Chapter 337: Playing cards, Chess, and Mahjong (2-in-1 Chapter)

Afternoon.

The autumn sun, not too intense, shone over the clear lake, creating subtle wisps of water element molecules invisible to the naked eye.

A gentle breeze swept across the lake, carrying the moisture to the pavilion and adding a touch of coolness to the surroundings.

Nolan sipped a nameless tea that was slightly astringent and plain yet left a lingering aftertaste. Since Ningguang had served it to guests, it was likely quite valuable.

As the tea trickled down his throat, his mind filled with questions. After listening to Ningguang's proposal, he felt a bit puzzled:

"Form a commerce association? Uh... why do we need to create an association?"

Initially, Nolan couldn't quite grasp the reasoning but then made a guess.

Could it be that Ningguang thought buying the bicycle technology outright for 500 million Mora might be a bit disadvantageous, so she opted for a joint business model with shared profits instead? But in that case, earning 500 million Mora wouldn't be a short-term prospect.

Moreover, managing a commerce association was likely similar to running a company on Earth—complex and filled with numerous responsibilities.

"I think you might have already guessed. Establishing a new commerce association is indeed meant to be the main vehicle for marketing bicycles," Ningguang said with a smile, watching Nolan ponder.

"But I don't really want to manage an association," Nolan admitted his hesitation.

"It's apparent that you're not someone who enjoys dealing with such minutiae. My interest in forming this association isn't solely for the bicycles, but rather because I see broader business potential in you and Lumine," Ningguang said, elegantly lifting her tea cup, clad in black sleeves, to take a sip.

"Oh? You mean..."

Was Ningguang interested in the other otherworldly technologies they possessed besides the bicycles?

After all, where else would such opportunities come from?

As expected of Ningguang—her business acumen was sharp. Even if bicycles were profitable, they were still just one product. Nolan had knowledge from an entirely different civilization in his mind.

Lumine, who had traveled across numerous worlds, had witnessed even more advanced civilizations.

Their knowledge, foreign to Teyvat, was a far more valuable, endless resource.

"Yes, I'd like to collaborate with you. If you and Lumine don't wish to engage in the management of the association, you could simply provide technical knowledge or ideas, while the rest would be handled by me," Ningguang explained briefly.

Nolan thought about it seriously. If it were truly arranged this way, it would be beneficial and wouldn't interfere with him earning Adventure EXP or spending time with his girls.

All he would need to do was recreate products from Earth whenever he had free time.

"Hmm, this form of cooperation sounds good. So, how much of the association's shares would Lumine and I hold?" Nolan nodded.

Since he found the idea favorable, he didn't need to play games. As long as the final profit share was appropriate, he would agree!

"Hehe, I've always believed that the business world is a battlefield full of deception and trickery. For the sake of profit, people often pretend to be difficult during negotiations.

"They'll use excuses like having dependents or claim all sorts of absurd reasons.

"It's rare to meet someone as straightforward as you, Mr. Nolan."

A smile appeared on Ningguang's fair face, her fondness for Nolan growing.

[Ningguang Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 220 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.5 (480/500)]

Straightforward? He was just clueless about these things. Besides, based on what he knew of Ningguang, she was someone with grand ambitions and wouldn't stoop to tricking him over minor gains.

Given that, it was better to show full trust in her, which also helped increase her affection.

If her affection level grew higher, maybe Nolan could one day cling to her leg and say, "Babe Ningguang, I don't want to try anymore—"

Wait, how could he have such a crazy thought?

Nolan quickly shook the notion from his mind. One must strive a bit and rely on themselves.

"Well, since you've brought it up, I'll be direct as well.

"If you're only providing knowledge and technical input without participating in the association's other operations, you and Lumine can hold 30% of the shares.

"If you choose to be more deeply involved in the management and operations, this share could be increased to 50%. What do you think?"

Ningguang revealed her pre-considered plan after a brief moment of thought.

Nolan thought for a moment; this share distribution was quite reasonable, showing that Ningguang was being considerate of them.

After all, they were only providing technical knowledge, while Ningguang would be responsible for setting up the association and handling various future production matters. Naturally, she deserved a larger share.

