The report stated that the price of rice in Liyue had mysteriously surged recently, causing ripple effects across the city's economy.
According to the Millelith's investigation, a gang of thieves had been ambushing rice shipments en route to Liyue. This had spooked the merchants, reducing the rice supply into the city and driving prices up.
Ganyu stood behind Xu Zheng, gently stroking his hair. She seemed so taken with it, she didn't even notice that he had finished reading the document.
"Master, if you keep patting my head like that, you'll rub me bald."
Xu Zheng shook his head, trying to dislodge her hand.
"Eh!" Ganyu finally snapped out of it, blushing with a hint of embarrassment.
But it just feels so nice to touch…
"Little Xu Zheng, you're done reading? What do you make of it?"
Ganyu circled her arms around him from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder, cheek brushing against his face.
Xu Zheng didn't even blink at the closeness. He stayed focused, pointing at a line in the document.
"Here. It says the culprits are a group of bandits. But why target rice shipments specifically?"
"Logically, convoys transporting jewels or other expensive goods should be more valuable. What's the point in robbing rice?"
"Same time investment, lower return."
Ganyu's expression shifted from curious to thoughtful. For a moment, she even forgot she was listening to a child—Xu Zheng's tone reminded her of the Geo Archon himself.
"Maybe... the more valuable convoys have tighter security, and the bandits can't handle them?" Ganyu offered.
"Fair point. But then the question becomes—where's all the stolen rice going? Are they storing it? Selling it off?"
The clues were scarce, and Xu Zheng could only speculate.
Still, it gave Ganyu a direction. She immediately called over her subordinates. As a secretary to the Liyue Qixing, she rarely had to do things herself—delegation was her superpower.
[Mission Phase Complete. Reward: 10 Primogems issued.]
Oh? Xu Zheng arched an eyebrow.
So partial progress earns rewards? That means my guess was on point.
Feeling accomplished, he hopped off Ganyu's lap—specifically, from her thigh clad in black semi-sheer tights.
Can't keep distracting her from work all day.
"Eh!"
Ganyu's ahoge drooped slightly. The lingering warmth on her thighs made her feel strangely... empty.
Ugh, my disciple is too cute.
And way too smart.
By evening, Ganyu stood and stretched. Her arms reached up, her back arched—and the two soft slimes on her chest bounced in perfect sync with her movement.
Xu Zheng sat nearby, staring. Slowly, a thought took root in his mind.
Just hypothetically speaking...
If Ganyu wore a crop top, wouldn't she look amazing? Totally not because I want to see it. Just, y'know, curiosity.
That stretch… The visuals…
"Xu Zheng, want me to teach you how to use elemental energy?"
Ganyu had worked tirelessly all day, stealing only the occasional glance at Xu Zheng.
[Emergency Mission Triggered]
[Note: Host may choose one of the three options. This explanation will only appear once.]
Option 1: Eagerly say "I'd love to!" — Reward: 5,000 Mora
Option 2: Ponder a bit, then agree — Reward: 1-Star Weapon: Training Greatsword
Option 3: Turn away and reject her — Reward: 10 Primogems
Xu Zheng originally intended to say yes, but now that the system was dangling rewards...
Let's be real. A 1-star weapon? That's basically vendor trash.
Option 3 was kind of rude—but 10 primos? Hard to ignore.
Sorry Ganyu, I love you, but I love gacha more.
"I don't want to." Xu Zheng turned his head away.
"Wha—?!"
Ganyu's face fell. Her ahoge drooped like a dying leaf. She looked devastated.
The system chimed.
[Option Mission Complete. 10 Primogems issued.]
Xu Zheng quickly opened his panel and confirmed the gem count. Sure enough—+10.
Wait... so I can be a little shit and still keep the reward even if I change my mind afterward?
Am I… exploiting a bug?
Turning back, he saw Ganyu sitting beside him, head lowered in defeat.
He couldn't help himself.
He reached out and gave her a gentle pat on the head.
"Mmm?!"
Ganyu flinched but relaxed almost instantly under his hand. His touch gave her a strange sense of comfort.
His hand wandered up slightly and brushed against her horns.
Then—without his conscious input—his right hand grabbed one.
I swear, your honor, it acted on its own. Don't blame me—blame the hand.
"Ah...!"
Ganyu's body trembled. A wave of strange, electric warmth shot through her. Her heart skipped a beat.
Her horns weren't just decorative. Touching them triggered both physical and emotional sensations.
But this… this felt very different from when Cloud Retainer used to pat her as a child.
Xu Zheng, still holding the horn, spoke softly. "Master, I was just joking earlier. Please don't be mad."
Ganyu whimpered, "Okay."
Xu Zheng checked the system panel again. No gem changes.
So they don't take back the gems if you reverse the choice.
Totally an exploit.
"Master, let's start training then!"
He released her horn and hopped back.
[Affection +10. Reward: 10 Primogems issued.]
"???"
Touching her horn raises affection?!
Xu Zheng stared at his hand, deep in thought.
If I grab it all night, can I farm thousands of gems while I sleep?
Some people die... but not completely.