"Rewards can really be obtained?"
Ningguang asked again.
If it weren't Keqing standing before her, she might have dismissed the matter outright.
It just sounded too unbelievable.
For someone who hadn't seen it firsthand, it was near impossible to accept.
"Mhm. Xiangling, Yanfei, and I have all received rewards."
Keqing nodded.
Ningguang frowned, falling into thought.
She trusted Keqing's words.
Someone so devoted to work would never come just to waste her time.
And Keqing had named Xiangling and Yanfei as well.
Ningguang knew both of them— one the famed chef of Wanmin Restaurant, the other Liyue's foremost legal expert.
She had even heard that they'd gone to Mondstadt recently.
Which meant the rewards were probably real.
Since that much was certain, Ningguang found herself intrigued by the nature of these so-called rewards.
"What did the three of you receive?"
"Xiangling got a recipe, and Yanfei received something called a Bamboo-Copter."
"Bamboo…Copter?"
Ningguang's brows lifted.
A recipe was easy enough to understand.
But what in the world was a Bamboo-Copter?
"According to Xiangling, it's a flying device. Top speed of 80 kilometers an hour, with continuous use for eight hours."
Keqing relayed the details she had gathered.
"Something like that exists?!"
A flicker of shock flashed through Ningguang's eyes.
She knew full well what this meant.
If it was true, gliders would be obsolete.
And if such devices could be mass-produced for the Millelith… the implications were staggering.
In this, her thoughts aligned perfectly with Keqing's.
"Mhm. When I went to read the manga, Yanfei was already flying back from Mondstadt. She's probably near Liyue by now."
Keqing chuckled.
She was curious to see Yanfei's expression once she found out Keqing also knew about the store.
"Then we'll take a look at this Bamboo-Copter when she returns. Perhaps it can be studied."
Ningguang mused.
The chances of success were slim, but there was no harm in trying.
If it worked, widespread adoption would change everything.
Of course, Yanfei's consent would be needed first.
"And you, Keqing? What reward did you receive?"
Ningguang's curiosity sharpened.
Keqing had mentioned the others but not her own.
Surely hers was something special?
"Uh…"
Keqing froze.
Though she had already accepted her reward after Boss Han's explanation, to bring it up so soon—especially in front of Ningguang—was still difficult.
"Tsk tsk. Don't tell me it's some kind of… strange ability?"
Ningguang teased, her sharp gaze glinting.
She'd caught Keqing's subtle unease in an instant.
If it had been a straightforward power or useful skill, Keqing's pride would never have let her look that way.
So the only explanation was that her reward wasn't exactly… normal.
Ningguang's curiosity flared even stronger.
"Who says it's strange? It's extremely powerful. I can change into any shape, heal even if shattered to pieces, and recover even if burned to ash."
Keqing huffed.
Flaws aside, she would never admit her reward was weak.
"Shape-shifting? Regeneration from dismemberment? Revival even from ashes?"
Ningguang's pupils contracted slightly, disbelief flashing in her eyes.
That was absurd!
If it had just been stronger swordplay or elemental power, she could have believed it.
But this?
Fragmented into pieces and still recovering?
Who in Teyvat could do such a thing?
Only archons, perhaps— and even then, they were archons! The apex of existence.
And now, some manga shop just casually handed out such a reward?
And revival from ashes?!
Ningguang nearly didn't know how to respond.
With that ability, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would be out of business!
"Wait. If you really obtained all that… Why were you so uneasy earlier?"
Ningguang's eyes narrowed.
If Keqing truly had such an extraordinary gift, she should have been brimming with confidence, not fidgeting.
Could it be a fabrication?
Or perhaps… a flaw?
Under Ningguang's steady gaze, Keqing nearly rolled her eyes.
This woman's mind was wasted on politics— she should've been a detective.
Boss Han's manga shop even had a detective series, perfectly suited for her!
But after being stared down for so long, Keqing finally admitted defeat.
"Fine. The truth is… according to Boss Han, whenever I use this ability, I take on feline traits."
She sighed. May as well say it—better than waiting for it to come out later.
"Cat… traits?"
Ningguang was stunned.
So that was the drawback?
No wonder Keqing had seemed uneasy.
If it had been her, she'd have felt the same.
"Pfft—!"
Ningguang couldn't hold it in any longer.
Despite her claim of professionalism, despite her usual composure, the image was simply too much.
She was a professional—she didn't laugh easily.
But once she truly couldn't help it, there was no stopping her.
And this was definitely one of those moments.
Just picturing Keqing with feline features was enough to break her composure.
The three secretaries beside them also trembled with suppressed laughter.
They dared not laugh aloud in front of Keqing, but their shoulders quivered all the same.
"You haven't tested the ability yet, have you? Why not try it now? Maybe that boss was just teasing you."
Ningguang suggested once she'd collected herself.
It was the perfect way to confirm the reward's authenticity.
And if real, well— getting to see Keqing in cat form would be rather amusing.
Keqing considered it.
Ningguang had a point.
When she'd first felt the power awaken, she'd sensed something was off— but that was only a feeling.
She hadn't actually tried it yet.
So how would she know for certain Boss Han had been telling the truth?
The thought stirred a sudden impulse.
Perhaps she should give it a try… and see if she really would "catify."
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