Keqing, have you become a slacker too?
Jiang Chen stared at the pile of untouched documents in his hands, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Later, he'd have to give Keqing a proper lecture.
With that thought, he reluctantly began processing the files.
This was just depressing.
For lunch, Jiang Chen opted for takeout.
That's right—takeout.
And he had Xiao deliver it!
Guizhong and the others had already returned from their gathering, Xiao included.
Now, he was staying behind to assist Jiang Chen as needed.
Naturally, Jiang Chen didn't hold back.
He sent Xiao zipping over to Wangshu Inn to pick up his meal.
He even had Xiao deliver a communicator to Verr Goldet—along with Ningguang's number, for convenience.
Now, ordering takeout would be much easier.
Not long after Xiao left, Jiang Chen called Keqing, asking her to join him for lunch.
No point going home—there's no food there anyway.
Keqing must've been nearby, as she arrived quickly.
"Why so many untouched documents?"
"Never thought you'd slack off, Keqing."
The moment she walked in, Jiang Chen couldn't resist teasing her.
Keqing blinked in confusion.
"Those tasks require your authorization."
"Did you expect me to handle them?"
She had no authority over those matters.
Every file she'd left was Jiang Chen's responsibility.
Not a hint of laziness.
Jiang Chen rolled his eyes at her response.
"Sure, sure. So you conveniently left all these for me."
At this point, he didn't even know how to respond.
"No slacking!"
"Work hard and prove your worth!"
"You think I'll do your job for you?!"
Keqing immediately saw through his scheme.
He wanted her to finish his paperwork!
Trying to slack off right after taking office?
Unacceptable!
Slacking was forbidden—how could an Qixing laze around?
Seeing Keqing's stern expression, Jiang Chen sighed.
Then, with utmost seriousness, he quoted a certain slacking expert's philosophy:
"Someone once said, 'Working isn't proving your worth—it's just trading labor for pay.'"
"'Slacking during work is the real value.'"
Keqing's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Nonsense!"
"Who said that?!"
"That's complete rubbish!"
"How could anyone say such a thing?!"
Furious!
How dare someone spout such nonsense!
"If it were her, you wouldn't dare fire her."
Jiang Chen smirked.
Sure, she slacked—but that didn't mean she lacked capability.
"Ridiculous!"
"I'd never keep such a subordinate!"
"Regardless—no slacking! Work properly!"
"You're part of the LiYue Qixing now."
"If you don't work hard, what example does that set?"
Keqing refused to buy Jiang Chen's excuses—instead, she lectured him.
But Jiang Chen wasn't having it.
"If I do everything, what's the point of having subordinates?"
"If a boss micromanages, why even hire staff?"
"Keqing, if you keep handling everything personally, you'll never finish."
"Do you want to end up like Ganyu?"
"Drowning in endless work, overtime every night, barely four hours of sleep?"
"If she weren't half-adeptus, she'd have died from overwork by now."
...
As Jiang Chen spoke, Keqing imagined herself in Ganyu's place.
Yikes.
Horrifying!
Her eyes widened in dread.
Just thinking about Ganyu's workload made her scalp tingle.
Even if she loved working, she couldn't match that level of grind.
The "Sweet and Severe" duo might share traits, but Keqing wasn't that hardcore.
Seeing Keqing fall silent, Jiang Chen grinned.
Gotcha.
Just the thought is terrifying, huh?
His mood improved considerably.
Just then, Xiao returned—alongside Fayue and Indarias.
"Mr. Jiang Chen, we came to visit!"
The gentle Fayue greeted him warmly.
Jiang Chen was surprised to see the two Yakshas.
"Why are you here?"
Did Xiao bring his sisters along?
"Bosacius suggested they assist you."
"With more Yakshas revived, handling karma isn't as demanding."
"Fayue and Indarias can help here instead."
Xiao explained the situation.
Back when there were only five Yakshas, Fayue and Indarias wouldn't have been free.
But now, with so many revived, Bosacius had assigned them to Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen paused. "They're here to help us?"
Xiao nodded.
After a moment's thought, Jiang Chen agreed.
"Fine. They can learn from Havria first."
"Once familiar with the work, they can take on other tasks."
He had no objections.
Their assistance would be valuable.
Fayue's hydrokinesis would be perfect for managing waterways.
Relieved, Xiao set down the food and prepared to leave.
But Keqing suddenly spoke up.
"Conqueror of Demons, wait."
Xiao turned, puzzled. "Yes?"
His expression instantly turned stern.
His attitude toward Jiang Chen and others was night and day.
Jiang Chen was equally curious—why was Keqing stopping him?
Unfazed, Keqing made her request.
"Could you contact the Yakshas with Geo Visions?"
"We have a job for them."
Xiao froze.
Jiang Chen's eyebrows shot up.
Ohhh, she's actually recruiting Yakshas for construction?
The idea amused him.
But honestly? It could work.
Among the revived Yakshas, a few did wield Geo.
Xiao didn't answer—instead, he glanced at Jiang Chen for confirmation.
Noticing his gaze, Jiang Chen nodded.
Let the Yaksha construction squad assemble!