Happy Birthday, Hu Tao!
Posted just in time for Hu Tao's birthday (originally posted 16 hours ago), and after a three-month hiatus, too! I hope you'll enjoy this break after the first case. Indeed, they do deserve it, as what some of you dear readers have expressed. :'3
"My name is Yanfei… and I'm fine!"
I yelled at the mirror in front of me, again.
Just… how many times have I repeated that line in an hour? Good thing my bathroom's sound-proofed. Otherwise, I'd be sued for disorderly conduct, urgh.
"Look at you, all nervous and tense," I muttered as I stared at my exasperated reflection. "Countless litigations. Endless legal loopholes. Innumerable investigations. And yet, it's as if you're a law student cramming for a mock trial back at Tongwen Academy. C'mon, Yanfei, it's just one day. There'll be more to come, too."
Reason for such behavior — a date with Taotao.
The best part? It's my very first — I haven't had even one with my Hu Tao back in Liyue. My pride would perhaps insist that it's the Qixing's fault for those legal loopholes and relevant issues popping up that I have to deal with, but I have to admit, it's mainly because of my insistence to focus on my work. And, here's the pièce de résistance: I haven't confessed to her, my Hu Tao, of my feelings.
Curses. Ganyu's much more hardworking and more of a work-a-holic than me back home, but she's still able to allot some time for the cold-as-stone Yuheng. Then there's Yelan sparing some time for Ma'am Shenhe when she does drop by in Liyue. Oh, and there's this world's Yanfei landing two girlfriends, too.
"Great, just great!" I blurted out while clapping and slamming my fist on my sink. "Congratulations, Atty. Yanfei of Teyvat. The Lord of Geo probably has the title of 'clown' ready for you. Savor the shame it brings… hmph!" Sighing, I washed my face to help myself calm down before taking a shower.
Jokes aside, this should serve as a painful lesson for me. Any time, and I mean any single time that either disaster or opportunity strikes, such may happen when you still have unfulfilled obligations or lingering regrets. To pass on with these imprinted deep in your psyche, both Hu Tao's say that it's the main cause for spirits to wander aimlessly in the human world for gods-know-how-long. I may be alive in another world, but what difference does that make with my absence in Liyue?
I've said this before, but I still don't know if time continues to flow there with my absence, and at what pace. If it does, I should really savor the shame, pain, and regret.
With that, my mind wanders to her amidst these clouded thoughts.
Taotao…
Ngh.
No, stop it.
Stop overthinking things.
I punched the wall in front of me as I felt the water trickling down my body.
"Focus on the now, Yanyan." I mouthed out. That's what she'd say. In fact, Taotao — that is, the Hu Tao of this world — had also said this to me.
I chuckled. What am I doing? From worrying about my first date to dealing with some universal-philosophical conundrum. No wonder Hu Tao'd go the extra mile to visit me in my office just to stop me from overthinking things back in Liyue, not without a literal slap back to reality.
You're right, both of you. Focus on the 'now'. The 'then' and the 'later' are to be dealt with when the time is right. Soon, one would be presented with the tools to deal with either two.
Heh, what'll I do without you, Taotao?
Also, I wonder.
The Hu Tao of Liyue.
The Hu Tao of Legue.
The Hu Tao's of whatever dimension.
Are they all the same, playful one I know and love? Or, is there at least a version of her that's far more cunning and smug, maybe even dominant, than I am? That thought made me smile and tremble.
A few minutes passed, and I exited my bathroom before checking my phone for the activities of the day.
It's a good thing that shower calmed me down. Now then, before the 'dating proper' with her begins, I'll have to deal with some activities in the morning. Let's see what I have to do now.
Meet up with this world's Grandma Ping .
Pick up Taotao.
Attend the monthly get-together with Yu Yanfei's acquaintances at Hukong Stadium , which includes a volleyball match.
Right, I asked Grandma Ping — whom I now call 'A-ma' — to do me a favor. That is, to tailor the outfits Taotao and I'll be wearing later on. It should be finished before the day ends since I asked her a week ago.
