"Honored guests…"
Even though he was a Fatui Harbinger, with the Raiden Shogun present, Ningguang dared not make the slightest move.
"Honored guests? So this is how Liyue treats visitors?"
Su Ran slowly strolled toward her— then abruptly changed direction, his eyes falling on the bulletin board beside her desk, plastered with reports.
"Well now… this portrait isn't bad. Catches at least thirty percent of my charm."
The board contained no shortage of Fatui intelligence.
Especially about him.
So, the Qixing really were wary of their newest Harbinger.
He'd never even set foot in Liyue before, yet their files already included reports from all the way back in Snezhnaya.
"Miss Ningguang, collecting all this intelligence on me… what could you be planning?"
Su Ran stroked his chin, feigning curiosity.
Ningguang, however, had already gone numb inside.
What could she say?
Why does one collect intel?
Because when facing a Harbinger, Liyue could hardly afford to be blind.
Know yourself, know your enemy—only then can you win a hundred battles.
"Could it be… Miss Ningguang admires me?"
Ningguang drew a long, steady breath.
"Sir Genius, you jest.
As Liyue's Tianquan, it is my duty to protect our land.
Your Fatui's actions across Teyvat are notoriously domineering.
If I failed to prepare, Liyue would surely suffer for it."
Still, her gaze kept flickering toward the Raiden Shogun.
Offending Su Ran was one thing.
But offending her? Unthinkable.
A Harbinger, no matter how strong, was still mortal.
A god, however…
Even Ningguang, shrewd as she was, didn't dare test her patience.
"Oh? So I'm the villain in your eyes?"
His mock look of belated realization sent a chill down her spine.
This man was dangerous.
That last-seat Harbinger was tolerable— but this Second Harbinger, one who could bring the Raiden Shogun to heel?
Far too dangerous.
"Then… is Miss Ningguang declaring war on me? Or merely issuing a challenge?"
If only she knew of the vast powers beyond the stars, of the very Genius Society that Su Ran belonged to— she would bitterly regret such words.
Even as an enemy, she'd scramble to befriend him.
But she didn't know.
"Mr. Su Ran, if I sought war, I would hardly have invited you to the Jade Chamber as a guest."
She admitted it—she had intended to give him a little show of authority.
But only a small provocation.
Never outright war.
And with the Raiden Shogun here, she wanted nothing less than conflict.
"Funny. I don't see much hospitality so far.
Not even a cup of tea in sight."
Su Ran glanced around.
Two chairs, nothing else.
Only Ningguang's seat had a cup of tea.
Ningguang: …
"Please, both of you, come with me.
As honored guests, you must be properly received.
I shall see to it personally."
She led the way.
Originally, her plan had been to give a little pressure first, then move on to hosting.
But with a god here?
Best to skip the first part entirely.
"See that? Classic bullying the weak, fearing the strong.
If you weren't here, she'd have come at me hard."
Su Ran whispered to Ei.
Well—"whispered." Loud enough for Ningguang to hear every word.
She forced herself to ignore it.
"But… you're hardly weak."
Ei frowned.
Su Ran's strength was above her own.
Even Morax hadn't been his match.
Where did this woman get the nerve to try playing tough with him?
At least with her, people could argue the reason.
But with Su Ran… there was no reasoning at all.
The man could shut Rex Lapis himself into a cage, then laugh about it afterward.
"This is why intelligence matters.
Judging me by the standards of a typical Harbinger? Utterly foolish.
I simply don't lower myself to bickering with country folk."
Ahead of them, cold sweat pricked Ningguang's back.
Her steps grew unsteady as their words sank in.
Could this "Genius" really be a tier of his own among Harbingers?
Then why was he only in the Second Seat?
She longed to ask—but dared not.
At last, they reached a spacious hall.
Two teacups had been set out for guests, clearly prepared.
Her three secretaries were already present, masks of composure hiding any awkwardness.
Baixiao stepped forward to pour.
"Wait."
Ningguang stopped her.
"To honor such guests, I shall serve them myself."
Her earlier misstep might have already soured them.
If she didn't make amends, the consequences would be dire.
The Rite of Parting was imminent— if the Raiden Shogun whispered a word to the Geo Archon…
Her career as Tianquan could end overnight.
"Tianquan Ningguang, pouring tea herself?
Now that's an honor indeed."
Su Ran smirked at her discomfort.
"You're the host, Miss Ningguang.
Why do you look more nervous than your guests?"
He sipped leisurely.
Even without being a connoisseur, he knew this was good tea.
Her three secretaries sensed the tension but held their tongues.
"Naturally, it is because of the esteem of my guests.
To serve you personally—
Ningguang feels humbled."
Lowering herself was not her usual style.
But at this moment, she had no choice.
And if they pressed harder still?
Then she would… take another step back.
~~--------------------------------------
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