It was another fine and humid day at Liyue. The whole are filled with richness, commotion, cheers, laughs, and more. A restaurant was seen being quite busy with it's customers. In front of the restaurant though, were two certain geo vision holders (rather just one). It was Ningguang and Zhongli.
Zhongli stood there, gazing at the restaurant. Ningguang looked at Zhongli, then she proceeded to clear her throat, as if she was waiting for something. Zhongli looked at Ningguang, and started thinking "(Am I supposed to be doing something here?)" he thought. Next to the pair was another pair, one had red hair, the other had blue hair.
"W-well my lady? Shall we?" He said, while stumbling on his words a bit. "... W-why yes!" The red haired woman replied back, also stumbling on her words as the two proceeded to enter the restaurant.
Luckily Ningguang wasn't paying attention to the other pair but Zhongli was, so he repeated what the other pair said but with his own taste added into it, "Well lady Ningguang, shall we dine together like never-before?" He said, taking Ningguang aback. "W-why yes..." She said, blushing. The two then proceeded to walk into the restaurant.
Unbeknownst to them, the other pair that went inside the restaurant were next to the entrance doors, trying to eavesdrop. "... D-did it work?!" The blue haired boy asked the red-haired girl. "..." "Why so quiet?!" The blue-haired boy asked yet again, making the red-haired girl laugh.
"Yeah, it worked, I'm only teasing ya'" the girl said, "G-great! C-can I have a popsicle now?!" The blue-haired boy anxiously asked. "Why yes Chongy, but I seemed to have gotten a bit hungry myself and ate a bit of this one" The red-haired girl explained, giving out a gag as she showed him the popsicle being half eaten.
"So are you gonna eat this on-" The boy took the popsicle away and started gobbling it down.
Two days ago before this event...
"Huh? You're going out on a date?!" The red haired girl yelled to Zhongli, "Please pay more attention Hu Tao, I just said this is just a friendly and business discussion between me and Ms. Ningguang about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's apparent overdue fees..." Zhongli said to Hu Tao.
"Shouldn't I be the one organizing, and going on with this instead? I am the boss here!" Hu Tao questioned Zhongli. "In one case, yes, but I feel as though this isn't something too big for you to deal with or worry about. As your employee, it's my job to take care of something so small like this, so please, rest assured all will go well" Zhongli explained. Hu Tao pouted, and shouted "Fine!"
"This is not fine!" Hu tao shouted back to Aether. The two were taking a walk around some part of the forest on Liyue, they were looking for some whopperflowers. "A little help here?!" Paimon shouted to Hu Tao, as Aether was fighting a whooperflower at this instant. "It just doesn't make sense leaving him do all this dirty work, am I underpaying my own employee? What do you think Aether? Maybe he's finally going to leave me and oh so no, go off with Ningguang!" Hu tao continued rambling.
"A little!- help!- over here!-" Paimon shouted as Aether was frozen, he was fighting an ice whooperflower while on its turf, a creek. "And wouldn't you know? They haven't even mailed me anything about these fees coming up, that's what bothers me the most! Poor old Zhongli has to go up to her and deal with this corrupt problem himself. First thing I saw in the morning was just piles and piles of paper being carried by Zhongli! Can you believe i-" "HU TAO!" Paimon shouted.
Hu tao then snapped back to her sense, "Ah, right, I forgot we were fighting this... Tee-hee~" She said. Aether was yet again frozen solid, looking like he's in the corner of a boxing arena, getting comboed by a whooperflower... He was getting whooped. Before Hu Tao could spring into action with her spear, a familiar face arose from the bushes, ambushing the whooperflower.
Now the tables have turned, and the ice whooperflower was frozen. The familiar figure screamed for Hu tao to launch her attack, and so she did, ending it off with her ghostly friends. Flames arising on the grass around the creek, the familiar figure cleared those flames with a touch of frost.
Now that the flames have died, it was clear to see who the newcomer was, "Yun-yun?~" Hu Tao called out to him. It was none other than the excorcist himself, having his usual blue and white set of clothes, and vision hanging around his waist. "... Don't call me that" Chongyun replied to her.
"Aww, did you miss that name? I know how much you love it~" Hu tao said, teasingly. Chongyun held onto his chest, "(Deep breathes Chongyun... Deep breaths...)" He thought. Before Chongyun can counter with another reply, yelling was heard "For crying out loud Hu Tao, if you're not gonna help and keep whining about this financial problem of yours, then go fix that problem of yours first before adventuring with us!" It was none other than Paimon, who was dragging Aether who looked like he was suffering from a frostbite.
"Awww, he'll be fine, here I'll just give him a little bit of warmth~" Hu tao suggested, as she approached Aether, seemingly about to give him a hug. Closing her eyes, she tried embracing him, but it felt as if it was someone else she embraced. "... Ohhh, yun-yun~ I didn't know you wanted a warm hug more than him!~" Hu tao said, as it was Chongyun who took the hug instead.
"... Eh?...!... Wait! Wait, no stop hold o-" Hu tao tried stopping Chongyun from forcibly carrying her, bridal style. "It's a good thing I happened to be passing by, anyways, I'll take care of this poisonous butterfly here. You make sure Aether recovers well..." Chongyun said, as he took his leave with Hu Tao on his hands. "Th-Thank you Chongyun!... We'll repay you soon!" Paimon yelled back at him, "No ne..eed..." Chongyun's voice faded as he went down a hill, with a struggling Hu Tao.
"... Man, now he's far away..." Hu tao said, feeling bummed out. "... But come on Yun-yun~... If you wanted a hug, you just had to say so" She continued. "I don't care about that" Chongyun marked out. "Course you do~ Why else would you stop me from hugging him, hm?~..." Hu Tao continued. "I'll have you know, if he really got a frostbite, you'd essentially be breaking him in inexplicable ways. So in some form, I saved him" Chongyun muttered out.