As for the outfits, I asked A-ma to tailor my and Taotao's outfits worn back in Liyue: my Golden Rule and her Plum Blossom Bouquet. It was supposed to be a surprise gift for Taotao today, but she managed to find out after an unexpected call from A-ma. Well, I'm not really blaming anyone or complaining; it's just that the element of surprise is gone. At the very least, Taotao still doesn't know what said outfits even look like, so perhaps it's somehow still there.
"I can't wait to see what you and my Liyue counterpart look like." Taotao jittered, like an excited child expecting a gift. "Having antlers 'cus you have the blood of a legendary beast… wah~!"
It's like her eyes were sparkling, but she praises me too much. I merely hummed and sipped some more tea, enjoying her reactions. Gives me quite the warmth in my chest whenever she does it, too.
It was unexpected for A-ma to call me up regarding the clothes; apparently, it'll be finished next week, Valentine's day. Speaking of Valentine's day…
"Oh, I remember! You did say that you and your Hu Tao had some props to go with your outfits, right?" Since when were my steelyard balance and her polearm props to begin with? Still, it would make sense in the context of cosplaying, and I detected some hints of jesting from her, as usual.
"Right," I replied. "Though, they're not mere props back in my world, Taotao," I corrected.
"Ehe, sorry, Yanyan." She folded her hands and let out a grin. "Anyways, those items, your antlers, her blossom-shaped pupils, and other small details'll be cherry on the top for our cosplay, don'tcha think?" I nodded. "So, how about we go hunting for materials in the mall as part of our Valentine's date? A-ma did say that she'll be finished by then. Whaddaya say, Yanyan?"
I thought dates were about meals, having a good time, and then getting… intimate with your significant other. Is shopping for a to-buy list even considered as such? I wouldn't want to burden her with that trivial task on a special day. Ngh, emotions and social interactions do tend to be a mystery difficult to crack. Surely the Yuheng and Yelan have an idea about it. I really should've asked them for advice when I had the time.
Taotao frowned a little. "Ai-ya, Yanyan. Those furrowed brows on your thinking face tell me you don't actually know how 'dating' goes, plus some regrets here and there, hm?"
The cat's out of the bag. Sighing, I replied, "Alright, you got me. Remember what I told you when I first got here in Tehiatik?"
Taotao hummed. "Yeah, I do. But y'know what? I think dates go beyond what's on your head right now, Yanyan." Taotao twirled her brown hair as she hummed. "It's kinda hard to explain since I can't really find the right words. But, but! Tell you what, next week, I'll show you what 'dating' really means. Actions speak louder than words, isn't that right?"
That's true. There are just some things better explained with practical application. That said, when I do get back in Teyvat, I really have to take more hands-on initiative with her.
"Alright, Taotao." Smiling, I stood up and bowed. "Please show this romantically-devoid lawyer the nuances of love." One truly learns new and important things at the most unexpected times and places, I thought with a chuckle.
This reaffirms how important she is to me. In the midst of my 'mission' in this world, I have her. That alone gives me the fortitude I need to keep going. With that, I must do what I can to show that I value her.
For that is the role of being her significant other.
"O-ya, Yanyan. We're in your office, not in some dull, formal setting, c'mon." Her giggles truly are music to my ears. I lifted myself up and pulled each other into a warm hug when we got seated.
I really, really look forward to our first date.
"A-ma, I must insist." I motioned the tupperwares with the dishes I cooked earlier towards A-ma. "This is for going the extra mile to make the designs as detailed as possible, and for accepting my request overall. I'm really, really grateful."
When A-ma called me up that day, she also mentioned that she'd try her best to mimic the sketches of the outfits I gave her. While I've yet to see her rendition of Taotao's and my clothes, I had absolute faith in her skills in tailoring, seeing the stream of clothes she had tailored then.
Believe it or not, A-ma has earned quite the modest renown for being a respected tailoress in Legue. It somehow surprised me that she even knows Judge Zhong and Legue's Ganyu along with her family, to name a few. Still, something in me expected her to know them, just how Grandma Ping back in Liyue knew some rather high-profile people.
"Ai-ya, Yanfei, dear. Two is too much, but alright, I understand. I'll just receive one, since two is one too many," A-ma replied as she received one of the containers. "My sincerest thanks again, dear."
