Keqing and Cloud Retainer had undoubtedly become a pair of bickering rivals.
For the rest of the evening, the two of them exchanged verbal jabs, neither willing to back down.
In Keqing's eyes, Cloud Retainer was just some adeptus—who was she to dictate how things should be done?
If Rex Lapis himself hasn't said anything, what right do you have to complain?
Using Yakshas for construction?
She'd even considered asking Rex Lapis to help!
So this bird was just making a fuss over nothing.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen, Guizhong, and the others quietly enjoyed their barbecue while watching the drama unfold.
Under the night sky, with the sea breeze gently blowing, the atmosphere was relaxed—except for the occasional heated argument between Keqing and Cloud Retainer.
At one point, the two even started fighting over food.
Sometimes, they were just plain childish.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, they retired to their rooms for the night.
Cloud Retainer, for her part, had grudgingly accepted Jiang Chen's decision to have the Yakshas assist in construction.
Fine. If Rex Lapis entrusted this man with Liyue, there must be a reason.
Whatever he wants the adepti to do, they'll do.
She wouldn't interfere anymore!
With Cloud Retainer no longer obstructing progress, construction in Guili Plains accelerated even further.
Havria, in particular, completed her task ahead of schedule.
In just one week, an entire salt production facility—no, a town dedicated to salt—had been built at Sal Terrae.
This success only reinforced Keqing's belief:
Human labor was too slow.
Adepti and Vision holders were the real MVPs of construction.
After inspecting the site, she returned home and immediately sought out Jiang Chen.
"Jiang Chen, can you contact Rex Lapis?"
"Ask him to help build Guili Plains!"
"Your idea was brilliant—we should do it!"
Her tone was deadly serious.
She wanted the Geo Archon himself to construct houses.
Jiang Chen nearly choked.
"Absolutely not!"
"He'd never agree."
"The man's retired—let him rest."
Damn, Keqing, you're really going for it, huh?
He'd only been joking before—but now she was dead set on this?!
"Retirement doesn't mean he can't work!"
Keqing glared stubbornly.
So what if he'd retired?
He wasn't dead. Rex Lapis was still perfectly capable.
...
What do I do? She's serious.
Seeing her determination, Jiang Chen felt a headache coming on.
After a moment's thought, he found an excuse.
"Let's not."
"We're developing Guili Plains to stimulate the economy."
"If Rex Lapis finishes everything instantly, how many people will lose their jobs?"
"Sal Terrae was urgent, so Havria's help made sense."
"But once materials arrive, we won't be short on labor."
"So drop the idea."
"The Yakshas can handle the underground pipelines—that's enough."
"Leave the rest to the workers."
Keqing blinked, then sighed.
Huh. He had a point.
After some reflection, she reluctantly abandoned the plan.
Right—the whole purpose was economic growth.
If Rex Lapis did everything, it'd defeat the purpose.
She'd been too dazzled by the speed of construction.
"Good, you understand."
"Let's leave it at that."
"Don't overthink it."
Relieved that Keqing had dropped the matter, Jiang Chen finally relaxed.
Who knows how Zhongli would react if he actually asked?
"I made you a Qixing, and this is how you repay me?!"
He'd probably want to strangle him.
"Then I'll get back to work."
"I've already issued orders—Dihua Marsh's development starts soon."
"And the property sales."
"So much to do."
With that, Keqing left.
Not long after, Jiang Chen received another message from Lumine.
She was on her way back—expected to arrive at Guili Plains tomorrow.
Jiang Chen's eyes lit up.
She's back?
So she's already obtained Hydro?
Which means… Inazuma is next.
It's finally time.
Should he go with her, or wait until she asked for help?
After some thought, Jiang Chen decided to go himself.
Might as well.
Plus, he could personally ensure that fox prepared the relics.
He'd summon Makoto and the others—then take them away.
Right in front of Ei.
The thought made him grin.
"Ei… you wouldn't want your sister to leave you, would you?"
Yeah, a personal trip was necessary.
And while he was at it… maybe grab the Gnosis too.
Things in Liyue were stable now—he didn't need to micromanage.
Havria could handle most affairs.
A trip to Inazuma would be a nice change of pace.
Meet Ei, Yoimiya, even little Kokomi…
With his mind made up, Jiang Chen began preparations.
First, he called Havria in.
"What is it?"
She was puzzled—what did he need now?
"I'll be going to Inazuma soon."
"You'll be in charge here while I'm gone."
Havria's eyes widened.
"Inazuma?!"
"Why?!"
Seriously? Just dumping everything on her?
At this point, who was the real Qixing—him or her?
She was constantly handling tasks that should have been his.
Now he wasn't even pretending anymore.
"I have business there."
"Just be ready to take over."
"You'll make all decisions in my absence."
Havria could only sigh in resignation.
Fine.
"When are you leaving?"
If she couldn't stop him, she at least wanted a timeline.
"Once Lumine returns."
Havria nodded.
"Understood."
With that, she left without another word.
That evening, Jiang Chen also informed Guizhong of his plans.
He'd notify Ningguang once back in Liyue Harbor.
The moment Guizhong heard "Inazuma," her eyes sparkled with interest.
Clearly, she wanted in.