Hearing Ningguang's words, Ganyu looked bewildered, the little cowlick on her head twitching slightly.
Jars again.
She had heard Ningguang mention something about opening jars before, but she was so buried in work that she hadn't paid much attention.
Ningguang had said it wasn't a pressing matter at the time.
But today, Ningguang summoned her specifically to talk about these jars again. Ganyu was confused. What exactly did "opening jars" mean?
"Sigh."
Seeing Ganyu's blank expression, Ningguang chuckled softly. "It's alright. I'll explain slowly. I know you've been swamped with work lately. Liyue Bank's success is largely thanks to your late nights and hard work. You've had a tough few days."
"It is my duty."
Ganyu blushed slightly and shook her head. "It's not hard. The establishment of Liyue Bank is all thanks to your vision, Lady Ningguang."
Seeking the greatest welfare for the majority of Liyue's living beings was her job description.
The bank was built on Ningguang's orders.
In Ganyu's eyes, she merely lent a hand.
Ningguang was the one truly contributing to Liyue.
"Sit down first. You've been too busy to follow the news. Let me give you a brief overview."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Ganyu nodded and sat down, placing her hands neatly on her silk-clad legs, listening quietly.
Seeing Ganyu's obedient demeanor, Ningguang smiled. "A few days ago, a Jar Shop appeared in Liyue. The reason I established the Liyue Bank is because I pulled a book titled Financial Management from one of those jars. Take a look at these."
Ningguang handed two books to Ganyu.
Ganyu picked one up and started reading.
She was instantly captivated.
She finished the first book quickly, then moved on to the second.
"Incredible."
After turning the last page, Ganyu whispered, "The knowledge in these books represents a completely new height of understanding."
She finally understood why Ningguang had opened the bank.
The economic principles explained in these books were simple yet profound.
Simple truths that required only a shift in perspective, yet no one had thought of them for thousands of years.
Even she hadn't.
Seeing Ganyu finish, Ningguang smiled. "You've seen the content and know its value. Now, understand that the shop these came from holds far more."
"Beyond books, the jars contain items that rival or surpass Visions—Devil Fruits, magical bloodlines, strange tools. Even Captain Beidou's Steam Battleship came from that shop."
"Each person can buy ten ordinary jars per week at 100,000 Mora each. That's one million for the set."
"Once you've bought enough ordinary jars, you unlock the right to purchase exquisite jars, which contain even better items according to the shopkeeper."
"Director Hu Tao has expanded Wangsheng's services to include 'Soul Out-of-Body' experiences and even hatched a Fire Dragon from a jar."
...
Ningguang gave Ganyu a concise summary of everything related to the Jar Shop.
From its appearance to the events of the day.
Ganyu listened, wide-eyed.
She had only been holed up in Yujing Terrace for a few days, yet Liyue had changed so much because of this shop.
If Ningguang hadn't told her, she wouldn't have known.
"So, do you understand why I want you to open jars?"
Ningguang said softly. "You need to go tomorrow. It is good for you, and good for Liyue."
"I understand, Lady Ningguang."
Ganyu nodded earnestly. "For the sake of Liyue, I will open jars tomorrow."
Her eyes were filled with astonishment.
The news from the Tianquan was shocking.
In thousands of years, she had never heard of such a magical shop.
If anyone other than Ningguang had told her, she wouldn't have believed it.
"Good."
Ningguang smiled at Ganyu's quick acceptance. "That's settled then. Remember to go tomorrow. If you pull something useful for the general populace, let me know. If not, keep it for yourself."
"I don't mean to take your items. I just want you to understand the importance of these jars. You need to max out your quota every week. It benefits both you and Liyue."
"I understand, Lady Ningguang."
Ganyu nodded. "I will buy them tomorrow."
"Alright. That will be all for today."
Ningguang said gently. "It's getting late. Go back and rest early."
"Yes."
Ganyu stood up, but paused, looking at the books on the table. "Lady Ningguang, may I borrow these two books? I'd like to read them again."
"Of course."
Ningguang nodded.
She had copies. It didn't matter if Ganyu took them.
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang!"
Ganyu took the books gratefully and left.
Meanwhile, in Liyue.
At Wanmin Restaurant.
Chef Mao was warmly hosting Felix, Hu Tao, and Mona.
He hadn't expected the shopkeeper to visit for dinner tonight.
"Shopkeeper, you don't need to come in person next time."
Chef Mao said enthusiastically as Felix sat down. "Just send word, and I'll cook whatever you want and have Xiangling deliver it. No need for you to run over here."
Wanmin Restaurant's current fame was all thanks to Felix's shop.
From the booming instant noodle sales to the upcoming coffee menu, Felix had paved a golden road for him.
He was incredibly grateful.
If not for Felix, how could his restaurant become so popular, possibly even surpassing Li and Yue styles?
"No need to exaggerate."
Felix shook his head with a laugh, overwhelmed by Chef Mao's enthusiasm.
"The Shopkeeper is really popular," Mona remarked.
But thinking of his shop, it made sense.
It was only natural he was well-liked.
Chef Mao glanced at the Charmander, then went back to work.
He already had a roast suckling pig; a new creature wasn't that shocking.
However, the surrounding diners couldn't take their eyes off the little dragon.
"Director Hu, what is that little guy next to you?"
Someone couldn't resist asking.
"This is the newest member of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. His name is Charmander."
Hu Tao grinned. "Everyone get to know him! Come on, say hello to everyone."
"Char!"
Charmander let out a cute cry at the diners.
Many eyes lit up.
It was so cute.
"Charmander? Is it a Fire Dragon?"
"No way. Fire dragons don't look like that. And I've never heard of one."
"Maybe it's a baby? I've never seen a fire dragon, but now I know what one looks like."
"Doesn't matter to us. We just need to know it's Director Hu's pet."
"True. Wangsheng offers soul out-of-body services now. Raising a dragon isn't that weird. Chef Mao keeps a giant roast pig as a pet, remember?"
"I forgot about that pig. It smells so good; I always want to take a bite."
...
The diners chatted among themselves.
Compared to most, they accepted new things quickly.
Especially after seeing Guoba and the "Roast Suckling Pig" (Tepig) at Wanmin.
Seeing Charmander just sparked curiosity, then acceptance.
If Chef Mao could raise a pig, Hu Tao could raise a dragon.
No big deal.
Besides, it didn't look scary. It was cute. They wanted to hug it.
As they discussed the dragon, Mona and Hu Tao chatted, and Felix teased the Charmander with a smile.
It was indeed much cuter and more pleasing to the eye than other reptiles. He kind of wanted to raise one too.
"Here it comes! Wanmin's signature dish!"
Xiangling walked out excitedly, carrying a large pot.
Hearing Felix was here, she had cooked this herself.
"Smells amazing."
Smelling the aroma, Mona's stomach growled loudly.
She had never seen such a lavish, delicious meal.
She had never eaten anything like this.
"Xiangling, you don't look busy."
Hu Tao grinned at her friend. "Look at my new pet! Charmander!"
"So cute!"
Xiangling spotted Charmander immediately.
She petted its head delightedly.
This little guy was adorable. Just one look, and she found it cuter than Guoba.
"Lu..."
Seeing Hu Tao petting Charmander, Guoba, who was following Xiangling, stared at the newcomer.
"Char."
Noticing Guoba's gaze, Charmander tilted its head and chirped.
"Alright, alright, let's eat first."
Hu Tao turned to Mona. "Mona, weren't you hungry? Dig in! Xiangling, have you eaten? Sit down and join us."
"I already ate. I'll just watch you guys."
"Alright then."
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