"Awww, but that hug was full of love, it would've helped him~' Hu tao continued. "Yeah, love for death..." Chongyun countered out loud. "Aww, Yun-yun, you don't have to be so jeal-" "G!.h..." Hu tao was cut out by a sudden groan from Chongyun, and was dropped from his hands.
"Ow!?... Huh? Yun-yun?" Hu tao called out to him, as she recovered from the fall and got close to Chongyun who was grabbing on to his chest while crouching. "I-..I overdid it with... My emotions... H-help me!" Chongyun ordered Hu Tao.
"Ohhh!~ Your yin energy going out of control now? C'mon, let it all out!" Hu Tao playfully said, eager to see Chongyun be someone totally different. "Now's... Not, the time!" Chongyun tried telling her, "G-grab... A popsicle from one of my pockets behind!... I'm too stunned to move..." Chongyun asked for Hu Tao's help.
"Hmmm... How about, nah. Tee-hee!~" Hu Tao yet again playully replied. "Hu... Taoooo.o.." Chongyun tried calling out to her, as he passed out. "... Aw... You're no fun..." Hu tao said as she helped her friend out by helping him up with one hand. And so they proceed moving back into Liyue.
The citizens passing by them were quite curious and puzzled about what exactly was going on with the two moving that way. "Ah! Don't worry he's just a little hung over is all!" Hu Tao tried explaining to the crowd. All of a sudden she froze, deadset on her path.
"Why hello there, head of the Wangsheng Funeral I believe?" A woman asked, who was none other than Ningguang. "Ahahah, hello there Ninny!~ I didn't expect seeing you here!" Hu Tao replied. For some reason Ningguang felt a bit mixed on the response but explained her reasoning for being here, "I just happened to be heading my way towards a certain employee of your's to propose something is all... I see you yourself also have your hands full, so I won't bother you any further more" Ningguang ended it off with that, proceeding to make her way again.
"Ah, don't mind him!... I'm actually rather curious about what this "Proposal" Is about..." Hu Tao asked, speaking in a bit of a different tone. "It's nothing you should worry about Hmhm~" Ningguang said, teasingly. Hu tao felt different, "Oh no... As the boss, I think I have the right to know" She said.
Ningguang felt a change in the atmosphere, observing Hu Tao's eyes, they too looked different. It wasn't until something happened, a voice was heard "Gahhh... Come on Hu Tao, don't mind her. Let's make our way again to Wanmin Restaurant! I can't wait to par-tay!" It was none other than Chongyun. "-! Haha, nice one yun-yun, but I feel like now's not the ti-" "Come on Hootie~ You and me, spending our time at Wanmin? Now that's going to be an amazing experience!" Chongyun continued. Hu Tao's face felt warm to her.
Ningguang was a bit confused on what was going on, "Is he okay?" She asked. "Geh! Nothing to worry about" Hu Tao replied as she struggled against Chongyun, who wasn't budging an inch as she was trying to pull him. "Who is this person any who Ms. Hu?" Ningguang asked yet again.
"Ah he's just a friend who's-" "A friend? I'm more than just a friend, I'll have you know that!" Chongyun cut out Hu Tao again. "Oh?~" Ningguang commentated on the response. "(Now's not.. The time yun-yun!)" Hu Tao yelled in her mind, while her face was becoming further more warmer. "I'll have you know Ms. Ningguang, I'm kind of a big deal, especially with my friends. Me and Hu Tao? Best friends, probably even more than that, that's how special it is!" Chongyun continued.
"(Now's!... Not!... The time!... Yun-yun!" Hu Tao proceeded to scream inside her mind, while trying to drag Chongyun once more with him still not moving an inch. "Oh?~... Is she special to you?" Ningguang asked. "Special? Heck yeah! It's like looking at a Glaze lily. A one in one million chance of finding that special flower. And I know, I as a member of the excorcist clan deserve her!" He continued.
While Chongyun was rambling out of his mind with Ningguanng paying close attention to this, Hu Tao's face was all melted, as butterflies proceeded to emerge out from her ears. "Would you happen to be the boy who's a one in one million chance person, to be full of Yin energy?" Ningguang asked. "Pssh, don't make me flustered, but I am. So what of it? You think I don't deserve her because of this condition I have?! Well you're totally wrong! Because I am owning it-" Bonk!
Hu Tao bonked Chongyun's head with the face of her starglitter spear, knocking him out. "Anyway, have a nice day Ningguang, see you soon!" She quickly said, as she proceeded to drag Chongyun. Ninggunag observing the two's exit, was still thinking about Chongyun. "... A person filled with Yin energy... That's quite the troublesome man you have there Ms. Tao~" Ningguang thought, as she too proceeded to make her way again.
"Geh... Where am I... Hm?" Chongyun said as he awoke. Observing his surroundings, he seemed to have been in a really big and open room. Resting on a couch, he heard a voice, "Ah... You're... Awake..." it was the voice of a youngish girl. Looking towards the direction of where the voice was coming from, he saw that it was Qiqi who was making her way towards him.
"Ah... Qiqi... Hello... Where am I?" Chongyun asked. "You are in Aether's teapot..." Qiqi replied. "Aether requested me to take care of... You... And so I did..." Qiqi continued. "Hm... (I'm in the teapot huh? I didn't expect that... How'd I even get here?)" Chongyun thought to himself. "Uh.. Hey Qiqi... Do you remember me?" Chongyun asked.
