Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

On the wide stone slabs of Yujingtai Square, as the sun rose higher, three figures waited quietly.

Qian Wei, a businessman from a wealthy family, was the first to lose his temper. He impatiently stomped his stiff legs, frowned, and complained to the air in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for the two people next to him to hear:

"My legs are numb from standing... I really don't know what that inspector was trying to prove."

"For such an important occasion, they didn't even prepare a chair."

He gave a light snort, with the arrogance he usually displayed when negotiating with others.

"I, Qian, have seen countless people and dealt with all sorts of characters, but this is the first time I've ever stood here waiting for my host like this!"

Mingbo, standing to the side in his neat uniform typical of the General Affairs Department, shrank back somewhat awkwardly upon hearing this. He was always cautious and habitually followed the rules, and at this moment he could only mutter softly:
"Ah, I... find it tolerable..."

Qian Wei glanced at him, deliberately drawing out his words, his tone carrying a subtle hint of contempt:

"You've gotten used to being stuck in the government office, always accepting things as they come and content with the status quo."

"Even if there is an opportunity in the future, I'm afraid nothing will be changed."

These words stung Mingbo, making him blush. Though he was mild-mannered, he sensed the belittling tone and couldn't help but raise his head to argue:

"How...how can you be so unreasonable!"

Just as the atmosphere was about to become tense, Zhiyi, who had been silent all along, chimed in at the opportune moment.

Having traveled far and wide and witnessed the ways of the world, he now wore a gentle smile, as if to melt away the invisible sparks.

"Alright, alright, you two."

"It's not worth arguing over such a trivial matter and ruining the harmony."

Zhiyi's voice was calm, carrying a strange soothing quality. He turned to Qianwei, his words earnest yet weighty.

“Brother Qian, what you just said has indeed put Brother Mingbo in a difficult position.”

After speaking, Zhiyi looked at Mingbo, who was still angry, and said, "Brother Mingbo, please calm down. Standing for a long time is indeed irritating, and I imagine everyone is feeling a bit frustrated."

Zhiyi's gaze lingered on the two faces for a moment, then he smiled and looked at a building not far away that was displaying the Chamber of Commerce's flag, and suggested:
"I think it would be better if we did this: since the higher-ups haven't explicitly ordered us to stand here and wait, why don't we do what we want? There must be some seating in the merchant guild's shop over there. Why don't we go and borrow a few chairs to rest for a while?"

This compromise proposal received an immediate response.

Although Qianwei was still not entirely satisfied with his surroundings, he was better off sitting down than forcing himself to stay still, so he nodded reservedly in acknowledgment.

"Very well, although the chairs used by those chambers of commerce to entertain guests are probably made of crude materials and are hardly suitable for formal occasions."

"But in extraordinary times, we'll make do with whatever works."

He paused, revealing a hint of humility.

Zhiyi glanced at his two slightly anxious companions beside him, and even offered to borrow chairs from the Chamber of Commerce, appearing very easygoing and enthusiastic. But beneath this gentle exterior, his thoughts were precisely analyzing the two competitors in front of him.

Qianwei comes from a merchant family. Although his wealth has broadened his knowledge, it cannot hide his arrogance that is ingrained in his bones. Every move he makes reveals his self-righteous sense of superiority.

Mingbo came from the General Affairs Department, and the tedious paperwork had indeed honed his experience in solving practical problems. Unfortunately, he was too mild-mannered and almost cowardly. He was easily provoked by Qianwei's few barbed words and his actions were also bound by convention, never daring to step out of line.

Compared to his meticulously planned and step-by-step methods, these two were like children playing around.

Zhiyi chuckled silently to himself.

In his eyes, this so-called open selection process was more like an absurd formality.

Given Uncle Tian's old and senile state, the answer to who he should choose as his successor is already self-evident.

