If the shops in Guiliyuan were to open, a large number of merchants would be needed. It would also require people to consume goods. But it's not just about opening shops; a lot of things need to be done.
Now, with so many people coming here to learn to drive and many intending to settle here, there is no need to worry too much about this. Not to mention, so many factories have been built in Guiliyuan, requiring a lot of labor. Guiliyuan is now an economic hub, making money everywhere. Many people from Liyue will likely come here.
As long as more people arrive, there will be a demand for commodities. Some might even settle here permanently. Additionally, if this pier is put into use, many foreign merchant ships will likely come, either to deliver goods to Mondstadt or leave them here. Guiliyuan will be a prime choice for trade.
It's time to start utilizing the dock. Takumi and Keqing briefly discussed these matters, then Takumi left everything to Keqing to handle.
After walking around, Takumi said to Klee, "Klee, we'll go to Shimen tomorrow. Then we'll blow up some of the areas over there. Since a road is being built, the people in Shimen should have already moved out. We can start work."
Klee's eyes lit up. "Okay, Brother Takumi! Klee is ready!" Of course, Klee had no problem. Blasting mountains legally was simply exciting.
Seeing her happy expression, Takumi couldn't help but laugh.
That evening, Takumi and the others went to Xiangling's place for dinner. At the same time, he informed Keqing about the next day's plans. He needed to leave for a few days, leaving Guiliyuan in her care.
Hearing that Takumi would be handling the Shimen situation with Klee, Keqing immediately said, "Don't worry, just leave everything here to me. Go take care of it."
Shimen needed to be addressed; otherwise, it could impact the next project. The roads there were difficult to traverse, filled with rocks. If left unattended, road construction might not be possible. It would take a lot of time to clear the stones. Many people preferred taking the snowy mountain route to Mondstadt rather than passing through Shimen.
However, since the bridge to Mingyun Town was destroyed, merchants had stopped using the snowy mountain route. Now, there were only two ways from Liyue to Mondstadt, with one blocked. The remaining option, despite being difficult, was the only choice for trade.
After dinner at Xiangling's, Takumi said goodbye. She was still busy with renovations, so he didn't disturb her further.
The next day, Takumi set off with Klee. An off-road vehicle appeared, and Takumi, along with Klee and Shenhe, headed toward Shimen.
Upon entering Dihua Marsh, Takumi drove on the partially constructed road. The road beneath them was only half-completed, reaching just to the statue's side. There was still a long distance to Shimen. Despite the rapid construction speed, it would take over a month to complete the road to Shimen.
Takumi planned to blast all necessary rocks at Shimen and have workers transport them away, a process estimated to take considerable time. Once done, Liyue's side would begin further construction.
The journey was quiet. Apart from merchants transporting cement or horse-drawn carriages, there was little traffic. This allowed Takumi to drive without worry.
However, soon, he saw a detour sign: "Construction ahead, pedestrians and vehicles please divert."
Takumi drove off the concrete road onto a dirt path. The vehicle began to bump along the rough terrain. Klee stared out the window, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Wow! Brother Takumi, has the road been built this far? It looks like we'll reach Mondstadt soon!"
Takumi nodded. "Yes, we should be there soon. More Mondstadt workers are helping now, so road construction will speed up."
A slight smile formed on his lips. The collaboration between Liyue and Mondstadt had officially begun. After Jean's return, a job announcement was posted, inviting interested workers to sign up. Jean personally selected the workers, sending diligent ones to help with road construction.
This led to some criticism in Mondstadt, with certain people claiming they weren't given a chance to "make easy money." However, Jean ignored them. The road was crucial for Mondstadt, and she had an agreement with Ningguang to prohibit lazy individuals from joining the workforce. They needed capable workers, not freeloaders.
With Mondstadt's workers, construction speed increased. Many Mondstadt residents also sought jobs in Guiliyuan, and Keqing accepted them. Now, it was common to see foreigners working in Guiliyuan.
At least 100,000 people were employed in Guiliyuan, possibly more.
Takumi carefully navigated the rough road with Klee and Shenhe. Fortunately, he had an off-road vehicle; otherwise, the journey would have been impossible. The rough patch was short, and they soon returned to a proper road, continuing toward Shimen.
By noon, Takumi finally arrived at Shimen. Only a few Qianyan Army soldiers remained. The inns once open had relocated to another area, still doing business despite the roadwork.
Takumi parked at a simple station. Seeing a vehicle arrive, the Qianyan soldiers approached. Upon recognizing Takumi, they immediately saluted.
"Master Takumi!"
These Qianyan soldiers knew Takumi well. Everything accomplished in Guiliyuan was his doing. Takumi's reputation in Liyue was now comparable to the Liyue Qixing. It was natural for the Qianyan Army to acknowledge him.