Fontaine, Card Shop.
Furina held a cup of milk tea in her hands, humming a cheerful tune.
She didn't pay attention to the Fontaine citizens drawing cards, focusing instead on the amber-colored phone in her hand.
Though Lu Heng was far away, she could still contact him anytime!
This feeling could be described as "he's not lost."
"Nah nah nah~~"
Watching the happy Furina, Focalors shook her head with a smile.
This child was beyond saving.
But perhaps she didn't need saving—she might even be enjoying it.
A strange ripple spread through the air.
Furina turned her head, blinking her eyes, her small face full of anticipation.
Focalors also looked over.
Ripples appeared in the air.
Lu Heng stepped out from within them, placing the takeout dishes he had brought onto the table one by one.
"You're back!"
Furina quickly approached, standing close to Lu Heng with a sweet smile.
"Did you wait long?" Lu Heng asked with a smile.
For lunch and dinner, Furina was always punctual.
"Not at all—"
Furina waved her small hands, sniffed the air, and said, "It smells amazing, and it seems a bit spicy."
"This is Wanmin Restaurant's signature dish. The three of us all rated it highly, but you might need some drinks to go with it," Lu Heng said, glancing at Focalors. "I'm not worried about you, though."
"Hmph~"
Focalors wore a faint smile. "My adaptability is still quite strong." As a divine being, her tolerance for sensations was naturally high.
"Let's eat. In the afternoon, I'll tour Liyue Harbor to see where to open a branch shop," Lu Heng said.
"Will you come back tonight?" Furina asked as she unpacked the food.
"Not sure."
Lu Heng shook his head. "Just message me if anything comes up."
"Oh."
Though she knew this would be the answer, she still felt a little disappointed.
In the hours since Lu Heng left, someone had drawn a purple card, and she had been the one to appraise it.
She had initially said she wouldn't help, but when she thought about customers waiting for card appraisals—which would require Lu Heng to return—she couldn't help but step in.
Furina and Focalors sat down to eat.
Lu Heng brought them a few bottles of chilled juice.
Watching Furina's lips turn red from the spice, her breath quickening, Lu Heng couldn't help but chuckle. "Have some juice. If it's too much, you can rinse it with water to tone down the heat."
"No!"
Furina's small face was full of stubbornness.
In Lu Heng's culinary preferences, spicy dishes made up a significant portion.
She needed to train herself—at the very least, to become someone who could handle it without complaint!
"I can do it! This is nothing!"
Lu Heng usually called this kind of attitude "defying reality."
Once it became unbearable, she'd stop being so stubborn.
"Look at you, sweating bullets."
Lu Heng shook his head and handed her a couple of tissues.
Furina didn't take them. Instead, while her face was flushed from the spice, she tilted her head toward Lu Heng, making it clear: Wipe it for me!
Lu Heng was momentarily speechless.
Why ask for tissues if you're not going to take them?
Her face was already right there. Amused, Lu Heng gently wiped her sweat.
Sigh!
Beside them, Focalors couldn't take it anymore.
Could they just eat normally?
Why did I come here for a meal? Am I some kind of masochistic Archon?
Seeing Focalors' strange expression, Lu Heng asked, "Is the food not to your taste?"
"It's fine~"
"?"
Furina turned her head slightly to stare at Focalors.
As if asking: What's your problem?!
Focalors!!!
Furina screamed internally.
"Since the evening is still uncertain, don't starve yourselves when it's mealtime."
Furina snapped back to reality and said softly, "You should eat on time too."
"You…!"
Focalors smiled faintly.
Furina was momentarily stunned.
"No need to be so polite." Lu Heng didn't dwell on it.
But the hand holding the chopsticks tightened slightly.
"I'm always the first to eat, don't worry."
After nodding to Focalors, Lu Heng disappeared.
Furina's smile faded as she slowly turned to Focalors.
Her expression looked like she wanted to eat someone!
"What's wrong?"
Focalors hugged herself, feigning fear.
It was an amusing performance.
