"Second, we got here too early. At this time of day, there's nowhere open for breakfast, so they just make do with dry rations."
"That's why, when we showed up with hot, delicious Mora Meat, there was no way they'd say no."
"And third, because you were the one selling it, Ningguang. If it had been me, I doubt it would've sold that fast."
Ningguang blinked, clearly puzzled.
"Why's that? You did really well yesterday."
She couldn't help asking.
"Because we were aiming at different crowds," Elliot replied.
"Different crowds?"
"Exactly. The folks out and about at night in Liyue aren't usually in a rush."
"You just have to catch their interest, so I used a few eye-catching tricks."
"But the sailors in the morning? They're always in a hurry. They don't have time for gimmicks or small talk."
"They just want to fill their stomachs. But because you're cute and approachable, they're more likely to stop by your stall."
With that explanation, Ningguang immediately understood.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him with something close to admiration.
And that's when she finally remembered what Elliot had said the night before:
"This is a good investment. I accept."
She felt a quiet wave of gratitude toward her own instincts—if not for them, she wouldn't have gained such valuable insight.
She quickly pulled out her earnings and counted out 9,500 Mora for Elliot.
"Elliot, this is what we agreed on yesterday. Half of what I made is yours."
"And this is for the clothes you bought me today."
She handed over another 2,500 Mora.
Altogether, she gave him 12,000 Mora, keeping 7,000 for herself.
She never imagined she'd earn 7,000 Mora in a single day.
That was more than she used to make in an entire month.
Like someone earning 3,000 a month suddenly meeting a mentor who teaches them how to make that in just one day.
It wasn't just a lucky break—it was practically a gold mine.
And this wasn't even the peak. It was just the beginning.
What she'd gained wasn't just a quick payday through some loophole—it was real knowledge. The kind of know-how that lasts a lifetime.
"Alright, time to rest. You must be exhausted after making twenty Mora Meats last night."
Elliot took the 12,000 Mora with a smile.
"Elliot… I want to keep 1,500 Mora for ingredients and give you the rest. Could you teach me more? I don't mind hard work."
She kept only enough to buy supplies for the next batch, offering the rest to Elliot in hopes he'd keep guiding her.
Elliot paused, momentarily taken aback. His feelings were a bit mixed.
He couldn't help but sigh internally—this girl really had a knack for business.
She understood that investing in Elliot was never a loss. The more she learned, the more she'd earn in the future.
But seeing her like this also tugged at his heart.
Making twenty Mora Meats wasn't easy. And they'd met at dawn—around 5:30 in the morning.
Which meant...
She'd probably stayed up all night.
Even now, she looked up at him with a radiant smile—no trace of fatigue, just pure joy.
Only someone who's truly struggled can understand that feeling.
When the slightest chance to earn appears, you cling to it like a starving beast—no matter how tired you are.
"These are yours. Keep them safe. I've already taken my share. Our agreement still stands—I don't go back on my word."
"Right now, what you need is rest. Recharge—when you're alert and focused, your insight gets sharper. That'll help you even more."
After a brief pause, Ningguang took the Mora back and nodded gratefully.
"Okay. Thank you, Elliot. See you tonight."
"Mm. See you tonight..."
Once Ningguang left, Elliot returned to the inn, ate a simple breakfast, and began meditating. He continued through the afternoon, breaking only for a quick meal before resuming.
The longer he meditated, the more freedom he'd regain later.
In other words, unless absolutely necessary, Elliot was spending all his time meditating.
His goal, of course, was to avoid letting Ningguang see the condition of his body again.
He'd lost a lot of mobility, but it didn't matter. As long as he endured, things would improve.
As the saying goes—No Pain, No Gain...
...
Night fell.
They met again at the agreed time.
Once more, they returned to Liyue Harbor, the city's busiest area.
The streets were packed. People bustled back and forth.
But today was different from yesterday.
Elliot didn't bring Mora Meat or signage.
Instead, he was carrying bags and bags of snacks—so many that Ningguang was practically drooling.
After all, what kid doesn't love snacks?
Still, Mora meant more to her. No matter how tempted she was, she didn't spend a single coin. Elliot had bought the whole stash himself.
"Elliot, why'd you buy so many snacks?"
"It's an investment," he replied with a smile.
"Huh? An investment?" Ningguang tilted her head, puzzled. How could snacks be an investment?
But the answer came soon enough.
Elliot walked to the docks, where a group of kids was playing.
"Hey there!" he greeted, flashing a bright smile.
The moment they spotted the bags of snacks, their eyes lit up, and they swarmed around him.
"Whoa! Big bro, you've got so many snacks!"
"I really wanna try one! Can I have just a little?"
"Yeah, please!"
Elliot gave them a warm look and said, "How about this—let's play a game."
"Yay! We love games!"
"What are we playing? Hide and seek?!"
Just hearing the word "game" got them even more excited.
Young kids—they're innocent, but also the best informants.
"Here's the deal: each of you tells me something you've heard around here. Whoever shares the best info gets a whole bag of snacks. Sound good?"
"Yes! Yes!!"
"I'll go first! Me!"
"Me too! Me too!"
The kids all shouted over one another, eager to share whatever gossip and rumors they'd picked up at the harbor lately.