Genshin Impact: Joining the Genius Society

Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Zhongli: I Just Skipped Work and Got Rehired?

” I—Keqing—”

Standing on a high platform at Yujing Terrace, Keqing frowned as she looked at the speech manuscript in her hands.

”From this day forward, I formally resign from my position as the Yuheng Star, and withdraw completely from the organization...”

Because it had been announced in advance that an important declaration would be made, quite a number of people had gathered at Yujing Terrace.

Among them were Hu Tao, who had come out of sheer curiosity, and Zhongli, who had originally planned to go drink tea, but was dragged along by Hu Tao.

None of them expected that the ”important matter” Keqing was about to announce would be her resignation from the position of Yuheng Star.

The crowd erupted into an uproar.

No one could understand why Keqing would make such a decision.

Although the Rite of Descension last year had branded her with the label of ”disrespectful toward the Geo Archon,” there were very few people in Liyue who denied her contributions as Yuheng Star.

Disguising herself as an ordinary worker to infiltrate the grassroots and expose corrupt officials, that alone was enough for Keqing to earn considerable prestige among the people.

Perhaps she fell a little short compared to Tianquan Ningguang, but she was undoubtedly a competent member of the Seven Stars.

So what had she taken today, to suddenly start saying something like this?

Listening to the commotion below the stage, Keqing paid it no mind and continued reading from the manuscript.

”And I have already selected my successor.

He is the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Mr. Zhongli.

He will assume the position in the near future.”

Her gaze fell upon Zhongli in the crowd, whose expression had frozen in shock.

At once, the discussions grew even louder.

People couldn’t understand why Keqing would resign, nor why she would choose Zhongli as her successor.

While Zhongli was indeed a well-known figure in Liyue Harbor, he was clearly older than Keqing.

Leaving ability aside— no matter how one looked at it, Keqing should have been the more suitable choice.

So why, at such a young age, would she give up so easily?

Wasn’t her future incredibly bright?

Did she not realize how significant her position was in Liyue?

”I believe that many of you still have doubts, but please trust my—uh—hawk-like insight.

The successor I’ve chosen will not be wrong.”

As she read the speech aloud, Keqing felt so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a crack in the ground.

It sounded loyal and righteous, yes— but it was also extremely cringe.

She had matured early and passed her chūnibyō phase long ago.

Now she had to say lines like these in front of so many people.

She seriously began to suspect that Su Ran had written this speech on purpose just to mess with her.

”So I willingly step down from the position of the Seven Stars for the sake of Liyue’s future prosperity—this is my... best course of action.”

What kind of nonsense was this?

Couldn’t the speech be a little more normal?

Reading this made her feel like a comic relief character.

It made it sound as if resigning from the Seven Stars was somehow a good thing for both her and Liyue— as though she were unworthy of the position in the first place, and stepping down was actually an improvement.

She would rather improvise on the spot.

”Liyue has existed for approximately three thousand seven hundred years...

The Geo Archon ruled for over six thousand...

Yet beyond the skies, there are greater skies still...”

Keqing fell silent.

Not because the next lines were too embarrassing, but because what followed exceeded the common knowledge of Liyue’s people.

If she kept reading, it might cause unrest—or even unnecessary trouble for herself and for Ningguang.

So Keqing put the manuscript away.

”Everyone, my decision is final.

But please rest assured—before long, Liyue will undergo transformation.

This is precisely why I have resigned from my post.”

”Zhongli will be an excellent successor.

I believe he needs no introduction.”

Keqing had made up her mind to resign.

But Zhongli had also made up his mind.

He had just taken advantage of the chaos during the Rite of Descension to quietly quit.

And now— someone was telling him he had been rehired?

And not only rehired, but promoted to an even more demanding job?

Before, he only needed to issue broad directives, and that was enough.

But as the Yuheng Star?

Wouldn’t that mean handling far more day-to-day affairs?

Just comparing his daily routine to Keqing’s made the problem obvious.

Keqing’s life was packed.

After work, she went home, ate, bathed, and collapsed straight into bed.

No leisure time at all.

Was that really a life he could live?

Keqing’s resignation was far too sudden.

Zhongli was certain this had something to do with Ningguang— and that man named Su Ran.

Otherwise, there was no way to explain why Keqing would abruptly give up the Yuheng Star position.

Just as he was about to speak with her in private, Hu Tao grabbed his sleeve.

”Boss?”

”Zhongli! Our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor handles funerals, so we have huge land requirements!

Once you become the Yuheng Star, you can’t forget about us!

If you get rich, don’t forget your friends!”

Even Hu Tao had never imagined that their usually idle consultant would one day be promoted this high.

Naturally, she was already looking forward to Zhongli bringing even more convenience to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

After all, the Yuheng Star managed land affairs.

If Zhongli succeeded the position, wouldn’t he be in charge of the same things?

”It is far too early to draw conclusions about the succession of the Yuheng Star.

Please do not jump to conclusions, Hall Master.”

Zhongli was already thinking of ways to escape this ”successor” identity.

How could he possibly agree to Hu Tao so easily?

”How could it be too early? I think you’re perfect!”

Hu Tao refused to back down.

Keqing resigns, Zhongli takes over— wasn’t that the best of both worlds?

What was there to hesitate about?

Keqing had personally announced it in front of so many people.

That carried weight.

”I believe there is something suspicious about this matter.

Yuheng Star’s actions may have been forced.

Hall Master, please allow me to investigate this matter.”

Once Zhongli brought out the conspiracy theory, Hu Tao sobered up.

Because she also felt that something was off.

And Keqing’s obvious hesitation earlier made the problem even clearer.

Perhaps, just as Zhongli said, she really had been forced.

”Then this Hall Master will investigate the truth with you!

With your wisdom and mine, we’ll definitely help Keqing solve this problem!”

—------------------------------

Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer