Since the teahouse incident, Ningguang's personality had gradually become more composed and versatile.
Under Elliot's guidance, she had grown increasingly adept at reading people.
She was now familiar with the subtle messages hidden behind every glance and movement.
During this time, she often accompanied Elliot, participating in multiple business skirmishes—negotiations over dinner, tense exchanges, and trade deals.
Each time, the outcome would lean in Elliot's favor.
Soaked in this environment, Ningguang's growth was remarkable. Though still young, she had developed a presence that could shift like the wind.
Mastering the ability to control and wield her emotions to gain greater benefits had become a skill fully within her grasp.
She adjusted her approach based on who she faced.
The most effective tactics remained acting spoiled or cute.
At her age, such methods worked best.
Because of this, Ningguang had come to realize just how powerful it was to make use of children.
They were easy to please—a few snacks would do—and they rarely had hidden motives, making them easy to manage.
...
"What's this…?"
As she wandered through Liyue Harbor like usual, Ningguang suddenly noticed something unusual.
She bent down to pick it up and examined it closely, then gasped softly.
"A Vision? But it's an empty shell?"
Ningguang's eyes lit up with delight—this was a rare find.
With a Vision, even an ordinary person could wield elemental power!
And this one appeared to be unbound. If someone could activate it, they'd gain powerful elemental abilities.
"I have to show this to Elliot! This has to be worth a fortune!"
But before she could set her plan into motion...
The Vision in her hand flared with golden light.
"...?"
Ningguang stared, stunned. The smile that had just bloomed on her face froze in place.
She stood there in a daze, eyes locked on the Vision.
"Did… did it just activate?" she mumbled, staring blankly at it.
After checking multiple times, she had to accept the truth—it had been activated.
She felt a wave of disappointment. Now that it was bound, she couldn't sell it.
Compared to elemental power, she still preferred Mora.
Elliot had always said that force was the last resort.
If you could solve something with words, don't use Mora. If you could solve it with Mora, don't use force.
After all, Elliot had taught her a one-of-a-kind skill in this world—used wisely, her wealth would only grow.
...
Feeling dejected, Ningguang returned to the teahouse, where Elliot was still quietly sipping tea.
Sitting across from him was Zhongli.
Both were knowledgeable and shared a deep appreciation for tea. Their meeting had led to instant camaraderie, and they had become friends naturally.
It was worth noting, though, that Elliot always paid the bill.
A little unfair, really.
Still, it was just tea—nothing too serious.
"Ningguang, back already?" Elliot greeted her with a faint smile, then noticed the Vision in her hand.
"Elliot, I found this near the docks. It was just an empty shell, but somehow, it activated on me…"
She sounded a little aggrieved, clearly not thrilled about receiving an activated Vision.
Seeing her expression and hearing what happened, Elliot and Zhongli exchanged a glance and couldn't help smiling.
"This means you've been recognized by the gods." Elliot calmly poured a cup of tea and handed it to her.
"Very few people across all of Teyvat can resonate with an unbound Vision," Zhongli added after taking a sip.
"I'd rather just get more Mora..." Ningguang muttered under her breath.
"Since it's come to you, you may as well accept it. This Vision was meant to be yours. Take good care of it," Elliot said.
Reluctantly, Ningguang looked at the Vision and tucked it away.
Watching her behavior, both Elliot and Zhongli were a little speechless.
After all, the Vision was something most mortals dreamed of but could never obtain. Only those chosen by the gods could receive one.
In other words, no amount of Mora could buy it. If it wasn't meant for you, it never would be.
Yet Ningguang, having just awakened a Vision, seemed so unimpressed—even Zhongli was slightly caught off guard.
...
"Ningguang, I heard a few fleets are returning today. Can you help me gather some information?" Elliot asked.
"Of course! Leave it to me!" she replied with full confidence and promptly left the teahouse.
Watching her go, Elliot took a light sip of tea, then turned his gaze to Zhongli.
"It's time to talk business, Zhongli." He could feel the power inside him stirring.
Yes—his time was nearly up.
What the system meant by "help Ningguang become the richest person in all of Teyvat" wasn't just about Mora.
It was that...
She was worthy of it.
In other words, all the knowledge Ningguang had learned from Elliot was enough to make her the richest person in Teyvat.
Which meant his mission was complete.
...
"Seems like this isn't just a simple matter," Zhongli commented after another sip of tea.
If it were something trivial, Elliot wouldn't have gone out of his way to send Ningguang off.
"I want her to become the next member of the Liyue Qixing. Specifically, the Tianquan."
"Oh? That would be a fine thing. I believe she's more than capable," Zhongli said with a calm smile.
"She is. I truly believe she'll lead Liyue into a new era—one more powerful than ever before."
"If it's you saying it, then I'm inclined to believe it even more." Zhongli looked at him directly.
"Me…" Elliot muttered, gazing into the reflection in his teacup before letting out a sigh. "But my journey isn't over yet."
"You're leaving Liyue? Off to travel the other nations?" Zhongli asked instinctively.
"I don't know where I'm going next or what identity I'll take on, but... the road is calling."
"An unknown journey..."
"That's right."
"Will you come back?"
"I think… I probably will." Elliot wasn't entirely sure.
"You're not taking Ningguang with you?"
"This journey is one I must take alone."
"To her, you're everything. If you don't take her, she'll—"
"I know. But I have to walk this path alone. For her sake, I'll create a false contract."
"A false contract?" Zhongli looked puzzled.
"You'll see," Elliot replied, slowly rising to his feet.
"I just ask that, after I'm gone, you keep an eye on her. When you feel she's ready to join the Liyue Qixing, lend her your strength. Think of it as…"
Elliot had reached the top of the stairs. He turned back and smiled at Zhongli.
"…repayment for all the tea you've shared with me, Lord of Geo."
With that, he descended the stairs.
Zhongli sat in silence, hand frozen midair, still holding his teacup.