Even the initial capital for the association was coming from Ningguang.

Nolan didn't think that the few million Mora he and Lumine had combined would be enough to keep the association running for more than a few days.

So, Nolan nodded and said:

"Thirty percent is enough. Let's go with that. As for participating in the work of the association, you know I really don't want that kind of hassle."

"..."

Ningguang fell silent for a moment.

She rarely closed such significant business deals so quickly. Was it that Nolan was carefree or did he simply trust her?

"Alright, I've prepared all the necessary documents for the establishment of the association. Once the approval process is complete, we can start production on the bicycles as soon as possible.

"As for the contract, you can sign yours first. Lumine can sign hers when she returns from Inazuma."

Seeing things go so smoothly, Ningguang was naturally pleased.

"No need for that trouble. I'll just have her come back now."

Nolan shook his head.

He then used his "Interstellar Travel" ability to contact Lumine, who was out at sea, and asked her to return and sign the contract. Since Paimon was there, teleporting back would be simple.

Soon, Lumine appeared next to Nolan.

Ningguang was a bit surprised to see Lumine suddenly appear without a sound. This space-transfer ability didn't seem to create any spatial fluctuations or anomalies.

Even she hadn't noticed any signs beforehand… truly, the powers of an outsider were mysterious.

Ningguang didn't waste time, immediately handing the pre-prepared contract documents to Nolan and Lumine.

After a brief review and confirming there were no issues, they both signed.

Whether there were any hidden clauses wasn't important—trust was the key here.

"I've never seen business conducted like this before," Hu Tao said from the side, looking somewhat speechless. "By the way, if you're setting up a commerce association, you'll need a name, right? Hehe, would you like the help of this Hall Master in choosing one?"

"Hmm, it wouldn't hurt to hear your ideas. Personally, I thought 'Walker Association' would be nice. It has a character from my name and symbolizes great ambition," Nolan said, nodding with some excitement.

Lumine crossed her arms and shot him a disdainful look:

"That name is too plain. Why not go with 'Sweet Flower Merchants Association'?"

"Hehe, Hall Master Hu is quite the poet. I'm sure you can come up with something more meaningful," Ningguang said, covering her smile as she glanced at Hu Tao.

"Hehe, of course! Aha! I've got it! You guys are outsiders from beyond the stars, and Ningguang here is the Tianquan Star of the Liyue Qixing, both associated with 'stars.' Why not call it 'Star Association'?"

Hu Tao pondered for a moment with one arm across her chest and the other touching her chin, then clapped her hands and nodded confidently.

"..."

Nolan, Lumine, and Ningguang were momentarily silent after hearing Hu Tao's suggestion.

What could they say? Without knowing it was suggested by the Hall Master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, one might have thought it was a name a child made up on a whim.

"Ahem, I think 'Sweet Flower Association' sounds better. Let's not overthink it; that'll do. The sweet flower can thrive all over the continent of Teyvat.

"Naming our association after it implies the same: that our association will surely spread across all of Teyvat!" Nolan decided with finality.

So casual… Ningguang sighed and closed her eyes.

Oh well. At least she'd secured a partnership with two outsiders. The name wasn't that important.

With the otherworldly knowledge and technology involved, there was no doubt the association would prosper.

Although Ningguang, as a major business magnate, was never short on money, she still chose to collaborate with the two outsiders for one simple reason:

—You can never have too much Mora.

In high spirits, Ningguang's lips curled into a smile as she said:

"Since we've settled such an important matter, we must celebrate. Tonight, I'll host a banquet for you all at Xinyue Kiosk."

[Ningguang Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 320 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.6 (300/600)]

"Oh, we couldn't miss Lady Ningguang's invitation," Nolan said, his eyes lighting up as another affinity notification appeared.

"Alright, I'll have Paimon come over then. She's the most enthusiastic when it comes to big feasts."

Lumine nodded with a smile.

There was no choice—though "Interstellar Travel" was magical, one person had to stay on the ship. If both of them returned to Liyue Harbor, the days they spent sailing would be wasted.

"No lively event would be complete without this Hall Master!"

Hu Tao patted her modest chest and lifted her fair chin with confidence.

