"Has the Finance Department finished verifying the recent revenue records? And is Keqing's resource dispatch summary completed?"

Baiwen pursed her lips, but wasn't intimidated in the slightest. After all, Ningguang only showed this softer, more girlish side to people she trusted.

It meant that she deeply trusted Baiwen —which was a good sign.

In truth, Baiwen was pleasantly surprised by Ningguang's transformation.

In the past, Ningguang had always seemed lofty and untouchable, like a Orbital moon removed from the mortal world.

But now, after getting together with Ryen, she finally seemed to be showing genuine human emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and laughter.

At the very least, Baiwen felt this version of Ningguang—capable of warmth and wit—was much more approachable.

"Everything's been organized, Lady Ningguang. Would you like to go through it now?"

Baiwen picked up a few reports from the side, but Ningguang waved her hand with a helpless sigh.

"This afternoon, perhaps... Has Ryen returned yet?"

"Please rest assured, Lady Ningguang. Baishi has been keeping watch below. The moment Ryen and the others return, he'll immediately notify the Jade Chamber."

Hearing this, Ningguang's expression softened noticeably. After a moment of silence, she muttered under her breath:

"Just bring Ryen up first…"

Baiwen blinked and teased with a sly smile:

"Shall I send Lady Ganyu and Miss Hu Tao off on some errands? I worry they might stick closely to Lord Ryen…"

Ningguang pursed her lips and cleared her throat softly:

"I'm only discussing certain details of governance with Ryen—there's no need to be secretive about it."

She paused, then added:

"But yes, Yuehai Pavilion and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor do have some matters that need their attention. Just inform them."

Baiwen was practically laughing inside.

As expected, her Lady Ningguang was missing her man.

But Baiwen also found herself a little curious.

That kind of thing… was it really that irresistible?

Even someone as high and noble as the Tianquan Star was showing such a girlish demeanor…

Ningguang looked so happy whenever she thought about that stuff.

Could it be… she'd reached that age?

Ningguang's age had always been a mystery.

Even Baiwen herself didn't know the details.

"In any case, once Ryen returns, make sure he comes straight up to the Jade Chamber!"

Ningguang reminded her again. Once Baiwen nodded and acknowledged the order, she finally looked reassured.

Baiwen was just about to update her on recent events in Liyue Harbor—especially the Fatui's recent retreat and withdrawal.

She still needed Ningguang's approval on how to handle that situation.

But before she could speak, Baixiao rushed in with a worried expression.

"Lady Ningguang! Captain Beidou is here to see you—"

"That woman…"

Ningguang rubbed her forehead in frustration.

"Didn't I already say no visitors? Why is she here again?"

"Oh? I'm really that unwelcome?"

Beidou's voice drifted in casually, and the next moment, she strolled right in with Ayaka at her side.

She plopped down comfortably into a nearby seat.

Ayaka, on the other hand, looked a bit embarrassed and offered a slight bow before quietly sitting next to Beidou.

Unbothered, Beidou grabbed a Sunsettia from a nearby plate and took a big bite.

"Who was it that once said, even if I became the Tianquan Star, the Jade Chamber would always welcome my visits?"

"Now that you're all high and mighty, you don't recognize people anymore, do you, Lady Ningguang?"

Ningguang sighed and waved for Baiwen and Baixiao to withdraw.

Only then did she respond with some helplessness:

"That promise still stands. But I really do have a lot of work right now. Couldn't you have chosen a better time to drop by?"

"A better time?"

Beidou curled her lip.

"You, the ever-busy woman—if you're not handling affairs of Liyue Harbor, then you're off dating that Ryen fellow."

"Tell me, what exactly is a good time? Why don't you lay out a schedule for me? Otherwise, I'm genuinely worried I'll interrupt some passionate moment between you two."

Ningguang shook her head, unbothered by Beidou's teasing, and said softly:

"Go on then. What do you want?"

"Two things!"

Beidou's eyes lit up. She straightened up and smiled brightly at Ningguang.

"First—those hot weapons from the other day. I want to outfit the Alcor with them."

"Absolutely not!"

Ningguang refused without hesitation.

"Hot weapons concern the very foundation of Liyue. Even the Millelith are under strict surveillance when using them, with mandatory reports and protocols. There's no way I'd allow private forces like yours to have them."

"Don't bring this up again. If the Geo Archon hears about it, he'll be furious."

Beidou shrugged. Truthfully, she hadn't expected to get them so easily.

But hey… if you shoot for the moon, you might land among the stars!

It's classic Liyue wisdom.

"Alright then, what about redstone cannons or beacon tech?"

"Also impossible."

Ningguang shook her head again.

"Redstone cannons are far too dangerous. Beacons are also core to Liyue's strategic infrastructure. These things won't be made available for outside circulation."

"Tsk…"

Beidou gave a dramatic shake of her head, pretending to be annoyed.

"This won't work, that won't work. Why don't you just kick me out then?"

Ningguang rolled her eyes.

"Enough. Don't try your little tricks on me. I'll allow the Alcor to be equipped with the Millelith's standard-issue advanced alchemical potions and enchanted weapons."

"But in return, the General Affairs Office gets thirty percent of your haul from each voyage."

Beidou raised an eyebrow and chuckled:

"Deal!"

Ningguang sighed in exasperation.

If Beidou weren't such a good friend, she could've asked for seventy percent instead.

Did Beidou really think high-grade alchemical potions and enchanted weapons grew on trees?

"And the second thing?"

Ningguang waved her hand and turned her gaze back to Beidou.

Beidou patted Ayaka on the shoulder and smiled:

"The second thing—let her explain."

Hearing that, Ningguang's gaze sharpened. She looked calmly at Ayaka and said slowly:

"So… you're still not giving up, are you? Lady Kamisato Ayaka… of Inazuma's Yashiro Commission."

~~----------------------

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