The long night stretched on, sleep nowhere in sight.
Shenhe sat on her bed, gazing absentmindedly at the [Seven-Star Lamp] on the table.
She waited and waited, but there was no knock at the door.
Pressing her lips together, she took out a bottle of [Nail Polish] and carefully painted her ten fingernails.
Then, she got out of bed and walked to the wall adjacent to the boss's room.
Lifting her hand, she gently knocked on the wall.
Monts later, a door-shaped passage appeared in the wall, and from the other side, Xia Zhi stepped through.
"Missed ?"
"Mm."
"Co to my room tonight."
"Okay."
"Let's go."
"I'll bring the [Seven-Star Lamp]."
"No need for ritual tools anymore—I can take you directly into the dream world now."
"Oh."
Shenhe stepped through the passage into Xia Zhi's room.
Walking over to the bed, she noticed a set of clothes laid out.
"Boss, what's this?"
"A new outfit for you. This is called [Mistveil Silk Robe]. They say it's woven from mist itself."
"It looks nice."
"I originally planned to gift it to Granny Ping for her birthday, but then I thought, given her age, she probably wouldn't like it."
"…Mm."
"Try it on?"
"Okay."
With her figure, Shenhe looked absolutely stunning in it.
And then… there was nothing more to say.
Except—[Mistveil Silk Robe] was of extraordinary quality. No matter how hard one pulled, it wouldn't tear.
---
The next morning.
Shenhe had just woken up and was already clinging to him again.
So, Xia Zhi took the opportunity to thoroughly test the durability of the [Mistveil Silk Robe] once more.
His conclusion: it had a hidden effect—it increased his critical hit rate and attack speed.
After resting for a bit, they got up.
Xia Zhi picked up a jade comb and gently combed Shenhe's hair, securing it neatly with a ribbon.
Shenhe flicked her ponytail, looking surprisingly lively and adorable.
She then took out the bottle of [Nail Polish], blinking at him.
Even cuter.
Xia Zhi took the bottle, held her hand, and carefully reapplied the polish.
After all, the nail polish she had painstakingly applied last night slled too good… and had been completely licked off. So today, it had to be redone.
This ti, he chose a deep blue shade.
It had a slightly seductive vibe.
He'd have to taste-test it tonight.
After dressing up, they went downstairs to wash up.
Xia Zhi noticed the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata crouching in the kitchen corner, staring intently at the [Dragon-Turning Pot] as if deeply fascinated.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm studying why this jar can significantly shorten cooking ti."
"Figured it out yet?"
"I discovered that its material is quite special—it seems to contain so mysterious power. That's probably why."
"That's it?"
"Yes."
"I also have a kitchen knife that can restore the freshness of ingredients. Want to study that too?"
"Let see."
"There, that one."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata curiously picked up the knife and started chopping random ingredients on the cutting board.
Since she was still quite short, she had to stand on tiptoe.
For so reason, it looked rather cute.
---
Later that morning, Young Master Xingqiu arrived at the shop looking for Xia Zhi.
"Mr. Xia, my brother and I have thoroughly discussed the competition and finalized a complete set of rules. Do you have ti now? Let's go over them together."
"Sure."
"Our current plan is to hold preliminary rounds in four areas of Liyue—Yujing Terrace, Feiyun Slope, Chihu Rock, and the Port District. Anyone can sign up at any of these locations, but only once. Each area's champion will advance to the finals, which will be held in front of the Yiyan Hall's grand plaza, the sa venue as the Cooking King Contest, to compete for the title of Liyue Mahjong King."
"Sounds good. Have you decided on the prizes?"
"Money."
"Money?"
"Yes, the Feiyun Comrce Guild is putting up a grand prize of ten million Mora for the Mahjong King."
"Ten million, huh… Compared to the Cooking King Contest, which only offers fa, this is much more enticing… But I have a better idea."
"Oh?"
"Instead of a fixed ten million prize, why not convert it into betting chips, evenly distributed among the four regional tournants? Every ti a participant wins a round, they earn chips…"
Xingqiu's eyes lit up. "That way, the final Mahjong King will claim all the winnings!"
"Add another rule—players can choose to forfeit after any victory and cash out their chips instead of continuing to compete. Cashed-out chips will return to the prize pool."
Xingqiu pondered this for a mont.
"If you're worried about exceeding the budget, you can advertise the prize as only five million Mora. That way—"
"No, ten million Mora is hardly a concern… I just find your suggestion absolutely brilliant. With this rule in place, the Mahjong tournant will likely ignite a citywide craze in Liyue. It will be a massive boost to the Feiyun Comrce Guild's reputation. And honestly, a coward doesn't deserve to be the Mahjong King anyway."
"Exactly."
"This is Liyue—where everyone loves a high-stakes gamble… My brother was worried about advertising the event, but with your system, there's no need. Word-of-mouth will spread like wildfire. His real concern should be whether the venue is big enough."
Xingqiu stood up.
"I'll head back to report to my brother and make the necessary preparations. Mr. Xia, I'll take my leave."
"Alright. Oh, by the way, Young Master Xingqiu, my shop has expanded. I'll need more reeds in the future…"
"Rest assured, Mr. Xia! I'll make the arrangents!"
"Much appreciated."
Xingqiu bid farewell and left.
Xia Zhi turned around—only to find the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata standing behind him, unnoticed.
"Mahjong tournant?"
"Yeah, if you're interested, you can join."
"I have no interest in Mora."
"Tsk, but you took a lot of my money yesterday…"
"That was a bribe."
"What bribe?"
"For calling you cousin."
"…Fine."
"But your new rule is quite intriguing…"
"That? I just made it up on the spot."
Xia Zhi glanced toward the other side of the shop—Zhu Zi and the others were wiping down the new tables they had bought yesterday.
"Zhu Zi."
"Boss? What's up?"
"Later, go to Wanwen Bookhouse and buy so books to put on these tables."
"Oh! You an the books you wrote?"
"Of course."
"Got it!"
After finishing their cleaning, Zhu Zi, Diona, and Chi Yu left together for the bookstore.
Not long after, the three of them returned—empty-handed.
"Boss, your books are sold out!"
"?"
"Apparently, a few days ago, Miss Ningguang personally inquired about buying your books at the bookstore. After that, they sold out imdiately."
"…"
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had an odd expression.
Xia Zhi, however, chuckled.
As expected of you, Miss Ningguang.
Your influence just keeps growing.
----
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