Chapter 15

She was very reluctant to touch him, resting only two fingers against his palm — but that was enough.

Ningguang felt the world blur before her eyes, and in an instant she found herself in a strange space.

It was night here as well. Stars scattered across the sky like rain, a bright full moon hung overhead, and the ground was carpeted with lush green grass beneath layered mountain silhouettes. The scenery was genuinely beautiful.

"Welcome to my Serenitea Pot!" Lu Lin gave an elegant bow.

"Skip the pleasantries. Tell me what you want."

"No need to rush. Let me give you a tour first." Lu Lin turned and gripped her hand firmly, then pulled her along without giving her a chance to object.

Ningguang tried to pull free, but Lu Lin was unusually insistent this time. She tested his grip once, found she couldn't break it, and decided to let him have his way.

She could always wash her hands several extra times tonight.

"This house belongs to Ganyu — it sits right by the lake with a wonderful view. That haunted house over there is Hu Tao's. It's full of supernatural elements inside; quite entertaining, actually…"

Lu Lin really did walk Ningguang through the tour in earnest.

After the System's upgrade, the area Lu Lin could inhabit had expanded tenfold. Not only did it now fully encompass the pine forest behind the Ghost Haunted House, but the valley beyond the forest was included as well.

On the lake side, a small stretch of water had also become accessible — perfect for boating, swimming, or even raising fish and shrimp in the future.

The two of them strolled around the lake, then Lu Lin led her into the valley.

The valley was breathtaking. Even at night it held a unique charm, and Ningguang — a woman well-versed in the ways of the world — genuinely felt the pull of it, as though she could linger here and forget to leave.

"What do you think? The scenery here isn't bad, is it?"

"It's acceptable." Ningguang gave a composed nod and said, "We've had our tour. You can state your terms now."

"You saw for yourself just now — Ganyu and Hu Tao both have residences here. Would you like one too?

Look at how beautiful this valley is. If we built a Jade Chamber above it, the view would be absolutely breathtaking — 'Standing atop the highest peak, all other mountains appear small beneath you.'"

A glimmer of light flashed through Ningguang's eyes. That line of poetry had struck a chord deep within her.

She had always been a woman of ambition and ideals. Rising from humble origins, she had climbed step by step to her current position of power, amassing vast wealth — she had truly come to look down upon all other mountains.

The Jade Chamber she had built, suspended high above Liyue, was itself a reflection of that mindset — a symbol of her authority and daring.

This scoundrel was despicable as a person, but his abilities and learning were genuinely extraordinary. What a waste.

Ningguang sighed inwardly. The light in her eyes flickered and vanished, and she refused cleanly: "No."

"I knew you'd refuse." Lu Lin wasn't the least bit surprised by her answer. "Then my condition is this: I want you to take up residence in this Serenitea Pot. I'll build a house at the summit and grant you the freedom to come and go as you please."

Ningguang: ???

What did that mean? She had been worried for so long, and this was the condition he came up with? What kind of condition was that?

Ningguang stared at him with open suspicion. "That's all?"

"That's all. It really is that simple. I can guarantee you can come in whenever you like, and if you don't want to, no one can force you."

"What are you really scheming?" Ningguang didn't believe for a second that this lecher had such a perfect opportunity and chose to make only such a simple demand. There had to be a plot.

"Ha. Miss Ningguang, you've deeply misunderstood me. I'm a person of pure and honest nature — not the sort without class. With Ganyu and Hu Tao, things developed naturally as feelings deepened. When the water reaches, the channel forms. We genuinely care for each other."

Ningguang rolled her eyes and scoffed at his words.

A person of pure and honest nature would use underhanded means to leave marks on her chest, then photograph them with a Kamera? Would do that sort of thing to a woman during dinner?

Seeing her still hesitating, Lu Lin continued, "I know you can't figure out why I could have demanded something far more outrageous, yet settled for something this simple. You suspect a conspiracy.

But it's really quite straightforward. Miss Ningguang built herself up from nothing to claim a seat among the Liyue Qixing — do you think someone like that is so easily threatened?

You're willing to negotiate with me because I have enough strength to protect myself and the standing to bargain. But if I made a demand you couldn't accept, I believe you wouldn't lack the resolve to drag me down with you in mutual destruction.