Chongyun and Qiqi had a bit of a Grandpa to daughter experience. Ever since Chongyun and Aether collaborated on helping out and having fun with kids "that day", Chongyun wanted to go through that experience once more. It wasn't until he found Qiqi one day at the Bubu pharmacy, where they kicked it off. He visited frequently, and Baizhu even asked Chongyun for a favor to go out and have some fun with Qiqi. Because of that, he realized what her condition was, and so he wanted to help her.
"Qiqi..." "..." Chongyun anxiously waited the response. "Qiqi... Remembers... You're Mr. Chongyun" She finally answered. Chongyun became happy, "Yes I am" He said. Rather he became too happy, he felt his heart rate increase while putting his hand around the spot. Qiqi noticing this quickly said, "Here, eat this... It'll make you feel better" She said, as she handed a popsicle to him.
Chongyun eating it, calmed down, but was extremely happy over this "Thank you" He said. Qiqi as well felt happy, "Well... Qiqi feels tired... I think... Qiqi will go and... Sleep" She said, as she slowly walked away from Chongyun. He felt as if she was about to fall over until another person arrived, grabbing her from the armpits, and raising her up like as if she was a baby, it was Ganyu.
Qiqi smiled as she closed her eyes, resting. "... Rest well... And good afternoon Chongyun! Aether's told us all about you and who you are, so we gladly helped you here. My name is Ganyu." She explained. "Ah!... You must be one of the secretaries for the Liyue Qixing Correct?" He asked. "Correct you are" She replied happily.
"I've seen you around before at Liyue, and here, sorry if I haven't introduced myself to all of you yet, that's rude of me" Chongyun apologized. "No worries, we were bound to know each other soon enough" Ganyu replied. "How'd I get here Ms. Ganyu?" Chongyun asked. "Well, a few hours ago, Aether came back to tend to his frost-bitten wounds by Qiqi and another person who was a maid. As he recovered, and was about to head back out, Ms. Hu of the Wangsheng Funeral came at the door and asked for his help, which involved helping you recover" She explained.
"(Ms. Hu... Hu Tao... That's right! I was with her... But... I think I blacked out...)" Chongyun was thinking. "Afterwards Aether took you in, and Qiqi looked over you for a while, I happened to be sleeping in one of those rooms and was awoken by the ruckus caused here from Ms. Hu" Ganyu continued. "Ah... My apologies" Chongyun said, "No worries, I needed to get back to work soon enough so if anything, thank you" Ganyu replied back.
"Now then, off I go..." Being cut out from a little snore by a sleeping child, Ganyu actually couldn't do much in the current position she was in if she didn't want to wake up Qiqi. "...A-ah... Need a little help?" Chongyun asked. Ganyu responded with a nod, along with giving out a small grin as she passed Qiqi over onto Chongyun. "Thank you... Sorry for this..." "No worries, I've seen how busy it is over there so hurry along. One must never be late for work." Chongyun whispered back to cheer her up.
She gave off a happy smile, then, proceeded to walk out the door while giving a wave to him "Take care of her" She spoke for the last time as the door shut. "(... Now then, where to have you settle in for now...)" Chongyun thought, as the sleeping Qiqi was resting on his hands.
"So you won't tell me about this proposal?" Hu Tao asked Zhongli. "Ms. Hu, I assure you everything is under control, you don't need to take any action towards this business between me and lady Ningguang. For now, shift your concentration towar- "Zhon Zhon" Hu Tao cut out Zhongli. "Yes?" ""If I were to tell you you're fired, and to get out of here. Would you do exactly that?" "Yes" Zhongli responded back to her. "That's what I hate about you, you're too honest and trusting... Just... Be careful sometimes, that's all" Hu Tao murmured.
Zhongli upon hearing this, was taken aback. "My my, that is very touching of you Ms. Hu" Zhongli said, crossing his arms in happiness. "What're you saying? I'm not nice enough?" "No no, it's not that" Zhongli replied, chuckling. "So long as you're careful Zhon Zhon, I'll trust you..." Hu Tao explained. "Very well then" Zhongli then took his leave.
...
"Oh who am I kidding... He won't live out there" Hu Tao murmered. "Is there something the matter, madam?" A voice appeared. "No no... It's noth- Hey wait!" Hu Tao realized a totally new person had entered the space. "Aww, and here I thought I'd get something out from you this time" The voice was heard again. Stepping in front of the door, it looked as though a shadow was covering the sunlight from coming in.
"... Ahahah! Good one Xinqiu, that was real close" Hu Tao pointed out, and laughed. The new guest turned out to be none other than the book-worm himself. "How do you do Madame?" He asked, "Ohh~ What a gentleman you are. I just might fall for you" Hu tao replied, with Xinqiu laughing. "I'm not really in the best mood here honestly... But don't you worry about me, how're you holding up ya geek?" She asked, causing another chuckle in Xinqiu.
"I'm glad you asked, I've been in a fine mood lately, mostly because today, I have a special guest accompanying me" He said, causing Hu Tao to become more interesteed. "Who's this guest of yours?" The teaser asked. "I'm glad you asked, you can come in now, she won't bite" Xinqiu called out to a person outside.
Stepping in was another woman, with a wizard hat, and glimmering clothes, almost looking like a star herself. "H-hello" She greeted Hu Tao, "I am Mona, an Astrologist" She said. "WooaahH! Xinqiu, I didn't know you hit it off now! Congratulations!" Hu Tao celebrated. "Ahem, she is not actually who you think she is" Xinqiu said, turning his head away from Mona.
"Oh? Who is she then" Hu Tao asked. "Lately I've been traveling more with Aether. We began visting Mondstat, and we bumped into this elegant woman who was Aether's friend, and she was curious to know if Liyue had any foreign knowledge stored in here that covers astrology and any other useful pieces of knowledge, to which I confirmed, yes. And so she wanted to come here, but couldn't due to... Reasons" Xinqiu said, causing Mona to look the other way. "But, since I happened to be there, Aether came up with the brightest idea of having me accompany her visit here in Liyue." Xinqiu said.
