I opened a shop on the Astral Train-Chapter 32

Hu Tao soared through the skies above Liyue Harbor on her flying motorcycle.

"Wuhu!!!"

This spectacle happened to catch the eye of Ningguang, who had stepped out onto the Jade Chamber's balcony for some fresh air.

"What is that?"

Nearby, Keqing, who had been working diligently, turned at the sound of Ningguang's voice.

"What's wrong, Ningguang?"

Ningguang pointed toward the sky. "It seems Master Hu has gotten her hands on something new. Do you want to come take a look?"

Keqing, curious, set aside her paperwork and walked over to the window.

What she saw left her speechless.

Hu Tao was zooming across Liyue Harbor at high speed, heading toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—riding what appeared to be a flying contraption.

"What in Teyvat...? What is that thing? How is she flying? Could this be some kind of adeptal treasure?"

Ningguang took a slow drag from her pipe before setting it down. "Why don't we just go ask her? Baiwen."

Baiwen, who had been standing attentively by, gave a slight bow. "I'll make the arrangements immediately, Lady Ningguang."

Meanwhile, Hu Tao pulled off a sharp drift as she landed in her courtyard.

Once the motorcycle came to a stop, she turned off the engine and hopped off.

Just as she was about to head inside, she spotted Zhongli walking toward her, a notebook in hand.

"Hu Tao, you're back early today."

Hu Tao grinned. "Mhm! What's that you're holding? Something from Yuri's place?"

Zhongli shook his head. "No, this was given to me by Mr. Welt. It's called a laptop, and it has many interesting functions."

Hu Tao's curiosity instantly flared. "Oooh, sounds fun! Lemme see!"

Zhongli chuckled. "Would you like to take a look inside?"

"That's exactly what I was waiting for!" Hu Tao snatched the laptop from his hands and bolted inside like an excited child.

Zhongli smiled and followed her.

Inside Zhongli's home, an air of elegance filled the space. Various antiques adorned the shelves, and calligraphy scrolls hung on the walls, exuding a refined atmosphere.

Hu Tao plopped down at the table, flipping open the laptop. "Zhongli, Zhongli, come over here and teach me how to use this thing!"

Zhongli sat beside her, instructing her on how to enter the unlock password and open the video playback software.

The laptop contained several downloaded movies and TV shows.

Hu Tao scrolled through the selection, then excitedly picked a horror movie.

As the screen flickered to life, eerie sounds filled the room, casting an unsettling atmosphere.

At that moment, outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor...

Ningguang and Keqing arrived, accompanied by a squad of Qianyan soldiers.

A ceremonial attendant at the entrance quickly stood to greet them.

"I greet Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng."

Ningguang gave a polite nod. "Is your master at home?"

The attendant thought for a moment. As she had been on duty at the entrance, she hadn't seen Hu Tao leave today.

What the attendant didn't know was that Hu Tao rarely used the main gate anymore.

Are you kidding? When you have a flying motorcycle, who walks out the front door? That's ancient history! Flying is the way to go!

"Yes, she should be home. Please, come in and have some tea while I call for her."

The attendant led them inside before heading toward Hu Tao's courtyard.

As soon as she stepped inside, she was greeted by a terrifying ghostly wail.

The attendant barely reacted. She was used to this. After all, Hu Tao often brought back... "guests."

Following the sound, she arrived at Zhongli's residence.

She hesitated. Normally, Zhongli wouldn't be home at this hour.

Today was the day of Yunjin's performance, and he rarely missed those.

With that thought, she pushed open the door.

Inside, she found Zhongli and Hu Tao, seated at a table, completely engrossed in a glowing device in front of them.

At the sound of the door opening, both looked up.

Hu Tao grinned. "Little sister, what's up? Got a new client for me?"

The attendant shook her head. "No, Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing are here. They wish to speak with you."

Hu Tao blinked, puzzled. Ningguang and Keqing? What could they possibly want?

"Ohhh~ Could it be a big business deal for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

After all, Ningguang was the wealthiest person in Liyue. If she had a business proposal, it would surely be something grand!

"Alright, alright! I'll be right there."

She quickly paused the movie and turned to Zhongli.

"Keqing, wait for me! We'll finish watching this when I get back."

With that, she rushed out the door.

Zhongli watched her go, already guessing the reason for Ningguang and Keqing's visit.

They had probably seen Hu Tao's flying motorcycle and wanted to investigate.

Zhongli wouldn't interfere. In fact, he hoped this encounter would introduce Ningguang and Keqing to Yuri and the others.

