Hearing Zhongli say this in such a matter-of-fact tone, and seeing everyone nodding in agreement, Lin Mo knew he couldn't escape.
He had been touched when he first learned that Ganyu had secretly made a doll of him. But when he found out that his dolls were going to be mass-produced... he found it terrifying.
Was he really going to be like the Archon back in the day, launching multiple series of lacquer dolls of himself, carefully enshrined in everyone's homes?
Ah...
Just thinking about it was mortifying, wasn't it?
Just then, Rhinedottir walked up to Lin Mo in front of everyone, looking him straight in the eye.
" Lin Mo, I want one too. "
" I want a custom piece of us sitting on the palms of two Ruin Guards. "
" And another one of us holding hands with Durin and Sina, strolling together through Liyue Harbor. "
As Rhinedottir spoke, perhaps seeing the troubled look on Lin Mo's face, she added calmly, " If you agree, I'll drop the matter of you tricking me into creating Sina. "
Lin Mo's ears perked up.
A deal like that?
It was just a doll, wasn't it?
If it could make his wife happy, why not?
" No problem! "
Lin Mo waved his hand grandly. " Go find Albedo to draw up the designs right away, send them to the Clay Figure Hall, and have the masters there rush the order!
"
Just then, Ganyu hurried back from the direction of the commercial street.
Only then did Lin Mo remember that while Arataki Itto had been shouting earlier, Ganyu had slipped away to the commercial street.
He couldn't help but wonder. What was so urgent?
Under Lin Mo's puzzled gaze, Ganyu anxiously approached Ningguang, her eyes flustered. " Ningguang, what do we do?
"
" What is it? Speak slowly,"
Ningguang asked, frowning.
It wasn't just Ningguang who was confused. Everyone present turned their eyes to Ganyu, a hint of worry creeping into their gazes.
They had probably guessed what Ganyu was about to say, and it likely had to do with the lacquer dolls.
And they were right!
Ganyu spoke with difficulty. " Just now, I went to the Clay Figure Hall.
"
" But only the shopkeeper was there. The masters have all taken time off for the Lantern Rite.
"
" For a rush order with a premium... "
" Because of the severe shortage of staff, before the Lantern Rite ends, the workshop... can only produce the standard, mass-produced lacquer dolls. "
Paimon patted her little head. " A lot of shops in Liyue are closed during the Lantern Rite~"
This news dashed everyone's excited and happy expectations.
" The Clay Figure Hall is closed... "
Lin Mo frowned slightly.
Seeing the disappointed looks on everyone's faces, Lin Mo could tell they didn't want to wait. They all wanted to receive their custom lacquer dolls before the Lantern Rite ended.
After all, for women, receiving a gift during a festival—that sense of ritual—was universally appreciated.
So Lin Mo looked up at Ningguang and spoke. " Ningguang, can I say something?
"
" Hmm, what is it? "
Ningguang turned her gaze to him.
" Do you think the lacquer dolls I make would be suitable as a return gift from Liyue to Inazuma? "
Lin Mo's question left everyone exchanging glances, unsure how to answer.
After all, making lacquer dolls was incredibly difficult.
Just look at Ganyu. For years, she had been modifying the Archon doll into a Lin Mo doll, and there were still many flaws.
Let alone Lin Mo.
After all, no one had ever heard of Lin Mo being skilled in the craft of lacquer dolls.
Ningguang lowered her head, thought for a moment, then looked at Lin Mo and said, " Although I know you mean well, Lin Mo, the craftsmanship required for lacquer dolls is very high. "
" If there are flaws, or even defective products, the person receiving the gift... might be sad. "
Ningguang smiled wryly as she spoke. " It's not that we don't trust you.
"
" It's just... rather than having you spend a lot of time making imperfect lacquer dolls, it might be better to let everyone wait a little longer. We can place a rush order after the Lantern Rite ends.
That would be better. "
After Ningguang finished speaking, everyone around instinctively nodded, clearly agreeing with her view.
Lin Mo understood now. They didn't trust him!
" How about... let me try making one? "
Lin Mo ventured. " If you're satisfied with what I make, I'll continue.
If not, we'll drop the matter. How about that? "
" Well... alright. "
Ningguang nodded with a wry smile. She really didn't want to dampen Lin Mo's spirits, so she agreed.
She then looked at Ganyu and said, " Please take Lin Mo to the Clay Figure Hall. "
" Yes. "
Ganyu nodded, then turned to Lin Mo and said softly, " Lord Lin Mo... follow me. "
" Go to the Clay Figure Hall? Is that necessary?
" Lin Mo asked, puzzled. "
I can make it right here. "
" Right here? "
Ningguang's eyes flickered with doubt.
" That's right. "
Lin Mo nodded and asked, " Ningguang, tell me what style of lacquer doll you want. I'll try to make it for you right now.
"
" I... "
Even Ningguang's cheeks flushed slightly in front of Lin Mo.
But she still said, " I want one of us working together at the desk in the Jade Chamber. "
" That's simple~"
Lin Mo smiled easily.
This confident smile only made everyone more confused.
The doubt in their eyes seemed to ask: Lacquer dolls are a top-tier craft passed down through generations—where does Lin Mo's confidence come from?
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T/N:
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