The morning after Cloud Retainer's historic visit, Shinzō arrived at his shop to find a line of customers stretching halfway around the harbor district. Word of the adeptus bonding with a Togekiss had spread like wildfire through Liyue's social circles, and it seemed everyone wanted to witness the phenomenon for themselves.
"Manager Shinzō!" called out a familiar voice from the crowd. Childe pushed through the throng, his usual carefree grin replaced by genuine curiosity. "I heard one of those ancient bird-people got herself a flying companion yesterday. Mind if I take a look at what all the fuss is about?"
Before Shinzō could respond, Ganyu appeared at his elbow, looking more frazzled than he'd ever seen her. "Shinzō, we have a problem. The Millelith are concerned about crowd control, and I've received seventeen formal requests for Pokémon demonstrations from various merchant guilds. Oh, and Lady Ningguang wants to see you immediately."
Shinzō surveyed the scene with growing realization. His cozy shop, designed for intimate interactions between potential trainers and Pokémon, was woefully inadequate for this level of interest. Customers were pressed shoulder-to-shoulder, making it impossible for Pokémon to move freely or for proper consultations to take place.
"Ganyu, can you handle the crowd management for now?" he asked. "Use the appointment system we discussed. And Childe, you're welcome to browse, but please don't cause any chaos."
The Harbinger raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm on my best behavior today. Though I am curious about those battle-ready creatures you keep mentioning."
Ningguang's POV
From her office high in the Jade Chamber, Ningguang observed the commotion at the harbor through her floating jade screens. The Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing had built her fortune on recognizing opportunity before others, and what she saw unfolding around the Pokémon House represented the kind of paradigm shift that could reshape Liyue's entire economy.
"Baishi," she called to her secretary, "prepare my morning schedule for revision. I need to speak with Mr. Shinzō immediately."
The secretary's response was apologetic. "My lady, he's currently dealing with crowd control issues. Perhaps this afternoon—"
"No." Ningguang's tone brooked no argument. "Send a personal invitation. Inform him that the Tianquan wishes to discuss a business proposition that could benefit both parties significantly."
She turned back to her jade screens, watching as Ganyu attempted to organize increasingly chaotic lines of customers. The current situation was unsustainable, but more importantly, it was inefficient. Liyue thrived on efficient commerce, and bottlenecks like this cost everyone money.
But Ningguang saw something else in the crowds—the beginnings of a new industry. If Pokémon could bond with ancient adepti, what possibilities existed for Liyue's merchants, adventurers, and artisans? The economic implications were staggering.
"Baishi, also prepare files on premium commercial spaces. Particularly those with... unique access requirements."
Back at the Pokémon House
By midday, the situation had become untenable. Shinzō watched helplessly as a group of children pressed their faces against his shop windows, trying to catch glimpses of the Pokémon inside. Meanwhile, several merchants had begun arguing about queue positions, and he could see Millelith guards approaching with expressions that suggested official intervention was imminent.
That's when Ningguang's invitation arrived.
The messenger, dressed in the finest silks and bearing the Tianquan's personal seal, handed Shinzō an elegant scroll with obvious ceremony. Several customers stopped their conversations to stare.
"The Lady Ningguang requests your immediate presence at the Jade Chamber," the messenger announced loudly enough for nearby customers to hear. "A private vessel awaits at the harbor."
Childe let out a low whistle. "Well, well. Looks like you've caught the attention of Liyue's big boss herself. That's either very good or very bad for business."
Shinzō glanced at Ganyu, who nodded encouragingly. "Go," she said. "I'll implement the emergency protocols we discussed. Appointments only, with proper spacing between customers."
"Umbreon, you're with me," Shinzō said to his partner, who had been observing the chaos with increasing concern. The Dark-type's presence would be both comforting and diplomatically significant—showing that his Pokémon were true partners, not mere tools.
At the Jade Chamber
The floating palace never failed to impress visitors, but Shinzō found himself comparing it to the legendary Sky Pillar from Pokémon lore as he ascended. Ningguang received him in her primary office, a space that perfectly balanced opulence with functionality.
"Mr. Shinzō," she began without preamble, "your establishment has created something I haven't seen in years—genuine disruption of established patterns. In business, such disruption either becomes revolutionary success or spectacular failure."
Umbreon settled beside Shinzō's chair, its golden rings pulsing softly as it assessed the new environment. Ningguang's gaze flickered to the Pokémon with obvious interest.
"Lady Ningguang," Shinzō replied respectfully, "I assume you didn't summon me just to comment on crowd sizes."
"Indeed not." The Tianquan activated several jade screens, showing aerial views of the harbor district. "Your current location, while charming, limits your operation's potential. More critically, it creates bottlenecks that affect other businesses and strain our public safety resources."
She gestured to a detailed architectural diagram that materialized in the air between them. "I propose a solution that benefits everyone involved. The Jade Chamber has recently completed construction of a premium commercial wing—originally intended for high-end artifact dealers and luxury goods merchants."
