The shop echoed with the constant loop of opera.
Yun Jin sat at a table, eyes half-closed, a captivated expression on her face.
Listening to the melody, she felt as though she were gazing upon the vast sea.
Mr. Xia's voice was truly exceptional—like a spirit of the ocean singing its hymn.
If only he joined Yun-Han Opera Troupe, she was certain he'd become just as renowned as she was in Liyue.
Then, together, their union would be a tale worth telling.
But Mr. Xia seemed disinterested in fame, preferring a quiet, unassuming life.
Yun Jin opened her eyes, glanced toward the kitchen, and caught a hint of fried chicken in the air. She shook her head.
No use in overthinking. Better to focus on the chicken.
Shortly after, Yelan arrived.
Her gaze landed on the recorder on the table, her interest visibly piqued.
"This device records sounds and plays them on loop?"
"Exactly. What do you think of it?"
"It's fascinating. How does it work?"
"See those buttons on top? Press the one on the left to start recording, release it to stop. Press the one on the right to play, release it to stop."
"That simple?"
"Yes."
"How long can it record?"
"Half an hour."
"Half an hour?"
"This is just a prototype. Once I improve it, the duration can be extended, and I can make it small enough to fit in the palm of your hand."
"!"
Hearing this, Yelan's expression turned more serious.
"Is that true?"
"Of course. Do you want one?"
Yelan nodded solemnly. "If it's as functional as you say, it could easily gather a wealth of intelligence when used for surveillance."
"Exactly."
Yelan leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "What's the catch, Xia Ci?"
Xia Ci smiled. "It's easy working with someone smart like you. I just need some intelligence from Sumeru about Lesser Lord Kusanali, and a Akasha Terminal."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
"Deal."
"Pleasure working with you."
"I'll get what you need as soon as possible."
"Good. I'll get this device improved as quickly as I can."
Not long after, Ningguang arrived.
With so many people and such hearty appetites, one pot of fried chicken wasn't enough.
Xia Zhi sent his cousin to the field for a handful of mushrooms to fry as well.
They proved even more popular than the chicken.
After finishing her meal, Keqing was about to invite Xiangling back to the construction site when she noticed everyone heading to the rear bathhouse.
Ningguang smiled and invited her along. "Come, join us."
"Wait, wait…"
"You don't skip baths at the construction site, do you?"
"Of course not! I bathe every night—just a quick rinse, though!"
"Not the same as a proper soak. Come on, if you didn't bring clothes, I'll lend you a set."
"I have my own!"
Moments later, Keqing was soaking in the hot spring, utterly relaxed.
Ningguang reached over and lifted her arm out of the water, inspecting a faint scar.
"Don't you want this scar gone?"
"I do, but…"
"I told you last time, Mr. Xia's essential oils can remove scars."
"…"
"You can ask him for a massage. It'll relax your tired body, erase the scar, and even lighten your skin."
"Lighten my skin?"
"Of course. Your skin has suffered from all that sun and rain at the site."
"…"
"Look at Xiangling. She came back a few days ago all tanned, but after a massage from Mr. Xia, her skin became radiant and smooth."
"…"
Keqing remained silent, her gaze flickering.
Ningguang chuckled, stood up from the bath, and wrapped herself in a plush towel.
"I'll go get my massage and ask Mr. Xia for you. He doesn't massage just anyone, you know."
Keqing watched her go, then finally nodded slowly.
"Alright."
In the back room.
Ningguang's cheeks were flushed, her starry eyes half-closed.
"You said Miss Keqing wants a massage too?"
"That's right."
"Sure, let her come over."
"Thank you, Mr. Xia."
"No need to thank me. Miss Keqing's a friend."
Xia Zhi focused on the massage.
The essential oils seemed to enhance Ningguang's already exquisite figure.
This stuff was really something.
Shortly after Ningguang left, Keqing came in, looking a little bashful.
Having just bathed, her twin ponytails were undone, and her silky purple hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her an unexpectedly gentle appearance.
"Mr. Xia…"
"Miss Keqing, come in."
"Okay…"
"Don't be nervous. This is a proper massage, registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and with a special service license."
"Mm…"
"I hear you mainly want the scar removed?"
"Yes, on my arm here."
"Got it. That will require the essential oil package. Is that alright?"
"Yes, that's fine."
"Alright."
There's not much else to say—except that Miss Keqing's skin felt exceptional.
Though the parts exposed to the sun were slightly tanned, underneath, her skin was extraordinarily fair and delicate.
As expected from a young noblewoman raised in luxury, her complexion was impeccable.
She just seemed a bit reserved.
Perhaps a few more sessions would help her loosen up.
When the massage was over, Keqing returned to the bathhouse, sinking back into the warm water with a blissful sigh.
Ningguang smiled at her. "How was it?"
Keqing's cheeks were still faintly pink. She raised her arm. "It's great. The scar's already gone."
"See?"
"And my skin looks lighter, too."
"Didn't I tell you? And you were so hesitant."
"No, I was just too busy…"
"Sure you were."
Ningguang shot her a sly look, her eyes glinting with an odd amusement.
Some experiences, like instant noodles, are unforgettable once tried.
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