That way, he wouldn't have to explain everything himself.

With a sigh, he poured himself some tea and settled in for a quiet evening.

Hu Tao arrived at the reception room.

She flashed a mischievous grin as she greeted her guests.

"Oh my~ My, my~ No wonder the birds were chirping all morning! Turns out we have distinguished guests visiting today!

Good afternoon, Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng! Have you had lunch? If not, why don't we eat together?"

Ningguang, ever composed, smiled slightly. "Master Hu, it has been a while. We're here today because we had a few questions."

Hu Tao gestured for tea to be served, then leaned in with intrigue. "Oho~ Ask away! If this Hall Master knows the answer, I'll tell you."

Ningguang paused before speaking. "Earlier today, we saw someone soaring through the skies on some sort of magical contraption.

Would you happen to know who this person was?"

Hu Tao grinned proudly. "That was me! And that thing? It's not some magic artifact—it's a flying motorcycle. I bought it from a friend."

Ningguang's interest piqued. "A friend? To be honest, I find this flying vehicle quite fascinating. Would it be possible to acquire one?"

She was already thinking ahead—if she could get her hands on one, she could have Liyue's craftsmen study it. The business potential was immense.

Hu Tao tapped her chin. "Hmm... Should be possible. Tell you what—I have to visit my friend tomorrow. If you're free, why don't you come with me?"

Ningguang considered it before nodding. "Very well. Would you mind if I brought two companions?"

While she trusted Hu Tao, she still preferred an extra layer of caution.

Hu Tao waved dismissively. "No problem at all! Actually, my friend loves new customers. The more, the merrier!"

March 7th had told her earlier that she could bring friends to Yuri's shop.

Well then... time to introduce some high-value customers!

Afterwards, Ningguang and Keqing chatted with Hu Tao for a while before getting up to leave.

"Master Hu, see you tomorrow."

Hu Tao stood up and bowed. "Okay, see you tomorrow!"

As they departed, Hu Tao glanced up at the sky—it was already noon.

Deciding to make the most of her time, she asked the ceremonial officer's assistant to have lunch delivered to Zhongli's room, planning to eat while watching a horror movie.

Inside the Astral Express, it was already evening, and everyone was gathered around the dining table.

Tonight's meal? Spicy hotpot. Yuri had set out two large pots and let everyone serve themselves.

Kevin took a big mouthful of instant noodles and sighed in bliss.

"Yuri, can we just eat spicy hotpot all the time? This stuff is amazing!"

Yuri rolled his eyes. "If you eat too much, you'll get a sore throat. Just enjoy it in moderation."

Kevin pounded his chest. "I'm built different! I'll be fine!"

Yuri smirked. "Yeah, but Klee and the others can't handle spice like you."

Kevin instantly froze. True. The three little ones had delicate stomachs.

At that moment, Yuri suddenly remembered tomorrow's trip to the ice field.

"By the way, have we decided where exactly we're going?"

Kevin shook his head. "Not yet. Got any ideas?"

Yuri thought for a moment. "How about the area above the mechanical settlement? Didn't Swarovski open a tunnel there? We can take the portal and be at the ice field in seconds."

Everyone considered it and agreed.

March 7th lit up with excitement. "I want to ride a snowmobile! I've wanted to try one for ages! Let's bring some tomorrow!"

Kevin immediately clapped his hands. "YES! Great idea!"

Yuri chuckled. "I'll bring a few snowboards too, so we can go skiing."

He then turned to Klee, Hook, and Diona, who were sitting obediently beside him.

"I'll also grab some snow gear so you three can build snowmen."

Read 𝓁atest chapters at fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm Only.

Welt, sipping his tea, spoke up. "I won't be joining you tomorrow. I plan to head north of Belobog. There's something interesting I want to check out."

Dan Heng added, "I'll go with Welt."

As they ate, the crew continued discussing plans.

At that moment, Silver Wolf stepped out of her private booth, picked up a bowl, and filled it with spicy hotpot.

Kevin glanced over. "Silver Wolf, wanna come with us tomorrow?"

Silver Wolf barely spared him a glance before scoffing. "Playing in the snow? Boring. I'd rather stay here and game. You guys go ahead."

She grabbed a massive bowl of hotpot and disappeared back into her room, slamming the door shut.

The crew just laughed.

When they first met Silver Wolf, they thought she was a cold and calculating hacker.

Now, they understood.

She was just a gaming addict with a good heart.

Like yesterday—March 7th's phone had broken, and Silver Wolf had fixed it in minutes.

Yeah.

She was alright.