Shinzō studied the blueprint with growing amazement. The proposed space was enormous—easily three times the size of his current shop, with specialized rooms for different functions and what appeared to be access to external platforms.
"The space includes climate-controlled environments, reinforced flooring for... larger specimens, and most importantly, private teleportation access for VIP clients." Ningguang's smile was knowing. "I suspect your more distinguished customers would appreciate discretion."
"What are the terms?" Shinzō asked, though he was already calculating the possibilities such a space would offer.
"A partnership arrangement. You maintain complete operational control of your business, but the Jade Chamber takes a percentage of gross revenue in exchange for the premium location, security, and logistical support." She named a figure that was substantial but fair. "Additionally, I would like to reserve priority access for myself and select associates."
Shinzō considered carefully. The offer was generous, but he sensed there was more to Ningguang's interest than simple commerce.
"You're not just offering space," he said finally. "You're positioning yourself for whatever comes next. You think Pokémon are going to change more than just pet ownership in Liyue."
Ningguang's smile widened. "I built my fortune by recognizing when the world is about to shift. When an ancient adeptus bonds with a creature that exists outside our understanding of natural law, that's not just news—it's prophecy."
Umbreon's Perspective
While the humans negotiated, Umbreon extended its senses throughout the Jade Chamber. The floating palace hummed with complex energies—not chaotic like the crowds below, but layered and purposeful. This Ningguang understood power structures and long-term planning.
More intriguingly, Umbreon detected faint traces of elemental energy that suggested the Tianquan might be compatible with certain Pokémon types. The Dark-type filed this information away for later consideration. If Shinzō was going to work with this woman, it would be useful to understand her potential.
A soft knock interrupted the negotiations. Baishi entered with a tea service and a nervous expression.
"My lady, urgent news from the harbor. The crowd situation has... escalated."
The Complication
Through the jade screens, they watched as a new arrival pushed through the crowds at the Pokémon House. Xiao had appeared, apparently drawn by the continuing disturbance near his established patrol routes. But instead of dispersing the crowd, his presence had attracted even more attention.
"Is that yaksha examining your shop?" Ningguang asked with raised eyebrows.
"He's been curious about Pokémon for weeks," Shinzō admitted. "But he's been reluctant to interact directly."
As they watched, Xiao paused at the shop's entrance, clearly torn between his natural isolation and obvious curiosity about the creatures inside. The crowd, sensing drama, pressed closer.
"This is exactly why you need better facilities," Ningguang said. "That young adeptus requires privacy to explore his interests, but your current setup makes discretion impossible."
She activated a communication device. "Baishi, prepare immediate transport back to the harbor. And draft preliminary partnership contracts for Mr. Shinzō's review."
"Actually," Shinzō said, standing quickly, "I think we should bring Xiao here instead. If he's interested in Pokémon, this environment would be much better for a first encounter."
Ningguang paused, then smiled with genuine admiration. "Brilliant. Nothing demonstrates the value of premium space like having both interested parties experience it firsthand."
She activated another jade screen, projecting her voice to the harbor below. "Adeptus Xiao, the Tianquan extends an invitation to join us at the Jade Chamber. Mr. Shinzō has brought several of his remarkable creatures for demonstration."
The effect was immediate. Xiao looked up at the floating palace with surprise, then vanished in a swirl of anemo energy. Moments later, he materialized on the Chamber's main platform.
"Convenient," Ningguang murmured appreciatively. "I do admire efficient transportation."
The Demonstration
Xiao entered the office with his usual wariness, but Shinzō noticed the yaksha's eyes immediately sought out Umbreon. The Dark-type regarded the adeptus calmly, its presence seeming to have a subtle calming effect on Xiao's typically agitated energy.
"You wished to see me?" Xiao asked, though his attention remained fixed on the Pokémon.
"Actually," Shinzō said gently, "I thought you might be interested in meeting Umbreon properly. And perhaps learning about Pokémon that might... understand your particular situation."
He carefully avoided mentioning Xiao's karmic debt directly, but the implication was clear. Umbreon padded forward, approaching the yaksha with none of the hesitation most beings showed around his dangerous aura.
"This creature," Xiao said quietly, "it doesn't fear the darkness that surrounds me."
"Dark-types thrive in shadows," Shinzō explained. "They're not afraid of negative energy—they transform it into strength. Umbreon specifically is known for its loyalty and protective instincts toward those who carry heavy burdens."
The moment stretched as adeptus and Pokémon regarded each other with mutual recognition. Finally, Xiao extended his hand, and Umbreon allowed him to touch its sleek fur.
"Remarkable," Ningguang observed. "The energy harmonization is visible even to non-Vision holders."
"I could arrange for you to meet other Pokémon," Shinzō offered carefully. "Dark-types, or perhaps Fighting-types that understand the warrior's path. But it would require proper facilities for safe interaction."
Xiao's nod was almost imperceptible, but it was enough.
"Then we have an agreement," Ningguang announced, rising from her desk. "Mr. Shinzō, welcome to the Jade Chamber. Shall we begin planning your grand opening ceremony?"