"Hehe, of course."

Ningguang smiled, stood up gracefully, her platinum hair cascading down her back to her fair calves, and said:

"I'll have Baiwen and the others make the arrangements now."

After finalizing the cooperation plans at Yuehai Pavilion, they continued to discuss future products for "Sweet Flower Association" beyond bicycles.

The initial focus would be on products that were easier to replicate. For anything more complex, like textile machines or steam trains, Nolan could only offer basic ideas at most.

On Earth, he was just an ordinary person who wouldn't spend his spare time understanding the detailed principles of these things.

Moreover, moving too fast could be counterproductive.

"Speaking of which, I often travel between Mondstadt and Liyue Harbor and noticed that most people's leisure activities after work involve going to taverns to drink and chat.

"Adventurers, in particular, frequently do this to relieve stress, but such methods aren't healthy for the body. How about introducing some of the tabletop games from my world here?

"They've endured the test of time back in my world, which proves that many people enjoy them.

"I believe they could also become popular in Teyvat, and producing them is much simpler and cheaper than bicycles. With large-scale sales, the profits would be significant."

Nolan thought aloud.

"Table games, huh? Liyue does have some, but they're either not very popular due to overly complex rules and high learning curves, or they're too expensive to become widespread.

"If the games from your world address these two issues while remaining engaging, they could definitely find a good market here."

Ningguang crossed her arms and nodded slightly.

"In that case, let me introduce them to you first. I and Lumine can use Geo elements to create samples based on your descriptions, and we can give them a trial run."

Nolan smiled and proceeded to explain the popular games on Earth, including playing cards, chess, and mahjong, in detail.

These games were quite intellectually stimulating and had low learning curves. They were perfect for casual play to relieve stress.

Of course, as long as there was no betting with Mora involved—otherwise, people would soon find themselves in dire straits. If these games gained traction, Nolan knew he'd need to remind Ningguang to crack down on any casual gambling habits.

His intent in introducing these games was simply to offer more entertainment options, not to harm society! Although Liyue did seem to have gambling dens, so some things might be unavoidable.

After all, gambling was a quick way to make money, and many people were drawn to it. Even without cards or mahjong, people already had other betting tools.

So, there was no need to worry excessively.

As long as this trend didn't become too prevalent, things would be fine.

Before long, under Nolan's guidance, Lumine and Ningguang used Geo elements to recreate these games with ease.

There happened to be four people present, perfect for trying out the main gameplay of both mahjong and cards, as well as pairing up to play chess.

After a round of testing, everyone was genuinely impressed by how entertaining they were. Hu Tao, who naturally had a playful personality, quickly became hooked.

This showed that the games could potentially be just as popular in Teyvat.

Ningguang, with her keen sense for business opportunities, knew immediately after experiencing them that it was only a matter of time before they became popular.

She contemplated for a while.

After confirming that these games would be generally beneficial to society, she quickly decided to start with a small batch production for sale.

This would test the market response, and if the sales were promising, they would increase production.

Nolan was delighted as well. After all, if the association made money, he would receive a share of the profits.

The group spent the entire afternoon playing cards, mahjong, and chess, only stopping at nightfall. Perhaps it had been a long time since he'd played, but even Nolan found himself excitedly playing a few extra rounds.

In the evening, Lumine teleported back to the Alcor and brought Paimon over so they could all enjoy a feast at Xinyue Kiosk.

Paimon was thrilled! She was tired of eating fish on the ship every day, and it was just like the Traveler to remember her when it came to feasts.

When Nolan heard Paimon's complaint, he looked at her, speechless. If she was tired of fish, couldn't she just teleport back and change things up?

Paimon was stunned at first.

Then she grew a bit annoyed that Nolan hadn't reminded her sooner!

Watching Paimon stomp her foot in frustration, Ningguang and Hu Tao couldn't help but smile.

Not long after, the small gathering concluded, and everyone, satisfied, went their separate ways.

Ningguang would handle the affairs of the association, so Nolan didn't need to worry. He planned to visit the Alcor the next day, as Lumine had mentioned that there were quite a few sea monsters.

He wanted to earn some Adventure EXP too.

(End of Chapter)

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