Besides Zhiyi, who else is more worthy of the position of Tian Shu Star? Zhiyi even felt that this selection was just a ceremony to clear obstacles and pave the way for him before the transfer of power.

Moreover, his even darker plan is progressing smoothly.

Uncle Tian's increasingly frail health was the best proof of his quiet operations, and the defection plan among the Fatui was also progressing smoothly. Even Yelan and Zhiyi had not seen him by Uncle Tian's side anymore. Presumably, the deal he made with Famas to involve the Liyue Special Agent Agency in the investigation had taken effect.

At this moment, Zhiyi feels that victory is within his grasp.

The wind from Jade Capital Terrace brushed against his cheeks, carrying the unique bustling atmosphere of Liyue Harbor, but beneath this atmosphere, the undercurrents seemed to be quietly pushing him toward that position.

Zhiyi couldn't think of anything that could prevent him from ascending to the position of Tian Shu, the symbol of the core of power in Liyue.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping across the direction of the entrance to Yujingtai.

Hopefully, this perfunctory examination today will not encounter any unexpected complications.

A barely perceptible hint of wariness was perfectly concealed beneath Zhiyi's humble smile.

While Zhiyi and the others waited in the square under the scorching sun, each with their own thoughts, Keqing and her group had already quietly bypassed the main path and sneaked into Yujingtai through a secluded side road.

They did not appear, but instead hid behind the shadows of the columns overlooking the square, silently observing the expressions and interactions of the three candidates.

Famas's gaze was particularly sharp, his eyes fixed on Zhiyi, who was enthusiastically making arrangements to borrow a chair.

Looking at that face full of sincerity and affability, even someone as experienced as Famas couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

This kid is such a show-off.

"It seems all three candidates have arrived."

Ke Qing's voice was very low, almost to herself, as she glanced at the three figures in the square.

But she did not immediately go forward to greet them. Instead, she decisively gestured to the travelers, Paimon, and Famas behind her, then turned around and led the group, walking briskly along the corridor to a secluded room on the other side of the Jade Capital Terrace.

The door to the side room was pushed open, revealing an unusually simple interior.

A long table is placed in the center, with nothing else on it except three stacks of neatly arranged papers, each occupying a corner of the table. The contrast in height and thickness silently proclaims the writer's attitude and dedication.

The traveler's gaze shifted from the table to Keqing:
"So, those three people in the square just now were the final candidates?"

"Hmm." Ke Qing nodded, her steps unwavering as she walked straight to the desk. "The formal meeting will be held shortly. Before that, let me explain the specific procedures for this selection process."

Ke Qing's tone returned to its usual clarity and efficiency.

"The inspection is divided into two parts: current affairs strategy and on-site Q&A."

Keqing tapped the documents on the table one by one with her fingertips. "First, we need them to submit a document that details their future governing philosophy and specific policy plans. Second, we will conduct on-site questioning based on these plans and the current situation in Liyue."

"Because writing a plan requires careful consideration and cannot be done overnight, I have already made arrangements in advance."

Ke Qing gently ran the edge of her palm across the three stacks of documents.

"These are their answers."

Paimon curiously floated to the desk, his big eyes scanning back and forth between the three stacks of documents, finally settling on the thickest one. He couldn't help but gasp, "Wow! This middle one... it's frighteningly thick! How much must have been written here..."

"By the way, my requirement for them is that whoever is ultimately elected as Tian Shu Star must go all out to implement every promise made in their plan."

Ke Qing added, her voice low and solemn, her gaze becoming exceptionally serious:

"Unless a major unforeseen event occurs, the established strategies in the plan must never be changed arbitrarily."

"Therefore, these three documents in front of you are not just paper and ink. They contain the positions and commitments of these three candidates after they take over the power of Tian Shu in the future."

"It's still early, you can take a look first, so you can make a preliminary assessment of the three people's ideas, vision, and determination."

Keqing looked at the Traveler and Famas, and made an inviting gesture. (End of Chapter)