Chapter Sixty-One: Cloud Commencement

Since they're here to discuss business, might as well get straight to it.

"I do have some of that material. How much does the old man need?"

"A lot! Young man, how much do you have? I need a substantial amount."

The old man's expression brightens at Xianyu's response.

"A lot? Wait a sec," Xianyu is a bit dumbfounded. "I don't have that much, honestly. See that tree over there? I probably have around three of those."

The old man glances at a tree on the opposite bank that a person could hug. He's slightly disappointed but doesn't show much change on the surface. After some contemplation, he speaks.

"While it's a bit less than I hoped for, it'll do."

"As for the price... what do you think of one and a half million Mora?"

"???"

This price surprises Xianyu. While the wood is rare, he didn't think it would be worth so much. His initial estimate was at most one million, but this is way beyond.

If only he had known, he would have stripped the trees from Dragonspine Mountains completely. Now he regrets it a bit.

"Sure, but you'll have to come to my place to get it. It depends on when the old man has time."

The old man doesn't object. While the Chosen One can retrieve items, there are limitations to that ability.

For objects of this "grand" scale, the man hasn't seen many that can be brought out, so he doesn't expect Xianyu to produce it immediately. Xianyu, on the other hand, didn't consider this aspect. He just wanted to avoid controversy and didn't forget that they were in the harbor.

"Alright! Young man, you're quite straightforward. I won't say much more. Here's the deposit; please keep it safe."

"My name is Yun Qi. I'll send someone to pick it up, and you just need to confirm when the time comes."

Xianyu nods and doesn't inquire about what the old man plans to do with the materials or if there might be issues with someone else claiming them.

Business done.

Xianyu: "Okay, got it. In that case, I'll take my leave."

Yun Qi initially wanted to continue chatting with Xianyu. In his view, if someone could obtain such materials, they likely knew the origin. However, he's unaware that the wood's origin isn't in Liyue but in Mondstadt, specifically in the Dragonspine Mountains.

If he knew, he wouldn't have entertained such thoughts.

Xianyu doesn't care about the old man's thoughts. The deal is done, and he doesn't want to linger.

As Xianyu leaves, the person in charge of the ship enters.

"Master, why do you treat that young man in such a manner? Does he have some special qualities?"

Sipping his tea calmly, Yun Qi replies, "Old Li, don't underestimate this person. You should have heard about the duel a few days ago, right?"

Old Li, startled, responds, "You mean that duel from a few days ago?"

"Could that person be Li Wen? The one who was supposed to be dead a long time ago but now is a Chosen One and has a good relationship with the Fatui?"

Yun Qi can understand the tone of surprise. Someone who was presumed dead long ago, now not only resurrected as a Chosen One but also having a good relationship with the Fatui —it all sounds unbelievable.

In the past, he, too, thought the Fatui were just supporting someone they deemed talented, offering help as a way to gain favor.

Now, judging by the recent behavior, it doesn't seem like someone who blindly follows orders.

If Xianyu and the Fatui had a hierarchical relationship, hearing that he was introduced by them wouldn't have resulted in the calm demeanor displayed throughout.

Coming back to his thoughts, Yun Qi nods.

"Yes, he is Li Wen. But now it seems his relationship with the Fatui is not as I initially thought."

"That's interesting."

As a longstanding ship business family, the Yun family in Liyue is deeply rooted, with influence surpassing most other families, not just in commerce but also in official matters.

Originally, someone like Xianyu, a "small character," wouldn't have had a chance to talk with Yun Qi. However, after hearing about his connections with the Fatui and the mention from Lady Ningguang, Yun Qi decided to engage in a conversation.

As for why the other person didn't recognize him?

Yun Qi isn't the lively type, and he has delegated family matters to his children. He rarely appears in public, and considering Xianyu's young age, it's understandable that he isn't recognized.

Old Li refrains from further questioning. As a servant, despite having a good relationship with his master, such inquiries could be deemed intrusive.

Regarding Yun Qi's remark about it being interesting, Old Li can't fathom why but silently prepares tea for Yun Qi.

...

On the other hand, Xianyu doesn't immediately return after leaving. Though delayed for a while, it doesn't conflict with his initial plans. He wanted to sell some items anyway, and this unexpected business opportunity might take some time.

What's there for a man to enjoy while shopping? Most have a purpose or ulterior motives, like seeking someone special. Xianyu's aimless wandering is quite pointless, and he gets a bit bored after a while.

His outing was more of a breath of fresh air with no strong purpose. As his mood shifts, he loses interest in the activity.

However, passing by many stalls, he spots one where he decides to buy two crystal-carved butterflies for his two sisters. Despite the lack of genuine ones, he thinks the fake ones will serve as decent substitutes.

When Zhang Lingmei takes the Cryo Crystal Butterfly out for a couple of days, Xianyu won't be too sad when he retrieves it.

"Your eyes are sharp, sir! These two crystal butterflies are the best items I have. I presume you're buying them for a young lady?"

Ignoring the merchant's comment, Xianyu directly asks for the price. Such exquisite craftsmanship is primarily meant for gifting to women, and the merchant's words are entirely unnecessary.

"How much for these two crystal butterflies?"

As he speaks, he plans to pick them up. He still remembers the time he first got the Cryo Crystal Butterfly, encased in similar crystal. Seeing these items now brings back some nostalgic feelings.

"Young master, these two small items aren't expensive—two thousand Mora."

In the past, Xianyu might not have bought them for that price, but now he doesn't make a fuss and promptly pays.

Seeing him pay so readily, the merchant's eyes light up, and he adds a comment.

"I wonder if the young sir is interested in some peculiar items?"

"Oh? Peculiar items?"

Xianyu isn't particularly interested in what the merchant calls peculiar items. If there were anything of interest, the merchant would have presented it earlier.

Seeing Xianyu's skepticism, the merchant reaches into a bag under his buttocks and pulls out something.

While Xianyu finds the location from which the merchant retrieves items somewhat amusing, he takes a closer look at what's presented.