Furina clenched her fists.
But there wasn't much she could do to Focalors—it wasn't like she could actually hit her, right?
"You're saying the owner of the card shop is opening a branch in Liyue Harbor?!" Ningguang was shocked by the news.
"He's considering locations."
"I'm not foolish enough to miss this opportunity."
Focalors blinked and said softly to Lu Heng, "Thank you."
Lu Heng glanced at the clock. "It's about time. I'll head to Liyue—someone's waiting there."
Furina took a deep breath. "You make me uncomfortable!"
Focalors blinked innocently, looking utterly clueless.
Of course, she was doing it on purpose—teasing Furina was just too fun. (If you want a good read, head to Feilu Novels!)
Was this the joy of being human?
Last night, they were still discussing the card shop, and by noon, the owner was already in Liyue!
Ganyu said urgently, "We both know that wherever the shop opens, the advantage lies there. We must act quickly!"
Ningguang didn't respond immediately. Instead, she turned to look at the map of Liyue Harbor on the wall.
"Here!"
Ningguang pointed to a spot. "This shop is mine. Its location and size are impeccable!"
"The price?" Ganyu asked.
"Price?"
Ningguang chuckled. "I'll give it to him!"
Ganyu wasn't surprised—in fact, it seemed perfectly reasonable. "But don't think this alone can bind someone even stronger than Rex Lapis."
Ningguang smiled. "This isn't even a favor—just a trivial gesture."
"Shall I go, then?"
"Yes. I'll use a secret method to consult Rex Lapis." Ningguang nodded.
Wanmin Restaurant.
"Finished feeding them?"
Venti asked as Lu Heng appeared.
"That makes it sound like Tartaglia feeding his frogs," Lu Heng joked.
"Just replace the pyro frogs with humans," Tartaglia said, finding it fitting. "We're about done here. Just waiting for Miss Ganyu?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ganyu hurried in.
Her forehead was dotted with sweat, and she was slightly out of breath. "S-sorry to keep you waiting!"
"I just got here too."
Ganyu sat down and pulled out a map.
She had come prepared.
"Mr. Lu, please look here."
Lu Heng pulled out a chair. "No rush, take a moment to rest."
"Ah, okay!"
"Hmm?"
Tartaglia noticed the spot she pointed to. "The Northland Bank is also in this area."
"Oh?"
Ganyu was momentarily stunned.
"This location is excellent."
Tartaglia didn't understand the specifics, but the Northland Bank's prime location spoke for itself!
Lu Heng examined the map.
This area belonged to Feiyun Slope.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Feiyun Commerce Guild (Xingqiu's family business), the renowned restaurants Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk, the jewelry shop Mingxing Jewelry, and the antique shop Wanyou Boutique were all on this street!
To the north was Bubu Pharmacy, leading up to Yujing Terrace, while to the south was the Wanmin Restaurant!
The street also had a second level, housing the Northland Bank, Heyu Tea House, and Wanwen Bookhouse.
The center of the street was undoubtedly the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The spot Ganyu pointed to was to the left of the Ministry.
"This property belongs to Lady Ningguang. She's willing to transfer it to you."
"Give it to me?"
Lu Heng raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, as thanks for opening a branch in Liyue—for choosing Liyue and bringing it into a new era." Ganyu spoke sincerely.
Well then!
Lu Heng had initially planned to decline, but with such an offer...
"Then please convey my thanks to Lady Ningguang," Lu Heng said with a nod.
Ganyu felt a wave of relief.
"Shall I accompany you to look around?"
"Much appreciated."
The four of them (plus a baby) took to the streets.
They arrived at Feiyun Slope.
The first order of business was inspecting the shop.
To the left of the Ministry of Civil Affairs was the shop Ningguang had gifted Lu Heng, while to the right was the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
This location was practically the heart of Liyue Harbor's economic center!
The sincerity was overwhelming.
Lu Heng, who had already planned to open a shop in Liyue, felt he had made the right choice.
"This is the place!"
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T/N:
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