Chapter 121: Chapter 121
"Sister Ningguang, I'm here again."
Jiang Ning arrived at the Jade Chamber. Ningguang was still working but smiled when she saw him:
"Long time no see, what made you think of visiting today?"
Jiang Ning said: "Well, I promised to bring you those books, right? I've finished them and brought them right over. I couldn't come earlier because of Master."
As he spoke, Jiang Ning casually pulled up a chair, sat beside Ningguang, and reached for the pastries on the table.
Ningguang watched him with an amused smile, pushing the pastries closer to him, and said caringly:
"If it was adepti business, there's no need to worry about me."
"Well, it's done now... here you go."
Jiang Ning produced several thick books, which he had stayed up all night... supervising the System to copy.
When Ningguang received the books, she didn't rush to read them but set them aside, more interested in Jiang Ning's wellbeing:
"It must have been tough living in the wild all this time."
Jiang Ning smiled: "You knew I was in the wild, yet still asked why I hadn't visited... It was fine, thanks to Madame Ping's Serenitea Pot."
At the mention of the Serenitea Pot, even Ningguang showed envy. She had tried to purchase one from Madame Ping but was refused.
It was truly convenient and discrete.
"By the way, there's something I'd like to discuss with you..."
Jiang Ning said.
"It's about Liyue's money houses - we could completely reform them into our own Liyue banks."
Knowing Jiang Ning's inventiveness, Ningguang's beautiful eyes sparkled: "Continue."
"Well, look at why the Northland Bank can dominate the seven nations' market?"
"Low management fees for deposits and withdrawals, they were first to dominate the loan market, high risk with high returns that people covet, and the Fatui debt collectors who ensure every debt is either paid with full assets or intimidated with their lives..." Ningguang softly outlined the simple but core aspects of Northland Bank.
Being the first to try something new brought too many benefits. The wealthy back then saw this opportunity, and with strong capital support, nearly formed a monopoly. Even now, it would be costly for Ningguang to enter this industry, and one wrong move could be devastating.
Starting a bank was always a money-burning venture.
"We can think differently... this approach worked perfectly in our world."
Jiang Ning's eyes lit up as he began his explanation.
"To attract people to deposit Mora, besides minimal transaction fees, we won't charge management fees. Instead, when they deposit Mora, we'll calculate interest and give them Mora annually. Wouldn't that attract people?"
"Then, we invest that Mora elsewhere for greater returns, which can cover the interest we pay out."
"This way, Mora circulates better. Plus, during festivals, those with deposits above certain amounts can receive small gifts like oil or rice from us."
Jiang Ning spoke faster and faster, essentially transplanting the modern banking system.
As for whether Northland Bank would copy this, leaving aside the value of being first to market.
Just in Liyue, both Jiang Ning and Ningguang were confident that if someone didn't use their Liyue bank, they'd simply refuse to cooperate.
As for Mondstadt, they already despised the Fatui - hadn't they noticed Northland Bank had no branches there?
And this concept of earning interest on deposits would be very attractive to Mondstadters who loved free things.
Next, Jiang Ning talked about government bonds and Mora circulation. Ningguang's eyes grew brighter as she listened, looking at Jiang Ning with increasing affection.
If they adapted this system to Teyvat and carefully refined the rules, they might really be able to push out Northland Bank.
Jiang Ning was right - why should they, who held minting rights, have to depend on others for banking and face their attitude?
Thinking this might be too much to remember just from talking, Jiang Ning produced a complete set of banking operational procedures and measures, handing the physical documents to Ningguang.
Yes, all handcopied by the System tool.
This time, Ningguang didn't get lost in reading. Instead, she looked up at Jiang Ning, her eyes practically dripping with tenderness.
"My good little brother, how should I reward you?"
Ningguang, who already had certain thoughts, strengthened her intentions as Jiang Ning presented one valuable idea after another.
How could Liyue grow strong without developing heavy industry?
Ningguang would lead the charge, and as for that workaholic Keqing...
She could play with her spear by herself.
Ganyu and Shenhe had already pioneered the elder sister path, so Ningguang needed her own approach.
Thus began the sister-brother relationship.
Ningguang knew what kind of big sister would most attract a boy his age.
Jiang Ning replied: "This is what I should do, no need for rewards."
The stronger Liyue became, the more comfortable his future would be.
Ningguang pulled Jiang Ning closer, gently wiped the pastry crumbs from his mouth, and directly kissed him.
This caught Jiang Ning completely off guard; he never expected Ningguang to be so forward.
Ningguang's face was already flushed from excitement, now looking even more beautiful, making it hard to tell if she was blushing from excitement or embarrassment from her action.
"That's your reward," Ningguang said.
Jiang Ning was silent for a moment, then said:
"That was too quick, I couldn't feel anything. Can sister do it again?"
Ningguang gave him a sidelong glance, then cupped his face again.
But this time, it wasn't just a quick peck.
Instead, she carefully savored the taste of the pastries Jiang Ning had been eating.
Indeed, worthy of being Liyue's finest pastries - the taste was very satisfying, even addictive.
Though younger than Ningguang, Jiang Ning was already experienced.
Soon he had Ningguang feeling dizzy.
When they finally separated, Ningguang caught her breath and looked at him with a meaningful smile:
"My dear little brother, your hands are quite bold."
Jiang Ning came to his senses, looking at his hands which had found their way to her curves.
He smiled sheepishly: "That's... just habit..."
It was a conditioned reflex from always wanting to hold something when kissing Shenhe and Ganyu.
