For some reason, my head feels like it's splitting. Someone must've stacked all the laws of Liyue to date and bludgeoned me with it. I could think of someone with the gall to do it, but not even she would dare do it to me, of all people. At least this pain's slowly receding.

I slowly opened my eyes, only to find myself in a strange, white-and-green-clad office. Must this be the new world Feng spoke of? I'd be shocked like a poorly prepared pupil taking the civil service exam if I wasn't informed beforehand. Deep breaths, c'mon.

First thing's first, assess myself before my surroundings. Removing the blanket, I felt my temples if my antlers were still there—gone. The back of my hands, though, are quite peculiar; the white diamond scales aren't there, but a whiter-than-normal pigmentation similar to it is. Quite an unusually smoother feel than the rest of my skin. I felt the sides of my chest, it's there too. Unbuttoning this strangely-designed red shirt, I took a peek at that area where the scales should've been—also the same whiter-than-normal pigmentation with the unusually smooth feel. I deduced my ankles to be likewise. Besides this receding headache, these pigmentations, and the absence of my xiezhiguan, I'm fine. That's enough for me.

I looked around. A ward of a hospital—with a strange black board installed on the wall. Instead of the usual brown and cream around me, it's white with hints of green. This bed seemed unusually more comfortable than the one in my former home and the beds of the harbor's local clinic, too. Hang on… there's someone sleeping on the bench to my left. W-wait, that long hair and particularly dark apparel. Could it be? If only she rolled to me and showed her face, then I—

Oh, the door opened, revealing a woman in a white robe holding a folder. Looking at her short hair, she's rather familiar. A couple of people appeared behind her, too. "Alright, Prosecutor Yu should be here… oh, I see that you've woken up," the woman holding the folder said. She must be the doctor, and the rest must be her nurses.

"Yes, I'm awake—ai-yo!" That voice, and thump, came from the bench's side. I quickly look to my left; it really is her…

"Ms. Hu, please. I wouldn't want one more patient for my shift," the doctor said, rubbing her forehead. "As for you, Ms. Yu."

"Me?" I asked, absentmindedly.

"Yes, you, Ms. Yu. Please follow me for a series of tests before I could give you my final diagnosis. I assure you it won't take too much of your time." The doctor's voice does sound comforting. "Ms. Hu, would it be alright if you would accompany us? We have a few questions for you as well."

"That's what I'm here for, right, Noelle? Let's get the coffin rolling!" this world's Hu Tao said. The doctor winced at her morbid joke. "O-ya? What's wrong, Yanfei? You look like you've seen a ghost of a dear old friend before." Oddly specific, but it's relieving that she's like the Hu Tao I know.

"No, none whatsoever," I replied with a smile, a 'hee-hee' from her as a reply.

"Please address me as 'Doctor Poplicola' while we are in the hospital premises, Ms. Hu," Dr. Poplicola advised, sighing.

"Right, right, my sincerest apologies," 'Hu Tao' replied while folding her hands.

She was right. It really didn't take too long before we got discharged. I was subjected to the strange devices of this world. I admit, I was a bit scared since apprehension for new things and technologies comes naturally to anyone—added with the fact that I might spill the beans and possibly be sent for further questioning, but at least I felt like I had someone with me while I had to undergo those things. I mean, I could've gone through it all by myself if I was just more prepared. Once we were through, Dr. Poplicola gave us the green light to be discharged, and when 'Hu Tao' was about to pay for the bill in my stead, Dr. Poplicola suddenly stopped her.

"Please, do consider this medical service to be without fee. Pro bono, as Prosecutor Yu would put it. I am indebted to you after all, dear attorney," the doctor told us both. We couldn't help but smile and give our sincerest thanks to her. It would appear that the doctor inquired about this Yanfei's services. "Have a good night's rest, both of you, and don't forget to come back if you feel unwell, especially you, dear attorney. Those pigmentations on your skin may have more than meets with the eye, despite your overall booming health. Oh, and don't forget your bag, too, attorney."

"I'll be sure to contact you if anything comes up, Dr. Poplicola," I replied as I received my peach handbag; I'll be sure to check it's contents later on. They did take interest in those marks on my skin, but they dismissed it as a benign condition. I wonder if 'Hu Tao' finds this odd.

With that, the two of us left the hospital and headed for home… if only I knew where it was in the first place.

