Chef Xiangling prepared a lavish dinner at Jiang Chen's home as a gesture of gratitude to her aunt.
Shenhe and the Cloud Retainer were also invited. Upon learning that Xiangling was Granny Ping's disciple, the Cloud Retainer couldn't help but interject:
"This is Shenhe, you can call her shijie."
"You also have another shijie named Ganyu—I assume you know her."
"If anyone bullies you in Liyue Harbor, just go straight to your shijie Ganyu."
"Tell her I said so."
Xiangling was dumbfounded by the Cloud Retainer's words.
"…Huh?"
Holy smokes, so my background is actually terrifying?
Shocked!
Her master was Granny Ping, an adeptus.
Her aunt was also an adeptus, and her shijie was a high-ranking official in Liyue—none other than the Yuheng of the Qixing, a super heavyweight in Liyue's political scene.
If she tallied it all up, Xiangling could practically strut sideways through Liyue Harbor.
After all, the people backing her were far too powerful.
Jiang Chen watched as Xiangling counted on her fingers, murmuring to herself, and couldn't help but smirk.
He had overheard her mutterings.
Well, of course. Your connections are insane.
Hu Tao was in a similar boat. Though she didn't yet know Zhongli's true identity, even the assumed title of "adeptus" was enough to let her roam Liyue unchecked.
Her actual status? The Geo Archon's leaky little vest—beloved but troublesome.
Everyone enjoyed a hearty meal together, after which Chongyun and Xingqiu excused themselves early.
They dared not linger any longer. While there was still some daylight left, they hurried off to book a room at Wangshu Inn.
Hu Tao, Xiangling, and the others, however, stayed at Jiang Chen's place.
Especially Hu Tao. Upon learning that Jiang Chen had plenty of spare rooms, she immediately claimed one as her own—for future visits.
And it had a sea view!
Absolute bliss.
Xiangling and Ayaka were more reserved, opting for guest rooms.
Once settled, everyone headed outside to enjoy the ocean breeze.
Lounging on a chair in the courtyard, Hu Tao suddenly realized how amazing seaside living was.
"Aiya, how did I never notice this before?"
"If I'd known it'd be this relaxing, I would've bought land by the sea ages ago!"
Hu Tao felt like she'd missed out on millions.
She even considered building a house near Wuwang Hill—where she could enjoy the view of the massive lake and play with the little ghosts.
Most people might find that terrifying, but to Hu Tao? Pure comfort.
Still, she quickly dismissed the idea.
It was too lonely there—no one ever visited.
And Hu Tao loved lively places.
"You can still buy now. Mingyun Village is developing new properties facing the coast."
"Ask Keqing when she gets back."
Hearing Hu Tao's lament, Jiang Chen chuckled and offered a solution. It wasn't too late to act.
Hu Tao's eyes lit up.
"Really?! Then I definitely need to ask!"
"Hopefully, she won't bonk me on the head with her sword."
Keqing was notoriously hard to deal with. Every time Hu Tao saw her serious expression, she itched to tease her—but always held back, fearing a sword hilt to the skull.
"Bonk you with what?"
Keqing's voice suddenly rang out from the entrance.
A moment later, she walked in, arms laden with documents, and glanced curiously at Hu Tao.
What were they talking about?
"Yo, Miss Keqing! Long time no see~!"
Hu Tao immediately sat up and waved.
"Keqing, have you eaten yet?"
"Do you want me to cook something for you?"
Xiangling, ever the caring chef, jumped up at the sight of Keqing returning so late. Her first concern was always whether someone had eaten.
Keqing shook her head.
"I've eaten, Xiangling! No need to trouble yourself."
She shot Hu Tao a brief glance before ignoring her and turning to Ayaka.
"Hello, I'm Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing."
"Miss Kamisato, are you settling in well in Liyue?"
"Is there anything you need help with?"
She recognized Ayaka instantly—Ningguang had briefed her on the Inazuman noble's appearance.
Ayaka, surprised by the direct address, quickly stood and bowed.
"Hello, Miss Keqing."
"Just 'Keqing' is fine."
"If you have any requests, feel free to ask me anytime."
After exchanging a few words with Ayaka, Keqing turned to Jiang Chen and thrust a stack of documents at him.
"These are for you."
"Factory reports and recent shop sales figures."
"Review them when you have time."
Jiang Chen's expression soured.
Without hesitation, he handed them to Havria.
"I'm planning to research Teleport Waypoints soon, so leave these to Havria."
"From now on, direct any matters to her."
Keqing's brows furrowed.
"You're slacking off!"
"You're the Tianquan!"
"You can't just push work onto others!"
This guy was clearly exploiting Havria!
You're the one in charge—why dump everything on her?!
"If Teleport Waypoints can be developed, traveling to Inazuma or Mondstadt will be instantaneous."
"Besides, Havria can handle these tasks."
"You should also delegate more. Not everything needs your personal attention."
"Human energy is limited—you can't micromanage everything."
"Spread the workload, or you'll burn yourself out."
"Surely you've noticed? With all these projects expanding, you haven't rested properly in ages."
Jiang Chen didn't know how else to drill this into Keqing's head.
If he were her boss, he'd adore an employee like her—the model worker.
But they were peers. If Keqing kept this up, she'd literally work herself to death.
Thank goodness she had a Vision. Without one? She'd have collapsed long ago.
She needed this reality check.
"Exactly!"
"I fully support Jiang Chen's take!"
Hu Tao vigorously nodded in agreement.
She wholeheartedly approved.
Trying to handle everything yourself was a one-way ticket to exhaustion.
Delegating was the only sustainable approach.
Keqing, you must be scolded for this!