Seeing the exhausted look on Keqing's face, Luya felt a twinge of distress. He could tell she had been working nonstop all day.
"Today, I opened mining sites and an electronics factory in The Chasm and Guili Plains. And then... I also made a trip to Mondstadt City and opened a new shop." Luya listed everything he had done.
As Keqing listened to him speak so casually, utter astonishment washed over her. Her fatigue vanished, replaced by shock. Even someone like Keqing—who upheld efficiency and swift work as a personal creed—was stunned by the sheer speed at which Luya completed tasks.
Efficiency had always been Keqing's guiding principle. Perhaps many understood her mindset, yet none could match her pace. She carried deep hopes, striving to be a model for the people, always demanding several times more effort from herself than from others. At the same time, she looked down on anything she deemed "lazy" or "inefficient."
Humans lived far shorter lives than gods; if they allowed inertia or hesitation to hinder them, the day they could stand as equals—and take charge of their own destiny—would never arrive. Because of this belief, her rhythm rarely aligned with those around her. She would never rest until work was finished.
So when Keqing witnessed Luya accomplishing such a massive workload in a single day, it surpassed imagination. Truly shaken, she gazed at him with admiration.
"Right..." Luya shifted the topic. "About the workers I asked you to help gather a while back—did you find them?"
Keqing nodded gently, joy blooming on her elegant face like a spring flower. She understood what this meant: Luya's blueprint for launching his electronics factory was finally becoming reality.
Back then, Luya had boldly declared his plan to pay workers in Liyue Harbor a monthly salary of two million Mora. With such income, those who once struggled would gain a far more comfortable wage, allowing them to buy more of what they desired.
One could imagine—Liyue's economy would flourish like never before. Luya's electronics factory would surely become a rising industry in the harbor, offering generous pay and stable employment while driving industrial advancement and technological innovation across the region. Over time, Liyue Harbor's development would only continue to grow.
This was the Liyue Keqing—one of the Liyue Qixing—longed to see. The future Liyue would attract merchants and travelers from all corners of the world.
In her eyes, all of this stemmed from Luya's business insight and decisive execution. He had paved a road to prosperity for Liyue Harbor through Yu-Gi-Oh!.
"Today, throughout Liyue, I gathered around four thousand workers willing to work at your electronics factory. They can follow your arrangements starting tomorrow. All contract-related matters are already completed."
When the topic turned to work, Keqing instantly sharpened her focus, her tone growing quick and efficient. Luya listened with delight.
Tomorrow... he could finally begin manufacturing game consoles. Once completed, selling them would surely bring an endless stream of Mora.
Just imagining it made his hands tremble slightly. This would be his first time leading so many people. Four thousand workers—each with a monthly salary of two million Mora. His payroll would reach roughly eight billion Mora. As he hired even more employees in the future, expenses would only increase.
However, for the current Luya, this was nothing. Even if the workforce grew tenfold, he could still afford it. Yet manpower could not be rushed. After all, impatience achieved nothing; only steady, solid effort led to success.
….
Night fell over Liyue Harbor, quieting the streets. Those who had been absorbed in Yu-Gi-Oh! duels gradually returned home to rest. Xiao, too, retreated quietly to Wangshu Inn, his solitary figure fading into the night.
Even then, the minds of Liyue's residents remained restless. Even at home, they could not stop thinking about tomorrow's duels. For them, dueling had become an essential part of life. After work, their greatest joy lay in playing cards.
In the past, the people of Liyue Harbor worked tirelessly for survival. Now, whenever they found free time, they eagerly joined duels, reveling in that unique blend of fun and excitement.
Whether on the streets or in teahouses and taverns, small groups gathered everywhere, engaged in heated matches. This love of dueling made Liyue Harbor's atmosphere ever more vibrant. The battles at the card tables not only tested wit and strategy but strengthened bonds among people.
Here, victory was not the only pursuit; more importantly, it was entertainment and relaxation. One could say that through Yu-Gi-Oh!, the people of Liyue Harbor had found joy amid their hard work.
This city—famous for its unique cultural charm—now embraced Yu-Gi-Oh! dueling as one of its defining features.
After returning to the shop with Keqing, Luya purchased the goods he needed to sell, then rested happily with her.
The night passed quickly.
Morning arrived—and Liyue Harbor burst with energy. Over four thousand workers gathered at the entrance of Luya's shop, ready to depart at any moment. These were the people Keqing had recruited for his electronics factory.
Still stunned by the promised monthly salary of two million Mora, the workers murmured among themselves.
"Can he really pay two million Mora every month?!"
"What if he runs away?!"
"We already signed contracts! He can't run away, right?!"
Just as the debates grew louder, Luya stepped outside with Keqing.
"Everyone! Your wages can be paid in advance! Please rest assured!"
At his words, the entire crowd stared at him in disbelief, barely able to trust their ears.
...
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