"You call the shots in Inazuma from now on?"
What does that even mean?
Keqing couldn't quite grasp Jiang Chen's sudden declaration.
"He means Inazuma is now under his control."
Lumine couldn't resist translating.
Hearing this, Keqing's expression froze.
"What did you do?!"
A shrill scream escaped her lips.
She thought Jiang Chen had literally conquered Inazuma.
Damn, if that were true, how would the other nations view Liyue?
Even if you were going to take over a country, at least warn us first!
Seeing Keqing's reaction, Jiang Chen facepalmed.
"Relax, I didn't do anything!"
"I just resurrected the original Electro Archon."
"Now, Makoto is handling Inazuma's affairs."
"And since she's a Heroic Spirit who obeys me, we can strut around Inazuma like we own the place."
Jiang Chen patiently explained.
Keqing's face blanked.
"So… you're controlling Inazuma through Makoto?"
That was the gist of it, right?
Keqing could hardly believe it—just like that?
A few days away, and Jiang Chen had quietly become the shadow ruler of Inazuma?
Unbelievable!!
"What are you talking about?"
"Do I look like that kind of person?"
"What does Inazuma's governance have to do with me?"
"I'm just telling you that I can roam freely in Inazuma now."
Though Keqing's interpretation wasn't wrong, Jiang Chen couldn't admit it outright.
But Keqing wasn't buying it. She'd rather believe Jiang Chen had secretly taken over Inazuma.
Staring at him, her expression turned incredibly weird.
Damn, you actually pulled it off.
Keqing was impressed!
Feeling her gaze, Jiang Chen sighed internally.
Why won't she believe me?
For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
"Let's eat!"
Jiang Chen called out, deciding to drop the topic.
He couldn't be bothered to explain further.
Let them think whatever they want.
Though it felt odd, it wasn't entirely wrong.
Soon, everyone gathered at the table for lunch.
As they ate, Jiang Chen couldn't help but ask Keqing about the property sales in Guili Plains.
"Have you started selling houses there yet?"
"How's the market reaction?"
"People are buying, right?"
His biggest worry was that the houses would be built but no one would purchase them.
Keqing's face lit up at the question.
"Sales are booming."
"Lots of people are willing to relocate."
"Some are even asking if we'll sell residential plots."
"Property prices in Liyue Harbor are too high—ours are less than half, so many are eager to buy here."
"The money they'd spend on a house in the harbor can buy a home here AND leave savings."
"For many, that's crucial."
"Then there are the workers stationed here."
"Plenty want to stay, since job opportunities will keep growing."
"Plus, Ningguang's introduced mortgage loans, making it easier to buy."
Keqing detailed the recent developments.
Jiang Chen nodded.
The mortgage system had been his idea, implemented by Ningguang.
The Northland Bank had been expelled from Liyue, replaced by the Liyue Bank.
The Liyue Bank had flourished, with plans to expand into Mondstadt.
(During Jean's visit, this had been part of the discussions.)
The Liyue Bank's creditworthiness was rock-solid.
After all, they literally minted Mora.
This gave them an unbeatable advantage—no one worried about the Liyue Bank running out of money.
They made the money.
Honestly, even if Liyue did nothing, the Mora they produced annually would make them the wealthiest nation.
Mora itself was an alchemical material, which was why it served as currency.
It had countless applications, ensuring constant demand.
There was no substitute.
Liyue was born wealthy.
If, like in the game, Zhongli had faked his death, the real-world financial turmoil would've been catastrophic.
Luckily, that hadn't happened.
"Good that they're staying."
"Then there's no major issue."
"Use the revenue from sales to speed up construction."
"Hire more workers!"
"Build the houses as fast as possible."
So they were already turning a profit?
Nice, very nice.
Clearly, Liyuers realized Liyue Harbor had no room for expansion.
So they were flocking to Guili Plains.
This place was the future—buying early meant no regrets, since prices would only rise.
The merchants understood this too.
That's why, when sales opened, countless people rushed in—especially merchants.
They all wanted prime commercial spots.
Once the port opened, business would boom.
Not to mention, this place was closer to Mondstadt—the transport savings alone were huge.
Anyone could do the math.
So the answer was simple: Buy! Buy! Buy!
"I know—I'm already on it."
"Plus, the first batch of Geo Vision holders has arrived."
"With their help, construction will be even faster."
"The market district is also taking shape."
"Once the first homeowners move in, it'll officially open."
Though Jiang Chen had only been gone a few days, progress was rapid.
Over lunch, he caught up on recent developments.
Guili Plains was thriving.
After the meal, Jiang Chen rested briefly before heading to Mingyun Village to review documents.
Havria had handled the paperwork flawlessly in his absence.
Satisfied, Jiang Chen decided it was time to visit Zhongli in Liyue Harbor.
With Havia managing things, he could finally be a hands-off boss.
Exiting the office, he informed her:
"I'm going back to Liyue Harbor. Might return tonight—or not."
"Let everyone know."
Havria nodded.
"Understood. I'll pass it along."
She didn't ask questions—just relayed the message.
With that, Jiang Chen vanished, heading straight for Liyue Harbor.