Though embarrassed, Ningguang wasn't overly reserved.
If she were any more reserved, she wouldn't even get the soup to drink.
Shenhe and Ganyu were both excellent women, no less impressive than herself.
"Alright, let go now, sister still has work to do. When you want pastries again, feel free to come find sister."
Ningguang suggestively hinted.
Jiang Ning licked his lips and reluctantly let go:
"It's a deal then, or next time I'll bake some pastries for sister."
Ningguang said: "That would be quite an honor. I heard even your senior sisters need the adeptus to speak up to taste your cooking."
After some more playful banter, Ningguang adjusted her slightly disheveled dress while reminding him:
"Be extremely careful when dealing with the Fatui..."
"I understand. Goodbye, sister."
...
Walking on the street, Jiang Ning sensed a feeling of urgency, as people around were busy preparing for the Rite of Descension.
But what nobody knew was that their Rex Lapis was planning something big for this Rite.
After finishing his street wandering, Jiang Ning was about to head back when he spotted some familiar figures.
He stopped and walked towards them, getting close enough to hear familiar words.
"Hmph, I said I don't want tanghulu anymore. Buying it without asking - this grudge, I'll remember it."
The tsundere voice was still holding grudges.
Jiang Ning smiled seeing the slender figure in boots before him.
"Eula!"
Jiang Ning called out happily.
Eula paused, turned around, and joy appeared in her eyes when she saw Jiang Ning.
"Jiang Ning!"
Even quicker than Eula was the little bunny beside her - the passionate Amber darted to Jiang Ning's side, happily giving him a high-five.
Meeting old friends in a foreign land was truly pleasant.
Eula followed, approaching Jiang Ning with crossed arms and smiling eyes: "Long time no see. Not even sending a letter for so long - have you forgotten me? I'll hold this grudge, you know."
"I got it, Eula. And long time no see, Barbara."
Behind Eula was a gentle and lovely idol girl.
Barbara had also come to Liyue.
"What brings you here?"
Jiang Ning asked.
Barbara explained softly: "We couldn't come during the Lantern Rite, but now we finally have free time. It happens to coincide with the Rite of Descension, and Acting Grand Master Jean has matters for us to convey to Lady Tianquan."
"We discussed it and decided to come together. Acting Grand Master Jean was happy to give us a vacation," Amber added.
Eula said: "Hmph, there are still Fatui traces in Mondstadt, yet she sends me here. I don't know what Jean is thinking."
"Well, maybe Jean saw how hard you were working and wanted you to take a break," Amber said.
Eula muttered: "But I feel like Jean is hiding something from me..."
"You're overthinking it," Amber said.
"Where's Lisa?" Jiang Ning didn't see the figure that resembled a ripe peach.
"Lisa? She was planning to come, but since Eula got sent on vacation, Acting Grand Master Jean caught Lisa for work," Amber explained.
"I see... By the way, what about Lumine and Paimon? Didn't they say they were coming to Liyue too?"
Jiang Ning didn't see the tall and small pair, feeling confused. According to the plot, after the Stormterror incident, it should be Liyue's turn.
Even in real life, after exploring Mondstadt for a while before continuing the journey, they should have arrived by now.
The Rite of Descension, Master's retirement, the Fatui's schemes - presumably for the Gnosis - this should be a crucial plot point.
The protagonist Lumine couldn't possibly be absent.
"Lumine, well..." Amber's face showed awkward embarrassment for some reason.
Eula took over: "About Lumine and Paimon, they got curious about everything along the way, wanting to explore here and there. Plus, their helpful nature acted up again, helping people with errands and tasks."
"Now, they're probably almost at Liyue Harbor, but at earliest, they'll arrive the day before the Rite."
"I see... Oh right, I almost forgot! How can I let you stand in the street after not seeing you for so long? Come with me, I'll treat you to some food, guaranteed Liyue specialties!"
Jiang Ning said.
"But won't that be too expensive?" Barbara hesitated.
Jiang Ning said: "It's fine, I'm quite well-off..."
He had collected many valuable items while clearing archon resentments, remnants, and monsters. After selling them, he had become quite wealthy.
Originally planning to go to Wanmin Restaurant, but there seemed to be no seats available, and Shenhe and Xiangling were so busy they couldn't even touch the ground. Even Guoba was tired from spitting fire.
No choice - with the Rite of Descension approaching, Liyue was in peak tourist season.
Restaurants and accommodations were extremely busy, especially the affordable and delicious Wanmin Restaurant.
"If it's too difficult, we can go anywhere," Barbara said considerately.
But whether as a current Liyue resident or former Chinese person,
When guests arrive, you don't just put on appearances - you must arrange everything properly.
So Jiang Ning went directly to Xinyue Kiosk, using Ningguang's private room.
Ningguang had already ordered that all her businesses should receive Jiang Ning with the highest courtesy. If things weren't settled yet, she probably would have said "treat him as you would treat me."
"This place... must be expensive, right?"
Amber sat in her seat, looking at the luxurious decorations and valuable items around them.
She felt that if she broke anything here, selling herself wouldn't be enough to compensate...
Eula, being from the Lawrence Clan, though fallen, still had the proper perspective.
Seeing some antiques, she was quite surprised:
"This... I heard this was an antique bought by the Tianquan at an auction before. Why is it here?"
"Oh, that? It's Sister Ningguang's. She's the major shareholder here, and this private room is reserved only for her."
Jiang Ning explained.
With this explanation, Eula's eyes narrowed.
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