These pendants had no runes—just ordinary ornaments. But thanks to his masterful skill, they looked exquisite.
When all were finished, Xia Zhi checked the time on his phone, then dialed Ningguang.
Sure, the phone now had voice recognition, so even a blind man sending texts made sense. But for business, calling was simpler.
He'd worried it might be late. But Ningguang answered immediately.
"Mr. Xia?"
Her voice carried a trace of delight.
"Miss Ningguang, I hope I'm not disturbing you at this hour?"
"Not at all. I'm still working."
"Overtime?"
"That's right."
"Still that busy?"
"What can I do? Without Secretary Ganyu, things pile up. The Secretariat has to dig through endless records, slowing progress. But if Ganyu were here, she remembers everything that's ever happened—things would move much faster."
"I see."
"It's your fault, Mr. Xia, for whisking her away. When are you sending her back?"
"Hey now, that's not on me. Ganyu wanted her own vacation."
They chatted lightly for a bit.
Then Ningguang laughed. "Mr. Xia, you wouldn't call me just because you missed me, would you?"
Xia Zhi chuckled. "Earlier, I noticed among the items Xiao delivered were many luxury cosmetics. Are you planning to break into the Mondstadt market?"
"Mr. Xia, you really do know me!"
"Thought so."
"So… does this mean you're calling to help me?"
"Exactly."
Her eyes brightened; she laughed softly.
In her office, Baishi glanced secretly at her Lady answering the call. Even she could sense the happiness in Ningguang's laughter.
Xia Zhi asked, "Do you already have a plan in mind?"
"A rough one. High-end cosmetics mainly target upper-class women. I intend to use the same strategy as in Liyue—host gatherings, demonstrate the products, and spread their reputation naturally."
Xia Zhi recalled it well: for perfume and lipstick, Ningguang had hosted women's soirées at the Jade Chamber, using the products herself to steal the spotlight and launch them successfully.
"You mean having Captain Jean host noble banquets?"
"Mm. The Gunnhildr family is Mondstadt's foremost household, and Miss Jean its pride. With her endorsement, things would go smoothly."
"True. Have you spoken to her yet?"
"Not yet. I was going to wait until she tried the cosmetics herself, then approach her. But since you've called, perhaps you have advice?"
"No advice. Just a small request."
"Oh?"
"Miss Ningguang, do you know the [Spindrift Knight] who stands alongside Captain Jean?"
"Eula Lawrence?"
"Yes. I'd like her included."
"If it were anyone else, fine. But the Lawrence family's reputation in Mondstadt is… terrible."
"Don't worry. I'll handle that."
…
After ending the call, Ningguang lowered her head, thoughtful.
Then she looked up. "Baixiao."
"My lady?"
"Gather information on the Lawrence family of Mondstadt."
"Yes."
"Focus especially on Eula Lawrence."
"Yes."
Baixiao hurried off.
Ningguang opened her phone, finding Eula's profile picture.
A selfie.
Cold expression, flawless figure, a tie sunk deep into her cleavage.
Ningguang murmured, "So this is Mr. Xia's type now?"
---
Baixiao arrived at the Yanshang Teahouse.
Yelan was still awake, sorting intelligence.
She was, in truth, already serving as interim Tianshu, though not officially instated yet. The process was still ongoing.
When Baixiao said Ningguang suddenly wanted intel on the Lawrence family, Yelan found it odd and asked why.
But Baixiao didn't explain.
So Yelan directed her to the archives, then sat frowning in thought.
Why would Ningguang suddenly care about Mondstadt? And so urgently, in the middle of the night…
There were only two things that could pique Ningguang's interest.
One: money.
And now, a second: Mr. Xia.
And currently, Mr. Xia was in Mondstadt. So…
The thought clicked. Yelan seemed to understand.
Once Baixiao left, Yelan called over a subordinate.
"My lady?"
"Make a copy of the files Baixiao just took. Bring them to me."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Soon, a thick dossier was delivered to her desk.
She flipped it open.
Half the pages were about Eula Lawrence.
Yelan remembered—this name was in the phone group chat.
But she rarely spoke.
Still, owning a phone meant she knew Mr. Xia, and likely knew him well.
Which meant… she was a rival in love?
Yelan chuckled.
She didn't know what Ningguang was scheming or what dealings she'd have with the woman, but this was worth watching.
The records noted that Eula Lawrence had once saved Yanfei.
And Yelan remembered—she'd traveled with Yanfei at The Chasm. They'd become quite close.
After a moment's thought, Yelan sent Yanfei a message.
"Hey. Tell me about Eula."