Before I took a shower, I'd already cooked a decent breakfast for A-ma as a token of my gratitude. Though, I've used up too many ingredients, and I had to use two tupperwares. I'll just leave that one in my car, then.
"Hm, you seem to be in a rush, dear. Do you have something to work on, or rather, someone to meet today? It is Valentine's Day after all."
My thoughts quickly turned to Taotao, making me blush, but that made me realize that she must be waiting for me. "Y-yes, A-ma. I'm sorry if our meeting's cut short, but I really must get going."
A-ma meekly laughed as she saw me flustered. "Oh, to be young again. Alright, Yanfei, dear. Enjoy your day with her, and if it's not too much, please drop by later this evening to pick up your outfits, perhaps by six o'clock or seven." She smiled and cupped her chin. "I must say, the clothes you've asked me to tailor are exotic."
"Really, A-ma? I'm glad you think so," I replied, smiling. I mean, that should be the case since those designs are literally out of this world. "Anyhow, I'll be back by then, and don't worry, it's nothing."
I bowed before I made my way inside my car, waving my hand at A-ma as she waved back before closing the door.
Taking a deep breath as I clutched the steering wheel, I muttered, "Remember Taotao's words… Slowly and gently until you feel the biting point…" My car slowly started moving. "Alright, next stop, her home."
Truth be told, I learned how to drive my car less than two weeks ago, and from no other than Taotao herself. I'm particularly amazed at how she's quite knowledgeable not only in her line of work, but other aspects of life, too.
Ngh, thinking of her makes me lose focus — in a good way, of course. I should focus on the road while driving, lest I meet up with an enforcer along the way.
It wasn't long until I arrived in front of the gate of her home. Refusing to honk the car's horns to grab her attention, I decided to call her up.
Ah, she picked up. That was quick.
"Hello? Tao—"
"I see you, Yanyan! I'm coming, I'm coming!" Then, beep. Well, the sheer excitement from her voice alone really is something. Stepping out of my car, I opened the gate and waited for her by it.
A little later, her home's front door flew open, revealing the new 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in her dark-colored attire.
What really caught my attention, though, was that she didn't opt for her usual twintail-hairstyle; she just let her hair flow naturally. As she skipped towards me, her hair flowed along the cool, winter wind.
Her appearance does look enchanting today.
"Yanyan~!" she said as she jumped into my embrace. A reminiscent scent of plum blossoms seemed to envelope us as well — it must be her perfume. "Hee-hee, Happy Valentine's!"
"Happy Valentine's too, Taotao." I hugged her a little tighter. For some reason, this hug on this particular day feels more delightful than usual. I was a bit sad that it only lasted seconds. Oh well, I know we'll be getting back to our scheduled hugging sessions later on.
"So!" She tapped her palm with her fist. "Remember what I told you last week?"
"Yep, I do." It must be her showing me what 'dating' really is.
"Great! Guess what, your lesson starts," she then tapped my chest with her finger, "now."
T-that soon? "H-huh, I thought we'd start after the get-together—" Oh, she hushed me with her finger.
"I'm the teacher, Yanyan," Taotao's face turned smug all of a sudden, "It's the job of the teacher to teach their students what they need to know, as well as tell them when to be quiet and to listen. You'll be a good girl. Right, Yanyan?"
I gulped, but if that's how she wants to play it, then so be it. "Alright, Miss Hu. I'll behave myself."
A sly smile crept on her face as she slowly inched closer to me. "That's more like it."
Out of the blue, her stomach rumbled. Pretty loudly, too, and that could only mean one thing. Taotao's off-guard, so now's my chance for a turnabout and a friendly reminder.
"S-shoot!" she muttered as she stepped back and turned her head away from me.
"It would appear that my teacher forgot the most important meal of the day," I said, sighing.
Before I was about to scold her for it, I quickly remembered that I actually had one more tupperware of breakfast in the car. What great timing, too. Guess using too many ingredients was no mistake in the end.
"S-sorry, Yanyan. I got so excited when I saw your red car that I skipped breakfast."