Mona continued looking the other way and started blushing, Hu Tao noticing this said "Ohh~ Mona, is there more to it than visiting Liyue here?" Hu Tao asked. "No... Just to obtain a little bit more knowledge about the stars is all..." She answered, causing Hu Tao's mischivious smile to widen further more. "Are you sure?~" Hu Tao asked once again. "Now now, don't pressure my special guest anymore here" Xinqiu said. "Teehee~ Sorry" Hu Tao replied.
"Moving on, is something the matter then? We were just passing by and saw Mr. Zhongli passing by, he came out from here is what I assumed which was when the idea struck me to introduce my guest to this place. Only to over hear you." Xinqiu explained. "Ahh, nothing's the matter, you two carry on with your date... Oh! But it's actually quite expensive just touring the inside of the funeral parlor, so you'll have to pay some mora for that!" Hu Tao said, as she thought of the scheme on the fly.
"W-wait, we didn't know this would happen!" Mona pointed out. "Sorry! But this tourist of yours has been here frequently, so he should know how it works around here!" Hu Tao said, sticking out her tongue in a playful yet hungry way. Mona pouted a bit, "I... I guess I'll pay since it's my fau-" "No need Madame" Xinqiu grabbed onto Mona's hand, as she was about to reach for her pocket to get her wallet. "Let's go" He said, running towards the outside with her as he held her hand. "But you gotta pay!" Hu Tao ordered. "I'll have the payment dropped on you by one of my friends here in a moment" Xinqiu explained, "But you always say that and nothing happens!" Hu Tao retaliated with her words.
"That's because there never was a policy in paying you a view of this parlor!" Xinqiu explained loudly, as he waved Hu Tao goodbye, and out he was from the door alongside with Mona by his hand. Hu Tao chuckled, "Ya got me."
"BUT NOW IT'S OFFICIAL" She said, as she stapled a piece of paper on the wall with badly written hand-writing, saying to pay for a tour of the inside. Grabbing a bucket, and running outside, she proceeded to try and chase after Xinqiu, only to hit her head on something hard, and fall back. "Owies!... Watch where you're going!" She said, looking up to see what it was she bumped into.
"...Yun-yun?" Hu Tao said, as Chongyun stood there. "What's that you're carrying behind you?" She asked. "A zombie" He answered.
...
"WAIT, SHHHHH!" Chongyun said, as he put his hand forth with a stop posture added onto it, all while carrying Qiqi with one hand. "But I haven't done anything" Hu Tao said, as Chongyun opened his eyes to see Hu Tao perfectly still. "(Oh... Hm)" He thought. "What're you doing? Are you on babysitting duty?" She asked, gagging. "Yes" He said.
...
Hu Tao started rolling the floor, "Yun-yun? Great with kids?" She said, proceeding to laugh more. Chongyun was starting to become a bit embarrased, "Can you keep it down a bit, she's sleeping"
...
"BAHAHAHAAH- Geh!" Hu Tao urked. She felt the back of her spine get kicked by something hard, it was Chongyun's foot. "Alright alright... Geez, for someone who looks kind of flimsy, you have a body made out of Geo" She said. "An exorcist must always train every day to be able to live up to the title of exorcist" Chongyun explained. "(More like live up to grinding literally anything with that body...)" Hu Tao thought.
Her face felt warm for some reason, because of that, she covered it with her hands. "Is something wrong?" Chongyun asked, "Did I go too overboard with the kick?" He continued asking. "Ah... No, no... It's nothing" She assured him. "Are you positive?" He said, even more serious. Her face continued to feel warm, she realized that the bucket was next to her on the floor, and so she grabbed it and put it on her head. "Positive" She said.
Chongyun was speechless because of how much of a master Hu Tao was in hiding something. "I can get Qiqi to treat whatever it is for you-" "No No No! She wouldn't even agree to it anyways, I'm fine, please." She said, putting up her hands to also do stop expressions. "... Okay then." He said. "I'll be on my way to continue doing a few walks till Qiqi wakes up..." he said, "That reminds me actually" Chongyun had a thought come up in his head.
"What exactly happened after I passed out?" He asked her. Hu Tao still had the bucket on her head. Chongyun had no idea what was going on in there, but it looked as though he hit a nerve of hers, having butterflies made of energy emerge out from the bucket. "Nothing!" She finally said. "... Okay then, well I'll see you later" Chongyun said as he started to walk past her.
"Wait!" Hu Tao called out to him, as she ran towards him... Only to actually run up a wall and hit herself on the head. Chongyun noticing this, approached the fallen pyro user. On the other hand, Hu Tao quickly got up shortly after, "I-I'm fine!... No worries... But, I need to ask a favor!" She said. "You sure it's not to tend to that bump on your head that grew out?" "No!" Hu Tao shouted back from inside the bucket. More butterflies emerged.
"Just!... Can you check on Zhongli for me?... I just want to make sure... He's doing something right, that's all..." She said. Chongyun was confused, "Doing something right?" He asked. Hu Tao fiddled around with her fingers, "Well... I just want you to check up on him, that's all" She said. "Oookay... Are you sure you didn't hit your head too har-" "I'M FINE, NOW GO... He's over here by the way!" She ordered, showing him a part of the map and location.
"Okay, first of all, be more quiet... Second of all, what's with the bucket?" Chongyun asked, while trying to cover one of Qiqi's ears from the scream. "... Well, I uh... I was going to uh... Look, Xinqiu owed me mora! That's all..." She said. Chongyun was thinking about what probably happened, and so he sighed after he finished wrapping up his thoughts. "Go buy yourself something to cool off and recover, I'll be back to tell you what happened" He said, giving her 2,000 mora (with one hand), walking off afterwards.