Wait.

Could Feng's test have already begun? Of course, that has to be it. I may be basing this off Inazuma's novels—inadmissible evidence in court, I know, but it makes sense that Feng has made the necessary movements to gauge my competence. I surmise that even Feng would be as crafty as that. Drat, I should've foreseen this from that entity. I should've come to realize that when I was questioned in that hospital. Luckily, 'Hu Tao' managed to answer the questions I had a hard time explaining.

Now, with respect to those 'reincarnated into another world' novels, this should be a test of 'information collection without arousing suspicion'. By extension, I must use the right words to let 'Hu Tao' lead me back to my home. Not only words, but actions can be of use, too.

"Huh? Yanfei, your house's this way." I let a small grin form. "Don't tell me you've forgotten that after bumping your head that hard, too." Right, I was found unconscious at my 'condominium's' lobby by 'Hu Tao' and the one assigned at the front desk, and according to the latter, I took a tumble down the stairs leading outside.

"O-oh, right, my apologies. I'm in deep thought." Besides the location of my home, I could gauge some more information, too. "I find it strange, Hu Tao."

"O-ya? What is?" Alright, this world's Hu Tao is still called 'Hu Tao', and the way I address her appears to be ordinary.

"I find myself overthinking after that tumble down the stairs. I apologize in advance, but please lead the way as I clear my mind."

"No prob, Yanfei, but do you really have to sound all lawyer-like in front of me? Maybe hit your head a little too hard?" I should watch my register to certain people, it seems. We continued navigating back home, with me studying the dark surroundings' interesting infrastructure as we went, until she decided to speak up again. "Oh, oh, how about a joke to kill the time and this stiff mood?"

"Alright."

"What did the skeleton say to its annoying neighbor?" She's giggling at her joke, typical.

Easy. "I've got a bone to pick with you, is that it?" I replied with a chuckle.

"Chan-chan! As expected from our good ol' Atty. Yu Yanfei." I could get used to this, but she could at least tone down the morbid aspect in her jokes, too. Seeing that she's comfortable with me, though, I surmise that this Hu Tao might be a carbon copy of the one from Liyue, but in this world's version. Hm, it's a pleasant feeling. "Here's another one—argh."

"H-Hu Tao? Is there something wrong?" I was compelled to look at her neck after being reminded of Feng's nasty show of power. Strangely enough, nothing's there, but she did rub the exact same spot Liyue's Hu Tao was pricked. "Do you want to return to the hospital?"

"Aw~, I love it when you're concerned. It's fine, just that there's this annoying stinging sensation I felt since waking up earlier."

"You sure?"

"As sure as the inevitable end in store for all of us." Maybe my carbon copy theory was lacking; perhaps even the soul was copied, too. "Alright, now you gotta hear this next one."

She continued with her series of morbid jokes, all of which I answered successfully. One thing's for sure that she's really comfortable with me, based on her actions and carefree nature. I wonder, is the relationship of this Atty. Yu Yanfei with this version of Hu Tao what I think it is? To think that this Yanfei has achieved what I couldn't back at Teyvat. I'm quite envious…

"Hey-hey! Where do you think you're going? Lost in the realm of cold-hard logic, again?" Oh boy, I got too into character.

"Sorry, must've drowned myself in my thoughts, again." I look up at this tall building. Crescent Jade Moon Residences, a charming name. I live in such a grandiose building? No, no. Hu Tao did mention 'condominium', but not in a sense of allied nations. Perhaps in a sense of collective rooms. Still, this is way bigger than the hotels in Teyvat.

"Well, glad to know you're still you, Yanfei. Imagine if you got amnesia when you woke up." She started to frown. "I… don't really want to lose this thing we've had for years." I gulped when she said that, but try as I might not to frown, I found myself doing so.

"Hu Tao, I—"

"Nyeh! Got you, again, Yanfei. You're really gullible when it comes to this sorta thing. I must be your weakness, right~?" she said as she pulled an eyelid down and stuck her tongue at me. Charming, different Hu Tao, same demeanor. Truly, a pesky sort of relief. "But really, while I can't stomach that idea, that's not what happened, and that's what matters. Oh, I think you know it by now, but my family believes that if that sorta thing happens, your soul's finding its way back into their vessel."

"Right, right…" Suddenly, my meeting with Feng flashed in my head. I found myself looking away from her.

