"As for the free oil and rice, I'd be a fool not to take it."
"Especially for Wanmin Restaurant—we go through these supplies so quickly. Now that I can get them for free just by depositing money, how could I refuse?"
Chef Mao chuckled as he responded, and the passersby around him nodded in agreement.
Chef Mao was right. Even if Lady Ningguang's new Liyue Bank didn't offer gifts, they would still deposit their money there to show support.
No transaction fees for deposits or withdrawals, and it was safer than keeping Mora at home.
As for trust? They had zero concerns.
In Liyue, the name "Ningguang" was a gold standard.
She was the famous Tianquan, the woman who had tirelessly supported Liyue's economy and cared for its people. Countless residents owed their livelihoods to her.
"Lady Ningguang is truly the best. Opening the Liyue Bank... now I can finally save money with peace of mind."
"Not just the Liyue Bank—all the local money houses have been upgraded to branches. I used to pay fees to withdraw my own money, but now? No fees, plus free rice and oil! It's amazing."
"Exactly. The free rice and oil will last my family over a month. And that basket of eggs! Lady Ningguang is really generous this time. It's pure welfare for us."
"She treats us Liyue folks so well. Unlike the Northland Bank, which just wants to squeeze every Mora out of us."
"Right. A friend of mine borrowed from the Northland Bank, and before the payment was even overdue, they sent thugs to his door like debt collectors from hell. If the Millelith hadn't been patrolling, they would have smashed his door down. Those Snezhnayans are nasty piece of work."
...
One by one, the pedestrians chatted excitedly, praising the Tianquan and the new bank.
Their faces were filled with bright, happy smiles.
"Lu... Lu..."
As they spoke, Guoba waddled beside Chef Mao, waving and smiling in response.
As they walked, Guoba suddenly stopped. He tilted his head, staring at a shop nearby.
It was Felix's Jar Shop. Unlike the other stores, this one had two Millelith guards stationed at the entrance.
Guoba walked this street often, but he had never noticed guards here before.
Curious, Guoba trotted over.
When he reached the door, he saw that the shop wasn't large. A young man was lounging in a chair, resting.
Aside from him, there was just a shelf filled with jars.
And at the very top... a single, shining jar.
Seeing that bright, glowing jar, Guoba's eyes lit up. Instinctively, he ran inside.
"Hm?"
Felix, who was resting, noticed the little creature running in.
He raised an eyebrow.
Isn't that Guoba? Shouldn't he be with Xiangling? Why is he running around alone?
And he was heading straight for the jars.
Did he want to open one?
Felix looked at Guoba's short, chubby body, then at the tall counter. He shook his head with a chuckle.
Guoba couldn't reach.
Between the height of the counter and Guoba's stubby legs, climbing up was impossible.
But if Guoba was here, Xiangling must be nearby.
Felix looked out the door, but the familiar chef girl was nowhere to be seen.
"Lu... Lu..."
By now, Guoba had reached the counter. He stared up at the shiny Exquisite Jar on the top shelf, his eyes sparkling.
For some reason, seeing that jar made him feel... pulled.
It was as if the jar had a magical allure, calling to him.
Guoba tried to climb the counter.
But no matter how hard he tried, he only made it a few inches before sliding back down.
His round body and short limbs were his undoing.
Felix watched the struggle, amused.
"Guoba? Guoba?"
Outside the shop, Chef Mao finished his conversation and instinctively looked down for his companion.
But Guoba was gone.
Chef Mao froze. He frantically looked around.
No sign of the little bear anywhere.
Oh no. Where did Guoba go?
He had only looked away for a minute to chat!
If he went back without Guoba, his precious daughter would bury him!
Xiangling adored Guoba. If she found out he lost him while running errands... Chef Mao shuddered.
"Chef Mao, are you looking for Guoba?"
A passerby noticed Chef Mao's panic and pointed toward the nearby shop. "I just saw him run into that store over there."
He had seen the little bear waddle into the shop moments ago.
Although he was just passing by and didn't know what the shop sold, the two Millelith guards at the door had caught his attention.
What kind of place needs Millelith guards?
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