Once Hu Tao felt that Chongyun was out of her area of sight, more butterflies were produced that carried off the bucket from her head elsewhere, into the far sky...
Zhongli and Ningguang were dining somewhere around a rooftop or higher floor. Zhongli was actually giving Ningguang an account of stories in mind that he had. "Hmmm? So in the end, was the rock worth anything at all?" Ningguang asked. "I think it's worth noting that perhaps since the rock was the only thing the merchant had in his possession, there's a bigger significance given to the rock. He gave her everything he had in his possession; yet in return, received nothing back. She was found deceased half-way through the path, but the man made it. Perhaps you could say the rock was a curse, or maybe it wasn't a curse. But I feel as though the rock signified to be the man himself, giving her his life, or everything he had for her just so she too can continue on. Feeling as though she made it, he decided to start his journey again, and also make it to the land, only to his disbelief that she wasn't there. Perhaps it was his fault for her death, or perhaps it wasn't. My interpretation of this story was that he lived for her till the very end, a life she couldn't have and experienced. Yet, maybe that was also the woman's plan, to have him experience what she knew, was out of her reach. For giving his life to her, she gave him her hope" Zhongli explained.
"Or perhaps your overanlyzing this and it could've all been treated as a simple gag, that he just wanted to live more than her" Ningguang said. "Perhaps I am" Zhongli replied, as they both chuckled.
"Would you sell the rock, or would you keep it?" Ningguang asked. "My my, quite an interesting question. If it were up to me, I'd have split it" Zhongli said. "Doesn't that just erase the whole point of the rock?" Ningguang asked. "It possibly could, but I'm doing that to the rock since it's my rock that I'm selling to her after all" Zhongli said.
"You're an interesting one Mr. Zhongli" Ningguang said, giggling a bit. "What would've you done Ms. Ningguang?" Zhongli asked. "I'd have bargained a better deal as the woman" Ningguang said, peaking Zhongli's interests. "What would that new deal be?" Zhongli asked. Ningguang took a sip of her tea, "If I were that woman, I would've given him my whole-" "ZzzzZzz..." to only be interrupted by a snore.
"... Ah!" Ningguang noticed a blue-haired person climbing up the stairs (That also added on to more noise due to it's creeks). "A-ah! I-I hope I'm not interrupting something!" Chongyun said, feeling embarrased. "No worries there, would you happen to be heading up to the rooftop?" Zhongli asked the boy. "A-ah, it's not that, I'm just uhh... (Darn, I didn't think I'd make up that much noise with Qiqi here)" Chongyun wondered.
"...Hm?" The two geo users noticed a sleeping person on the hands of Chongyun. "Qiqi?" Zhongli called out to her, as he noticed the sleeping giant. In response Qiqi gave out another snore, causing Zhongli to giggle "I suppose I'll respect her nap time" He said. "Aren't you that boy from yesterday?" Ningguang asked.
"Ah!... Am I?" Chongyun asked. "Hm? Do you not remember?" Ningguang asked back, leaving Chongyun confused. "You two have met?" Zhongli asked. "Hm... I suppose we 'officially' haven't yet" Ningguang said. Chongyun started thinking, "Sit down won't you?" Ningguang said. "A-ah, thank you..." Chongyun said as he sat down next to Zhongli.
"Well, I'll make this introduction quick. I'm Chongyun, an excorcist from my home clan, the excoricists clan" Chongyun introduced himself.
"So what brings you here?" Ningguang asked him. "A-ah, I just wanted to send a message to Zhongli was all" Chongyun explained himself. Zhongli was curious about this, giving a thinking pose to him. "What's this message of yours?" Zhongli asked. Chongyun made a hand gesture signaling "come closer". Zhongli bent his head towards Chongyun, receiving whispers. Ningguang was curious about what was going on. After Chongyun finished telling him what he wanted to, Zhongli gave out a small laugh.
It was then Zhongli's turn to whisper back a message to Chongyun, Ningguang was irritated that she couldn't catch on to what they were saying, something about somebody being worried is all she could've gotten out of it. After Zhongli finished, Chongyun nodded. "Would it be alright if Mr. Chongyun here stays for the rest of our meeting?" Zhongli proposed.
Ningguang thought about it, "I don't see why not" she finally answered, as she poured herself and Chongyun cups of tea. Chongyun then extended over his arm towards the cup, and then started feeling some movement behind his back. It seemed as though someone was going to wake up now. "Do you mind if I carry her instead?" "Uh... Sure" Chongyun answered to Zhongli, confidently. Handing over the zombie to the Geo user, Chongyun was able to fully enjoy his tea now. "Now then, let's get down to business..." Ningguang said, as she brought over a scroll and quill.
The negotiation was going to start.
"Ah yes, the debts... Apologies for getting side-tracked here now" Zhongli apologized. Ningguang let out a little giggle "Don't be, that was quite a talk we had there" She said, as she continued drawing out a few scrolls. "Now let's see... So since you bought these coffins from that company..."
The talk lasted a while now
"So in total, we owe at least 2 million mora... Hm..." Zhongli said. "Indeed, but don't worry, I've made a plan on how you can pay these debts, simply just pay us every week or so of a quarter of that Mora and you'll have everything repayed in a month" Ningguang said happily. "Hm... Alright then, I'll sign this contra-" "Oh no! I spilled my tea! How rude of me..." Zhongli was interrupted by Chongyun who indeed, spilled his cold tea all over the floor and table.
"Me and Mr. Zhongli will be right back to get some towels for this" Chongyun said. "But there's towels over here..." Ningguang noted, "Ah! A few extras wouldn't hurt, never know what can happen you know?" Chongyun said, as he dragged Zhongli (Who was still carrying Qiqi like a baby on his shoulder) downstairs.
