the matter further, simply extending the invitation.
The two of them continued discussing business details.
Eventually, Diluc wanted to explore the area himself.
Takumi didn't accompany him further.
Instead, he arranged for a Qianyan soldier to guide Diluc through the town.
Once Diluc was taken care of, Takumi resumed his own work.
He then decided to check on Sucrose.
Takumi arrived at Albedo's alchemy workshop.
At that moment, Albedo was focused on his research.
Takumi had previously asked him to study the internet, but he still seemed to be in the early stages of understanding it.
For now, Albedo was preoccupied with his own experiments.
Takumi didn't mind.
Klee was also there.
She was happily making explosives.
These days, Klee was enjoying herself.
She no longer had to worry about Jean locking her up for mischief, and Takumi often played with her.
Life was good.
Seeing that Albedo was busy, Takumi didn't disturb him.
Instead, he made his way to Sucrose's side.
As soon as he entered, he noticed many potted plants in the room.
However, these weren't ordinary plants.
Some pots contained wheat sprouts, while others had mature crops.
Takumi even spotted semi-finished wheat stalks with golden ears.
At that moment, Sucrose was carefully observing the plants and taking notes.
Seeing her so focused, Takumi knocked on the door.
However, she didn't respond.
Her attention remained entirely on her work.
Takumi sighed and walked up to her.
Gently, he patted her shoulder and called out,
"Miss Sucrose?"
Startled by the unexpected touch, Sucrose froze.
Then, she suddenly jolted in surprise.
"Ahh!"
She jumped up so abruptly that she nearly knocked over the items on her desk.
In her panic, she stumbled backward—right into Takumi's arms.
Realizing what had happened, her face turned bright red.
She had just been embraced by Takumi!
Quickly, she pushed herself away and backed into a corner.
Seeing her reaction, Takumi sighed helplessly.
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean to startle you."
Hearing his apology, Sucrose gradually calmed down.
She realized Takumi hadn't done it on purpose.
"M-Mr. Takumi!"
"Why are you here?"
She looked at him in confusion.
Why had he suddenly come looking for her?
Takumi nodded.
"I just wanted to check on your research progress."
"Have you made any discoveries lately?"
Takumi had never interfered with Sucrose's research before.
He wasn't sure how far she had gotten.
Now seemed like a good time to find out.