"Hu Tao, are you sure you want to take Beidou's ship to Inazuma? What about Wangsheng in Liyue and Mondstadt?"
"Well, with phones allowing remote command, I can handle problems even from afar. Besides, Liyue and Mondstadt are peaceful right now. There's not much demand for Wangsheng's services."
"But Inazuma is different. Su Bai, didn't you say Inazuma is chaotic? Perfect timing for your director to expand business."
Hu Tao packed her luggage while figuring out what else to bring. Madame Ping had given her several small pouches with pocket spaces a few days ago. They were perfect for storing coffins.
Su Bai's face twitched. He deeply regretted telling Hu Tao about the situation in Inazuma. Now the more he didn't want her to go, the more interested she became.
"Hu Tao, Inazuma is enforcing the Vision Hunt Decree right now. Aren't you afraid the Shogunate will take your Vision? The Raiden Shogun might even appear and cut you down."
"Don't worry. For safety reasons, your director has already made preparations."
Su Bai deliberately exaggerated the dangers to discourage Hu Tao, but she looked confident. Looking at the half-emptied coffin storage, she dusted off her hands with satisfaction.
If all went well, she'd make a fortune in Inazuma. If she could establish Wangsheng's reputation for affordable, high-quality coffins, her Inazuma branch would have no trouble finding its footing.
"Preparations? What preparations, Hu Tao? Do you want me to do a divination for you?"
Mona, who had been outside researching which ingredients paired best with Slime Condensate, overheard and came to join in. Su Bai shot her a look. He had no idea what Mona had divined, but after a night of fortune-telling, she had flatly refused to go to Inazuma with them.
"Hehe, your director has convinced Zhongli and little Zhongtuo to come along. With two adepti escorting me, I doubt I'll run into any danger."
Hearing Hu Tao's preparations, Su Bai swallowed his words. With the Staff of Homa, Hu Tao was already powerful. Add Zhongli and Azhdaha, and unless she ran into that old hag Ei, Hu Tao could walk sideways through Inazuma.
"So? Was your director's preparation thorough enough?"
"Very thorough. I'll leave you to your packing."
Su Bai fell silent for a moment and walked out of Wangsheng. If he had known Hu Tao was this well-prepared, he wouldn't have wasted his breath. Damn it. When he first went to Inazuma, if he'd had Zhongli and Azhdaha with him, he wouldn't have been toyed with so many times by that pink fox. Thinking about it brought tears to his eyes.
...
From Liyue Harbor's docks, looking toward Guyun Stone Forest, the massive Alcor was anchored nearby. Its captain was chatting and laughing with Ningguang on the pier.
"Ningguang, are you sure the Traveler can solve Inazuma's problems? You're already buying up Inazuma's scarce supplies. Aren't you afraid of losing everything? Let me be clear—if you take a loss, you're still paying my transport fees. I've got a crew to feed."
"Beidou, we've worked together for years. Have I ever failed to pay you? I believe in the Traveler's abilities. Besides, Su Bai is going too. Given his relationship with the Traveler, even if she fails, there's no danger to her life."
Ningguang gazed at the Alcor in the distance, lost in thought. Beidou, standing beside her, asked with concern.
"If the Traveler fails, won't you lose money? Then I won't be able to mooch meals off you anymore."
"Petty cash. Not worth mentioning. But if you want to mooch meals, you're always welcome."
"Come on. Just tell me what you want."
Beidou rolled her eyes. Every time Ningguang used that fox-like tone, she wanted something. And always something unpaid. Sigh. She knew Ningguang was trying to get free labor, but she couldn't help wanting to help her anyway.
Seeing her goal achieved, Ningguang's smile turned sly. Her tone was light and cheerful.
"It's nothing major. Just a small favor for the Lantern Rite in a few months."
"A small favor? Fine. But you're feeding me."
"Don't worry. Not just meals this time. I'll prepare a generous reward for you too."
"Wait, why do I feel like I've been tricked again?"
Realizing she'd fallen for Ningguang's scheme again, Beidou pursed her lips and hopped into the small boat by the shore. Damn it. She couldn't keep talking to this fox. Another conversation and she might end up giving Ningguang her entire fleet.
"I'm done talking to you. Another word and I might hand over the whole Crux Fleet. I'm off. We'll keep in touch by phone. The new version has so many features. I'll test them out with you."
"Mm. Contact me by phone if anything comes up. If you ever run into something you can't decide on, I can help you think it through."
"That's a good idea. Next time I run into a shady merchant, I'll have you deal with them."
Beidou's eyes lit up. Her fleet had encountered plenty of crooked merchants during their travels. With phones, Ningguang could provide remote assistance. Perfect. She wanted to see whether Ningguang's schemes or those merchants' tricks would win.
Watching Beidou's small boat disappear into the distance, a flicker of reluctance crossed Ningguang's eyes. Beidou was one of her few friends. Only around Beidou did she drop her guard. Now that Beidou was leaving, she did feel a little sad.
...
On the Alcor, the already lively ship had become even more boisterous. Beidou boarded to find Hu Tao handing out two large barrels of milk tea. The sailors who had never been able to buy any were thrilled. Hu Tao had also bonded with the children on board through the milk tea. Too bad Klee had gone back to Mondstadt with Albedo. She would have loved playing with them.
"Director Hu, are you planning to open Wangsheng in Inazuma? You even brought Wangsheng's consultant along."
Seeing Hu Tao bring her whole entourage, Beidou teased her. Hu Tao shoved a cup of milk tea into Beidou's hand and grinned.
"Hehe, Beidou, you guessed it. Your director really does have that plan."