Mao Cai Gong Was Finished-and Drowning

[Yoimiya: Lady Kujou Sara is really happy.]

[Kamisato Ayaka: Shh, don't say it out loud.]

[Lisa: But the Raiden Shogun seems... nowhere near as terrifying as the rumors say.]

[Amber: I feel the same way.]

[Ganyu: We can't weigh in on Inazuma's actions. Each of the Seven Nations has its own way of governing.]

[Yae Miko: Liyue's tofu dishes are delicious. As for her, she's Ei.]

"This round of the livestream quiz has ended. The next round will begin in seven days."

"The livestream room will close in thirty seconds."

Teyvat returned to its daily routine, while people across the nations eagerly discussed the amusing events from the livestream.

Watching the punishments was something everyone enjoyed endlessly.

It was like a sporting event for the whole population. Watching other people make fools of themselves was just too much fun.

And it didn't matter who you were or how lofty your status was.

If you answered incorrectly, you got punished. Mao Cai Gong, some big shot-it made no difference. No one could escape. Everyone was equal!

Thought forty or fifty thousand Mora was beneath you? Even if you didn't participate, you could still be randomly selected.

And starting with the second livestream,

everyone noticed that the more someone normally threw their weight around, the more likely they were to be randomly selected.

"Guess what? The ten worst scoundrels people talk about in Liyue's back alleys all got hit this time!"

"Really?"

"Shh, keep your voice down. Don't let their lackeys hear you."

"Mao Cai Gong, Qi Shen Gong, and Boss Zhuang are all doing punishment runs. Eight out of the ten got hit."

"Hahahaha! Let them run themselves to death!"

"And Mao Cai Gong is finished!"

"Finished?" People were discussing it in taverns and teahouses everywhere.

Mao Cai Gong really was finished. After seeing his true colors, those who had intended to work with him abandoned the idea.

Those already working with him reduced their orders or even cut ties with him entirely.

His household servants also began leaving one after another.

In just three days, his business plummeted. Even the Northland Bank, with which he had previously shared a lease, blacklisted him outright and demanded repayment!

Mao Cai Gong cried, "Why won't you work with me anymore? Didn't they say what happened in the livestream was only one possible thread of the future? It wasn't real!"

Tartaglia stood there. "Mao Cai Gong, actions reveal character. That also reflected your personality and how you manage your subordinates. You are no longer qualified to work with the Fatui. Please leave!"

"Lord Childe! Lord Childe, give me a chance!"

Mao Cai Gong sobbed uncontrollably and was thrown straight out of the Northland Bank.

Changhu and the others were also turned away by everyone.

At least in the short term, they could forget about finding work.

The people of Liyue were shrewd, but they also had principles, and they could see things clearly.

Keqing called out, "Beef offal for sale! Last cartload! Once it's gone, you won't get another chance!"

Lady Keqing, the Yuheng turned beef offal master, was another hot topic.

Whatever else people might say, her beef offal tasted great. It was only Keqing's third day, and she had practically sold out.

She had already taken in over 600,000 Mora. Even after costs were deducted, she would still make a profit.

On a street in Chihu Rock,

a man carrying a strange notebook approached. "The Wanmin Restaurant's repairs are almost finished, aren't they?"

Chongyun and Yanfei were helping inside, and Director Hu Tao was there too.

Xiangling came out. "There's still a little left to do, so we can't open today. I don't recognize you. Are you from out of town?"

"I'm a traveler. I heard the Wanmin Restaurant's food was delicious. Looks like I won't get to try it today."

"I'm very sorry. But would you like to sample a dish I made? It's free."

"Free food, too?"

Xiangling immediately scooped it out of the pot. "Ta-da! This is Qingxin stir-fried with Slime condensate!"

Instant teleportation.

Hu Tao, Chongyun, and Yanfei instantly darted backward.

Hu Tao said, "Qingxin... Qingxin stir-fried with Slime condensate? So I wasn't the only target?"

Yanfei said, "You've eaten it too, Hu Tao? This dish is way... way too sticky."

Chongyun said, "So I'm not the only one afraid to sample this dish."

Xiangling pouted. "It tastes pretty good! I added a little honey this time."

"The flavor isn't bad. It's not as terrifying as they make it sound." The man picked up his chopsticks and began eating. "Next time, try adding some seaweed or Lavender Melon instead."

Xiangling was delighted. "Really? Thank you for the suggestion!"

At the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu had barely taken two steps outside.

"Oh, isn't that Young Master Xingqiu?"

"Good morning, Young Master Xingqiu."

"Are you wearing the latest women's fashion, Young Master Xingqiu? Our fabric shop should learn from you."

"Our shop needs a new model like Young Master Xingqiu too!"

"No wonder the Feiyun Commerce Guild's silk business is doing so well. With Young Master Xingqiu overseeing things, they've got expertise in both men's and women's clothing."

Xingqiu clutched his head. He was far too popular.

He immediately rushed up to the third floor to the Wanwen Bookhouse. He couldn't hold back any longer-he wanted to read the newly arrived books.

The storyteller's venue was as lively as ever.

This time, Tian Tie Zui leaned on a cane. "I'm not rushing to answer anymore. Next time, I won't do it again. I need support just to walk now."

"Hahahaha!"

"Hahaha! Keep it up next time!"

"Exactly! Look, Miss Ying'er even got a Vision."

"Keep telling the story, Old Tian."

Tian Tie Zui snapped his fan open. "Our tale now turns to this: drawing one's blade to help those suffering injustice, punishing evil and upholding good-such is the courage and honor of a true hero."

"But those greedy people faced a kettle holding ten buckets of water, as big as a stool, with a hole punched in it to pour the water into their bellies."

"Some were so hungry they were dizzy and could only drink water."

"They drank until the Millelith had to drag every last one of them away. Guess what Old Sun, the fish seller, said as he drank and cried?"

What did he say?

"I'm drowning!"