The documents Keqing handed to Jiang Chen were detailed lists of materials already prepared for the project.
Jiang Chen flipped through them briefly before speaking up.
"Most of the preparations are already done."
"In that case, let's get started."
"First, we'll pave the roads."
"Once the roads are built, we can transport the materials."
"The construction vehicles are also ready."
"We can begin developing the Guili Plains now."
"Oh, by the way, is the urban planning blueprint for the Guili Plains finalized?"
Since they were going to develop the area, city planning was essential.
"It's already done."
"The document is right there in your hands."
"You can take a look."
Keqing had been handling all these matters herself.
Land planning, zoning—everything had been arranged according to Jiang Chen's instructions.
Industrial zones, residential districts—everything was mapped out.
All that was left was Jiang Chen's final approval.
If he gave the green light, they'd proceed exactly as planned.
Though some things, like the industrial zones, were already set in stone.
After all, factories were already under construction there.
Workers' dormitories were also being built.
Because, if everything went smoothly, the Guili Plains would soon be bustling with construction.
Jiang Chen found Keqing's blueprint and skimmed through it.
He didn't dwell on it—Keqing was an expert in civil engineering, after all.
She had already approved the plan herself.
Even Jiang Chen couldn't find any flaws in it.
The plan was flawless.
Everything was meticulously arranged.
Even the location for the new docks had been selected.
There was nothing left for Jiang Chen to modify.
It was already perfect.
"Proceed exactly as planned."
Jiang Chen set the documents aside.
He had given his approval.
Hearing this, Keqing nodded.
"Understood."
"I'll arrange everything immediately."
She didn't say much else.
Since there were no major issues, the decision was final.
Jiang Chen reviewed all the documents Keqing had provided.
The preliminary work had been completed as scheduled.
He looked up at Keqing.
"Let's proceed as planned."
"Continue expanding the workforce."
Keqing nodded again.
That was exactly what she had in mind.
After a brief discussion, Keqing left to make the necessary arrangements.
Meanwhile, Liyue was still buzzing over the Fatui incident.
Even many Snezhnayans in the city were affected.
Liyue's people were straightforward—love and hate were clear-cut.
The moment someone was identified as Snezhnayan, attitudes turned icy.
"So you're the bastards causing trouble in Liyue?"
"I won't even serve you food!"
"Want to eat here? Get lost!"
The Snezhnayans were left dumbfounded.
They were suffering for no reason.
Especially those who had no connection to the Fatui.
They were just small fry—how could they possibly be involved?
But no matter how much they explained, the people of Liyue refused to listen.
"Don't care, don't care—shut up!"
If you were from Snezhnaya, you weren't welcome.
This attitude would likely persist until Liyue's authorities issued an official statement.
Aside from that, Jiang Chen was the hottest topic of discussion.
Word had spread that he was the one who fought Osial.
Many found it hard to believe.
But since Liyue's officials hadn't denied it—and multiple Vision holders confirmed it—people accepted it as fact.
Everyone praised Jiang Chen.
And, of course, they also praised Rex Lapis.
After all, Liyue was full of devout—or obsessive—Rex Lapis fans.
The only exception was Zhongli, the lone skeptic.
People lauded Rex Lapis for securing Liyue's future by bringing in a powerhouse like Jiang Chen before retiring.
With Jiang Chen protecting them, Liyue was safe.
But this topic didn't dominate conversations for long.
Soon, a new announcement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs grabbed everyone's attention.
"The Guili Plains Development Project Has Officially Begun!"
Those looking for work were urged to sign up immediately—road construction was starting soon.
The news electrified the public.
Many had missed out on the factory job opportunities before.
This time, they weren't going to let it slip.
People rushed to the Ministry of Civil Affairs to register.
They didn't care what the job was—as long as it paid.
They desperately needed work.
Meanwhile, in Snezhnaya…
La Signora had finally made contact with her homeland.
She immediately reported Liyue's demands.
The moment The Fatui Harbinger Pantalone (The Regrator) heard the terms, he exploded.
"This is outright robbery!!"
"Those bastards!!"
"I refuse!!"
This was going to ruin him.
Damn it, Liyue had some nerve!
The other Harbingers didn't look pleased either.
"If we refuse, Liyue will cut off all trade with Snezhnaya."
"And Tartaglia's actions will be treated as an act of war."
"Right now, Liyue not only has Morax—but also resurrected Adepti and gods of unknown origin."
"If war breaks out, can you handle the consequences?"
La Signora's expression remained cold as she stared at Pantalone's projected image.
They were communicating through the Tsaritsa's divine power—a method rarely used unless absolutely necessary.
But Signora had no choice.
She had to report back immediately.
Right now, they only had one option.
Agree.
If they refused, Liyue would launch a full-scale economic blockade against Snezhnaya.
That would be disastrous.
Snezhnaya had military might, but it relied heavily on imports.
If Liyue went through with this, prices would skyrocket, and public unrest would follow.
Just the thought of it was terrifying.
For years, Snezhnaya had been funneling resources into military expansion.
Many citizens were already dissatisfied.
If Liyue added fuel to the fire…
Snezhnaya would descend into chaos.
Pantalone fell silent.
The consequences would be far worse than just losing money.
Liyue might even retaliate militarily.
And given Liyue's current strength…
Fine. We surrender.
"This is all Tartaglia's fault!!"
Pantalone was this close to strangling the Eleventh Harbinger himself.
Why the hell did he have to unleash a god in Liyue?!
GODDAMMIT!!
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got.
"What if we abandon Tartaglia? Would they lower their demands?"
Pantalone glared at Signora, his face dark.
The other Harbingers were speechless.
In the end, the Tsaritsa made the final decision.
She would not abandon Tartaglia.
If she gave him up today, who would be next?
"Today, it's him. Tomorrow, it could be any of you."
The team would fall apart.
So, no—Tartaglia would not be sacrificed.
The Tsaritsa had spoken.
The Fatui would pay.
And Pantalone?
He was going to have a heart attack.