Check out my new translation!
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I announce that the three winners of this materials-gathering competition are Shenhe, Lumine, and Yun Jin!
"What? It's only the second day!"
"Wait—it's over already? I haven't even found my Vermillionite yet!"
"I can't accept this…"
"Ugh, I rushed here as fast as I could and still came in behind everyone… And that Sunset Vermillionite I spent a fortune on… I guess there's no way to auction it for the same price now… It's worthless—worthless!!"
While the other competitors wailed in despair, Baiwen paid them no mind. "Winners, please make your way to the Jade Chamber. Lady Ningguang is already waiting above."
The Jade Chamber was still chained in place, suspended only at the height of the mountaintop. Even so, this was Victor Wang's first time stepping onto it.
Such an enormous building floating in the air was astonishingly steady. The floor beneath his feet felt as solid as the ground. Only the scenery in every direction—completely changed—reminded him that he was standing high above the world. Beautiful and strange all at once.
Ningguang stood waiting on the enormous platform outside the Jade Chamber. "You all did well. Now, it is time for me to fulfill my promise and grant your rewards."
"Oooh! We've waited so long for this!"
Ningguang smiled, her gaze brushing past the excited Paimon before landing on Yun Jin first. "I've heard of your intentions, Miss Yun Jin. You're searching for a suitable stage for your new opera, yes?"
Yun Jin nodded. "That's right. I wonder if Miss Ningguang has any recommendations?"
Ningguang walked slowly toward the edge of the Jade Chamber. Even for her, this view from above was something she hadn't seen for a long time.
"Given that the new opera you've prepared is surely of significant weight, why not hold its debut performance upon the newly rebuilt Jade Chamber? From this height, one can overlook all mountains and observe all manner of lives below. I daresay… there is no better stage in all of Teyvat than this one."
"Many thanks, Miss Ningguang."
"However, the Jade Chamber isn't fully completed yet. It will take some time before it can take flight. When the grand ascension ceremony arrives, I will send you an invitation."
"Perfect. I'll use this time to polish my performance. I won't disappoint you, Miss Ningguang. And Lumine, Victor Wang, Shenhe, and little Paimon—remember to come watch my play when the time comes."
Yun Jin took her leave.
As they watched her depart, Paimon noticed the other two Sunset Vermillionites still resting at the construction site below. "Hey, why did we need to prepare three sets of materials anyway? Isn't that enough to build three Jade Chambers?"
"So… is that your question? If so, I will answer it."
"Oh no no no!" Paimon waved frantically. "I was just asking casually!"
"Heh. I thought so… Then what would Lumine like to ask? I should say this beforehand—I do not know your brother's whereabouts. Don't waste your question on that."
Lumine had already expected this. "In that case, I'll let Paimon ask."
"Then I must warn you, Paimon: commerce is not that simple. Startup costs, connections, timing, risk management… If you want to ask me how to make money, I will of course uphold the deal and answer. But the answer may not be useful to you in your current state."
"Ah? Xingqiu said something similar before… and I haven't even asked anything yet!"
"Your thoughts are written all over your face." Ningguang paused thoughtfully. "Still, you've helped me rebuild the Jade Chamber—that is a tremendous favor. I will not treat you poorly… So instead of one answer, I can offer you a promise. When the day comes that you are in urgent need of money, come to me. If I can help, I will. But let me be clear: I will not go so far as to harm myself to do it."
"That's already enough! Feels like you could solve our problem with just one finger anyway!"
"I hope so. Finally, Miss Shenhe—what question would you like to ask me?"
"I want to ask about ways to make money. Is that not allowed?"
For the first time, Ningguang appeared surprised. "You too seek wealth? Best choose another question—the answer to that one is suited only for seasoned veterans in business."
"Then…" Shenhe glanced at the others, then requested privately, "Let's speak aside."
With curiosity in her eyes, Ningguang followed Shenhe into the distance. When they were far enough away, Shenhe leaned close and whispered something in her ear. Ningguang blinked, startled, glanced back briefly at Victor Wang, then shook her head with a faint, knowing smile.
"Is it… not allowed?"
"I cannot answer that question. I will have to teach you how to make money instead."
Shenhe froze. Was her question really that difficult?
The two of them returned.
This time, Ningguang addressed not only Shenhe but also Lumine and Paimon. "Your Sunset Vermillionites were delivered to me under the name of Cloud Retainer. This saved me quite a significant expense. And since you're all hoping to earn money, even though this isn't exactly 'answering a question,' I will tell you an internal secret—and help with your finances."
"Finances?"
"Well, Paimon? If you choose my financial assistance, then the promise from earlier becomes void, understood?"
"Ugh… this is so hard… One option is something that might happen someday, and the other is money we can make for sure… maybe we should choose the financial thing?" Paimon looked at Lumine for confirmation. Lumine thought for a moment, then nodded.
"In that case…" Ningguang exchanged another glance with a very confused Victor Wang. "Since there are no outsiders here, I'll speak plainly."
"Zaytun Peaches, Ajilenakh Nuts, Henna Berries, Rukkhashava Mushrooms, and Harra Fruits—these five will be the new flavors in my upcoming line of Sumeru-style gum. When they launch, the prices of these ingredients will absolutely rise.
"If you purchase large quantities in advance while keeping it quiet, then sell them after the launch—the profit margin will be enormous.
"In other words, convert all your Mora into these five materials… the first three in particular. The last two flavors may sell poorly; avoid taking unnecessary risks."
Paimon felt like she understood… somewhat. "So we just take all our Mora and buy Zaytun Peaches, Ajilenakh Nuts, Henna Berries… that's it?"
"Simple?"
Ningguang shook her head.
"How do you purchase huge quantities without alerting the market? How do you transport them, store them, and then catch the optimal moment to sell before the produce spoils? And how do you find the right channels for distribution? There is immense knowledge involved. Even if I tell you the information now, you cannot make use of it."
"Ghh—my head hurts already. Then what do we do?"
"Leave it to me. Hand your Mora to me. I will turn your Mora into more Mora, then return both the principal and the profit to you. However, I am occupied with other matters at the moment. This will have to wait."
"Oh—rebuilding the Jade Chamber? Please, focus on your work first."
"…Something like that. And earlier you asked why I prepared three sets of building materials, yes? The remaining two sets are, of course, for backup."
"Backup? Don't tell me the Jade Chamber will break again!"
"The very first time I stood on the Jade Chamber and looked down at Liyue Harbor from the sky, I thought—one day, the shadow of the Jade Chamber must fall upon all seven nations. To this day, that wish has not changed. However, this rebuild is not only for myself—you will understand in a few days. I may even need your help."