Can I even tell her the truth? Would she even believe me if that was the case? Feng may not have told me about disclosing this to anyone, merely stating they'd judge my skills, but can I even tell her that I'm not the 'Yanfei' she actually knows? "Hu Tao, thanks again for taking me to the hospital and back. I'm really, really indebted. Again, I'm sorry if I sounded stiff and formal on the way back."

"You needn't pressure yourself, Atty. Yu Yanfei." She bowed in front of me, giggling at the end. "C'mon, do you really have to be lawyer-like and all? Maybe you've hit your head hard? Is this what you call déjà vu?"

I chuckled at that. "Alright, I get it. I just think I need a good night's rest, then I'll be back to normal." I hope so, actually. Hu Tao yawned a little later before turning away from me. It must be really getting late.

Though, for some reason…

"Um, Hu Tao?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you going somewhere, right now?"

"Home, of course. Why? Are you inviting me to sleep in your apartment for the night in exchange for not spending the night together?" Wipe that smug grin off your face, but she's read my mind. She did mention not being able to pursue this Yanfei and her plans earlier this evening since she had to take me to the hospital. I wouldn't want her efforts to be without compensation, and judging from her response, it seems that this isn't the first time, either. I-it's just an assumption sans evidence, of course, but maybe I'm 80% sure regarding that issue, basing it on our interactions thus far.

"Well, yes. You've read my mind, again."

"I knew bringing my pajamas was a good idea." She slapped her black handbag. Funny, it must've blended in the dark for me not to have noticed it.

After collecting my keys from the front desk, which conveniently had my room number, we made our way to the elevator. At this point, I shouldn't manifest my surprise and shock; keeping this poker face for a prolonged period of time is straining my face, urgh. Still, why is this Yanfei's home on the 25th floor? And, how can this building house so many floors and apartments? I might as well sue the proprietor on behalf of the owners if it endangers our lives in any way.

"Hey, Yanfei?"

"Oh, yes, Hu Tao?"

Suddenly, she bore this serious look on her face as we locked eyes. "I want you to look at me. Like, straight into my eyes." S-strange request, but I permitted it without question. Might as well avoid any more unnecessary suspicion. "Hmm…"

"Is there something on my face?" The way she's looking at me… it's like how the one in Liyue would do as well. C-could she have discovered I'm not this world's Yanfei? No, no. That's impossible. I have maintained my poker face and skillfully constructed my words and actions thus far. She's probably pranking me, again. Yes, that's it.

Although, looking at her scarlet eyes, it's saddening not seeing her usual white blossom pupils. It reminded me that this isn't the Hu Tao that I know, but why? Why do I still feel a sense of attachment to this world's version? Perhaps this is some metaphysical conundrum only Feng or the Archons would know?

"Yanfei…" She's eyeballing me like I would to suspects of a case. "This is only my intuition as an upcoming funeral parlor directress in a few weeks, but you got this different air around you. It's like you're Yanfei, but not Yanfei at the same time." I thought Feng said that this was a world lacking the majority of Teyvat's own aspects. This world must have some hidden aspects that entity kept from me.

Still, prank or not, I can't just let her continue her conjecture like that. "What makes you say that, Hu Tao?"

"You've been deep in thought since you got out of that hospital."

"Yes, that's true. And?"

"Also, you told me some time before New Year's Eve that you had no cases to handle for the first few weeks of January. I thought it was your New Year's resolution to take more breaks, but it felt… out of character." I-I did?

Hang on, first few weeks of vacation? If I assume the veracity of her statement, then this must be a sort of acclimatization period for me from Feng as one of their preparations for me. It's too convenient a vacation, even for a practitioner of law. "And then," Hu Tao continued, "the tumble down the stairs earlier. I think that had, oh, I dunno, more than meets the eye? Call me creepy, but when you did, I felt a strange presence, and it's not the wind, mind you. I know, I know what you're gonna say. I might be saying those 'unscientific claims without basis' but there's just some things science can't explain, y'know? I know what I felt. Must be my time in the parlor since birth, too."

I closed my eyes and recalled every important point of my conversation with Feng. This world had no Elements, no Visions, and no such creatures we'd find back in Teyvat. Even the norms of Teyvat may not necessarily apply here. And of course, my aptitude and skills begged of me will be tested, lest I receive the consequences.