"Quite the mess you made there Mr. Excorcist" Zhongli said. "Ah-ah... Yeah... Uh Mr. Zhongli, may I ask a question?" Chongyun said. "What is it that you ask?" Zhongli replied. "You weren't going to agree to that whole contract right?" Chongyun asked, "Oh, I was, it seemed justified to me, and the plan seemed swell" Zhongli explained happily. Chongyun felt confused, "Uh, Mr. Zhongli, how much mora does the Wangsheng funeral parlor make?" He asked. Zhongli paused for a moment to think about it.
...
"Oh, I see" He said. In short terms, it would take at least two to three weeks to be able to simply make half a million mora unless business is boomin'... (Which isn't actually good considering it's a funeral parlor). "Hm... I suppose we'll have to bargain a better deal" He said, as he held a few towels on one hand. "Well, we have to think fast. We're dealing with someone who after all has a specialty for this..." Chongyun said. "Hm, indeed she excels in dealing with business... Do you have any plan in mind to offer Mr. Chongyun?" Zhongli asked.
Chongyun was an excorcist, but at the very least he knew on how to deal with a few money problems at times as being an excorcist did involve him in a few business events. What rather confused him was that Zhongli never really thought about how much of a big deal this plan Ningguang offered was, "Uh... Not yet... What about you Mr. Zhongli?" Chongyun asked. "Hm... 2 Mllion mora to pay of... I suppose I'll have to call another person to help in this matter" Zhongli said, making Chongyun curious about the plan.
But, He began overthinking now "Uh, actually no. Let's just stick with our own wits for now..." "Ho? Why's that?" Zhongli asked. "(If we drag in more people to this situation, we'll just be increasing our debt for others now!)" Chongyun thought, his heart began to race as he had these thoughts, and so he grabbed onto it. "Are you okay?" Zhongli asked, "Ah... I'm fine, just need something to cool down with..." Chongyun said, as he grabbed a popsicle out of his pocket, removed a wrapper and began eating it.
Zhongli became curious about what he meant exactly, but he decided to play along and understand. "Okay... We need to bargain. We'll have to reason with Ms. Ningguang in a way where she's still happy with this new plan of ours..." Chongyun said. "But if it's just a matter of mora, I can bring someone here-" "Uh, Mr. Zhongli... If we had them pay for us... Wouldn't that just increase our debt, and have us owe mora to another person?" Chonyun asked.
Zhongli then began thinking (And he couldn't do a thinking posture since he still carried Qiqi), "I suppose you're right, we'll have to bargain a better deal, and solve this on our own... Hm..." The two began thinking.
...
"I got it!" Chongyun said.
Ningguang was fiddling with her pipe, "Does it take that long to bring towels?" She asked herself as she waited for both men (and baby, or so she assumed) to return. She stood up and see what was happening for herself, making her way to the stairs, she was a bit careless to notice that Zhongli was on the final stair as soon as she too neared it. They got a bit too close to each other, "A-ah... You're back" Ningguang said as she turned away quickly and made it back to her seat.
"Yes... Sorry for the delay, it seems a mess has occured somewhere downstairs so we had to wait a short while for a resupply of towels" Zhongli explained, "I see" Ningguang said, buying the explanation. Chongyun went at it right away with cleaning the floor, while Zhongli cleaned the table (with one hand). As they finished quickly, they took their seats. "So what shall it be?" Ningguang asked them.
"Lady Ningguang." Zhongli began, taking Ningguang aback for a bit. "I want to bargain a new deal for this contract." He continued. "Hm... Okay, go on" She replied, Zhongli then smiled. "A man was living a happy family, until a tragic loss has struck upon him-" Zhongli began. "(Hm? Another story?)" Ningguang thought. "He decided to look for the proper resting place for his loved one. No one could ever bear the thought of having their loved one sleeping for the rest of eternity in an uncomfortable place. It's not fit for a man or woman who's lost something, their life. Everyone needs to respect one's death, and eternal slumber, so we need to find them a proper resting place. Funeral parlors are the ones who have the utmost respect for these people. We respect and know the suffering a person went through, and now they've finally finished their journey, but no longer have the ability to determine where they should dwell in to sleep. Most of the times we know what a person is looking for, we know what type of bed they want to sleep in, and we know where to lay them down for those to remember. That man in the end, never did find the proper resting place for his loved one.. Such a tragedy to have been bestowed upon him, for he had money to spend for this occasion. He searched and searched, but never found it... He couldn't bear the thought of having his wife, buried under the ground, skin-wise... It's not proper or fair treatment for a person who's tired... So, I bargain a lower price. Have the set amount of Mora each week to 90 thousand. I promise you with all my will, that this money will be paid for the sake of us, and the rest of the citizens here in Liyue." Zhongli finished
Chongyun was taken a bit aback from that whole speech Zhongli gave out, he almost became too invested into the story himself, realizing they're bargaining a new deal here. "(Mr. Zhongli has his way with words... I didn't think this plan would turn out great, but I'm hoping it's enough to suffice for this change in deal)" Chongyun thought. Ningguang was left thinking about this for a while, until she finally came up with her answer.
"No deal" She said.
"(Huh?)" Chongyun thought. "The matter of a proper resting place stays true to me. But in the end, would the one sleeping be satisfied with whatever is provided to them. A person's retired now from their life, and knowing they're surroundings, wouldn't they be satisfied with whatever's provided to them? Either way they know from the bottom of their heart, the resting place they will be at is the one they deserve, do they not?" Ningguang said.
