Beidou was doubled over with laughter, while the three secretaries serving tea nearby nearly dropped their cups.
This was the first time they had ever heard such a request!
Since the Jade Chamber had been built, there had been a fair number of visitors. Every person who brought a gift treated the documents found within as supreme treasures, taking them home to study meticulously in hopes of amassing great fortune. Others sold them for staggering prices after leaving the chamber.
No one had ever had the "brilliant" idea to ask to "cash them out." It was simply incredible!
Ningguang sighed, a look of helplessness on her face. She somewhat admired Ye Xi's bizarre mental gymnastics. However, she had also learned from his inner thoughts that he was currently short on money. This was a perfect opportunity to keep him by her side!
"Ye Xi, if you need money, you can stay with me. I will offer you the highest salary." Ningguang continued, "I heard you can use two types of Elemental Power, and your combat skills are exceptional. Stay with me to protect the Liyue Qixing, or just help handle things whenever there is danger."
As long as she kept Ye Xi nearby, wouldn't asking about the Rite of Parting be easy? In fact, she had to keep him close! She was also intensely curious about how strong someone who used two elements could be. If possible, she wanted to deepen her relationship with him; Liyue would certainly need such talent in the future.
Ye Xi was slightly stunned.
[The beautiful CEO's personal bodyguard? But it feels a bit dangerous staying around this woman. It would be better to check out the Adventurers' Guild I'd be free and easy, and I could earn plenty of Mora!]
He actually planned to pick up commissions from the guild. Beating up a few Hilichurls would net him several thousand Mora, and if he took down a Ruin Guard, the rewards would be even greater. For him, these small fries could be wiped out with a snap of his fingers.
Thus, he politely declined. "Thank you for the kind offer, but I..."
Before Ye Xi could finish, Ningguang spoke up. "Ye Xi, I need your help. Liyue may seem calm, but in reality, the Fatui are using diplomacy as a cover for their ill intentions. They may act against the Qixing. Especially with the Rite of Descension approaching, things can easily go wrong."
"Your job won't be difficult. Just walk around Yuehai Pavilion or accompany me when I go out to handle business. You only need to be an observer. You'll have total freedom. As long as you agree to stay, I am willing to pay this much."
As she spoke, she removed her golden finger guard and held up one fair, jade-like finger.
"One million Mora?" Ye Xi was a bit surprised. He couldn't help but think that, as expected of a wealthy woman, she was truly generous. His entire savings in Inazuma only amounted to that much.
Ningguang's lips curled into a slight arc as she smiled faintly. "It is ten million Mora."
"Ten million?!" Ye Xi gasped.
[Good grief, give me a hundred rich women like this! Does this count as being a kept man? This is too much!]
He coughed and agreed on the spot. "Fine. Since you are willing to trust me, I shall accept."
Seeing him agree, Ningguang felt relieved. If Mora could buy information, what did it matter? As long as Ye Xi stayed. As for being "kept," if she could hear his heart, why not keep him? Wasn't it just providing room and board?
"Baiwen, take Ye Xi to arrange his lodgings. Place him in the room right next to mine."
"Eh? Right next to your room, Lady Ningguang?!" The three secretaries were flabbergasted.
They truly couldn't understand why Ningguang was willing to spend so much money just to keep Ye Xi around for no apparent reason! Since meeting him, she had only mentioned the Jade Chamber and talked about Mondstadt. Why suddenly create such a position for him?
If it was for protection, Ningguang herself was a formidable fighter. Furthermore, Yujing Terrace was guarded by a large number of Millelith; safety would never be an issue!
Truly strange! Lady Ningguang seemed very odd today!
However, Baiwen could only nod and comply. Ye Xi was also startled. Moving in right next door? That was intense. But on second thought, it made sense. A personal bodyguard should stay close. You couldn't follow someone all day and then separate at night, could you?
"Master Ye Xi, please follow me."
"Alright."
Watching Ye Xi and Baiwen depart, Ningguang waved for Baishi and Baixiao to withdraw. Once only she and Beidou were left, her expression grew solemn. "Well? You heard it too, didn't you? Not just Liyue, but even Mondstadt will face disaster."
Beidou crossed her arms and began to think. "Ningguang, this matter must be taken seriously because Ye Xi's background is extraordinary. Remember what I told you? I once heard a very strange voice in my heart."
Ningguang nodded gravely. "Indeed. My analysis is that Ye Xi is likely not from this world, or at least someone who understands this world perfectly. Regardless, I will draft a letter immediately and send it to Mondstadt."
Beidou suddenly smiled and asked, "By the way, why did you suddenly think of keeping him in Yuehai Pavilion? And even arranging for him to stay right next to your bedroom? You couldn't be..."
Ningguang rolled her eyes at Beidou. "Naturally, it's so I can hear his heart."
"That's strange. I can hear his thoughts too. Why didn't you let me arrange things for Brother Ye Xi? There was no need to keep him by your side, was there?"
"I" Ningguang was suddenly speechless.
What Beidou said wasn't without logic. At worst, she could have had Beidou follow him. Why did she need to personally stay with him?
Seeing Ningguang's silent look, Beidou draped an arm over her shoulder and teased, "Tell me, have you actually fallen for Ye Xi? You were just saying your heart skipped a beat for him, and now you subconsciously arranged for him to stay by your side, even bedroom to bedroom, hmm? Hmm?"
Beidou shot her a few knowing glances, making Ningguang feel a bit guilty. However, it was undeniable that her thoughts had indeed slipped out of her control since meeting Ye Xi. She felt that Ye Xi had something she needed.
Could she actually have fallen for him?
Ningguang rubbed her temples and said seriously, "Stop spouting such baseless nonsense. I have work to do. I won't be staying to play chess today."
"Kicking me out already?" Beidou clicked her tongue. "Even if you want to make a move, it's too late. My brother Ye Xi is very popular with women. Inazuma's Shirasagi Himegimi has already lost her heart to him, and even our little chef from Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling, is secretly in love with him."
Hearing this, Ningguang was surprised.
Xiangling liked Ye Xi? They had only been on the same ship for a few days how could she fall for him? Did Ye Xi really possess that much charm?
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