Diluc poured three cups of Dawn Winery grape juice — rich color, mellow sweetness, unmistakably premium.
"So," he said after sitting down, "you intend to sell that bottle to me?"
He'd seen the wine in Jiang Chen's hand. He already knew what this meant — Jiang Chen wasn't here to hand out gifts. He was here to do business.
"Exactly," Jiang Chen replied casually.
"If you want it, I'll sell.
This is one of Barbatos' own treasured wines."
He set the bottle on the table with a smile.
Diluc leaned in, closed his eyes for a moment, and sensed it carefully.
Yes — faint, unmistakable traces of Anemo.
A divine scent.
This was no ordinary Mondstadt brew.
"How much are you asking?"
Clearly, Jiang Chen wanted to sell — and Diluc didn't mind buying.
Everyone in Mondstadt knew he collected anything related to the Anemo Archon.
"Name your price," Jiang Chen said.
"If I find it reasonable, it's yours.
There's only one bottle — you know how rare that makes it."
Jiang Chen still had several more, of course…
But sell everything? Absolutely not.
Rarity determined value.
And he intended to squeeze every last Mora out of this "transaction."
Lumine and Paimon remained silent, watching intently.
Diluc studied the bottle, considered it, and finally spoke:
"Thirty million."
Jiang Chen raised a brow.
As expected of Mondstadt's richest man —
he had the generosity to match.
Paimon and Lumine nearly choked.
That high… for a single bottle?!
Then Jiang Chen countered immediately:
"Fifty million."
Why not?
If Diluc could offer thirty, he could definitely offer more.
Diluc frowned slightly.
Fifty million was steep…
But considering the uniqueness of the wine, its future value, and the fact that collectors like him rarely got chances like this—
"…Alright."
He didn't bother bargaining.
He simply pulled out a check, scribbled his signature and the amount, and handed it over.
"Pleasure doing business," Jiang Chen said, pocketing the check with a satisfied grin.
"Likewise," Diluc said calmly.
"If you come across anything similar in the future, feel free to contact me."
Clearly, he suspected Jiang Chen had more hidden treasures.
And he wasn't wrong.
"No problem," Jiang Chen replied.
Aside from Diluc, the only other person who'd buy something like this would be the Church of Favonius…
Though Barbara definitely didn't have that kind of money.
So yes — Mondstadt's richest man was still the best customer.
Deal sealed, both sides were happy.
"Well then, we'll take our leave," Jiang Chen said.
"Lord Diluc, until next time."
They walked out of Angel's Share.
And the moment they stepped outside—
"WOOOAHH!!" Paimon squealed.
"Jiang Chen, we're rich!!
So much Mora, all at once!"
She could practically see her future meals secured for years to come.
"Yep. We struck gold.
Let's go exchange the money, then visit Diona."
They headed straight to the Northland Bank.
Inside, it was crowded — and Jiang Chen immediately understood why.
The Fatui were here.
But none of that mattered to him.
As long as they didn't look for trouble, he'd ignore them.
If they did?
Well… he wouldn't mind sending a few heads rolling.
He reached the counter.
The clerk recognized him — after all, he'd exchanged a large Knights of Favonius check just the previous day.
Now he came again with another enormous check, this time from Diluc.
She exchanged it for him quickly.
Five million Mora was so much that it filled five large chests, each worth one million.
After making sure everything was correct, Jiang Chen prepared to leave.
But the clerk suddenly called out:
"Mr. Jiang Chen, please wait!"
He turned, brows raised.
"What is it?"
Was this related to the Fatui?
No way their identities had leaked — only the upper ranks of the Knights knew what really happened with Stormterror.
The clerk gave a polite smile.
"Actually… if you'd like, we can help you open an account here at the Northland—"
"No need," Jiang Chen cut her off immediately.
"I prefer keeping my Mora with me.
If there's nothing else, we're leaving."
Store his money with the Fatui?
Please.
As if he'd deposit Mora with people he didn't trust.
Once he reached Liyue and met Ningguang?
He'd make sure she opened a bank.
The Geo Archon controlled currency itself — how could Liyue not have its own proper banking system?
It was practically printing money.
After refusing, Jiang Chen left with Lumine and Paimon.
The clerk was left speechless.
Someone… who didn't want to open an account?
Someone who insisted on carrying millions of Mora on their person?
Unbelievable.
If this continued, she feared the bank's reserves would run dry entirely
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
patreon.com/ZoroTL442