Chapter 386 - 385: Shenhe’s Coquetry

When Bai Ying returned to the villa after handling gang affairs, Lumine and Paimon had not yet returned. It seems they were getting along well with Guizhong, as they didn’t even plan to come back for dinner.

When she saw that Durandal had already prepared dinner, Bai Ying felt quite guilty. This was supposed to be her job, yet she ended up making Durandal do it.

This level of dereliction of duty did not make Durandal dissatisfied; if anything, she had already gotten used to cooking dinner.

If she weren’t used to it, a certain culinary disaster would starve to death... That’s a lie, though; how could a God starve to death just because they missed a meal? She would just end up hearing her complaints, that’s all.

Durandal had no intention of blaming Bai Ying; she even wanted Bai Ying to eat with them, and by the way, she wanted to hear Bai Ying talk about the development of the gang and understand the inside situation.

At first, Bai Ying refused. As a housekeeper, how could she eat with her master? This was something she had always adhered to.

But when Durandal requested her to join the table in a tone of "command," Bai Ying had no choice but to accept this arrangement.

Fortunately, just as she sat down, someone came to visit Durandal, giving Bai Ying more time to prepare herself mentally and slowly adapt.

The unexpected visitor was not Ganyu or anyone from Liyue, but Kujou Sara, who had come to Liyue with them.

Seeing that Durandal was preparing to eat, Kujou Sara thought she had arrived at a bad time and prepared to apologize before finding another suitable time to come by.

"Since you’re already here, let’s talk while we eat. Knowing your personality, you must have been discussing trade with the Qixing earlier and haven’t eaten yet, right?"

"Don’t try to lie to me, Kujou Sara. Or are you planning to refuse my invitation?"

Since it had reached this point, it would be too disrespectful for Kujou Sara to refuse again.

Facing this person who had been a benefactor to both herself and Inazuma, Kujou Sara naturally wouldn’t be disrespectful. After hesitating slightly, she sat down.

Durandal was right; she had been busy all day today, and apart from drinking a few sips of water, she hadn’t had time to eat anything to fill her stomach.

Durandal’s invitation solved her urgent need; otherwise, if her stomach accidentally growled later, her dignity would be greatly diminished.

Originally, they were prepared to wait until Lumine and Paimon returned to eat, but since Kujou Sara had come over, treating guests was the priority, so they would wait a while.

Durandal had prepared authentic Liyue cuisine. Tasting Liyue cuisine for the first time, Kujou Sara was shocked by these delicious dishes.

Observing her expression closely, one could vaguely see that she was very satisfied—a sign that she had fully experienced the charm of Liyue cuisine.

After filling her stomach a little, Kujou Sara stopped what she was doing and stated her purpose for coming.

"I came here this time to thank you for your help, Miss Delezie. Because of you, the negotiations this time went very smoothly, and the Tianquan Star has agreed to sell grain at a discounted price. Not just this time, but we can cooperate long-term."

"Thank me? This is a business deal you concluded with Ningguang; it has nothing to do with me."

"Please don’t say that. I have already learned part of the reason from the Tianquan Star. Although the Tianquan Star indicated that even without your words, she wouldn’t have gone too far, I can feel that the change in her attitude was entirely because of you."

That guy Ningguang... actually said these unnecessary things to Kujou Sara. Doesn’t he know that some things shouldn’t be said? Just like Shenhe, who used to love undermining her.

She didn’t say those things to gain Kujou Sara’s gratitude. Now that that guy has said that, the nature of this whole thing has changed.

"...Regardless, I believe that with your ability, even without external factors, you would certainly have been able to reach a cooperation agreement well. After all, Ei also recognized your ability, which is why he sent you to Liyue to handle this matter, isn’t that right?"

"No, I believe that even if the Shogun had sent someone else, they would have worked hard to handle this matter well."

"Others... forget it. Those with qualifications aren’t viable, and those with potential haven’t grown up yet. At this stage, you are the only one best suited for this."

At this stage, among the Three Commissions, excluding Kamisato Ayato, who needs to handle various affairs for the Shuumatsuban, she didn’t think highly of anyone else in the Tenryou Commission or the Tenryou Commission. They might have loyalty, but their abilities weren’t enough to handle these things.

Therefore, Kujou Sara was undoubtedly the best candidate. Saying such modest words in front of her had no effect at all, because she didn’t buy that act.

"Besides buying grain, you should have other things to do, right? I won’t intervene in those aspects; I am most concerned about the grain issue."

Durandal only cared whether the people of Inazuma could get enough to eat; she had no interest in learning about or interfering in other matters regarding national development.

Ningguang, who understood her, must have known this, so the negotiation work in this regard could only be left to Kujou Sara. Don’t think that Ningguang would make concessions for his sake; that is impossible.

"Mm, I understand. You have already helped me handle the most important problem; I will handle the other matters properly."

She was not a glutton; don’t think that just because she is a general of the Tenryou Commission, she isn’t suitable for these kinds of matters. Don’t underestimate the wisdom of a Tengu, you guys.

But before that, let’s eat. This meal seems to have been made by Durandal. It is truly surprising that such a powerful person is so good at Liyue cuisine.

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