Morax is dead, Liyue will fall into my hands.

Or perhaps they feel they are too aloof and therefore dare not approach them anymore?

We can't confront him directly; we need to find a more roundabout way to make Li Ye back down.

After making her decision, Ningguang changed her amiable attitude from before, and her eyes and tone began to show a sharp edge as she said, "Oh? Mr. Li, do you know that my standards for choosing a partner are very high?"

Upon hearing Ningguang's reply, Li Ye thought to himself that Ningguang seemed somewhat angry.

He had suggested introducing her to a boyfriend, but she had been all smiles just moments before, and now she was suddenly glaring at him with a hint of anger in her voice.

What does it mean?

This indicates that she doesn't like her friends admiring her, or to put it more bluntly, she doesn't want to say it herself.

He had seen this scene in TV dramas and even anime!

It could even be called a classic scene.

That's it, it's completely over.

What should I do? Should I just give in?

A true man can bend and stretch, and he can bend and stretch!

What does temporary grievance matter? Sacrificing for a great cause is necessary in some circumstances.

No! It hasn't come to that yet; there's still a chance to salvage it.

As a man who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him, Li Ye had a lot of confidence in Mr. Zhong Li.

Although young and handsome men like myself are very popular with rich women, mature men like Mr. Zhongli are also very charming. How will I know if I don't try?

Li Ye coughed twice and said, "Tianquan Ningguang is extremely wealthy. The noble young men and wealthy merchants who pursue Miss Ningguang can line up from Yuehaiting to Jiaxuan Teahouse, so it is only natural that Miss Ningguang has high standards for choosing a partner."

But I have a friend who, in terms of talent, might very well qualify for Ningguang's position.

Ningguang pretended not to believe it and said, "Oh? Mr. Li doesn't even know my criteria for choosing a partner, yet he has so much confidence in his friend? It seems he really is outstanding?"

Li Ye said confidently, "The relationship between men and women is all about mutual affection. Whether it works out or not is up to you. But if we're talking about excellence, if my friend can't even meet Ningguang's standards, then I'm afraid there won't be another one like him in the entire Liyue."

Actually, Li Ye had another half-sentence hidden in his heart: if someone as outstanding as Zhong Li still couldn't meet Ning Guang's standards for a partner, then it meant that you didn't consider other men at all.

Seeing Li Ye's confident demeanor, Ningguang, after careful consideration, still felt that hesitation would only lead to more trouble.

No matter how much Li Ye boasts about himself today, we must refuse and not leave him any room for doubt.

Thinking of this, Ningguang said, "I have met many talented young people in Liyue, and there are many outstanding ones among them. I am really curious about Mr. Li's confidence."

Are you really curious? But why does your tone sound so hostile?

However, at this point, it's a desperate measure.

Li Ye said, "Not to mention my friend's handsome appearance and refined temperament, first of all, he has the whole of Liyue in his heart, and his ambition is far beyond that of ordinary people."

Furthermore, he was a master of commerce, and could easily acquire any wealth in the world if he so desired, making him a perfect match for Miss Ningguang.

So you've made it clear, haven't you?

So you're not going to pretend anymore?

Seeing that Li Ye had "chosen to self-destruct," Ningguang responded decisively, saying, "I'm sorry, Mr. Li, it's not that I, Ningguang, am being picky, but in my opinion, the advantages you mentioned are worthless."

Ningguang doesn't care whether her future partner is rich or not, because even if he is rich, he probably won't be richer than her.

A person skilled in business would be a great business partner, but not a romantic partner.

Finally, someone who is both capable and devoted to Liyue is more suited to Moonsea Pavilion than to Jade Pavilion.

Therefore, in my opinion, the advantages that Mr. Li mentioned can only prove that he is excellent, but cannot represent that he meets Ningguang's criteria for choosing a partner.

"I wonder if Mr. Li has anything else he can offer?"

Ningguang was satisfied with her explanation, which subtly rejected Li Ye's confession while clearly telling him that although they couldn't be partners, they could certainly become partners in a deep collaboration.

Li Ye thought Ningguang's explanation made a lot of sense, but why do I still feel like you're deliberately picking a fight?

"Although this person's strength is mediocre, his reputation is enough to make even experts submit. I wonder what Miss Ningguang thinks of this?"

Li Ye was self-aware enough to know that Yuan Hua had become his bodyguard because of Mr. Zhongli.

Even an arrogant fellow like Yuan Hua could be impressed by Mr. Zhongli's reputation. I'm afraid even you, Tianquan Ningguang, couldn't do that.