A yawn was heard, silence struck the atmosphere. Qiqi began waking up, Zhongli feeling this carried her off from his shoulder, and held face to face with him. "Rex...Lapis?..." Qiqi said, as she was barely opening her eyes. Chongyun and Ningguang were confused about what she said. "Qiqi... You're awake I see. How was your deep slumber?" Zhongli asked. Qiqi now fully awake realized who was in front of her, "Ah... Mr. Zhongli... Hello" She said, in her usual tone.
Qiqi, from the bubu pharmacy was here is what Ningguang thought. She realized now who the girl was when she heard her name for the second time. "Where am I?" She asked, "Mr. Chongyun had to take care of you for a bit until you woke up. But he had to carry you along here as well to this place." Zhongli explained. "Sorry for that, hehe..." Chongyun said. "And what's going on here?" Qiqi said, as Zhongli then turned her around "A negotiation in terms of business. It's nothing for you to be worried about." Zhongli said. "Can I... Look over.. What you have on... This Table?" Qiqi questioned.
Something about this worried Ningguang. Zhongli and Chonyun turned to each other, they both then agreed to let her look over it, Ningguang also let her too, but had a feeling of regret as soon as she agreed to it. Numbers and numbers, and numbers were all Qiqi was analyzing over, and then she began asking questions, ear to ear with Zhongli and Chongyun. Ningguang again became irritated, or rather annoyed.
As Qiqi finished going over the scrolls and business decisions, she said "It's not... Fair". Everyone was curious about what she meant. "What's not fair?" Chongyun asked. "The amount... Of money owed..." She said. Ningguang's feeling of being worried grew even bigger. "What makes you say that?" Zhongli questioned.
Qiqi searched around the room for something, "Abacus..." She said. Chongyun realizing she was looking for the calculating tool got up, and looked harder for it. Not being able to find it sadly, Chongyun went downstairs to look for it. Meanwhile, Ningguang was starting to become curious, "(The undead from the bubu pharmacy... Who would've thought the dead itself was on their side...)" Ningguang thought. Qiqi continued looking over the scrolls, she tried reaching for another one from the table but couldn't, so cutely enough Zhongli helped her by raising her up just a bit.
Ningguang giggled.
Chongyun returned with the abacus, and Qiqi went at it with it. It was like looking at a child who's already mesmerized a one hundred piece puzzle, piecing it together. But, it wasn't until the zombie started explaining her calculations and what she had found.
In short, the reason why the Wangsheng funeral parlor debts were extremely high, was because the resources that they were buying, were overabundantly high and non-sensical. "But you cannot argue against this, for it's the standard" Ningguang countered. Qiqi then pointed at a scroll, it was a company name "I've read in Dr. Baizhu's books... That specific sets of types of Lumber, Stone and other materials... Are being used by this company..." Qiqi started. "What's your point?" Ningguang asked.
"Sometimes I go visit these companies... Look at their shops... Items... Knowing that they care for people to feel at rest... At home... Yet..." Qiqi paused to drag out a map, and lay it on the table. "Why is it... That the resources they're using... Is from Inazuma..." She said. Ningguang looked over the scroll of the company. Indeed as their advertisements say "exclusively for Liyue and Specifically for Liyue citiznens!", their materials and resources are from Inazuma. To make it even worse, they're even rare materials. How they're getting these rare materials at a fast rate is also questionable.
Qiqi pointed at another company, and then another, and so Ningguang looked over them all. "I don't... Want to... Feel so alone... Regretful... And uncomfortable... When I sleep..." Qiqi said, as she wobbily ran towards Zhongli's arms, hugging him. "I want to feel... at Home... At rest... At peace... And warm.." She said.
Ningguang continued looking over each and every single one of these companies. "Well then, if that's how it is. How is it that in Liyue, a region where a lot of rich soil, land and resources are made and produced, can't be used by it's own citizens?" Zhongli questioned, as he hugged Qiqi back. The business lady looked and looked over each scroll, "It's not proper or fair treatment for a person who's tired" were the words being echoed through her head.
How did this happen? And why is this happening in Liyue? For all she could know, other people's businesses are probably getting ruined because they can't even find proper resources that come from there home. "..." Was all Ningguang could respond with. Chongyun was also shocked by this discovery as well, he never thought there'd be a possibility of being cheated out of your money in this case.
Qiqi then whispered something to Chongyun and Zhongli, they then nodded at each other. "The new deal here, is to lower the price to at least 60 thousand mora a week" Zhongli began bargaining again. "Are you absurd? Do you have any idea what you're saying after discovering this?" Ningguang asked, making Qiqi grip harder on Zhongli, seemingly frightened from the reaction Ningguang gave off. "Apologies for this obscurity, but you didn't let me finish my lady..." Zhongli said, calming Ningguang down.
"Me and Mr. Chongyun here know a friend of ours who could take on this case for he is familar with the lands of Inazuma as well... A great deal to resolve a situation like this don't you think?" Zhongli said. Ningguang thought about it and realized who he was talking about, it was Aether. And if he also heard about what went on inside this negotation and what the final decision could probably be for her sake, more trouble could be ensued upon her. Ningguang sighed, "Very well then..." She took out another scroll, "The feeling of warmth cannot be argued against..." She said as she wrote down the deal, and approval from her.
Chongyun and Zhongli celebrated. "Well then, I believe we'll call it a night here, and see myself out with these other two" Zhongli said, as he started wrapping everything up in the table with the Help of Chongyun and Ningguang. Ningguang felt frustrated about the new deal, but decided to go with it since she couldn't quite do much due to the fact that she was on checkmate.
As they wrapped it up, Chongyun and Zhongli were about to give their farewell until Ningguang suddenly yelled "Wait!". Chongyun and Zhongli (Who was carrying Qiqi on his back this time) turned to Ningguang. Ningguang was about to continue, but seemed to have also been at a loss of words. "Mr. Zhongli, I'd actually like to speak to you privately" She said. Zhongli looked at her, causing her to slightly cover up her face for an unkown reason. He decided to agree with it, and told Chongyun to go on ahead and wait for him by the outside entrance.
