62. The Fake Cat Ears Lady
"You come back. Do you need something?"
Ningguang's alluring voice reverberated in Ryūhei's ears after stepping inside the Jade Chamber.
He was kinda irritated with the female clerk earlier. So, he intentionally said those words before rushing to the Jade Chamber. It might have served as a lesson for her, to prevent her from doing that again in the future.
Ryūhei explained to Ningguang why he came to the Jade Chamber. After hearing Ryūhei's explanation, she asked, "Then what business required you to come to the Ministry of Civil Affairs?"
"I want to buy a building to run a company." Ryūhei didn't hide his reasons for buying a building. After all, everyone would know as soon as he started running his company.
"Oh. So, you're going to open your own publishing company, huh?"
When hearing what Ningguang mentioned. He pondered for a moment. His sole purpose was to buy a building to start a game company. But, given that his shop has become so popular, why not go even further? Ryūhei thanked Ningguang for opening his mind.
"Well, I'm gonna buy a building for a different purpose. In addition, I also wanted to open my own publishing company by hiring a constructor to renovate my shop."
"Different purpose? Can you tell me about that?" Ningguang was curious. Thus, Ryūhei nodded before he started to answer.
"Yeah. There's no harm to tell you. I intend to run a game company, and as the name suggests, this company of mine will only focus on games that everyone can play."
Ningguang widened her eyes after hearing Ryūhei's reason. She knew a lot of games since they often appeared at the festival or alike. In everyone's opinion, games were created personally. Yet, this is the first time Ningguang has heard that game creation requires a company.
She didn't know what kind of games Ryūhei wanted to create. But, knowing how he successfully popularized a new kind of storybook, she wondered if the games he wanted to create would be as successful as the manga.
"Interesting. In that case, you should try to find the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. She is in charge of urban management such as land, livelihood management, construction, and real estate. Normally, everyone would come to the Ministry of Civil Affairs if they want to buy a building or rent a house. But, I'll make an exception in your case."
Then, Ningguang picked up a traditional pen on the table and wrote something on the paper. Looks like she made a letter of recommendation or something. After she had written everything down, she folded the paper and put a wax stamp on it.
"Bring this letter to find the Yuheng. She is in the Yuehai Pavilion right now. You know that place, right?"
Ryūhei just nodded to respond to her question.
"Then go finish your business! I'll give a warning letter to the employee you mentioned earlier."
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang."
"Ufufu. Don't mind it."
After Ryūhei disappeared from her sight, she muttered. "Ryūhei, what game do you want to invent? Is it as astounding as the manga? But, this is my chance as well."
*Clap* *clap*
Ningguang clapped repeatedly. Not long after, a woman appeared before her.
"Send a person to observe Niwa Ryūhei. Once Ryūhei opens his company, he will definitely need a few employees. Prepare several people, especially women who can be trusted from now on, to take jobs at that company in the near future!"
"As your order, Lady Ningguang." The woman, or one could say Ningguang's secretary, bowed before leaving.
After that, Ningguang said in a low voice.
"This young man is kinda hard to crack. Even though he appears to be clueless, in truth he always has many things planned in his mind. He is even trusted by the young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild who turned out to be giving away the building that became his shop. He seems to be a perfect young man. But, no one is perfect. Even an Archon can't be that perfect."
Ningguang thought highly of him. She knew that he visited the Northland Bank as well. However, telling that he's on the same side as the Fatui was so unlikely after he caught a Fatui agent before that. Moreover, he seemed wary of them, even asking her to protect his shop. It was kinda hard for her to find his weakness since he never did anything against the law. Except, he seemed to get the raw materials to print the manga from unknown sources. While he was away, she sent Yelan to check his shop but came back with naught. There was no trace of his raw materials transaction as well which was kinda odd.
"No matter what, I'll find the opportunity." Ningguang swore inwardly.
— — — —
Inside the Yuehai Pavilion.
Many people were running here and there because they were busy preparing for the Moonchase Festival which would start soon.
The horned woman with light blue hair reviewed the documents that were needed at a quick pace. There are things that need to be revised, there are also those that pass the review.
At that moment, a young man appeared inside the pavilion while being guided by someone.
The young man has long light brown hair tied in a ponytail with a single orange-red streak on his left and vibrant blue eyes. His outfit consists of a red short-sleeved kimono, a red haori coat, and black hakama pants with a dark blazing flames pattern, then black sandals. There's a Bokken that hangs on his hip as well.
When his blue eyes met her gaze, she unconsciously covered her horns, which made him let out a chuckle.
That young man is none other than Ryūhei. While the horned woman is none other than Ganyu.
Ryūhei didn't intend to meet Ganyu, so he just shook his head and walked past her as his guide led him to a certain room.
A few moments later.
*Knock* *knock*
"Who?" A woman's voice could be heard behind the door. The guide immediately answered.
"Lady Yuheng, someone with a letter of recommendation from Lady Tianquan would like to see you."
"Come in."
When the door was opened, Ryūhei could see an elegant lady sitting at her desk with a mountain of papers on top of it.
"Since young master Ryūhei needs to discuss something with Lady Yuheng, I'll excuse myself first."
After the guide left the room, Ryūhei glanced at the Yuheng.
She is indeed a beautiful woman with fair skin, amethyst eyes, and purple hair. Especially the pupils of her eyes which are quite unique with a rhombus shape. Her hair is tied into waist-length twin-tails, topped by a style resembling cat ears.
"Dayum, they're fake cat ears." Ryūhei exclaimed inwardly.
Her dress seemed to be made using luxurious materials. A pale lavender top with a high violet collar and ruffled dark blue skirt, layered under a deep violet overcoat, engraved with a peacock motif. Gold ornaments, with white flowers and purple and gold accented feathers attached to her coat, and a gold hairpin attached to her left fake cat ear, made her dress look even more elegant. In addition, she also wears a pair of dark gloves with lavender trim.
The lady glanced at the person beside the guide before asking.
"You are? Oh, you must be a famous mangaka from Inazuma I suppose. I heard a lot about you. In less than a month, you became so popular in Liyue due to your work. Drawing such a work of art must have taken a lot of effort. I always appreciate someone as hardworking as you."
She naturally knew that drawing needed talent. To draw 12 books with around 200 pages each, as well as the plot, it was basically impossible for someone to do that. However, Ryūhei did and it even came to fruition.
Ryūhei bowed while giving her a polite smile.
"You're flattering me, Lady Yuheng. And yes, I'm Niwa Ryūhei. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Skip the formality! Just call me Keqing. Do you need something from me?"
After Keqing asked that, Ryūhei recounted everything when he came to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Keqing frowned after hearing that.
"Such audacity. Even if that clerk woman is busy, serving the people is a must. I'll handle her after this."
"No need to trouble yourself, Miss Keqing. Lady Ningguang already took care of her."
"I see. Forget it then. In that case—"
Then, Keqing explained the procedures, administration, land certificate, etc. Ryūhei just listened to her quietly before choosing the land or building he wanted to buy.