Although Ningguang was completely absorbed in card games, her merchant's mind never stopped turning.
Almost immediately, she spotted a business opportunity.
Landlord was easy to learn, flexible, and highly entertaining— a perfect casual pastime.
If this game spread, it would absolutely become popular across Liyue, maybe even the entire continent of Teyvat.
And the design of playing cards was simple, which meant production costs would be very low.
"Once I leave, I should have people produce a batch."
Ningguang thought quietly to herself.
Of course, she would need to discuss it with Boss Han first.
Making money off something like this without permission would be a huge taboo!
Ningguang loved Mora, but if earning it caused Boss Han's displeasure—
that would be a terrible trade.
Seeing Ningguang completely ignore her while playing cards, Beidou couldn't help but feel speechless.
But she was also curious.
"What kind of game is this, anyway?
How did it get Ningguang this addicted?"
"It's called Landlord," Han Feng replied with a smile.
"If you're interested, you can try a few rounds."
"Landlord, huh…"
Beidou was tempted.
She didn't know the rules yet, but judging from Ningguang's reaction, it had to be fun.
And judging by the Mora being passed around—
if she could beat Ningguang at this?
That would feel amazing.
Still, after thinking about her fleet, Beidou hesitated and shook her head.
"I'll pass for now. I'll play next time.
I should head out."
After saying goodbye to Boss Han, Beidou left the comic shop.
Han Feng didn't stop her, calmly sipping his tea instead.
Not long after, a real cat-eared girl walked up to the counter.
"Boss, I've finished the manga."
Diona looked both nervous and expectant.
Nervous—because she was talking to the boss.
Expectant—because of the mysterious reward.
Han Feng smiled and looked at the system.
The information refreshed.
[Customer Diona has finished reading Your Name.
Reward obtained — Kuchikamizake Brewing Method.]
[Kuchikamizake: Rice is finely chewed, mixed thoroughly with saliva, then left to ferment.
This ancient brewing method produces alcohol and was traditionally offered to gods as a sacred tribute.]
"This reward is pretty interesting."
A spark of curiosity appeared in Han Feng's eyes.
In Your Name, besides the unique story structure, the most memorable scene was undoubtedly—
Miyamizu Mitsuha and her sister, dressed in shrine maiden robes, performing a ritual dance while making kuchikamizake.
Especially with the night scenery and crackling fire sounds— it was incredibly atmospheric.
And in the manga, the kuchikamizake even had special powers, capable of helping the male lead traverse time.
Unfortunately, this reward didn't include that effect.
Thinking of time travel, Han Feng felt a little regret.
He was really looking forward to someone receiving a body-swap reward.
Just imagining that scenario was amusing enough.
All he could do was hope future customers had better luck.
A brilliant light descended, enveloping Diona.
"W-Why is there suddenly light?!"
Diona yelped, fur standing on end like a startled cat.
"Don't panic," Han Feng said with a laugh.
"That's just the reward being distributed."
To him, it was nothing unusual.
First-timers reacting like this was perfectly normal.
"Oh—so that's what it is!"
After understanding the situation, Diona scratched her head shyly.
But when a flood of information surged into her mind, she immediately focused.
After a moment, the light faded.
"So that's how kuchikamizake is really made…"
Diona opened her eyes, filled with amazement.
When she read the manga, she'd remembered the name and planned to try it later.
After all, it looked simple—
just chew rice and spit it out, right?
But after receiving the full method, she realized how wrong she was.
The chewing consistency, the saliva ratio, even the fermentation time—everything had strict requirements.
"Well, it is a tribute for gods," Han Feng said with a smile.
"Of course it has to be done properly."
In any world, any culture, rituals involving gods were always meticulous.
That was a form of reverence.
In the manga, Mitsuha and her sister even had to wear shrine maiden outfits and perform a ritual dance.
"A tribute… for gods?"
Diona blinked in disbelief.
So gods… actually liked drinking other people's saliva?
But thinking back to the manga, she decided it made sense.
What an eye-opener!
"Then maybe I should properly prepare one too… and offer it to the Church of Favonius?"
Diona thought seriously.
As a Mondstadter, she still had respect for the Anemo Archon.
If Mitsuha could express her devotion this way, then Diona could too!
The only trouble was—
Mondstadt didn't have shrine maiden outfits.
Those seemed exclusive to Inazuma.
And given the current situation there, getting one would be difficult.
But for expressing gratitude to the Anemo Archon—it was worth it!
If Venti ever found out what Diona was planning, he would absolutely scream:
"I DON'T NEED YOUR GRATITUDE!
DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!!"
Even though his cat trauma had eased a little—
that was only toward one Maine Coon beast.
If he knew Diona, a cat-type being, was making him kuchikamizake—
he'd run as far away as possible.
No matter how good it tasted, he wouldn't dare drink it.
"Oh right, Boss," Diona asked after refocusing, "where did that blonde girl go?"
She hadn't forgotten her original plan—recruiting her for a cat's tail tavern performance.
Now that she had kuchikamizake,and if she could add that girl's 'beautiful' violin music—
her dream of destroying Mondstadt's alcohol industry might finally come true!
—------------------------------
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