That's not something I want to see. What I want is your heart — not to coerce you into submission. Besides, Miss Ningguang doesn't bow to anyone. Not adepti, not gods. Am I right?

You also don't need to worry that residing in the Serenitea Pot will put you in any danger. If you don't believe me, you can ask Ganyu and Hu Tao yourself.

This place won't restrict your freedom in any way. It simply provides a place where you can rest whenever you wish — and a refuge if you're ever in danger. There's no downside for you."

These words placed a flattering crown on Ningguang's head, and his tone was remarkably sincere. After hearing it, much of the hesitation on her face faded.

She let out a cold laugh. "A scoundrel like you had better give up on the delusion of ever winning my heart."

"That's a matter for the future. We have plenty of time ahead of us. Let's wait and see." Lu Lin smiled, unbothered.

Ningguang didn't want to waste any more words on him. "I agree to take up residence. What do I need to do?"

"Leave it to me!" Lu Lin had already received the System's notification of a successful residency. He deftly applied the mark to her, granting her the freedom to enter and exit at will.

Of course, along with the mark, he also bestowed upon her the entry [Telepathy].

That was his true purpose.

As he had said, directly coercing her into submission with the photographs was unrealistic — it would very likely drive her to mutual destruction with him.

Moreover, the quest to conquer Ningguang required Conquest Progress to reach one hundred percent. Her heart and soul both had to fall — possessing her body alone would not be enough.

So his plan was to use [Telepathy] to gradually lure Ningguang into temptation. As he had put it: there was plenty of time ahead.

Residence Entries could only be bestowed upon residents, which was why he had proposed this arrangement in the first place.

Feeling the mark sink into her palm, Ningguang noticed nothing amiss. She finally set her mind at ease and said coldly, "I've met your condition. Now hand over what you owe me."

"Of course. I've always held Liyue's spirit of contract in the highest regard. The negatives and photographs are both in my breast pocket — help yourself, Miss Ningguang." Lu Lin spread his arms wide.

"How utterly childish."

"Surely you can't expect me to gain nothing at all from this?"

Ningguang bit her lip, parted his lapel, and reached inside to feel for an envelope. Just as she was about to pull it out, Lu Lin moved with sudden force and yanked her into his arms.

It was a long-premeditated move, and Ningguang had half-expected it — but her reaction was still a step too slow.

"Let go of me!" She struggled fiercely, but Lu Lin's strength was surprisingly great, and she couldn't break free.

"I'm practically giving you the photographs and negatives for free. Surely I'm entitled to a small advantage — that's only consistent with your principle of fair exchange."

Lu Lin murmured close to her ear. Sensing her struggles weakening, he seized the moment and lowered his head to kiss her thin lips.

A rich, masculine presence enveloped Ningguang. This was the first time she had ever been this close to a man. A strange sensation rose in her heart, and she even forgot to resist.

Lu Lin's kissing technique was masterful — his rhythm perfectly measured, alternating between tension and release — and she found herself unexpectedly drawn in, until Lu Lin's hand began to move upward…

Ningguang was indeed somewhat entranced. Her breathing had grown heavier, her gaze hazy, and so at first she didn't notice the movement of Lu Lin's palm.

Not until she was grasped.

"Grasped" wasn't quite the right word — one hand couldn't possibly encompass all of it.

Even through the fabric of her clothes, the soft, yielding, elastic sensation brought him exquisite pleasure. Though he had already seen the full panorama of the snow-capped peaks that morning and had taken his time appreciating them.

But once was never enough for such things — naturally one had to seize every opportunity to indulge.

What he hadn't anticipated, however, was that Ningguang — whose gaze had already grown hazy — was jolted back to clarity by his sudden assault. She seized the moment and bit down hard on the tongue that had been conquering territory inside her mouth.

Hiss! Lu Lin recoiled in pain and released her mouth. Ningguang took the opportunity to break free from his embrace.

"Did you have to bite that hard?!" The bite had genuinely hurt Lu Lin, and his words came out slightly slurred.

"Shameless scoundrel — you deserved it!" Ningguang was flushed with both shame and fury. The thought that she had actually been drawn into Lu Lin's kiss made her want to slap him twice more.

