章 58: Chapter 58

Following the strange voice, a girl wearing red-brown clothes decorated with lilies and a Qiankun Taigua hat adorned with plum blossoms approached.

The girl exuded youthfulness, her bright eyes revealing her quirky personality at first glance.

Hu Tao said in a familiar tone, "Oh my, although I know Zhongli has many friends, this is the first time I've seen him entertain so many at once. Could it be that today is Zhongli's birthday?"

Zhongli felt a bit exasperated at the sight of the girl. "Hall Master Hu, you jest. Today is certainly not my birthday."

Hu Tao laughed playfully. "Zhongli, you're as serious as ever. I was just joking." She then stepped forward, examining the group behind Zhongli.

"As expected of Keqing's friend, your temperament is extraordinary. You seem like someone I'd get along with. Won't you introduce me properly, Keqing?"

Paimon immediately exclaimed, "Wow, she's so outgoing."

Seeing this, Takumi stepped forward with a smile. "There's a small patch of grass on the ground and two red flowers atop her head. She must be a very passionate girl."

Hu Tao's eyes lit up instantly. "Wow, this young man is so carefree. He must be an eclectic soul. He's really on my wavelength. What a fortune to meet!"

Although Hu Tao was eccentric, she still had the etiquette expected of the master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, a tradition carried on for over two millennia in Liyue.

Knowing that it was Zhongli's role to introduce them, Hu Tao waited for him to proceed to avoid seeming rude.

Seeing the worldly yet powerful Takumi, Zhongli quickly began the introductions. "Let me introduce you all. This is Hu Tao, the Hall Master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The funeral arrangements for all of Liyue are handled by her establishment."

Hu Tao bowed. "That's right. Someday, everyone in Liyue will be my customer. Don't worry—you can even pre-order my services in advance!"

Paimon almost choked, exclaiming, "It's a funeral business? How can you say that so casually?!"

Lumine couldn't help but nod. This girl certainly had an unusual personality.

Hu Tao smiled. "Life, old age, sickness, and death are natural cycles. Even immortals will die one day. Preparing early will ensure peace of mind when that day comes."

"Ahem." Zhongli coughed, interrupting Hu Tao. "Hall Master Hu, let me continue."

"This is Takumi, a friend of mine. He is knowledgeable and has an extraordinary temperament. He came to Liyue to enjoy the landscape.

"This youkai lady is Yae Miko, the head priestess of Narukami Shrine in Inazuma.

"This young blonde friend is the legendary adventurer Lumine, who was awarded the title of Honorary Knight by the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt."

Zhongli looked at Istaru and Paimon floating in the air. Today truly made him feel tired—Lord Tianli, the Fourth Descender, the second of the Four Shadows of Celestia, and now Hall Master Hu.

Paimon put her hands on her hips. "My name is Paimon, and I'm Lumine's best friend."

Istaru, now resembling Paimon with her hands on her hips, proudly said, "My name is Istaru, and I'm Takumi's best partner."

Hu Tao looked increasingly surprised. "You are all quite distinguished. Zhongli certainly knows some incredible people—each more remarkable than the last.

"One is knowledgeable, one is a godly priestess, one is an honorary knight, and the two of you are their best partners."

Paimon and Istaru immediately protested. "What?! How come we're introduced so casually?!"

Hu Tao looked at the two identical floating companions curiously. "Do these two little friends have even more impressive stories? I must hear them!"

Paimon and Istaru immediately quieted down, floating back to their companions. Paimon, still suffering from memory loss, couldn't recall any impressive achievements, and Istaru certainly wouldn't share her secrets.

Hu Tao put her hands on her hips. "Meeting someone in life is fate. Since we know each other's names, we're now friends.

"It's already noon, and knowing Zhongli, he must be treating everyone to lunch. I have the perfect restaurant in mind, guaranteed to boost your appetite."

Takumi clapped his hands. "Meeting is fate, indeed. Perhaps meeting today was destined in a past life. How can we refuse Hall Master Hu Tao's kind invitation?"

There were very few people Takumi felt instantly comfortable with upon meeting. Hu Tao was definitely one of them.

He had once spent a fortune on Hu Tao's services, so he knew her worth well.

Yae Miko followed suit, nodding. "Indeed, I have heard of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor even in Inazuma. If the opportunity arises, we may even work together."

Hu Tao's eyes sparkled. "I'm always interested in new business opportunities, but for now, let's enjoy this meal. After a few rounds of drinks, we'll certainly chat more, Miss Fox Priestess."

She had simply intended to make friends with Zhongli's guests but hadn't anticipated encountering someone as significant as the priestess of Narukami Shrine. Perhaps this would lead to expanding the funeral parlor's services beyond Liyue.

Zhongli sighed inwardly as Hu Tao bounded away energetically. He couldn't keep up with this child's lively personality.

But judging by Lord Tianli's expression, Takumi seemed to like Hu Tao's energy.

Now that he thought about it, perhaps Takumi's seemingly out-of-character actions were a result of kindred spirits. Perhaps like really did attract like.

Hu Tao led everyone to a bustling restaurant called Wanmin Restaurant.

The restaurant was thriving with activity. A girl dressed in a chef's outfit was busy cooking, while a small bear-like creature clumsily carried empty plates.

Hu Tao waved. "Hey, Xiangling! I brought some special guests. You'd better bring out your best dishes."

Xiangling turned, smiling brightly at her visitors. "Hu Tao, you've brought so many guests today! Please, everyone, come in, come in!"

She quickly set aside her work and approached them.

"And Mr. Zhongli is here too! Are these interesting guests Hall Master Hu's clients?"

Some of the customers at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would spend a lot of money entertaining Hu Tao and Zhongli, treating them to meals, tea, and theater while always ordering the most expensive dishes.

Hu Tao quickly shook her head. "No, no, not this time. These are friends I just made today. So, to fulfill my duties as the host, I'm treating them to a meal.

"You, the best chef in Liyue, have to make the best dishes!"