Chapter 71: Liyue's Influence and Unexpected Allies

Returning from Liyue was both exhilarating and exhausting. The journey back to Mondstadt was filled with chatter, laughter, and excitement over the potential trade partnership with Liyue. Satoshi, Lumine, Paimon, and Yanfei had forged a strong foundation for cooperation, and the thought of what this partnership could bring filled them with hope.

The new city stood welcoming them as they arrived, with the workers continuing construction at a steady pace. The solar-powered lanterns glowed warmly along the streets, marking progress, and casting a beautiful glow over the construction site even at night. Satoshi looked at the growing skyline of the new city, his heart swelling with pride.

"We made it back!" Paimon announced, twirling in the air. "Paimon thinks it's about time to take a rest—the journey was long, and Paimon's stomach is still growling!"

Lumine smiled, patting Paimon on the head. "Don't worry, we'll find something to eat. But first, we should check in with everyone. I'm sure Kaeya and Diluc are anxious to hear how things went."

Satoshi nodded. "You're right, Lumine. We need to let everyone know about the deal with Liyue. If this works out, it could really push the new city's development forward."

---

They made their way to the construction headquarters, where Kaeya and Diluc were already waiting. Kaeya leaned casually against a pillar, while Diluc stood with his arms crossed, his usual serious expression on his face. Both looked up as the group entered.

"Ah, the heroes have returned," Kaeya said with a playful grin. "How was Liyue? Did you manage to charm the Qixing, or did Paimon eat all their food before you could get down to business?"

Paimon puffed out her cheeks indignantly. "Hey! Paimon was very well-behaved! We got a deal, you know!"

Satoshi laughed, shaking his head. "It went well. Ningguang is interested in collaborating with us. We're starting with a small trial phase, bringing some of the gadgets to Liyue to see how they integrate. If all goes well, they'll expand the partnership."

Diluc nodded, a small smile appearing on his face. "That's good news. A partnership with Liyue will help us secure more resources and improve our construction capabilities."

Kaeya gave Satoshi a thumbs-up. "Nicely done. I knew you'd be able to handle it. Besides, who could resist Paimon's charm, right?"

Paimon crossed her arms and gave Kaeya a smug smile. "See? Paimon's charm is unstoppable!"

---

The following days were filled with a mix of excitement and hard work. The partnership with Liyue meant that more resources were now accessible, but it also meant meeting higher expectations. Satoshi was determined to make the most of this opportunity, and he knew he had to push forward with the construction of the new city while ensuring that everything in Mondstadt continued running smoothly.

One morning, as Satoshi was working on blueprints for expanding the residential area, Lumine and Paimon rushed in, their expressions filled with excitement.

"Satoshi! There's someone here to see you," Lumine said, her eyes sparkling. "And it's someone I think you'll be very happy to meet."

Paimon nodded eagerly. "You won't believe it, Satoshi! It's Xiao from Liyue! He said he heard about the improvements in Mondstadt and wanted to come see for himself!"

Satoshi raised an eyebrow in surprise. Xiao, the vigilant Yaksha, had come to Mondstadt? That was unexpected. He quickly put down his blueprints and followed Lumine and Paimon out of the tent, curious to see what had brought Xiao all the way to Mondstadt.

Sure enough, Xiao stood near the entrance to the construction site, his arms crossed and his expression as stoic as ever. He looked around at the bustling workers and the construction machines with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

"Xiao! It's great to see you!" Satoshi said, approaching the Yaksha with a smile. "What brings you to Mondstadt?"

Xiao nodded in greeting, his gaze still fixed on the construction site. "I heard rumors of change in Mondstadt. Machines, lights, a new city… I had to see it with my own eyes. The adepti have long protected Liyue, and these changes… they are unlike anything I've seen before."

Paimon floated beside Xiao, her excitement evident. "It's all thanks to Satoshi! He's been working super hard, and now we even have a trade partnership with Liyue! You should see all the cool gadgets we have—like mobile phones and construction machines!"

Xiao looked at Satoshi, his expression thoughtful. "You've brought change, and it seems to be for the better. I've fought to protect Liyue from threats, but perhaps modernization is another way to protect people—by improving their quality of life."

Satoshi smiled, touched by Xiao's words. "That's exactly what we're trying to do. It's not just about building structures, but about building a better life for everyone. It's good to have you here, Xiao. If you want, I can show you around and explain what we're working on."

Xiao nodded. "Very well. I'd like to understand more."

---

Satoshi led Xiao through the construction site, explaining the different projects they had undertaken—from the solar panels that provided power to the new city, to the public transportation system that was under development. Xiao listened attentively, his expression softening slightly as he took in the scale of the work.

"The people seem happy," Xiao observed as they passed a group of workers who were laughing together during a break. "In Liyue, people work hard, but it is rare to see such a lighthearted atmosphere."

Lumine, who had joined the tour, smiled. "It's all about community. Satoshi's goal is to make sure everyone benefits from these changes, and part of that is making sure people are happy and well-cared for."

Paimon chimed in, "Yeah! We even have festivals now! You should have seen the one we had the other day—Venti was singing, and everyone was dancing! It was so much fun!"

Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Festivals? I suppose that is another way to protect the spirit of the people. I am not familiar with such things, but perhaps they have their value."

Satoshi chuckled. "They definitely do. It's important to give people moments of joy, especially when they're working so hard. It keeps everyone motivated."

---

As they continued their tour, they reached the newly constructed convenience store, which had quickly become a popular spot for both workers and residents. Xiao looked at the array of goods on display, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"What is this place?" he asked, clearly puzzled.

Paimon grinned. "This is a convenience store! It's like a treasure trove of goodies. You can get all sorts of things here—food, tools, even some gadgets! It's super handy."

Satoshi nodded, showing Xiao some of the items. "The idea is to make everyday life more convenient. People can come here to get what they need without having to go far. It's all about making things easier for everyone."

Xiao looked at the shelves, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "It seems… practical. If it makes the lives of the people easier, then it is worth it."

Lumine smiled at Xiao's attempt to understand. "You should try some of the snacks, Xiao. Paimon swears by them."

Paimon eagerly picked out a package of sweet flower cookies and offered it to Xiao. "Here! Try one! They're delicious!"

Xiao hesitated for a moment before taking a cookie. He took a small bite, his expression remaining neutral. After a moment, he nodded. "It is… not unpleasant."

Paimon beamed. "See? Told you so!"

---

The rest of the day was spent showing Xiao the various aspects of the new city and the improvements made in Mondstadt. By the time the sun began to set, Xiao seemed to have gained a new perspective on the changes that were taking place.

"I see now that your work is not just about construction," Xiao said as they stood at the edge of the plaza, watching the workers wrap up for the day. "It is about creating a sense of belonging, of community. You are building more than just structures—you are building a future for the people."

Satoshi nodded, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "That's exactly what we're trying to do. It's not always easy, and there are still a lot of challenges ahead, but with everyone working together, I believe we can create something truly special."

Xiao looked at Satoshi, his expression softening. "If you ever need my assistance, call on me. I may not understand all of this, but I can see the value in it. Protecting the people is what I do, and if this is another way to do that, then I will help."

Paimon clapped her hands together, her eyes shining. "Yay! We have another ally! With Xiao on our side, nothing can stop us!"

Lumine smiled warmly. "Thank you, Xiao. Your support means a lot."

Satoshi extended his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, Xiao shook it. "Thank you, Xiao. Together, we can make a difference."

As night fell and the lanterns of the new city began to glow, Satoshi, Lumine, Paimon, and Xiao stood together, looking out at the growing city. The future was bright, and with new allies and new opportunities, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—one step at a time.