She quickly stepped back, putting distance between herself and Lu Lin, then opened the envelope in her hand.

"Don't worry — I keep my word. All the photographs and negatives are in there."

And indeed they were, every one of them.

The image of herself in the photographs was strikingly beautiful, her expression carrying a trace of cold disdain — perfectly normal for her.

Yet paired with the scene of snow-capped peaks, red plum blossoms against white snow, and the strawberry marks adorning the composition, there was an indescribable and singular allure. It formed a striking contrast with her cold, disdainful expression.

Utterly captivating.

She had to admit — from a purely technical standpoint of composition and photographic technique, these photographs had achieved perfection. Even Ningguang's discerning eye could find no fault with them.

The longer she looked, the more ashamed and furious she became. After confirming everything was complete and accounted for, she shot Lu Lin a withering glare, activated the mark using the method he had taught her, and left the Serenitea Pot.

She would absolutely never come back to this place again!

Watching the strikingly beautiful wealthy older sister storm off in a huff, Lu Lin couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Miss Ningguang, the story won't end this simply. We have plenty of time ahead of us."

With Ningguang's residency complete, her panel appeared in the System.

[Resident: Ningguang]

[Age: 28]

[Greatness Grade: E]

[Elemental Attribute: Geo]

[Signature Weapon: Jade Chamber]

[Entries Held: Telepathy]

[Conquest Progress: 20%]

Hmm — the Greatness Grade was exactly as he had expected. One grade higher than Ganyu's, which made sense given that he had personally verified it firsthand. His estimate had been quite accurate.

The signature weapon was certified as the Jade Chamber? Thinking about it carefully, that actually made perfect sense.

Conquest Progress was only twenty percent — there was still a long road ahead.

After reviewing Ningguang's panel, he turned his attention to the exchange shop. His intention to build a Jade Chamber in the sky was no idle talk.

He just wasn't sure whether the exchange shop had a ready-made one, or whether levitation stones were available for purchase.

After a thorough search, he actually found a ready-made Jade Chamber — though the price was steep.

Three thousand Points to exchange!

Still, for a luxurious floating palace like that, three thousand Points wasn't entirely unreasonable. Lu Lin checked his balance: 2,550 — not far off.

The hour was still early, not yet deep into the night, and Lu Lin wasn't sleepy. So he took out a jade box.

It was the one Zhongli had handed him at noon — inside was the glowing green orb from Guizhong's palace.

The orb contained a comprehensive record of Guizhong's lifelong mastery of mechanical arts. He decided to take this opportunity to study it.

More skills meant more paths forward. With the [Keen Intellect] entry on him, his comprehension had been greatly enhanced, and learning mechanical arts would not be difficult for him.

He picked up the orb and recited the incantation Zhongli had taught him. The orb flickered, and Lu Lin felt a vast torrent of information flood into his mind, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

The process lasted roughly five minutes before Lu Lin began to feel somewhat better.

He stilled his mind and reflected. His head was now filled with an enormous wealth of knowledge about mechanical arts — though for now he had only absorbed it wholesale without truly digesting it. To fully integrate and apply it would require time and dedicated study.

Just as he thought it was over, something unexpected happened.

After finishing its transfer of knowledge, the orb had been slowly dimming — but at that moment, the entire world of the Serenitea Pot blazed with light for a single instant.

It was nighttime, and though the full moon hung high, it cast only a soft, hazy glow.

But that flash — it was like lightning splitting open a summer night sky, illuminating everything in an instant before vanishing.

The light hadn't disappeared — in a single moment, it had all surged into the orb.

The orb, which had already gone dark, suddenly flared with a beam of green light the moment it absorbed that radiance, shooting directly into the space between Lu Lin's brows.

Lu Lin had no time to dodge. He quickly checked his own condition and found that a small green point of light had appeared inside his mind.

What was going on?

His confusion was answered almost immediately.

[Ding — Random Quest triggered: Revive Guizhong]

[Quest Details: The host has inadvertently obtained the remnant soul of the Archon Guizhong. Please repair Guizhong's remnant soul and bring her back to life.]

[Quest Rewards: 1,000,000 Mora, 10,000 Points, 5,000 EXP, one random Residence Entry]