"So that's how it is. If it's just this small favor, I can help. But I'm more curious about the power you possess, that power of ice."
Albedo's profound gaze fixed on Lu Ze, trying to discern something from his eyes, but he couldn't quite figure him out.
"You don't need to worry about that. I'll give you the money later. You can take a look at this sample; you're its first audience."
With that, he flew away. Albedo chased after him, his eyes showing a growing interest in the shop owner.
Soon, they returned to the shop. The comings and goings had taken a fair amount of time. Lu Ze wondered if the shop would be a hit when it opened tomorrow and decided to focus on making videos.
"Wendi? Aren't you going to sleep? It's so late, and you're still waiting for me here."
As soon as he walked into the shop, he saw Wendi lying on her side on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"Ah, you're back! I was just waiting for you. Sirin and the others are already asleep. I finally have some time to be alone with you, and then you tell me to sleep early."
Wendi's eyes held a hint of complaint. He had boldly declared his affection yesterday, and now he was changing his tune?
"Ahem, don't mess around. You know there's a lot going on lately. I still need to make the promotional PV and try to get the new version out as soon as possible."
"Yes, yes, my very busy man. So, will you give your little one a goodnight kiss? Otherwise, I'm not leaving."
Lu Ze nodded helplessly and leaned in to kiss her. If he didn't kiss her today, he figured little Wendi would throw another tantrum. The sense of helplessness was overwhelming.
"That was nice, sweet. Then I'll go to sleep. You shouldn't stay up too late either. Bye."
With that, Wendi quickly ran upstairs, her feet moving so fast it was as if she couldn't bear to linger. As soon as she returned to her room, she transformed into a Steam Vaporeon.
"I'm still not used to this. It's too embarrassing..."
A flicker of surprise crossed Lu Ze's face. Why was the little one running so fast? Wasn't she afraid of falling? Oh well, he'd just get back to his work.
He went to his computer, glanced at Kiana Kaslana on the desk, patted her head, and then started working.
Early morning. The sunlight streamed through the glass door, falling directly onto Lu Ze. He had worked until almost two in the morning and had fallen asleep at the counter. Coincidentally, he had finished the required PV. If he released it today, it would coincide with the opening of the figure shop.
Wasn't this a sign of great success?
"Mmm, it's already morning... I'm so sleepy... How many nights have I stayed up like this? Sigh, oh well, I'll just wash my face."
He went to the restroom and splashed some water on his face with his hands. As the water dripped down, a portion of the water droplets reflected in the mirror showed Anna's face. She smiled, then vanished.
"Was I just seeing things? How could Anna's face appear in the water droplets? I really shouldn't stay up late; it leads to hallucinations."
He left the restroom. The water droplets on the mirror quickly slid down, then condensed into ice in the air, falling without exception into the sink. Anna's face reappeared on the mirror.
"Teacher..."
Then it collapsed, vanishing from the mirror as if nothing had happened.
"Good morning, Lu Ze. Looking at you, you must have stayed up late, right? Didn't I tell you not to stay up late? Why don't you listen?"
Wendi stood with her hands on her hips, speaking with a bit of anger. She could only tenderly rub his eyes to relieve their fatigue.
"I won't next time. Thank you, Wendi. Hurry and make breakfast; we're opening soon."
"Okay, today we'll have something nutritious. I'll make a bowl of noodles for everyone, so you can eat your fill."
Then, the kitchen became a hive of activity, and the others also gradually woke up.
After breakfast, they used the Imaginary Teleport Waypoint on the second floor to travel directly to the Honkai Impact 3rd figure shop in Mondstadt City. As soon as they opened the door, they saw a pile of packaged items and many books stacked at the entrance. It seemed Albedo had also worked overtime last night to rush out the hundred thousand copies.
He should thank him when he had the time, or else they could only sell figures today.
He shelved all the books and stored the excess inventory in the back. Once everything was ready, the PV began to play!
It was around eight in the morning, and most people were awake. People from seven nations were busy with their lives. However, as the black screen appeared, everyone stopped in their tracks.
"No way! It's only been a few days, and... there's a new PV already? Is the shop owner this prolific? He truly is something."
Raiden Ei, in Tenshukaku, looked delighted. Another PV to watch meant a new version was coming soon. What new content would there be?
No, no, this time she had to pull everyone over. She wanted to play to her heart's content! Oh, right, didn't they say they were selling books last time? She wondered if there was any news and if the PV would mention it.
A pink-haired fox lay in her arms. Ever since Raiden Ei became obsessed with Honkai Impact 3rd, their relationship had returned to what it was before. They even slept together. Truly, she was something else.
"Hmm? Early in the morning, and there's a new PV? Excellent. Let's see what this one has to offer. I'm truly looking forward to the shop owner's arrival in Liyue."
Zhongli sat in the same spot, holding a cup of tea, with several steamed buns in front of him. His life was very leisurely. He wondered if he would receive a tip this time. If he did, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor might not have enough money.
"Mmm... A new PV? Long live the shop owner! It's out already? Just in time, I was a bit bored this morning, so I won't hand out flyers. I'll watch this first."
Hu Tao was completely oblivious to the potential danger. Her little stash of money might be reduced again.
Mini-theater: Happy 2nd Anniversary of Genshin Impact.
"I wish all Genshin Impact players a happy second anniversary. Kiana will definitely come to Teyvat to play someday, and no one can stop me! Especially you, Wendi, acting so smug! I have to go to Teyvat and teach you a lesson."
Wendi ignored the white-haired girl beside her, silently hugging Bronya, who was more reassuring than Kiana.
"Happy second anniversary to Genshin Impact players. Original players might as well try Honkai Impact 3rd. It's definitely not a tear-jerker, play without hesitation."
As Bronya wished everyone a happy second anniversary for Genshin Impact, she also promoted her own game. It remained to be seen how many players would be left heartbroken.
"I also wish Genshin Impact a happy second anniversary. As our junior, it's something to be proud of that you've become so popular outside your own circle. I just hope that Raiden Ei next door won't pester me to cook anymore. I really can't teach you!"
Her words conveyed a sense of utter helplessness. Why, despite being unable to do anything but cook, did the junior Raiden Ei insist on doing the opposite of her? Greatly, are you doing this on purpose!
"Ahem, alright everyone, let's celebrate Genshin Impact's second anniversary! And to all my little fans, you might as well go to Bilibili to watch Genshin Impact's birthday party. It's quite spectacular. I can only say, Cats are forever gods!"
Lu Ze watched the birthday party on his phone, feeling a bit sad. Sob, sob, sob...