It's clear now; they made no mention of whether disclosing this to anyone was permitted. In fact, they mentioned I could freely do whatever I want. Also, if this Hu Tao was in fact a 'perfect other-worldly' version of the one I know, then I should have no problems. Then, by all means…

I opened my eyes. "Hu Tao?"

"Oh, right, right. I'm overstepping myself again." She took a step back and looked bashful. "S-sorry, Yanfei, I just felt like you had to know. And, I—"

"Let's continue this talk over at my apartment. There's something I have to discuss with you, and only you." I can't risk anyone else knowing, unless the need arises, but I doubt that.

Ping, sounded the elevator.

"Huh?! I, uh, a-alright."

I'm not sure if this is what encompassed Feng's 'preparations', but the layout of my room is similar, if not identical, to my home in Teyvat and Aether's room for me in the Serenitea Teapot: bed beside the window, desk in front of the bed, some ornamental plants by the window, a mini-library by the corner, and some additional furniture I've yet to utilize filled in some of the spaces. Very conducive for legal studies. Oh, I even have a miniature steelyard balance on my desk, fashioned similar to my own back in Liyue, and hat that's nigh-identical to my xiezhiguan's on top of the shelves.

Hang on, there's a letter that's addressed to me on the desk. I thought it was from this Yanfei's prospective client, but it's from Feng! I quickly opened it up and read the contents. What was revealed corroborated a speculation I made just minutes ago.

Ace Attorney

I knew choosing you was the best choice. You even deduced my acclimatization period for you out of a few lines. Okay, three weeks, no more no less. By the start of the fourth week, I'll start tipping the dominoes. Go do whatever the hell you need to do until then. I'll be watching by then. Don't disappoint me, or else.

P.S. Feng sounds cool.

Feng

"Coming here already feels like home, Yanfei. Ah, if only I started living with you in the future… I'll start seeing heaven from the sky," Hu Tao commented as she came out from the comfort room. I discreetly stashed the letter into my bag.

We settled and changed into our nightclothes. Hu Tao ordered some food for us, and we talked about this and that while nibbling at some of the food I apparently had. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I got up, expecting the food delivery, but it's a messenger with a bag of what appeared to be medicine and some chocolates that could last me for a year. I thought one needed a prescription before getting certain items from apothecaries. Is it different from this world? "Hey, Hu Tao. Did you get me some medicine?"

"No, I thought you ordered it?"

I think I can be honest for this one. "It's not even me. Oh, there's a letter." Another one, but it doesn't appear handwritten.

Atty. Yu

A little bird told me you got admitted to the hospital. Sorry if it sounds unsettling, but I even had this unusual premonition about it. I thought these'd help you in case you felt some discomfort. I've been busy lately, but let's catch up in the near future. Stay safe, and mark my words, we will meet again.

E.L.

E.L. These initials… wait, could it be hers? I placed the bag beside a picture frame on my desk. Lo and behold, a picture of me and her was presented before me. Next to it was a bigger one with me and Hu Tao, the latter making a funny pose. Besides the obvious law and decorative material this Yanfei had, there were other pictures of nostalgic faces in other parts of the room.

"It's from Eula. I can't believe it," I blurted the last line out loud.

"Yeah, yeah, me too. I thought you guys stopped texting." 'Text'? Maybe that means 'to communicate through a certain conduit'? Though, looking at my 'cellular phone', its screen lit up, a message from one such 'Eula Lawrence' with some strange markings next to the name. Seeing the contents of the message and the letter, I got an idea.

"We rarely talk."

"Whatever. Point is you guys stopped dating a while back. Got it?" W-we were dating?! That was a bluff, but this is inconceivable. I-I, no, this Yanfei dated this world's Eula?!

"Y-yeah, right." The doorbell suddenly sounded. "I'll get it."

"No, no. Allow me." There was some animosity in that line. I swear there was. Following this was our midnight snack, but Hu Tao appeared grumpy as we ate. I could even hear her grumbling. Another truth of this Yanfei has been revealed, it seems.

"Hey, Yanfei."

"Yeah?"

"What do you think of Eula right now?" For some reason, an image of a previous conversation with Liyue's Hu Tao resurfaced. Déjà vu. I felt like I should answer according to my past memories, with a bit of restructuring.

