Chapter 20: A Way to Restore the Stove God
For the Fatui, both Keqing and Ningguang remained highly cautious.
With the arrival of the Northland Bank, Liyue's local banks collapsed and were taken over, dealing a severe blow to the region's financial sector.
Ningguang had attempted to intervene, but since the bank's operations technically adhered to Liyue's laws, the other Liyue Qixing, particularly Tianquan and Tianji, opposed direct interference. This left Ningguang with no means of legally suppressing the Northland Bank. Every attempt she made ultimately failed.
Now, Aiden had tricked Tartaglia into improving the reputation of both the Fatui and the Northland Bank, which was quite amusing.
If they could manipulate Tartaglia into donating funds for Liyue's reconstruction, neither Ningguang nor Keqing would object. After all, the restoration of Guili Plains required a substantial amount of Mora.
Would it really matter if the Fatui's reputation improved?
Not at all. If Ningguang wished, she could tarnish their image again at any moment. In fact, a better reputation might make the Fatui more hesitant in their dealings, limiting their previous unscrupulous practices—especially when it came to collecting debts.
The Fatui had never needed a good reputation, so the real question was: Would Tartaglia take the bait?
If he was foolish enough to genuinely seek redemption, Ningguang would gladly cooperate—before pulling the rug from under him.
---
Aiden carried a portion of Golden Shrimp Balls for Keqing, heading back home. As he passed Yujing Terrace, he spotted an elderly woman smiling kindly at him.
He instantly recognized her—Madame Ping.
Now this… this was another potential ally.
The True Lord of Gechenlang, one of the most powerful Adepti under Morax, was standing right in front of him. Some even speculated that she surpassed many other Adepti in strength.
Even Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, might not be a match for her.
Aiden wasn't particularly interested in Madame Ping, but A Ping was a different story.
"An honor to meet you, True Lord of Gechenlang," Aiden greeted her with a smile. "Would you care to join the group?"
Madame Ping looked slightly surprised before chuckling. "The Geo Archon and the Conqueror of Demons are already so busy. It seems you won't let an old woman like me rest either."
"Liyue isn't in the best shape right now," Aiden replied. "And I imagine even you have experienced some strain."
Madame Ping studied him for a moment before nodding. "Indeed. The number of monsters in Liyue has increased, and the lingering resentment of fallen gods is growing stronger.
Perhaps it is time for these old bones to move again."
At that moment, Aiden sensed a shift—Madame Ping, who had seemed so calm, now radiated a quiet yet resolute power.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Aiden said, pulling up the chat interface.
Ding!
Madame Ping has joined the chat group!
Keqing: "Madame Ping? Welcome!"
Ningguang: "A pleasure to have you here."
Ganyu: "True Lord of Gechenlang, you've joined as well?!"
Madame Ping's true identity wasn't exactly a secret—at least not to the Liyue Qixing. Keqing and Ningguang were well aware of who she was, so Ganyu had no reason to hide it.
As for Aiden?
Well, considering that he was on friendly terms with the Geo Archon, there was no reason to keep secrets.
Madame Ping: "What a fascinating place. It seems I will have to work hard."
Ningguang: "We greatly appreciate your help, Madame Ping."
After greeting the others in the group, Madame Ping turned back to Aiden, curiosity in her eyes.
"Tell me… can this system restore the power of a fallen god?"
She didn't need to say his name—Aiden immediately knew who she was referring to.
"You mean Marchosius, the Stove God?" Aiden confirmed. "Yes, it's possible. The system's points essentially represent my own power. On Teyvat, they're almost omnipotent.
However, restoring Marchosius's strength would require a considerable amount of points."
Madame Ping nodded solemnly. "As long as it can be done, that is enough. This is a debt Liyue must repay."
Though she was pleased that Marchosius was living a peaceful and happy life, she also understood that his current state was not sustainable.
Before, there was nothing she could do, so she had consoled herself by believing that Guoba—the gentle, food-loving creature he had become—was content.
But now, with a way to restore him, she could no longer simply accept things as they were.
"Then I'll be taking my leave for now. If you need anything, just call for me in the group," Aiden said, preparing to leave.
"Alright. Come by for tea when you have time," Madame Ping offered. She had no intention of keeping him any longer. After all, she had work to do herself—purging Abyssal corruption alongside the Geo Archon.
---
After bidding Madame Ping farewell, Aiden ensured that no one was around before transforming into a streak of golden light.
In an instant, he reappeared in Keqing's room.
But the moment he saw her, he froze.
Wasn't she just chatting in the group earlier?
Why was she in the middle of changing her clothes?!
"You—! Why are you here?! Close your eyes and turn around!" Keqing shouted, nearly on the verge of tears.
If the last time was a coincidence… what was this?!
"Uh… I just got back from Wanmin Restaurant," Aiden explained awkwardly. "You sprained your ankle earlier, so I brought you Golden Shrimp Balls. I'll leave them here and go now."
He quickly placed the food on the table and disappeared before she could say anything else.
Left alone, Keqing stared at the Golden Shrimp Balls, her thoughts racing.
...It really was a coincidence, wasn't it?
The food was still warm—there was no way he could have been lying.
But… why did both incidents happen under such embarrassing circumstances?
Wait.
How did Aiden even know she liked Golden Shrimp Balls?
Most people who knew her well would be aware, but… when had she ever told him?
Had he been paying attention to her before?
Did he… like her?
Keqing frowned, deep in thought.
Aiden treated her differently compared to Ningguang. She had never seen him bring food to Ningguang, even though it was true that Ningguang didn't need it.
She would have to pay closer attention in the future.
And more importantly, she needed to tell Aiden not to teleport into her room unannounced!
What if he had seen her collection of Rex Lapis figurines?!
Keqing buried her face in her hands.
This was getting out of control.
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