Dihua Marsh, Wangshu Inn
It was as lively as ever. Since tomorrow was the Lantern Rite, the place was packed with people.
Most were foreigners or merchants transporting goods. The Lantern Rite was the favorite festival of Liyue's people, and also of merchants.
Look around—those weren't just people, but glittering Mora. For merchants, the Lantern Rite was practically a day for selling goods and making money.
The area around Wangshu Inn also had Millelith guards. The Conqueror of Demons was often active in this region as well, so there was no need to worry too much about safety.
After all the day's commotion, the sky was slowly darkening. The sun was about to set, and the moon would arrive soon.
The darkness did not shroud this beautiful region in thick fog. In Liyue, any inhabited area was, upon looking out, a vista of beautiful, radiant lights.
Two idioms could sum it up:
The lamps of ten thousand homes; a blaze of brilliant illumination.
People gathered together, tables laden with fine food and wine—it looked incredibly lively. Even the three Primal Adepti had gathered once more.
Eating delicacies, reminiscing about old times.
In Liyue, poets recited verses expressing their innermost feelings; storytellers told tales filled with nostalgia.
Opera performers stood on stage, facing countless pairs of eyes, showcasing their talents and their beautiful voices.
Chefs had long been overwhelmed. Business today was simply too good, keeping them busy all day. But they knew tomorrow would be even busier.
Children carried small lanterns, playing happily at the harbor, on boats... in every corner, playing the games they loved most.
Of course, there were also young people playing Genius Invokation TCG cards on the streets. This game seemed to have a strange allure, addictive once you started.
Others, all over Liyue, showed off their Xiao Lantern creations. Some even held contests to see whose lantern design could attract the most attention.
The creations were numerous. Some made lanterns shaped like the Jade Chamber; others crafted them in the likeness of the Adepti. One had to admit, these people were quite skilled with their hands.
The Fatui members in Liyue also took a rare moment to relax. They brought their partners, friends, and comrades to the streets of Liyue, enjoying its traditions.
---
Liyue Harbor, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Having spent the whole day promoting, even Hu Tao's usual liveliness was worn down to exhaustion. The Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was slumped over a table, uttering a tired cooing sound.
"Aah~~ Didn't sell a single coffin today T_T," Hu Tao puffed out her cheeks in complaint. At the moment, she resembled a little squirrel, looking quite adorable.
Every time Wangsheng landed a client, they made a great deal of Mora, but it could all be squandered away by Zhongli at any moment. As the boss, she was truly worried sick.
"That Mr. Zhongli, not even helping with promotion properly, going off to eat at Wanmin Restaurant instead." Hu Tao, her face still on the table, tilted it upward to look at Zhongli sitting across from her.
Zhongli and Bosacius had just returned from listening to the storyteller, then catching an opera performance, now carrying bags of purchases.
Beside Zhongli was Bosacius. Having no temporary lodging, Bosacius was currently sticking with his Archon.
It wasn't that there was absolutely no place to stay. He could temporarily lodge at Wangshu Inn, but he felt now wasn't the right time, so he stayed here with the Archon.
Thanks to Zhongli's introductions, Bosacius became acquainted with Hu Tao and all the Wangsheng staff, earning their immense admiration.
They already knew Mr. Zhongli was knowledgeable, but they hadn't expected him to have the ability to befriend Adepti. Truly enviable.
But this Adeptus seemed very approachable. Probably down to experience mortal life, right?
"Director Hu, there is no need to be disheartened by this matter." Zhongli gently blew on his teacup, then took a slow sip.
Beside him, Bosacius gazed at the dark clouds in the sky, chin propped on one hand, quietly appreciating the beauty of the darkness.
He still didn't have properly fitting clothes. With the two extra arms on his back, ordinary people's garments definitely wouldn't fit; they needed custom tailoring.
If possible, he wished for a simple, rough-spun garment. To experience life among mortals, to be seen as an ordinary person, not an Adeptus.
"Mr. Zhongli! For a businessperson, having no business is the most painful thing." Hu Tao grabbed her ponytail, twirling it round and round, as if that could relieve her boredom.
"That is not necessarily true. Next to 'Three Bowls Over the Bridge,' there is an antique shop. The owner there, Old Man Tai, has never sold a single item."
Zhongli spoke with his usual calm. He never troubled himself over such matters. Though he was Mora itself, he had no real concept of money.
So much so that after his feigned death and retirement, it didn't occur to him to leave some private funds for himself, ending up with the bill footed by Childe and Wangsheng.
"It's not the same! That antique shop of Old Man Tai's was just opened for show-off purposes. Says his antiques are older than Chihu Rock."
"Said his little incense burner is imbued with Adeptal energy, and that there's a teapot once used by Rex Lapis himself. I think there was even a chamber pot."
The moment Hu Tao finished speaking, Bosacius, sitting beside Zhongli, spat out his water. Good grief, what had he just heard?
The Archon's chamber pot? He didn't recall the Archon ever using such a thing.
Hearing this, Zhongli beside him also frowned slightly. Though his expression showed some reaction, his words remained composed.
"Boss Tai's antique shop does have genuine articles, but there are also many fakes."
"Right? Mr. Zhongli, with your vast knowledge, you can tell at a glance. I don't believe his words anymore." Hu Tao sat up, arms crossed, nodding slightly.
"But speaking of which, still didn't sell a single service package today. I need to think of more promotions, see if I can attract people's attention."
As she spoke, Hu Tao slumped back onto the table, making a gurgling sound, putting on a thinking expression.
"Haha, what an energetic young lady. But selling this sort of thing to the living isn't that easy." Bosacius laughed heartily. This mortal girl was truly too adorable.
For some reason, whenever he saw Hu Tao, he was reminded of Sister Menogias. Though their personalities differed, they were both the lively type.
"How about Big Brother Bosacius patronizing my business? Make a reservation? I can give you a 40% discount!" Hu Tao looked at Bosacius expectantly, her plum blossom eyes blinking at the four-armed giant.
'Big Brother Bosacius' was what Bosacius himself allowed Hu Tao to call him. After all, being constantly addressed as 'Adeptus' made him uncomfortable.
"I'll pass. I'm still young." Bosacius coughed twice, waving a hand in polite refusal.
Hearing this, Hu Tao slumped down again completely. Now, perhaps only a walk-in client could save her.
---
Wangshu Inn
Xiao had just brought Bonanus to the roof of the inn. It was very high up. Anyone with acrophobia would tremble uncontrollably here.
He carefully placed the blushing-faced Bonanus on the roof, then casually sat down beside her.
The two admired the moon in the sky, maintaining a temporary silence...