"Eula's a good friend, but I guess we barely talk that much, since she's been busy with her work." This next line should have a good chance of being correct, based on the evidence thus far. "Again, her work must've demanded a lot of her free time, so I guess we stopped dating because of that. Is that… what you wanted to hear?" I smiled, but I can't believe I said that so confidently!

"Hmm… fine, I forgive you." For what? Hurting your feelings? "Stop looking all smug at me. Don't make me slap the soul out of you!" She raised her hand at me, half-jokingly, it seems.

"Go on. Try it, Hu Tao."

"Nngh. I… argh, why do you lawyers have to act all smart and smug like that?! This must be my karma for messing with you and Keqing." Interesting, so even the Yuheng of this world is a lawyer. If ever I find out I'm her assistant… no, that's highly unlikely. Furthermore, if I follow the trend so far, then there must be counterparts of Teyvat's inhabitants in this world. Conjecture, but that's what I feel.

Speaking of lawyers, the doctor did at one point mention the word 'prosecutor'. I think I can paint the picture of the identity I'm taking up right now with all that I've seen and heard thus far.

Prosecutor Yu Yanfei, attorney at law. Age 28. Lives in an apartment on the 25th floor of the Crescent Jade Moon Residences condominium. Office is not within this building, but somewhere nearby or can be easily commuted to. Apparently a workaholic and with an aptitude for the law, but with a heart of gold. Has prosecuted a number of defendants for the past five years—a seasoned prosecutor. Has likely aided with investigations wherein this Yanfei had not particularly prosecuted the suspects. Acquainted with this world's identities I've yet to see. Unmarried, but currently dating… this world's Hu Tao. This world's Eula Lawrence was this Yanfei's ex-girlfriend. And unlike me, Teyvat's Yanfei, this world's Yanfei appears to grasp emotion better than me… even landing a girlfriend as a result. Two, even.

With all these in mind, she has to believe what I'm going to say next, no matter how insane it may sound to the average person, even one in Teyvat.

"Yanfei, you're thinking about things again, aren't you? Is it about what you wanted to tell me when we were in the elevator?" She's starting to look worried.

I took a deep breath. It's time. I said a silent prayer for courage. "Hu Tao, what I'm going to tell you is something only I know you can understand. So please, be patient with me, and don't tell anyone about this. I believe in you, and you'll do likewise, right? Please." I bowed in front of her. "I beg your silence." Making an affidavit over this may not be the best course of action. It may incriminate rather than protect us.

"I'm getting goosebumps, Yanfei, but whatever you say, I'll believe in you." She went in for a hug. Feeling delighted with this feeling, I returned the gesture. "Tell me, what's on your mind?"

It took all the courage I had, but now, this world's Hu Tao knows of my identity and my situation. Did I head straight into this without a backup plan, though? That's not true. The backup is this world's Hu Tao herself. Whether she believes it or not is up to her, and since she bears a great deal of similarity to the one I know, she would respond in accordance to my speculation.

Additionally, with regards to her claim in the elevator, identifying whether this world has any supernatural phenomena is not my objective in this world; I am here to act how Liyue's top legal advisor and expert would act in the face of legal conundrum, now in the guise of Prosecutor Yu Yanfei, attorney at law.

"Y-you're not the… the Atty. Yu Yanfei I know?" Tears started forming in her eyes. Tsk, this is taking a toll on my conscience and sanity.

"Just like what you've surmised earlier in the elevator, I am Yanfei, but also not Yanfei. A walking contradiction. I was sent here by a universal being as a sort of test of my capacity as a practitioner of the law."

"Ha… Ha-ha-ha." Tears were now rolling down on her cheeks. "Y-you really bumped your head that hard, Y-Yanfei. Y-you almost got me, there…" I stared at her earnestly. I know this is the right path. Regardless of the difference in universe, world, dimension, whatever, and if you are like the Hu Tao I know, then you'll believe in me. "I… I don't like that stare you're giving me, Yanfei. I know that stare. Y-you don't really mean it… do you?"

"I mean it, Hu Tao. Every word I've told you. Please, believe in me."

We stared at each other for a full minute in silence, until Hu Tao decided to break the silence. "Fine… let's say my half-joked intuition earlier in the elevator was right, but y'know what the Yanfei I know taught me?"

I don't like the sound of that. "What is it?"