Really, now? I believe this is what she calls a 'sussy' response. "Are you sure it wasn't mainly because you slept in? You did mention you had some things to do last night."
Silence, heh. I know what that means. "Okay, fine. You got me. The student bests her teacher. Congrats," she replied as she pouted and crossed her arms.
"Isn't that supposed to be the case, my dearest teacher?" I added as I put my arm across her waist. "Anyhow, you're in luck. I actually have an extra pack of breakfast sitting in my car. It was supposed to be for A-ma, but she just received one of the two I'd prepared, so you can have the extra. What do you say, Miss Hu? I hope you'll accept this humble student's cooking."
"No, no. It's alright. I'll just run to the store real—" Another rumble resounded.
"You were saying?"
"Hmph! Alright, alright…"
With Taotao eating her fill, the both of us made our way back to my car. Alright, next stop, Hukong Stadium, where I'll finally meet this world's version of the Yuheng, Keqing , and Ganyu. I wonder who else I'll meet along the way.
"Yikes!"
"Ai-yo!"
Oh no, I released the clutch too quickly — the engine stopped! We were shoved a bit forward with the sudden quake.
"Yanyan, what did I tell you about the clutch?" The disappointment's all too evident in her voice.
"Slowly and gently until you feel the biting point." I sighed as my right hand on the gearstick's head tensed up. "I'll really put that to heart." A short pause ensued as I got the car back running. Curses, Taotao must be a bit mad at me for failing something so simple.
"Oh, I get it." I felt Taotao's hand on my right hand. "Maybe you need something to relax, Yanyan?"
"Taotao… I'm sorry. Seems like two weeks of practice isn't enough for me to overcome this tension." This is so embarrassing, and on our date as well, argh.
"Don't be, Yanyan. Feifei also felt the same when I taught her the first time." Oh, she pecked my cheek. "A little pep talk and a little push are all you need, yeah?"
Sighing, I smiled back at her. "Just what'll I do without you…"
"Oh, I dunno. Overthink things? Tense up like hell? Struggle to find a pretty fishing partner?" She stuck her tongue out at me and closed an eye — one of her signature jests.
And the banter went on as we made our way to the stadium. Once we arrived there, the stadium sure was big, and the characters 富 and 公, pronounced 'hu' and 'kong' in one of this region's official languages respectively, really stood out at the entrance. Only a few vehicles were parked in the area. Well, it is only quarter past seven. Taotao and I then headed towards the large stadium.
Arriving at the front desk, we told the man at the front desk about a reservation placed under the names Aether Faramund and Ayaka Faramund. We were then ushered to one of the stadium's many recreational rooms.
Very spacious, and filled with technologies that might as well do wonders that rival the elemental magic conjured back in Teyvat. I couldn't help but look around at the amenities of the room. If the recreational rooms here alone are this wide, imagine how many rooms this stadium houses, and the money it took to commission such a grand building. I can't even imagine how big the stadium's open-air field is. Not comically wide that it becomes unreasonably playable, I presume.
"You look like a kid who's been to the amusement park for the first time," Taotao commented.
"It's just that the architecture and appliances here are a sight to behold. Teyvat, or at least Liyue, doesn't have most of these." Would the Qixing even allow such a huge stadium such as this to be erected in the harbor's outskirts? I should make a note of this… and one more to report back to them.
"Do you really have to take note of every little thing that catches your eye? Seriously, even Feifei does it. All Yanfei's probably have their unique quirks and stuff."
"I could say the same for all Hu Tao's, maybe."
"Pfft, whatever you say, Yanyan," Taotao then took out her sports clothes from her paper bag. "Hey, let's get changed. I bet they'll be arriving in a few minutes."
"Got it." I followed suit, and that's when I realized I left my rubber shoes back in the car. "Uh-oh, uh, Taotao?"
"Hai-ya, forgot something, didn't you?" Unfazed face with an annoyed tone, oh boy.
I couldn't help but laugh nervously. "I'll just go back and get it."
"And leave me here? Oh sure, alright. Go ahead. Like I care." It's just for a minute or two, c'mon. Great, she's turned her back on me.
