Chapter 37

Several weeks passed, and Jiang Ning successfully became a permanent employee.

Although he was young, with Ganyu as his guarantor and guardian, and his widely praised work capabilities, he managed to succeed.

However, during these weeks, Ganyu's punctual work schedule caused great distress to others at the Yuehai Pavilion.

The workload suddenly increased, and some couldn't help but raise complaints to Keqing and Ningguang.

But they were promptly criticized.

Keqing, needless to say, was direct.

Since the Rite of Descension, she who proposed "Liyue Harbor belongs to its people" and promoted "rule by the people," criticized them without mercy.

"If the Yuehai Pavilion falls into chaos just because Ganyu, a single person, stops working overtime and maintains a normal employee's workload, what are the rest of you doing? If you're short-staffed, recruit more people. If work isn't finished, work overtime. Don't think I don't know that Ganyu has been completing many of your basic duties for you."

Ningguang was slightly more tactful, but only slightly.

"Her help was a favor, not an obligation. You can't use moral obligations to manipulate others... Rather than hoping Ganyu returns to her previous abnormal workload, why not reflect on why you can't complete your own work? Is it because you lack competence?"

Thus, the Yuehai Pavilion's abnormal situation, where Ganyu had been shouldering most of the work alone, gradually began to improve.

Keqing made bold reforms, with the Tianquan Ningguang and the currently absent Tianshu supporting her changes.

Those lacking ability and merely coasting along were dismissed, while capable individuals were promoted regardless of seniority.

With three of the Qixing in agreement, while several others were temporarily away from Liyue Harbor, this could be considered a consensus among Liyue's upper echelons, and those below had no choice but to accept it.

As for Jiang Ning, his high work efficiency meant that even an excessive workload was merely normal by ordinary standards. Being young, he often finished his work in half a day, spending the remaining time wandering outside or accompanying Shenhe to bully Ruin Guards and hilichurls in the wilderness.

One day, while walking through Liyue's streets with a skewer in hand, Jiang Ning heard someone calling his name.

Looking up, he saw Zhongli standing there, and cheerfully waved at him.

Zhongli said, "Come up for a moment... you're not busy, are you?"

Jiang Ning nodded and followed him up the stairs.

He discovered it was a theater.

Though Jiang Ning had been in Liyue for some time, he had never visited here and looked around curiously.

"Liyue's opera is truly exceptional. It's a pity that the famous Yun Jin isn't performing today, but it's still worth appreciating," Zhongli said as he led Jiang Ning to a private box.

"I don't know much about opera... but I'm interested," Jiang Ning said, leaning on the balcony railing.

"So, did you need something from me, Mr. Zhongli?"

Zhongli observed Jiang Ning: "I hear you've gained everyone's recognition at the Yuehai Pavilion, and in your spare time, you clear out monsters and save people?"

"Yes, we're all people of Liyue, helping each other out," Jiang Ning replied casually.

Zhongli smiled and sat down: "From now on, don't call me 'Mister.' Since we greet each other as master and disciple, you may call me Master."

"Yes, Master Zhongli," Jiang Ning immediately corrected himself.

He could tell how formidable Zhongli was, and Cloud Retainer had advised him that if other adepti were willing to teach, it would be fine to call them Master... Among the adepti, they were all comrades, and though they rarely met, their relationships were quite close.

Thus, Jiang Ning had no reservations about calling him Master.

Zhongli nodded with a smile: "Very good... In the future, you can visit the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor more often. I'll explain any questions you have about Geo elements, spearmanship, and adeptal arts that I understand."

"Yes, Master Zhongli," Jiang Ning replied.

"Now then, the opera is starting. Let's watch," Zhongli said finally, then fell silent.

...

After the performance, people below began giving tips, especially some particular elderly viewers who placed Mora directly on the performers' hats.

"This is called 'head prize,' a recognition of individual performers. This income belongs to them personally, not the entire troupe," Zhongli explained.

"I see," Jiang Ning realized.

Zhongli gently rang a nearby bell, and a server entered.

Holding his teacup, Zhongli said, "Today's opera was satisfactory... Award them ten thousand Mora, charged to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's account."

The server spoke some auspicious words before leaving.

Jiang Ning was amazed—tips could be put on account? Clearly, his master held a high position at the Funeral Parlor.

Zhongli stood and walked to the window, with Jiang Ning quickly following.

Following Zhongli's gaze, he noticed a young woman wearing a cloth cap.

Jiang Ning was startled. Despite some disguise and concealed presence, as someone who frequently worked with Keqing and was sensitive to elemental energy, he recognized her immediately.

"Keqing? Why is she wiping tables here?"

Zhongli explained: "This generation's Yuheng does everything herself, believing that getting close to the common people, hearing their voices, and experiencing the lives of ordinary citizens is crucial for building Liyue."

"Therefore, in her spare time, she often disguises herself as common folk or basic workers to investigate and experience, then returns to modify her policies accordingly."

"That's impressive..." Jiang Ning said sincerely.

Zhongli suddenly said: "In the future, you should interact with her more..."

"But Keqing seems to be at odds with Senior Sister over some matters," Jiang Ning hesitated.

Zhongli smiled: "Ganyu? Understandable, but Ganyu will gradually understand. Having someone like Keqing who thinks independently, I believe Rex Lapis Morax would only feel gratified."

"Oh, I understand," Jiang Ning said.

They continued discussing daily cultivation matters.

After calculating the time and sensing someone coming upstairs, Zhongli raised his finger, ensuring Jiang Ning wasn't aware of the person outside, then said:

"Sit down, we still have some time... Tell me, what do you think about the Yuheng's words at the Rite of Descension?"

Not only was Jiang Ning stunned, but the person outside also perked up their ears.