The next day.

Following the plan outlined yesterday, Mu Yang still needed to find a few people to help.

"Keqing, Xingqiu, Qiqi... Who should I look for first?"

Qiqi could wait—he'd go for her last.

Between the cat-like Keqing and the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu, who should he approach first?

Well, might as well grab breakfast first.

Mu Yang stepped out of the inn where he was staying. He had lodged near Chihu Rock for the night.

Though dawn had just broken, Liyue Harbor was already wide awake.

Stalls selling fresh vegetables competed with loud shouts to attract customers.

Fruits and meats also joined the fray.

Of course, being early morning, the liveliest spots were undoubtedly the teahouses and breakfast stalls.

These places already had long queues, with small groups sitting together, chatting and laughing.

Mu Yang wasn't fond of waiting in line, so he decided to stroll along the street toward the harbor first.

Truthfully, eating wasn't a necessity for him right now.

By design, he could sustain his form simply by absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy.

However, eating and sleeping were two of life's greatest pleasures—it'd be a shame not to experience them.

As he passed by Wanmin Restaurant, Mu Yang glanced inside.

The restaurant's door was half-closed.

Did they not serve breakfast?

Perhaps they were too busy—Xiangling was probably out gathering ingredients.

Mu Yang continued along Chihu Rock's streets until he reached the harbor.

If not for his status, Mu Yang might've even been tempted to spread his arms, face the sea, and belt out a couple of lines:

"Do you like the salty scent of the sea breeze—"

Wait, why doesn't this sea breeze smell salty at all? And why does it smell a bit... fragrant?

Mu Yang turned around—ah, of course, there was a whole food street here too.

Quite a few people were gathered, their gear marking them as dockworkers and construction laborers.

Mu Yang moved closer. Unlike the flashy offerings of Chihu Rock, the food here was simpler—mostly noodles, steamed buns, and the like. Basic, but enough to fuel the heavy labor ahead.

Just as Mu Yang was considering what to buy, a familiar voice reached his ears.

"The usual, please."

Following the sound, the purple-haired figure could only be Keqing.

However, she wasn't in her cat form this time—she was wearing a hard hat.

Damn, Civil Engineer Keqing—now that's something new.

The Yuheng Star oversaw land development, infrastructure, and civil affairs.

That a high-ranking figure like Keqing would personally work at a construction site didn't surprise Mu Yang in the slightest.

That was just the kind of person she was—an uncompromising woman of action.

If she deemed something valuable and necessary, she would personally see it through.

She had once traversed all of Liyue, memorizing its terrain to ensure every inch of land could be utilized to its fullest potential.

Though born into nobility, she was anything but pampered.

On one occasion, to draft a plan for improving workers' conditions, Keqing personally spent two months living as a laborer.

She hauled carts in The Chasm, helped compact soil at the southern docks, and even worked as a server in small eateries.

During her off-hours, she even gathered evidence to report a corrupt foreman exploiting workers.

Mu Yang had nothing but respect for this hardworking Keqing.

But there was one thing he still wanted to roast.

Why was her only protective gear a hard hat? She was still wearing her usual flashy outfit with thigh-highs...

Maybe that was the norm in Teyvat...?

Keqing noticed Mu Yang too.

How could she not?

His earlier roast was basically the pot calling the kettle black.

The two of them—with their striking appearances—stood out like sore thumbs among the crowd.

Keqing approached and asked, "Has the Adeptus come to 'inspect' Liyue Harbor?"

She emphasized the word "inspect," drawing the attention of those nearby.

Mu Yang's expression remained neutral. Given Keqing's behavior at the Jade Chamber last time...

Was she still holding a grudge over him bringing up the Rex Lapis figurine, ruining her "irreverent toward the divine" image?

Oh, Keqing, so you want to play it like that? Fine, today I'll give you a taste of your own medicine.

Mu Yang replied, "No, I'm here to ask for your help."

"My help?"

Keqing seemed puzzled. Did the event only require Ningguang's approval?

With so many venues involved, wouldn't the Yuheng Star need to review it?

After a moment of thought, Keqing said, "Ganyu reminded me this morning about a document Ningguang fast-tracked. Could it be related to you?"

She explained that her presence was required at the docks this morning.

Since the document wasn't marked "urgent," she planned to review it later.

Keqing believed in efficiency—her morning at the docks would allow her to complete multiple tasks.

She wasn't about to rearrange her schedule for one of Ningguang's approvals.

Mu Yang assured her it wasn't urgent—just something that might take up half her day.

Keqing suggested they discuss it here, then she'd get back to work.

Mu Yang thought, You asked for this.

"When asking for a favor, one shouldn't come empty-handed. I've prepared a gift."

The nearby workers perked up at this.

Some wanted to see what rare treasure an Adeptus would present.

Others were just eager for juicy gossip about the Yuheng.

Gift-giving was about knowing the recipient's tastes—even Adepti followed this rule, right?

Keqing declined, saying it was unnecessary for such a small favor.

She was aware of Mu Yang's contributions during the recent disaster.

Compared to other lofty Adepti, Keqing held a relatively favorable impression of him.

Her earlier tone might've carried a hint of pique?

Mu Yang insisted, making it difficult for her to refuse.

Keqing relented, curious about what he would present.

Mu Yang deliberately raised his voice louder than usual.

"I've heard the Yuheng Star is particularly fond of Rex Lapis figurines, so I—"

Keqing's pupils trembled—again?! Are you serious?!

Before Mu Yang could finish, Keqing grabbed him and dragged him away from the docks.

But the surrounding crowd had already heard everything loud and clear.

Once the two were out of earshot, the workers immediately began gossiping.

"Is what the Adeptus said true? The Yuheng is famous for her irreverence toward the divine—would she really like Rex Lapis figurines?"

"The Adepti have their ways—if they say so, it must be true!"

"You lot just don't get it. I've actually seen—"

...

Once they were out of sight, Keqing crossed her arms and huffed, "Do all Adepti have some sort of eccentric hobby?"

She was implying Mu Yang had done this on purpose.

It wasn't some deep, dark secret—but being exposed so publicly clashed with her usual image!

Mu Yang didn't explain himself. Instead, he pulled out two exquisitely crafted Rex Lapis figurines from his storage space.

One depicted the Geo Archon in human form, holding a celestial star aloft; the other was a majestic coiled dragon.

"Was I mistaken? What a shame, then—"

If not for her ladylike restraint, Keqing might've already started fangirling on the spot.

So this is an Adeptus's craftsmanship—every detail of Rex Lapis is flawless!

Look at those abs—and those dragon scales—ahhh!

"Ahem... I'll accept them. No point denying it—I do like Rex Lapis!"

Keqing took the two figurines, utterly enchanted.

Given how entranced she was, Mu Yang wouldn't be surprised if she slept with them tonight.

Seizing this golden opportunity, Mu Yang explained his request.

Keqing agreed without hesitation. "Easy. Leave it to me."

Was this the so-called "when gifts are given, hands are tied"?

No—this was a masterful checkmate.