Thinking of a way to placate her 'anger', maybe this should do the trick. I wrapped my arms around her and rested my chin on her shoulder. In a low pitch I could muster, I said, "Please, just two minutes and no longer. Wouldn't that be alright, Hu~ Tao~?"
She suddenly warmed and tensed up, and I leaned my head next to hers. "F-fine. O-only because you said please."
"Aw, thanks, Hu~ Tao~"
"S-stop seducing me with your voice, and get your shoes back here before I slap the soul out of you!"
Pecking Taotao's cheek before slowly releasing her, I dashed back to my car, keeping in mind the two-minute time limit I imposed. I should really be more mindful of my belongings next time.
Just as I exited the stadium, I nearly bumped into someone. Close call, too. Good thing both of us stopped on time as we were literally centimeters apart. Ngh, be more mindful of my surroundings, on top of my belongings.
"I-I'm terribly sorry. I was in a rush to get something, and I didn't see you pass by." I quickly bowed as a sign of my apology.
"Don't you worry about it, my dear customer," they responded with a smile.
The person in front of me wore glasses and wore a dark blue turtleneck. Huh, they even had this serene smile similar to Dr. Bai's. Not just that, they literally reminded me of Dr. Bai, only with a foreboding air around them. I guess the last description is mostly due to the dark blue wear they have all throughout.
"Time is money, is it not? I'm glad some of my customers value the essence of time, but best not be overcome by haste, for it makes undue waste. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Sipping their cup of what seemed to be a convenience store-bought coffee, they walked past me and into the stadium, and I snapped out of my stupor. That's my cue to retrieve what needed to be retrieved. Maybe Taotao or Aether knows something about that person.
With the pair of rubber shoes in my hands, I rushed back to Taotao who hadn't even moved an inch from her spot. "Just in time, Yanyan, and only three seconds to spare!"
"Punctilious, aren't you?" I replied with a series of pants.
"Says the one who likes to keep track of notes every single minute. I thought I'd give one of your quirks a shot," she said as-a-matter-of-factly while wiping my sweat. "C'mon, let's get changed and then adjust the volleyball court a bit to suit us. Wouldn't want Keqing nagging at us for not taking initiative, pfft." Hearing that last comment made me snicker.
Taotao then grabbed my arm and led me to the CR, where we got changed for our upcoming get-together. I waited in anxious excitement to see just who else among the original Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor's acquaintances shall enter the scene.
Speaking of Keqing, I wonder if this world's version'll be just as methodically strict as Liyue's. Some quirks and traits appear to be retained between worlds; let's see if Taotao's and my hypothesis is right.
Profiles:
Hu, Tao (27, F)
↪ The 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. My mischievous yet amazing and knowledgeable girlfriend. Currently teaching me the essence of 'dating'.
Ping, Meiling (78, F)
↪ Legue's renowned tailors. A close family friend of Yu Yanfei's late parents and Yu Yanfei's foster parent since her parents' passing.
? (?, ?)
↪ The person I've nearly bumped into earlier. Must be the head/one of the heads of the Hukong Stadium based on their manner of talking. Bears an uncanny resemblance to Dr. Bai.
Translation notes:
阿妈/阿嬤 (Pinyin: "āmā"; POJ: "a-má")
↪ (paternal) grandmother, mother, a term for calling a familiar (aged) woman
富 (Pinyin: "fù"; POJ: "hù")
↪ wealthy
公 (Pinyin: "gōng"; POJ: "kong")
↪ duke
Other notes:
POJ
↪ AKA "Pe̍h-ōe-jī", the orthography used for writing some Southern Min language variants, e.g. Hokkien variants (Taiwanese, Amoy, etc.).
R3written
Thank you so much for your reviews and insights! Reading them have helped me get back after three months (amidst life happening and crap hehe).
Yup, expect the Abyss, or mentions of the group, to pop up every now and then, too. Things'll probably go through many twists and turns, or maybe one straight line — who knows? In the end, Yanfei and co. will make sure that justice finds its way through. Do stay tuned to find out how everything unfolds!
Oh yes, expect some "fillers" or "supplementary scenes" betwixt cases, too. Thank you once more for staying tuned!