Chongyun nodded in response and headed his way towards the exit.
...
Chongyun waited for a couple of minutes. The time was now actually night, and the stars were twinkling as much as a crystal. He decided to find a constellation throughout the spread of all these stars. This went on for quite a while actually since the constellation he was looking for was a bit hard to find or put together overall. Finally though after a while, he found a few essential stars to it, almost resembling a butterfly, he was going to finally piece together the final star to only be interrupted by a call.
Chongyun looked around, and to his right was none other than his pal Xinqiu, "Ah, Xinqiu, where've you been?" Chongyun questioned. "That's exactly what I should be asking you, I've been looking all over for ya' hoping you could help my guest here with a problem of hers that she has" He said. "Guest?" Chongyun then looked behind Xinqiu to find a female wizard, as if acting slightly a bit shy for some odd reason.
She had quite the impression on Chongyun thanks to her appearence, and so his heart rate started beating faster. Which soon calmed down as he ate another popsicle. "Ah, hello there! The name's Chongyun, I'm from the excorcist clan, trained to cast out evil demons and spirits" he said, extending out his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, my name is Mona and I'm an astrologist" She replied.
Astrology? Quite a timed appearance it was for her to come along. "So what do you need help with?" Chongyun asked. Mona became a bit silent for a moment, "I need to find this book here, and I was hoping perhaps you have some information regarding it" She said, showing Chongyun a picture of the book. Chongyun analyzed it carefully. "This book... I know of it" He said, surprising the duo. "But it's been sealed away" Chongyun continued.
The two became curious about what he meant, so Chongyun decided to explain. "Located far in Dragonspine, I believe there lies a few abandoned libraries and whatnot, but in a certain library, lies the book there, being protected by an evil spirit. It's said that those who try an-" Chongyun was cut off by some ruckus that happened on the upper floor. That's where Zhongli was.
"Ah... It seems we might have to cut this short" Xinqiu said, realizing who was actually up there. "Thank you for the information so far though, we'll scout ahead tomorrow for the abandoned library then" Mona said, as the two went off another direction. Chongyun was about to stop them until he turned back to see Zhongli with a handmark on his face. "...D-did something happen Mr. Zhongli?" Chongyun asked. "Ah... Nothing of the sorts... Just that some things never quite change" he said, giving out small laughter.
Chongyun was confused by his words, but realized that the duo hydro holders were gone. "Is something the matter Chongyun?" Zhongli asked. "Ah, it's nothing... What was it that you and Ningguang were talking about?" Chongun asked. Zhongli grinned again, "It seems as though I may have myself here a date" he said.
Chongyun became so surprised, that he ate another popsicle. "Uh, Mr. Zhongli, you know what you said right?" Chongyun asked, hoping to make sure that his ears weren't playing tricks on him. Zhongli nodded, "When we get back, would you mind trying to sit this one out?" Zhongli asked. "Well... Okay, fine I'll sit it out (It's not like I was going to not sit it out anyways...)" Chongyun said and thought.
Zhongli became happy, "Do report about this to Hu Tao as well once we get back." Zhongli said, "And also here, it would be a nice change of feeling for her now" Carrying Qiqi over to Chongyun on his back now. "Ah, yeah... Mr. Zhongli, what do you mean by date?" Chongyun asked. "Well, a date, don't you know? It's common when doing business" He replied. "Ah... I see" Chongyun said, not sure whether to feel relieved or not.
The time was now night, surprising the duo actually as they never realized how much time has really passed thanks to the conversation and meeting that was held. As they walked, Chongyun thought of a question to ask Zhongli. "Mr. Zhongli" "Hm?" "Have you yourself lost anyone important before in your life?" He asked. Zhongli stopped walking, and kept looking at Chongyun in a bit of a bewildered state. "A-ah, sorry if it's out of the blue, I just thought, after all that you said in the meeting, surely... Some sort of experience had to happen for you to be able to, well..." "Say all that, yes... I have lost someone I held dearly in my life" He said.
Chongyun felt a bit guilty and dejected over his question that he asked, "Sorry if I..." "No need, after all, we all become curious to know if we're all okay here, thank you. Yes I have lost someone" Zhongli continued, as the walk resumed. "I held her dearly, but in the very end we all have our time to perish, whether it be in a million years or not, rest be assured, we'll go into deep slumber."
"In the very end, there's still so much to tell to one another, never wanting their absence to ever occur in a life. Yet, this world has it's ways to cast catastrophetes. Despite it, I shouldn't forget how she'd feel if she still lived up to today. Being able to see someone move forward with a strong sense of morality after catastrophete, is something we all wanna see at least once during our lives. That's how I see it." He continued. "But even then, I still hold respect towards the dead. To get up to this point in our civilization requires grueling payment, which is exactly what they went through for us to be able to enjoy this scenery here" He stopped at a fence, looking at the ocean.
"And every now and then, there are many things that still remind us of those who have passed away. To be able to admire those things, is exactly what makes us remember that they've never died in our hearts... Reminders like a coffin and graves are also something we should all respect. After all, a whole life's worth of experience does tire us out, wouldn't you agree" He said, still gazing very peculiarly at the ocean.
Chongyun leaned forwards on the fence along with Zhongli. Chongyun still held onto Qiqi by his back until he heard her say something, "Warm... Very warm..." She said, holding tighter onto Chongyun. Chongyun gazed at the ocean with a smile, "I suppose there is a lot to admire in life... Like a warm sensation" He said, making Zhongli chuckle. "I suppose you're right"