By early morning the next day, every attendee from yesterday had arrived, not a single one willing to forgo their share.
The Fatui, Liyue Qixing, and Feiyun Commerce Guild each secured 5% equity with 75 billion Mora. To everyone's surprise, the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild branch also claimed 3% with 45 billion Mora.
This intensified competition for the remaining 10%. No single party could swallow another 5%, and their financial capabilities were similarly matched.
"What's a Liyue mining outfit like Blackcliff Forge doing meddling in Mondstadt affairs? Scram!"
"Hey! You're just a hotel owner! What technical expertise or real influence do you have? Our forge could buy your hotel just by selling ore scraps!"
"Sir, if Blackcliff has such deep pockets, why not take another 5% for 75 billion? Why squabble with us small business owners?"
"Everyone, while Bubu Pharmacy may seem like just another shop, we're actually quite well-funded..."
"Uh... you all fight it out. Just leave a sliver for the Good Hunter..."
The chaos lasted over three hours. By the time Diluc was massaging his temples in frustration, they'd finally divided the remaining 10%. Each party received a satisfactory portion, with the total reaching 180 billion, even higher than previous valuations.
Diluc signed contracts totaling 375 billion Mora, requiring full payment within one month. Defaulters would forfeit deposits and face collective litigation, a safeguard to prevent budget shortfalls from derailing construction.
Jean stared dumbfounded at the near 4 trillion Mora windfall. "This surpasses Mondstadt's multi-year tax revenue. Yet you conjured it from thin air in two days—just a presentation and an arcane planning document."
"Jean, these are investments," Diluc corrected. "Unlike operational income, every Mora must be accounted for. Raising funds is easy─ spending them wisely is the real challenge."
Shen Qin chuckled. "I've known swindlers who fled with investors' Mora after flashy proposals. Some lived comfortably abroad; others met grim fates. Honestly, I'm shocked we secured this much—the technology in our plans probably baffled them."
Diluc nodded. "Your reputation carried this. People trust you."
He was right. Shen Qin's standing in Mondstadt proved pivotal. Even the Fatui, despite past clashes, couldn't deny his integrity.
…
…
Keqing raced back to Liyue immediately after signing. 75 billion wasn't trivial, especially pre-Rite of Descension. The backlash would be severe.
But she feared nothing. This investment had to materialize quickly.
The Academy City blueprint revealed Teyvat's impending transformation. If Liyue missed this wave, decline was inevitable!
Once news spread post-conference, her opponents would weaponize the "wasteful" expenditure. She might be ousted, but Liyue's stake must remain intact.
By 8 PM, she reached Liyue Harbor, disregarding flight restrictions to land directly on the Jade Chamber.
"Keqing? What's the emergency?" Ningguang set down her pen and approached.
"Review these." Keqing handed over the plans and contract.
Ningguang's brow furrowed at the sum but said nothing, studying the documents instead. The plans included detailed schematics alongside text—Shen Qin's team ensured comprehensibility.
As Keqing elaborated on conference details, Ningguang absorbed both streams effortlessly.
Finished reading, Ningguang had already reached conclusions.
"Reckless." Keqing's face fell.
"But well done."
Keqing's expression brightened.
"The other Qixing will likely approve. Yet Liyue has its fools... We could silence them, but that disrupts balance."
Ningguang sighed. "You charge ahead for Liyue, Keqing, but equilibrium is equally vital. This remains your blind spot."
Though their personalities clashed—Ningguang's pragmatism grating against Keqing's idealism—Keqing trusted her judgment enough to enlist her first.
The patronizing tone rankled, but Keqing held her tongue for unity's sake.
"I'll ensure the contract's fulfillment. However, you'll endure temporary setbacks, the Rite limits our maneuvering." Ningguang locked the documents away. "Post-ceremony, you'll have your vindication."
"Of course, should the Academy City achieve rapid progress, your expectations might be met sooner."
Keqing eyed the drawer longingly. "Ningguang... might I have the plans back? They warrant repeated study."
Ningguang arched an eyebrow, then laughed at Keqing's stubborn expression.
"Very well. I'll have Ganyu make copies tomorrow before returning the original. This 'new governance model' merits analysis... and winning over our dear secretary wouldn't hurt either."