For Ningguang, before Lin Mo appeared, she had always lived in the shadow of the name "Guizhong."
Because of Lin Mo, Ningguang finally stepped out of that shadow.
But now, truly seeing Guizhong appear before her, a complex expression still involuntarily surfaced in Ningguang's eyes.
Nevertheless, Ningguang politely asked, "The Dust Archon Guizhong, I've long heard of your esteemed name. May I ask what brings you to the Jade Chamber?"
"I heard you're building the Jade Chamber~"
Guizhong happily took a step closer, actively taking Ningguang's hand, and said joyfully, "Not just the Jade Chamber, but also making replica versions of the Guizhong Ballista."
"I possess all this wisdom and technology~"
"So I came on my own to ask if there's anything I can help you with~"
Guizhong even specifically reminded, "Lin Mo returned to Liyue especially for your Jade Chamber, you know~"
"Lin Mo..."
At the mention of that name, Ningguang's gaze shifted slightly.
Compared to the Jade Chamber, compared to the Guizhong Ballista, she cared more about another matter.
With a serious look, Ningguang asked, "What is your relationship with Lin Mo?"
"Lin Mo and I... hehe~ We're lovers, of course~"
Guizhong said very naturally, her joyful expression seeming to carry a hint of bashfulness.
"Lovers..."
Ningguang slightly furrowed her brow. "But rumors say... weren't you and Rex Lapis..."
"Ah, that's all ancient history~"
Guizhong waved her hand dismissively. "I did pursue Rex Lapis back then, but it wasn't truly liking him. It was just a young girl's admiration and worship of a powerful figure~"
"..."
Ningguang was momentarily speechless.
Guizhong seemed to sense Ningguang's mood was off and tentatively asked, "Ningguang... you like him too?"
Ningguang gave a light nod. "Lin Mo and I... have been through a lot together."
"Wow! Perfect timing then!"
Guizhong excitedly grasped Ningguang's hand, full of curiosity. "I've been so curious about what Lin Mo has experienced during my time away from the mortal world! Let's share interesting stories about Lin Mo with each other~"
Ningguang nodded, not refusing.
She also wanted to know, through Guizhong's sharing, just how far Lin Mo and Guizhong's relationship had developed.
But right at that moment, Secretary Baiwen quickly approached the pavilion where the two were.
"Lady Ningguang."
Baiwen bowed.
"Just now, Miss Shenhe, Mr. Yun Jin, the Honorary Knight, and Lord Lin Mo... the four of them have delivered the 'Thousand Mechanisms Core' and 'Adeptal Talisman' for the reconstruction of the Jade Chamber."
"Now all materials for the Jade Chamber are gathered. It can return to Liyue's skies at any time."
"Lin Mo..."
Ningguang's gaze shifted again.
She hadn't expected Lin Mo not only to bring her the Fatui's assistance but also to personally participate in the Jade Chamber's reconstruction.
"Where is Lin Mo now?"
Ningguang's tone seemed somewhat impatient.
"He's right..."
Baiwen looked back.
She saw Lin Mo standing with the others on the steps leading up to the Jade Chamber. At that moment, Lin Mo was smiling and waving towards her.
"Lin Mo!"
Ningguang set aside her usual poise and quickly walked towards Lin Mo.
Guizhong watched Ningguang's hurried steps as she left, probably sensing Ningguang's feelings for Lin Mo.
Gazing at Lin Mo's smiling face, Guizhong helplessly shook her head. "Lin Mo, during my absence, you really haven't been idle, have you?"
By now, Lin Mo had arrived before Ningguang.
He first glanced at Lumine, then turned back to Ningguang with a smile. "Ningguang, we've brought you the materials to rebuild the Jade Chamber~"
Lumine also nodded, holding up the Adeptal Talisman and Thousand Mechanisms Core for Ningguang to see. "These are the two remaining materials needed."
"Mhm."
Ningguang nodded, accepting the materials.
At the same time, she looked towards the Jade Chamber's control cabin and explained, "Combine the Adeptal Talisman with the Thousand Mechanisms Core and place it inside the Jade Chamber's control system. Once that's done, the Jade Chamber will be officially rebuilt. We just need to retract the iron chains, and it can ascend to the skies once more."
As she spoke, Ningguang looked at everyone and smiled. "Thank you all for your hard work. Now it's time for me to fulfill my promise and grant your rewards."
"Yay!"
Paimon excitedly clapped her little hands.
Ningguang first looked at Yun Jin and smiled. "Mr. Yun, I've heard about your purpose here. You're looking for a suitable stage for your new opera, correct?"
"Exactly."
Yun Jin nodded. "I wonder if Miss Ningguang has any suggestions?"
Ningguang didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she turned her gaze to Lin Mo.
"She's asking you. Isn't it inappropriate to seek my opinion?"
Lin Mo said with a wry smile. "But... Ningguang, you're also one of Yun Jin's audience members. How about letting Yun Jin's grandly prepared new opera debut on this newly built Jade Chamber?"
"This... this is too much of an honor..."
Yun Jin was somewhat overwhelmed.
What kind of place was the Jade Chamber? This was a prestigious location where even scraps of paper drifting down to Liyue Harbor could fetch a high price.
Ningguang seemed quite satisfied with Lin Mo's suggestion.
She then looked at Yun Jin and smiled.
"The Jade Chamber's location is extremely high. From here, one can look out over the myriad mountains. From this height, one can feel the strength of the wind and observe the myriad aspects of the mortal world."
"I think... there's probably no stage in the world more suitable for your performance than this."
...
Seeing that neither Lin Mo nor Ningguang seemed to be joking, Yun Jin happily bowed to Ningguang. "Thank you, Miss Ningguang. I will prepare the opera props shortly and trouble you to make the proper arrangements on the Jade Chamber."
"A famous opera and exquisite music deserve nothing less. Please, don't stand on ceremony."
Ningguang's graceful and generous demeanor remained. Before outsiders, she was still the dignified Tianquan Ningguang. It seemed only before Lin Mo would she show that more girlish side.
Yun Jin gave a slight bow, then looked at Lin Mo, Paimon, Shenhe, and the others with a smile. "Then I shall take my leave first. When the time comes, everyone must remember to come listen to my opera~"
"Of course~"
Lin Mo smiled and nodded.
After Yun Jin left, Ningguang first turned her gaze to Shenhe and smiled. "Miss Shenhe, I've heard of you from Cloud Retainer. Thank you for delivering the Adeptal Talisman to me. Is there anything you wish to ask me?"
"Yes."
Shenhe nodded.
As she spoke, she also moved closer to Lin Mo.
Looking at Ningguang, a glimmer of anticipation shone in her eyes as she asked, "Miss Ningguang, may I ask... could we hold my and Lin Mo's wedding at the Jade Chamber?"
*Clatter!*
The pipe in Ningguang's hand slipped and fell to the ground.
"Whoa there~!"
Guizhong, who had been eavesdropping nearby, finally couldn't hold back a sound of astonishment.
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T/N:
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