"So that's how it is."
Ningguang murmured thoughtfully, her brow furrowing slightly. "I seem to recall hearing about photography or something similar from Fontaine, but I didn't know the specifics."
Felix's explanation about "movies" reminded her of rumors she had heard from the Nation of Justice. Fontaine was known for its technological advancements, including the "Kamera," but she hadn't realized they had progressed to capturing motion and sound in such a complex way.
Although Liyue was the most prosperous commercial hub in Teyvat, few Fontainians visited, so their latest tech remained somewhat mysterious.
"Based on your description, this Cinema is an entertainment facility," Ningguang surmised, her business instincts kicking in. "I can invite people inside to watch these 'movies' and charge them an admission fee?"
"Exactly."
Felix nodded approvingly. She had instantly grasped the monetization model.
"How much to charge and how to market it to the masses... that is for you to decide."
"This portable cinema is easy to use. Just find an open space, place it down, and it will expand automatically. You should experience it yourself to understand its potential."
No amount of explanation could replace firsthand experience.
"I understand."
Ningguang nodded.
"Thank you, Shopkeeper," she smiled warmly. "My harvest today was truly bountiful."
From the Golden Eyes to the Cinema, everything she pulled today had the potential to transform Liyue. Just like the Liyue Bank before it, she owed this progress to Felix.
"It was all your luck," Felix replied with a faint smile.
"Then I will take my leave. I'll bring my secretaries to open jars tomorrow," Ningguang said, glancing at her assistants.
She had already used her weekly quota, but her staff hadn't.
She turned to leave, eager to test her new toys.
Felix nodded, watching her go. Then he noticed Keqing lingering behind.
"Is something wrong, Miss Keqing?"
Felix raised an eyebrow, smiling teasingly. "Is there a flower on my face?"
"No."
Keqing's ears turned pink. She shook her head gently. "I was just marveling at Ningguang's luck. She keeps pulling incredible items. I'm starting to suspect you're secretly favoring her."
Felix: "..."
Good grief. So that's what she thinks.
Felix chuckled. "I don't even know what's in the jars myself. How could I rig it? If I could play favorites, I'd favor you, Miss Keqing."
He really couldn't control the RNG of normal jars. He could only open his own Exclusive Jarsearned through sales.
Hearing his words, Keqing's blush deepened.
What does he mean, 'favor me'?
"I... I will come back tomorrow to open jars," she stammered softly.
She turned and walked out quickly. As she left, she could feel his gaze on her back. Her heart pounded against her ribs, and her steps quickened involuntarily.
Outside the Shop.
"Lady Ningguang is out!"
"Lady Ningguang, what did you get this time?"
"Did you get another book? Or maybe more pills?"
"The Liyue Bank is amazing! I can live off the interest now!"
"Holy crap, how much money do you have to live off interest?!"
The crowd swarmed Ningguang as she exited. The success of the bank had made them all eager for her next innovation.
"I obtained some interesting items. I will reveal one in a couple of days," Ningguang announced with a mysterious smile. "It is a facility for leisure and entertainment."
"Ah?"
"A facility? Like Young Master Xingqiu's Domain?"
The crowd buzzed with speculation. They eyed the miniature house in her hand.
"It's probably not a Domain. If it were, she would have said so. Maybe it's just a building?"
"Whatever it is, if Lady Ningguang says it's good, it must be good."
"I can't wait! Just two days!"
"This shop is a miracle. It gives ordinary people a chance to change their fate."
"Yeah, too bad it's 100,000 Mora a pop. I need to save up."
Ningguang smiled at their enthusiasm and walked away with her entourage.
"Lady Ningguang opened jars today... maybe I should try too?"
"Yeah! Let's ride her luck!"
"Director Hu got a dragon... maybe I can get one too!"
Inspired by the Tianquan's visit, a wave of customers rushed into the shop, eager to gamble.
Inside, Felix watched the influx of customers with a satisfied grin. More sales, faster Exclusive Jars.
Liyue Harbor Streets.
"Lady Ningguang, are we returning to the Jade Chamber?" Baiwen asked as they walked.
"No. We need to find a place to deploy this Cinema," Ningguang replied, looking at the model in her hand. "The Jade Chamber isn't suitable for public access. We need a location in the city."
"Shall we call the Millelith to clear an area?" Baiwen asked.
"No need. We just need an empty lot," Ningguang said thoughtfully. "If I recall correctly, there is a vacant plot opposite Mingxing Jewelry."
"Yes," Baiwen confirmed after a moment of thought. "Xinyue Kiosk applied to expand there, but the application was rejected by Little Zhao due to zoning issues."
"That will do."
Ningguang led her team toward Mingxing Jewelry.
It was afternoon, so the streets were relatively quiet. Shopkeepers nodded respectfully as the Tianquan passed.
They arrived at the empty lot.
"Lady Ningguang!"
A patrolling Millelith soldier ran over, saluting. "Do you have any orders?"
"No," Ningguang smiled. "I'm just placing something here to check its size."
She tossed the miniature Cinema onto the empty ground.
Whoosh.
As it left her hand, the tiny model expanded rapidly.
In the blink of an eye, a massive, modern building materialized, perfectly filling the vacant lot. It settled with a heavy thud, dust billowing around its base.
"Hss!"
"Amazing!"
"Lady Ningguang conjured a building out of thin air!"
Passersby stopped dead in their tracks, jaws dropping. Even the secretaries and the Millelith guard were stunned.
Seeing a building grow from a toy was a visual shock they weren't prepared for.
Inside Mingxing Jewelry, Xingxi, the beautiful shop owner, stared out her window in disbelief.
Lady Ningguang just... summoned a house?
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