When it ca to Hu Tao, the people of Liyue had mixed feelings.
On the one hand, her personality was undeniably charming—lively, playful, and full of energy.
On the other hand… she had an alarming habit of trying to sell coffins to just about everyone she t.
The most absurd part? That "second tombstone half price" promotion. Who in their right mind would be planning their own funeral while still alive and well?
…Well, aside from Zhongli.
But to say people disliked Hu Tao? That wouldn't be fair either.
As the one in charge of Liyue's entire funeral industry, she was an indispensable figure. After all, even the mighty Geo Archon himself had required Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services for the Rite of Parting.
People also deeply respected how she could face death every day and still remain so cheerful.
And anyone who had ever arranged a funeral through Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would sing nothing but praises—because Hu Tao was nothing if not professional when it truly mattered. Her dedication to honoring the dead was unwavering.
Not a single bad review since the business opened!
But that didn't an people weren't wary of her.
Humans, even knowing that death was inevitable, still feared it.
Hu Tao, for her part, simply couldn't understand why.
But that wasn't the current problem for the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Yunhan Opera Troupe. At this mont, the four burly guards standing outside the establishnt were facing a much bigger crisis—how to escape this situation.
If it had been anyone else causing a commotion, they wouldn't have hesitated to put them in their place.
But Hu Tao…
She was one of Liyue's top combatants, a Pyro Vision holder, and more importantly, one of their boss's closest friends.
They really didn't want to ss with her.
Before they could co up with an excuse, Hu Tao suddenly stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
"Hey, hey! You guys, have you given any thought to what I told you last ti?"
She crossed her arms, nodding sagely as she continued, "Think about it. As bodyguards, your job is to protect your employer. That ans you're constantly putting yourselves in danger. It's one of the highest-risk professions in all of Liyue!"
"You wouldn't want to get caught off guard by so sudden attack and end up without a proper burial, would you?"
Hu Tao clapped her hands together, voice full of conviction. "So, let's make a deal! Since you're Yun Jin's personal guards, I'll even give you a special group discount!"
"Buy three full funeral packages, get one free! Includes customized tombstones, and if you happen to beco wandering spirits, I'll even throw in a free soul-guiding service!"
"This is a once-in-a-lifeti deal! Don't miss out!"
Her large, expectant eyes sparkled as she pulled out a contract, ready for them to sign.
The four guards were now drenched in cold sweat.
But they couldn't quite find the words to refuse her either.
"Looks like you're ready to place an order!" Hu Tao grinned, eagerly pushing the contract toward them.
Just then, a soft chuckle rang out from within Yunhan Opera Troupe.
"That's enough, Hu Tao. Stop making things difficult for them. No one in their pri is going to plan their own funeral."
Yun Jin stepped gracefully past the threshold, clad in an elegant moon-white robe. Every movent carried the subtle rhythm of an opera perforr, as if the stage had long since beco an inseparable part of her life.
She turned to the four guards, giving them a slight nod.
"It's almost ti for Liyue's official work hours to end. Why don't you go grab sothing to eat before coming back?"
The four n exchanged glances before bowing deeply to Yun Jin.
Then, as if a wolf was on their heels, they bolted.
"Tch… Yun Jin, you just ruined a perfectly good business opportunity!"
Hu Tao pouted, stuffing the contract away. Her tone carried a hint of complaint, but her bright, playful expression made it clear she wasn't truly upset.
"Hu Tao's sales tactics remain as… straightforward as ever."
Yun Jin chuckled, extending a hand to usher her inside.
"Co in and have a chat. It's rare for you to visit. After I finish my performance tonight, why don't we go find Xinyan together?"
Hu Tao waved a hand dismissively. "Nah, nah, you know I don't understand your opera stuff. I actually ca because I have sothing to ask you."
She paused, then sighed dramatically.
"And also… those guards almost signed for their funeral packages! You just had to step in and ruin it!"
Yun Jin rely smiled, pouring Hu Tao a cup of tea as they settled into a private booth on the second floor.
"You know, if you stopped pushing funeral services onto every person you t, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor might do even better."
"After all, no one wants to be reminded of their own mortality while they're still in the pri of life."
Hu Tao took a sip of tea, then waggled a finger in disagreent.
"Birth, aging, sickness, and death—these are the natural cycles of the world. Yin and yang must remain in balance. Fate is ever-changing."
"Rocks erode, lakes dry up."
"The mont a person is born, they begin walking toward death. Since it's unavoidable, wouldn't it be better to face it with open arms?"
"Maybe then, they'd create more mories worth cherishing before their ti cos."
Yun Jin, having heard this philosophy from Hu Tao more tis than she could count, simply smiled.
She neither fully agreed nor disagreed.
She wouldn't try to change Hu Tao's views on life and death—after all, that was simply who Hu Tao was.
"If nothing else, Hu Tao, you certainly have a way of stating universal truths."
Yun Jin shook her head lightly.
"But people don't always like to hear the truth."
By now, Yunhan Opera Troupe was beginning to fill with patrons.
Yun Jin glanced at the ti, knowing her performance would begin soon.
So, she cut straight to the point.
"I have to get on stage soon. What was it you wanted to ask ?"
"Oh! Right!"
Hu Tao smacked her forehead, sticking out her tongue sheepishly.
"I almost forgot!"
She leaned forward, voice dropping slightly.
"Have you seen Zhongli these past few days? That guy hasn't returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in nearly three days!"
"Your place is the most likely spot he'd turn up. Have you seen him? I was planning to drag him to the Adventurers' Guild to discuss a new business deal."
"But of course, he just had to disappear at a ti like this!"
"If Lan Jie declines because of his absence, it'll be all his fault!"
As Hu Tao puffed up her cheeks in frustration, Yun Jin frowned slightly, trying to recall.
"That is odd… Zhongli has never missed a performance before, but now that I think about it, I haven't seen him these past few days."
"Hu Tao, has he not sent any bills back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Yun Jin was well aware of Zhongli's notorious freeloading habits.
Hu Tao spread her hands.
"That's what's weird! I haven't received a single tab!"
"I figured he was just out and about, listening to opera as usual, and you were covering his bill again."
Yun Jin smiled but didn't deny it.
She had indeed done that in the past.
Suddenly—
A voice, crisp and confident, rang out from behind them.
"Pardon , Miss Hu Tao. Could you spare a mont?"
Hu Tao turned, hands clasped behind her back.
A young man stood a short distance away, clad in foreign-styled gray attire. His hair was a vibrant orange, his face boyish and bright.
But the way their Visions reacted told Hu Tao and Yun Jin everything they needed to know.
He was dangerous.
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"Oh ho~ Aren't you that guy…?"
The young man chuckled, scratching his head as if embarrassed.
"That's right. Tartaglia, Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers."
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