Chapter 79: Choice, Transition, and Coconut Sheep

Zhang Feng's misunderstanding was unknown to Xianyu, who saw the old man's seemingly understanding expression and thought there was no need to explain further.

Completely unaware of how far off the other party's understanding was from his own...

---

In the following two days, there were some changes in commerce in Liyue, with many shops changing owners unexpectedly. A keen observer would notice that these shops all belonged to the Shui family, and within just two days, all of them mysteriously changed hands.

The actions of the Fatui naturally attracted attention. While commerce in Liyue was mainly managed by Ningguang, such matters were trivial for the Fatui, and Ningguang wouldn't obstruct them over such minor affairs.

Furthermore, the Fatui's aggressive suppression and acquisition could only be considered normal business behavior, albeit somewhat unpleasant, but still acceptable.

Yanshang Teahouse.

Xianyu and Tartaglia sat together again in a quiet room.

This time, there was no so-called transaction, just simply drinking tea and exchanging the items traded two days ago.

"Here are the things you need. Take a look, are they enough?"

Opening the bundle, inside were some branches still emitting a strong elemental power. Besides them, there were also a few pieces of paper with ownership details written on them. Xianyu glanced at them briefly and saw they were related to industry ownership.

Then he stopped looking, as these were essentially complimentary items, optional for him. For him, the branches in front of him were more attractive.

The quantity of branches was somewhat disappointing to Xianyu. As a powerful faction, the Fatui surprisingly only had a dozen or so branches, far below his expectations.

Casually collecting the bundle, Xianyu spoke up, "This quantity may not be enough. Although my friend didn't specify a specific amount, from what I've seen, he's been searching for this thing everywhere, so he probably needs a lot."

"However, I think he also knows that this thing is quite rare. These branches should be able to repay some of his kindness to me, which can be considered as part of my gratitude to him."

"Repaying some kindness and making things easier for me also make this trade quite satisfactory."

"As for the things I need personally, I'll have to trouble Lord Tartaglia further."

The remnants of the Archon of the Abyss, Tartaglia had also sent people to the "Doctor" in the past two days. Unfortunately, there was still no news, indicating they might have encountered some trouble.

Tartaglia did not directly inform Xianyu of the trouble.

"I've sent someone to inquire, but it may take some time. That kind of thing is very dangerous and rare, much harder to obtain than the branches."

Xianyu nodded in agreement upon hearing this, not continuing the topic further.

Just mentioning it in passing was enough; there was no need to keep talking about it, as it was merely a cover-up.

The most important thing was already in hand. Once the branches from the Abyss arrived, he could immediately attempt to ascend with the power of the Crystal Butterflies.

If there were enough, he might even undergo a complete transformation in one go.

"Alright, I understand."

"Three days later, at Dunyu Tomb, please help me bring back the items. And don't forget my friend's words. If you forget, it may lead to a situation that's hard to clean up, as my friend said, there might be some secrets involved."

Tartaglia just smiled slightly in response.

"Haha, rest assured, my friend. I haven't forgotten those words. Moreover, for the sake of safety this time, I've sent two debtors over, so there shouldn't be much of a problem."

Tartaglia's words slightly reassured Xianyu. Despite his combative nature, this guy had the potential to be an executive.

"That's good..."

"Now that you've arranged everything properly, I'll pack up my things in these two days and set off for Mondstadt in three days."

Confirming whether to go to Mondstadt was to ensure that "Madame" wouldn't delve deeper into the "sword-snatching" incident last time.

Speaking of which, that sword originally belonged to him. His intervention was completely justified. If there were any repercussions, Madame should be compensating him instead.

Fortunately, Xianyu was "broad-minded" and didn't pursue the matter.

---

Heading to Mondstadt again, so the things behind need to be arranged quickly.

Firstly, the shop contracts. After bidding farewell to Tartaglia, Xianyu took a brief look at the contracts he received.

The items given weren't many, just three shops—a restaurant and two clothing stores. The value wasn't much either; although the merchandise wasn't worth a lot, the real value lay in the properties, which were valuable anywhere, especially in the bustling downtown area of Liyue.

These contracts wouldn't be all of the Shui family's assets, and the Foolish People wouldn't hand them all over to him either. This process likely involved other things as well.

Xianyu didn't ask for more, and besides, he didn't have the intention to manage them.

Setting aside these contracts, it was Zhang Feng and the others' turn.

He intended to let them choose whether to settle in Mondstadt or wait for him to return to Liyue. It all depended on their own choices.

In the afternoon, Zhang Feng was playing with the two little girls, having nothing else to do, so he could only entertain his granddaughters.

Seeing Xianyu walk in, Zhang Feng hurriedly got up.

"No need for such formality, Uncle Zhang. It's the same as before; I'm still me. There's no need for things to feel awkward just because of a change in status."