Ningguang thought to herself upon hearing this: It is indeed commendable that you have gained such a reputation in just over a year. Unfortunately, what is unsuitable is ultimately unsuitable. A forced relationship will never be happy.

But I still advise you to give up, after all, Ningguang is a woman you can never have.

"Mr. Li, Ningguang is a household name in Liyue, and she knows all too well what it means to be burdened by fame. I believe you understand this well too, Mr. Li?"

What did Li Ye think he was experiencing?

Do you understand our shared plight?

I've figured it out; you haven't considered my friends at all.

You just want my body.

But I still advise you to give up, after all, I, Li Ye, am a man you can never have.

Li Ye simply cut to the chase: "It seems that Miss Ningguang's criteria for choosing a partner are quite unique. I wonder if you could tell me about them?"

Ningguang breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Li Ye had finally laid his cards on the table.

It would have been so much better if we had done this sooner; it would have made things easier for both of us.

As for the criteria for choosing a spouse...

Chapter 128: Ningguang's Criteria for Choosing a Partner

What are my criteria for choosing a partner?

For a moment, Ningguang was truly bewildered.

She went from having nothing to becoming the Heavenly Power of the Seven Stars, experiencing countless setbacks along the way.

But she never thought of relying on a man; she always braved the winds and waves and forged ahead independently.

Finally, one difficulty after another was resolved, and one opponent after another was defeated, which led to the Tianquan Ningguang we see today.

Many Liyue residents believe that Ningguang will never consider having a partner, nor will she belong to anyone.

Yes, Ningguang doesn't belong to anyone, and she would never be anyone's possession, but that doesn't mean Ningguang hasn't considered the issue of a partner.

There was a time when she dreamed of meeting the man she liked.

The two of them were a perfect couple, supporting each other, which made many people envious.

But what kind of man is the one I like?

Those elegant young noblemen of Yujingtai?

No!

Those young, wealthy merchants traveling across the continent of Teyvat?

Nor is it!

They are still those who possess the Eye of God and have strength far exceeding that of ordinary people.

No, that's not it either!

Ningguang stood atop the Jade Pavilion, overlooking the entire Liyue Harbor, yet not a single man had ever stirred the slightest emotion within her.

Are they not good enough?

no;

Are they not sincere enough?

No, it isn't either.

Are they not persistent enough?

No, it's not.

But why?

Ningguang looked at Li Ye, these questions echoing repeatedly in her mind.

In a daze, she recalled the banquet that night, where Li Ye leaned against the table, his fists stained with blood, his cold gaze looking down on everything, as if the world itself seemed small because of his existence.

When she arrived at the banquet, she saw Rongzhu's face covered in tears, saw Huiluo's infatuated gaze towards Li Ye, and saw the adoration and reverence for Li Ye in Baixiao and the others' eyes.

Why is this? Is it because Li Ye is outstanding?

No, it was Li Ye who opened their hearts with his actions;

If... if I were in Rongzhu's situation when I was still alone and helpless, and a man stepped forward to help me, I would probably be moved too.

Yes, my heart skipped a beat.

Ningguang seemed to have finally figured out what her criteria for choosing a partner were.

She looked at Li Ye frankly, a smile appearing on her lips, and said, "My criteria for choosing a partner is that he must have done something that made my heart flutter, right?"

That's right! My criteria for choosing a partner are not how much Mora they have, how outstanding they are, how sincere they are, or what they are willing to do for me.

As for their actions that they believe have captivated countless young girls and socialites, what do those have to do with Ningguang?

I am who I am, Tianquan Ningguang, not one of those girls in gilded cages, nor one of those short-sighted socialites.

After Ningguang finished speaking, she looked at Li Ye again, a hint of expectation appearing in her eyes.

If you really want to pursue me, whether it's sincere or just because you're after my wealth, beauty, and power, it doesn't matter. But at least do something that will make my heart flutter at some point.

If you can really do these things, even if you don't intend to pursue me, Ningguang will take the initiative to pursue you.

Unlike many timid and reserved girls, Ningguang has weathered many storms and seen everything along the way.

If she truly meets a man who moves her heart, she will not hesitate to pursue her own happiness without any agonizing over anything.

Ningguang was looking forward to the surprises Li Ye would bring her in the future, but little did she know that all she was bringing Li Ye now was fright.

A sudden flutter of the heart?

Ms. Ningguang, you're not implying anything, are you?

I really had no intention of playing the hero and rescuing the damsel in distress at the banquet in Qunyu Pavilion.

In that situation, even if the waiter was male, I would definitely take action without hesitation.