Chapter 11: Zhongli's Proposal
"This is the estate I mentioned earlier. My home is right next door," Keqing said as she led the way.
After the meal, Ningguang had left in a hurry—there were many matters that required her attention. Meanwhile, Keqing took Aiden and Zhongli to a secluded courtyard.
Some people claimed this location was one of the best in Liyue. Not only was it next to Keqing's residence, but it was also just a short distance from Yujing Terrace—barely a few dozen meters away.
Aiden couldn't help but marvel at the prime location.
By his old world's standards, this would be comparable to living within the first ring of Yanjing.
In other words, top-tier real estate.
The property owner had been waiting for them. When he saw Keqing, he immediately welcomed them inside. Under his guidance, Aiden learned more about the estate's details.
The entire property spanned about 2,500 square meters. Behind the house was a beautifully landscaped garden, complete with an artificial lake and elegant pavilions.
Inside, there were more than a dozen fully furnished rooms, each meticulously decorated.
Aiden turned to Keqing with a suspicious look. Was real estate in Liyue really this cheap?
If this were his previous life, trying to buy a house in a prime area like this would cost billions. No, even billions wouldn't be enough—tens of billions wouldn't be impossible!
Yet here, this massive estate was selling for less than 100 million Mora?
Aiden suddenly had doubts about whether he could even afford it. "Are you sure I have enough money?" he asked Keqing.
"You need a guarantor to purchase property in this district. Not many people meet the requirements," Keqing explained.
"Additionally, due to Beiguo Bank's increasing presence in Liyue over the past few years, many local businesses have gone bankrupt. This has led to a drop in property prices.
"Moreover, housing prices here are strictly regulated. They're not allowed to skyrocket, and sales are usually handled internally."
Aiden nodded in understanding. He had suspected as much—this wasn't the kind of property that changed hands often. Most of the high-ranking officials and elites who lived here probably wouldn't sell unless absolutely necessary.
But since there were outsiders present, he refrained from asking any more questions.
"If you can finalize the purchase today, 90 million Mora will be enough," the property owner said through gritted teeth.
Aiden glanced at Keqing for confirmation. Buying an estate of this size in Liyue Harbor for just 90 million Mora felt like an absolute steal. If he weren't trying to maintain some composure, he would have agreed on the spot.
Keqing nodded slightly. "Ninety million is a fair price."
"In that case, I'll take it," Aiden agreed immediately. "I'll have Ningguang send over the Mora."
The property owner was stunned.
Who is this man?
Not only was he accompanied by Yuheng herself, but he also had the authority to ask Tianquan to handle the transaction?
And he wasn't just some random noble—he was undeniably handsome.
Could it be… that both of these powerful Qixing had taken a liking to him?
The more the man thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
No! He had to stop thinking! If he uncovered some great secret, he might not live to tell the tale!
The transaction proceeded smoothly. Keqing, being responsible for Liyue's land management, handled the paperwork swiftly. With the Mora transferred, the deed to the estate was soon in Aiden's hands. Even the official notarization was personally overseen by Keqing.
In less than the time it took to finish a cup of tea, the process was complete.
Holding the deed in his hand, Aiden nodded in satisfaction. He officially owned property in Liyue.
Even though, technically speaking, the entirety of Teyvat could be considered his, this still felt different.
Along with the deed, he also received the remaining 10 million Mora from the initial transaction.
A house and a small fortune—if he weren't in Teyvat, and if he had a girlfriend, his life would already feel complete.
At this thought, a random question crossed his mind.
Who in Genshin Impact would make the best partner for dating and marriage?
The turtle girl from Inazuma?
Keqing?
…No, definitely not Keqing.
As much as he loved her character—she was, after all, his original main—her dedication to work made her a terrible candidate for romance.
Keqing, unaware of his thoughts, gave him a final glance. "I still have a lot of work to handle, so I'll take my leave now. With Mr. Zhongli here, I'm sure you'll adapt to Liyue in no time."
"Thank you. I'll treat you to a meal when I get the chance," Aiden said.
Keqing suddenly leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "I have no proof, but I'm certain that the person from last night was you.
"For the sake of the chat group, I won't expose you, but you'd better be honest with me in the future. Otherwise, I'll personally throw you into Liyue's prison."
After that, she straightened, nodded to Zhongli, and left without another word.
Aiden turned to Zhongli with an awkward smile. "If I told you nothing happened last night, would you believe me?"
Zhongli chuckled. "If you've done something wrong, you should consider how to make up for it.
"Still, Yuheng is a good person. Though she lacks reverence for the gods, that might work in your favor.
"After all, if your true identity were to be revealed, you might find yourself with very few allies."
Aiden didn't argue. Instead, he changed the subject.
"We don't have anything urgent to do now. Why don't you take me out for some fun?"
"I've heard Liyue has some excellent teahouses and music venues."
Zhongli gave him a knowing look.
This man had just received 10 million Mora, and now he was eager to indulge.
After a brief pause, Zhongli shook his head. "That may not be wise. You're Tianquan's newly appointed consultant. If you're seen frequenting entertainment venues so soon, it could give people an excuse to criticize Ningguang."
"Besides," he added, "I have a proposal for you."
"Oh?" Aiden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of proposal?"
Did Morax want to help him build Liyue's future?
Zhongli studied him for a moment before speaking.
"I've noticed that through the chat group, you can acquire skills very quickly. However, mastering those skills still requires personal training, correct?"
Aiden nodded, curious about where this conversation was headed.