"Please, sit down. I have something to discuss with you."

Seeing Xianyu looking serious, Zhang Feng realized it must be something important.

The three of them sat quietly, their eyes fixed on Xianyu.

"The matter I'm about to discuss concerns you and your own decisions. Whether you go with me to Mondstadt or stay in Liyue to wait for me, it's up to you."

"If everything goes as planned, I'll be going to Mondstadt in a few days, but I'm not sure how long I'll stay there. So, I want to ask whether you want to accompany me and settle in Mondstadt or stay in Liyue until I return?"

"The incident where you were captured a few days ago was also because of me. If you come to Mondstadt, such incidents won't happen again."

"What is your choice?"

Zhang Feng pondered for a moment before asking, "Young Master, since you're going to Mondstadt for something important, I'm afraid my old bones and my two granddaughters will only slow you down."

"Besides, I'm a resident of Liyue, and going to Mondstadt would bring a lot of inconvenience. Moreover, if we all go to Mondstadt, who will accompany you in the future?"

Xianyu nodded after hearing this. Since the decision was made, he didn't need to persuade further.

His concern was genuine, but it wouldn't necessarily lead to another danger.

During this period, he was still in the "honeymoon phase" with the Fatui; they wouldn't let anything happen to his people.

But, as the saying goes, "Once a thief, always a thief." It's not possible to be safe all the time.

That's why the current situation arose.

In the end, it was because of Wu Dan's excessive caution. If it were outside, rather than in the harbor, Xianyu wouldn't have let him see the light of the next day.

"Well, if that's the case, you shouldn't wander around these days. Stay safe in Liyue Harbor."

Then, he took out the restaurant contract.

"I'm giving you this. As long as the food isn't too bad, you should be able to manage it."

Looking at the paper in his hand, Zhang Feng examined it for a long time, ensuring he didn't misread it before immediately returning it.

"Young Master! This is too valuable; I can't accept it!"

Xianyu had anticipated this situation and prepared accordingly.

"Uncle Zhang, this contract would just gather dust with me, but you can make use of it. If you think it's too much of a burden, you can consider managing it on my behalf."

"You know, I don't like doing these things. If you don't do it, I'll have to sell it."

Sell it? That would incur a significant loss. Zhang Feng was aware of such matters.

After hesitating for a long time, Zhang Feng finally accepted it.

"Then I'll look after it for you first. When you need it or when you get married, I'll bring it out again."

"Young Master used to be the young master, so when you get married, your partner should be from another prominent family. This fixed wealth will increase your chances of success at that time."

Marriage?

Xianyu just smiled without explaining. Such matters were far from his current considerations. Future matters would be decided in the future.

"Alright, that's fine."

After persuading Zhang Feng, Xianyu left.

This time, he was going to the Wanmin Restaurant. If possible, he wanted to cooperate with them. With their help, the restaurant's survival wouldn't be a problem.

If it worked out, he would inform Zhang Feng later. If not, there was no point in mentioning it.

Wanmin Restaurant was Xianyu's second visit. At this time, it was mealtime, and the place was likely packed with people. In Xianyu's eyes, there were almost no empty seats.

Why almost? Because there was one table that stood out.

Two women were quite conspicuous among the crowd.

Seeing Xianyu approach, they looked up from their meal.

"Wow, it's Xianyu! Are you here for a meal? Come, sit down. You're just in time. Let's eat together."

"Let me introduce you. This is Ganyu, my good friend, and she eats a lot! I really enjoy being friends with her."

"And, didn't you go to find an Adeptus last time? Oh, Ganyu should know about that. She's very familiar with the Jueyun Karst."

Hmm... Although Xianyu knew that Xiangling and Ganyu were close, calling two strangers to join you for a meal might make them feel uncomfortable, right?

And didn't you know that the person in front of you is the Adeptus? You're asking someone else about the Adeptus's whereabouts.

Every time he was with Xiangling, Xianyu couldn't help but mutter.

It seems he still can't get used to being around her.

This muttering stems from knowing "too much" while others assume you don't know, which can easily lead to changes in one's mindset.

Oh well, there's no point in dwelling on it. There's something that needs their help, so he might as well sit down calmly.

"Hello, I'm Xianyu."

Xianyu's introduction was brief, and Ganyu only said her name before returning to her meal.

Seeing this, Xianyu didn't react much either.

After all, ordinary people were just ordinary people in Ganyu's eyes. At most, he was just a mortal who could use elemental power.

It wasn't that she looked down on ordinary people; it was just a truth she had realized over the years.

Having experienced too many farewells in her long life, there were very few people who could gain her friendship now.

Even Xiangling, it was because of her personality and cooking skills that they became friends.

And Xianyu?

Just an "ordinary person."