Ningguang and Dori's Differing Ambitions

"Then I'll look forward to you bringing more to the table."

Ningguang looked at Bai Ye with expectant eyes.

Without specifically asking what he could create, Ningguang simply waited quietly for his results, looking for an opportunity to collaborate.

By this time, most of the dishes had been eaten. Ningguang had the dishes cleared away, turning the table into a negotiation space.

"Let's now discuss the cooperation for your new invention, the truck."

"Alright," Bai Ye nodded.

Then, he reminded Ningguang, "However, I personally suggest that our cooperation shouldn't be limited to just trucks. Vehicles shouldn't just be for transporting goods; they can serve other functions too. Focusing solely on cargo transport might not yield as much profit."

Ningguang nodded thoughtfully upon hearing Bai Ye's words.

Bai Ye continued, "The trucks I've invented so far are for transporting goods. Next, I plan to create vehicles for other purposes. For example, we could install comfortable seats inside the vehicles, allowing for large-scale passenger transport. As far as I know, many elders and relatives of people in Liyue Harbor live in Qingce Village. Traveling from Liyue Harbor to Qingce Village is not easy right now. We could develop a route like this, transporting people back and forth daily. I believe many people would be willing to take such a service. And also..."

Bai Ye pondered the various uses of vehicles from his past life and explained them to Ningguang.

For instance, vehicles for transporting people, vehicles for personal driving, vehicles specifically designed for off-road terrain, and vehicles equipped with weapons...

As Bai Ye spoke, Ningguang's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"I, Ningguang, will definitely invest in your vehicles!"

"Regarding your vehicles... it's quite a mouthful to say. Bai Ye, shouldn't we give these vehicles a name?"

"Hmm... Ningguang-jie, do you have any ideas?"

Upon hearing Ningguang's question, Bai Ye was also stumped.

Back on Earth, they were called cars, but here in Teyvat, where Elemental Reactions were used, calling them cars wouldn't make much sense.

"These vehicles are mainly driven by electricity and fire, utilizing Elemental Reactions for propulsion. So, how about calling them Thunderfire Vehicles?"

Ningguang pondered for a moment and proposed the name.

"Let's forget that name for now. I'll use 'Thunderfire' as a naming convention later when I invent a sword that can utilize Elemental Reactions."

Bai Ye was determined not to waste such a good name.

"I think we should call them Electric Vehicles. However, this is just a general term. We can give specific names to different types later."

"Agreed."

Ningguang nodded.

Seeing Ningguang nod, Bai Ye spoke up, "However, these are secondary. The most important thing is to provide a suitable space for the vehicles."

"You mean?"

"Building roads. Without roads, the operational range of these vehicles will be severely limited."

Bai Ye reminded Ningguang.

Without infrastructure, the development Bai Ye envisioned would be meaningless.

This was something he couldn't achieve; only the wealthy Ningguang could.

Ningguang lowered her head and began to ponder.

Bai Ye waited quietly.

After a long while, Ningguang stood up.

"I, Ningguang, will take care of this matter."

She said earnestly.

Yelan, standing nearby, was somewhat surprised to hear this.

To her, road construction was an expenditure with no direct profit.

Ningguang's decision to undertake such a project was truly unexpected.

Seeing Ningguang make this decision, Bai Ye was filled with admiration.

He could only say that as fellow great merchants, Ningguang was far superior to Dori.

Dori, who could bankrupt Kaveh, the architect who built her palace, while Ningguang could directly sacrifice her meticulously crafted Jade Chamber for Liyue.

The difference between them was visibly apparent.

Bai Ye immediately stated, "I will design the molds for construction-suitable vehicle parts as soon as possible, so the roads can be built sooner."

"Mm."

Ningguang nodded with satisfaction.

The two parties had come to understand each other. They both knew they were the type who loved money but had their bottom lines.

Such people were the easiest to cooperate with.

They yearned for wealth, so their efforts could be anticipated. At the same time, having bottom lines made cooperation more reassuring.

Ningguang's gaze softened as she looked at Bai Ye, whose white-gold hair was just like her own.

She thought for a moment and said to Bai Ye, "I still have a few unused Floating Stones here. I'll give them all to you after you leave. In the future, if you have any new ideas, you're welcome to come find me at the Jade Chamber anytime."

After speaking, she instructed her secretary, Baiwen, to inform Buyun, who was waiting below the Jade Chamber, not to stop Bai Ye in the future.

"Mhm, I have a lot of ideas that require your cooperation, Sister Ningguang," Bai Ye replied.

"Then I'll be looking forward to you visiting me often."

"I certainly will."

After a few more words with Ningguang, Bai Ye prepared to leave with Yelan.

Both parties had a good first impression of each other today, but whether they would interact more depended on their future collaborations.

Ningguang escorted Bai Ye and Yelan down.

Before they departed, she didn't forget to give them both some parting instructions.

"Yelan, regarding the Fatui, you must continue your investigation. I will give you my full support. If you need manpower or funds, don't hesitate to use them directly from me. While Liyue and Snezhnaya have a public partnership, we must remain vigilant in secret. Also, concerning Bai Ye, please help investigate whether the Fatui might target him."

"Understood."

Yelan nodded calmly.

Then, Ningguang said to Bai Ye:

"I will arrange for the road construction as soon as possible. However, since road construction concerns all of Liyue, even if I provide all the funding, the Seven Stars will still need to investigate. I estimate that this matter will be handed over to the Seven Stars' secretary, Ganyu. You will investigate with her then, and also calculate what kind of roads are needed for vehicles to travel. After all, there are many ruins of Adepti and Archons to the north of Liyue Harbor, so we must be as careful as possible to avoid them during construction."

"Ganyu will investigate with me?"

Hearing Ningguang's words, Bai Ye felt both happy and a little worried.

He was happy because he might be able to inquire about his teacher's situation;

He was worried that Ganyu might see through his teacher's identity.

After careful consideration, Bai Ye felt it was a risk worth taking.

As long as he hid well, he wouldn't have to worry about being discovered.

He could even use the Art of Automata techniques he had learned from that mechanical diagram for now.