"Evidence. Evidence, Impostor Yanfei. Evidence is everything, not just in court, but in every aspect of life. She'd always tell me that." She wobbly raised her finger at me. "I-if what you're saying is real, then back it up with cold-hard evidence!" I smiled. She asked for it. "I-I don't like that smug smile. E-even with the Yanfei I know, that means she's found the answer."

"Hu Tao, your cellular phone has an image capturing device, a kamera, right?"

"Y-yes, it has a camera."

"Well, on the basis of our—I mean, this Yanfei and your relationship, I deduce that you have recent photos of her. Correct?"

"I do… but what does that have to do with the evidence?"

"You'll see. Prepare any image of me that reveals a particular side of my torso and my hands. The ankles would be supplementary." If I have to present evidence, then present it I will. No holds barred.

"W-what are you talking… h-hey!" She quickly covered her eyes with her hands. "W-why are you stripping in front of me?!" she commented when I took my upper garments off, revealing my bare torso, as well as the white diamond-shaped pigmentations.

"Showing you evidence. Uncover your eyes, Hu Tao, and look at the sides of my torso." A blushing Hu Tao slowly uncovered her eyes and studied the pigmentations I showed her. I then presented her with the back of my two hands, and then my ankles. "Now, compare this with any photograph of the Yanfei you have, particularly one that's been taken before the tumble down the stairs."

When she did, she became bug-eyed. "B-but, t-that's impossible! Y-you must've gotten a tattoo, or something."

"Tell me, when was the picture you're seeing now taken?"

"January 2, 2030, 5:56 PM… Ah!"

I chuckled. "Now, it's January 3, 2030, 12:45 AM. According to the doctor and your testimony, I took the tumble today at 7:00 PM, more or less. Seeing the picture? Bear in mind the time interval between that and the time I took the tumble, and feel these alleged tattooed marks for yourself, Hu Tao. You'll be the judge if it's been introduced by this world's tattooing machines and if it's fresh, or even if I'd undergone tattooing." This is a partial bluff, but considering the lack of Elements and other conveniences here, getting a tattoo must be inefficient compared to Teyvat's techniques. "Also, you must've known her movements thus far, being her… girlfriend." When she did, she started to look more convinced. "And, there's more."

"M-more evidence?"

"Not really, but just a bit of scientific reasoning. Unless these were red pigmentations, explain it to me, how can tumbling down the stairs and bumping my head result in six specific portions of my body particularly etched with white pigmentations of a specific pattern?" This is another bluff, but I'm sure the science of Teyvat and this world should overlap in certain aspects. "This is my evidence and reasoning, Hu Tao. What's your rebuttal?"

Suddenly, Hu Tao shut her eyes and bowed, clenching her fists on the floor. Silence. I-I think I might've gone too far. I put my upper garments back on and attempted to pat her.

"You're really like her. The voice, the actions, the icy-stare, the smug smile, the brains. Everything. To think you actually figured stuff out with just a few pieces of evidence and science. Just why… why?!" She looked back at me, and she was crying more visibly now. Just then, images of Hu Tao back home resurfaced.

I wiped her tears, as if I was doing it with Liyue's Hu Tao, and pulled her into a hug one more time. "There, there. I know I'm not the Yanfei you've known for a long time, but if it makes you feel better, there's also something you gotta know, Hu Tao."

"W-what is it?"

"Back in my old world, there's also a version of Hu Tao that looks, feels, and acts exactly like you. I know it's just a few hours of interaction with you, but I feel such an attachment. Still, I'm regretful; unlike this world's Yanfei, I regret not confessing my true feelings for her before I got whisked here. I'm even a little envious she's landed you as her girlfriend." Strange, tears are actually spontaneously forming in my eyes the more I picture her in my mind. "I miss her as much as you miss your Yanfei."

"Y-Yanfei… I-I'm sorry to hear about that, and for calling you an impostor earlier. That was rude of me. W-will you forgive me?"

"I forgive you, Hu Tao."

I don't know why, but… we leaned in for a kiss. Lips to lips. It felt so wrong in a cosmic sort of way, but I'm sure she feels the same. Who am I to stop the spontaneity of passion?

After that, we cleaned up the remaining trash and headed over to the bed. It's an awkward moment, and the two of us were facing away from each other. Ngh, if only this was Liyue's Hu Tao, then maybe it wouldn't feel too awkward.

"Um, Yanfei?" Oh, great. She broke the silence. That saves me the energy, phew.

