Two days later, in the morning.
Accompanied by the long, deep blast of a steam whistle, a passenger ship from Snezhnaya slowly pulled into the docks of Mondstadt.
Pantalone strolled out of the cabin, his gaze sweeping over the distant Statue of the Anemo Archon.
His expression was calm and profound.
He stepped down from the deck, his coat fluttering gently in the breeze, every gesture exuding the composed demeanor of a grand banker.
Just as he walked out of the harbor, he spotted Ye Xun and Lynette waiting ahead.
“President Pantalone, welcome to Mondstadt,” Ye Xun stepped forward, his tone polite without being subservient.
Pantalone gave a mild smile.
“Ye Xun, there’s no need for formality.
The talent you possess grants you every right to speak with me on equal footing.” “You flatter me too much, sir.
How could I possibly stand on equal footing with you?” “The modest one is you.
Were I in your shoes, I could never have pulled off such a grand feat.” “…” After exchanging pleasantries, Pantalone cut straight to the point.
“So, Ye Xun, what kind of business do you wish to conduct with me?” Ye Xun gestured toward a quiet, secluded spot off to the side.
Understanding the hint, Pantalone walked over with him.
Lynette followed silently behind them.
Reaching a secluded place, Ye Xun stopped and got right to the point.
“The business I want to run is wine.” Pantalone’s brows knitted slightly.
“While wine is indeed a highly lucrative business, it is difficult to build up without reliable quality and a reputable brand.” Ye Xun smiled faintly.
“I have already secured two partners.
One is Dawn Winery, and the other is—” He raised his hand, pointing at the towering Statue of the Anemo Archon in the distance.
Behind his spectacles, Pantalone’s eyes suddenly lit up.
He then let out a low chuckle.
“Northland Bank is willing to invest.” “Just an investment?” Ye Xun’s smile deepened.
“You must know that any merchant would mindlessly throw money into a guaranteed, risk-free venture like this.” Pantalone knew he was speaking the truth.
For a prime project like this, investors would be practically begging to throw money at it.
“Then what is it that you want?” Ye Xun met his gaze, enunciating every word clearly: “What I want is the full backing of Northland Bank.” As those words fell, Pantalone sank into deep thought.
Investing and backing were two completely different concepts.
The former was merely project-based cooperation, whereas the latter meant taking a definitive stance on his side.
After a long pause, he shook his head gently, his tone regretful yet resolute.
“My apologies…
Northland Bank has always maintained neutrality.” “Always maintained neutrality?” Ye Xun suddenly let out a soft laugh.
“In that case, you must also be entirely neutral between the House of the Hearth and the medical research facility, correct?” For a long time, Northland Bank had favored the medical research facility, using funding as leverage to pressure the House of the Hearth into sending discarded children to the facility.
Pantalone’s expression did not shift; he remained composed.
“I am not only the president of Northland Bank, but also a Fatui Harbinger.
For Her Majesty the Tsaritsa’s supreme vision, certain things must be done.” Hearing this, a glint of resentment and anger flashed in Lynette’s eyes as she quietly clenched her fists.
“Truly a cold-blooded banker,” Ye Xun’s smile remained, though it turned a shade colder.
“However, you might not be aware that Northland Bank harbors a fatal weakness.” “What fatal weakness?” Pantalone asked, frowning.
Ye Xun didn’t answer right away.
Instead, he turned to Lynette and spoke warmly yet firmly, “Lynette, step aside for a moment.
Knowing certain secrets won’t do you any good.” Lynette shot him a slightly displeased glare before turning around and walking away.
Once she was completely out of earshot, Ye Xun spoke leisurely: “Pantalone, have you ever heard of a bank run?” As the words left his mouth, Pantalone’s pupils contracted slightly.
A bank run referred to a situation where a vast number of depositors panicked and withdrew their funds simultaneously, leaving the bank with insufficient cash reserves and ultimately driving it to collapse.
Under normal circumstances, as long as there were sufficient cash reserves, a bank run was practically impossible.
However, Northland Bank was different.
In pursuit of maximum profit, it funnelled the vast majority of its capital into high-interest lending, leaving its liquid reserves perilously thin.
Once a large-scale bank run occurred, this financial empire would crumble into ruins within days.
He stared fixedly at Ye Xun, a blade-like chill flashing in his eyes as killing intent quietly filled the air.
“Ye Xun, do you know?
If one lacks sufficient strength, it is best not to threaten others.” Ye Xun did not back down an inch, meeting his gaze as he replied calmly, “Of course I know.
If you think I don’t, you are welcome to test me yourself.” The air seemed to freeze instantly.
Moments later, Pantalone slowly withdrew his killing intent.
“Very good.
Northland Bank will grant you limited backing.” “Still not enough,” Ye Xun remarked nonchalantly.
Pantalone choked on his rage, his voice involuntarily rising.
“Ye Xun!
Do you think you have me completely cornered?!” “Of course not,” Ye Xun shook his head softly.
“In fact, I have an even grander business proposal I would like to pitch to you.” “What proposal?” “Controlling the economic lifelines of Teyvat.” At those words, Pantalone’s expression turned stern.
This aligned perfectly with the single most obsessive ambition deep within his heart.
The corners of his lips curved upward as the ice in his eyes thawed, replaced by a warm smile.
“Ye Xun, Northland Bank will give you its full backing.
Tell me, how do you plan to control them?” Ye Xun didn’t play coy, laying out his plan with absolute clarity.
Simply put, it was capital invasion—gradually infiltrating and seizing control over the economic lifelines of each nation.
After listening, Pantalone gazed deeply at Ye Xun, a look of unmistakable admiration flashing in his eyes.
“Ye Xun, you truly are a genius far ahead of your time!” “President Pantalone, you praise me too highly.
I merely stand a bit higher than others,” Ye Xun replied humbly.
Afterward, the two discussed several operational details of their cooperation.
By the time dusk approached, they had reached a preliminary agreement.
As the setting sun poured down its golden light, Ye Xun and Lynette walked side by side along the peaceful street.
The evening breeze blew gently, and distant windmills spun leisurely, emitting a soft creak.
“Ye Xun,” Lynette turned her head to look at him, her tone carrying a hint of lingering dissatisfaction and confusion.
“Why must you work with a guy who is so cold and harsh?” Ye Xun raised his eyes toward the windmill turning slowly against the backdrop of the sunset glow.
“Because to reach the end of this journey, he is the only one I can cooperate with.” Lynette parted her lips slightly, wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed her words back down.
Even someone as powerful as her Father, Arlecchino, sometimes had no choice but to accept such realities.
As the two neared the hotel entrance, they suddenly spotted a petite figure standing outside the door.
It was a little girl with fluffy cat ears, standing on tiptoe and peering around as if waiting for someone.
The moment she saw them, her eyes lit up.
She scampered over with tiny quick steps and raised a pure, innocent face.
“Excuse me, are you Boss Ye Xun?” A daughter?