"Y-yeah, Hu Tao?"

"I-I might've not said this earlier, but I just wanna say that I believe you. I'll carry this secret to my grave. Cross my heart, and hope to die."

"T-thank you."

Another few silent moments came and went, until Hu Tao started to speak.

"So… could you describe to me in more detail what your world's Hu Tao looks like? And, was she also next in line to becoming a funeral parlor directress?"

"Well, she really looks a lot like you. Like, a freaking carbon copy in body and soul. If you two met and teamed up, let's just say you have the potential to slice up fraudulent acts while giving the law enforcement a hard time for leads. N-not that I condone that, and please don't get any ideas."

Hu Tao started giggling. "I won't, I won't."

"Also, I'd say the only difference is that she has white blossom-like pupils." Best I don't tell her more of Teyvat, particularly regarding Elements and Visions for now. Maybe another time. "Oh yeah, she's also the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in my world."

"R-really?!" Suddenly, she motioned me to turn over to the other side. We're now facing each other, and she looked very eager to continue this conversation. "I don't think I told you this yet, but I'm also next in line for the funeral parlor, also called Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, as its 77th Director, too! Spooky coincidences, no?"

"Ha-ha, spooky, indeed." I think that's the point of the preparations Feng mentioned.

"Also, I think I'll buy those contact lenses just for you, too. Tell me what her outfit's like, and I'll cosplay as her." I'm guessing 'cosplay' means 'to impersonate, but with a positive connotation'. "I wanna see your reaction when I fully become your Hu Tao, Yanfei~."

Hoo boy, I really can't stop blushing whenever she does that to me. "I-I'd really appreciate that."

"Um, Yanfei? C-could I ask one more thing?"

"Ask away, Hu Tao."

"W-when are you gonna go back to your world?"

"Oh, that. Um, I actually don't know. The entity that sent me here said that they'll take me back 'when the time is right'. Why's that?"

"I, uh, kinda requested my Yanfei to help me out with the legal stuff when I become directress, so while you're still here, maybe you could help me out with that?"

"That's a 'yes' for me! I'll be sure to lend you my full assistance. In fact, once I've studied up the necessary laws of this world, you can count on me for your legal endeavors. Notarizations? Affidavits? Legal advice? Legal disputes? You can count on me for any legal matters, Hu Tao!" W-wow, that came out spontaneously. I hope I didn't scare her or anything.

"Wah~ it's like I'm talking to my Yanfei," she said with a blush. "You both are su~per cool when it comes to the legal mumbo-jumbo, hee-hee."

"Before I forget, when's the ceremony gonna take place?"

"Four weeks from now. My grandfather says that I can invite you and one more. I can't wait for that to happen! Hmm… whom should I invite?"

"Oh, that's cool." W-wait, f-four weeks? That's… no, even if I don't want to think about it, I have to consider that possibility. I… don't want to put her in harm's way just because of some insane deity's games! I have to protect her. I have to protect Hu Tao. I clenched my fist at those silent declarations.

She started yawning. "I'll think about it tomorrow. I'm getting sleepy, Yanfei…" She closed her eyes and pulled the blanket closer to her. "Y'know… it's weird calling you Yanfei… knowing you're a Yanfei from another universe… but, you two are just so the same… maybe… I can fall in love again… for twice the effect…" D-did I just hear that right?

"H-Hu Tao? W-what did you just say?"

No response, but she stuck her tongue out and drew me closer for a hug. More and more am I recalling those moments with her in Teyvat. Well, I couldn't do anything else but return the gesture. I could hear her soft breathing, compelling me to close my eyes. Just before I drifted away to my slumber, I made one last silent declaration.

As Liyue's top legal expert, I'll protect you from danger, Hu Tao. The law and my brains are on our side.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀:

"𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗴" (?, ∅)
The self-purported powerful deity that sent me to this new world. Just what is their ulterior motive?

𝗛𝘂, 𝗧𝗮𝗼 (𝟮𝟳, 𝗙)
Upcoming 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Bears the exact same characteristics as my Hu Tao, fortunately.

𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮, 𝗡𝗼𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 (𝟮𝟵, 𝗙)
The doctor who tended me after Hu Tao brought me into the hospital.

Irresponsible boredom
Thank you, thank you! Stay tuned, for the next chapter may pique your interest.