Hu Tao's words instantly petrified Bonanus. Xiao was one thing, but why was this girl who had just met her so bold!
Not that she really minded such things.
"Little Hu Tao, saying things like that—aren't you afraid of being disrespectful to an Adeptus?" Bonanus said with a serious expression.
Her face even took on a stern look, as if Hu Tao's behavior was a crime worthy of execution.
Faced with such intimidation, Hu Tao didn't look scared at all. Though she was only sixteen, she wasn't so easily fooled. The title of 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor wasn't just for show.
Besides, Hu Tao had experienced many things since childhood that were hard for most kids to bear, so she was relatively mature.
Most importantly, Big Brother Bosacius had told her stories about the Adepti yesterday, so she could tell that Sister Bonanus wasn't that kind of cruel person.
Of course, that was with allies. When facing enemies, consider yourself lucky if she didn't crush your skull.
"Hehe, I believe Sister Bonanus doesn't mind things like that." Hu Tao stuck out her little tongue and, without hesitation, snuggled up close to Bonanus.
Simply put, Hu Tao linked arms with Bonanus and rubbed against her while making puppy-dog eyes, begging cutely.
At this moment, all Bonanus could think about Hu Tao was: cute, cute, and cute.
While finding Hu Tao adorable, Bonanus couldn't help but feel puzzled. In the game, she had never seen Director Hu Tao make such expressions.
She hadn't even seen the Director act spoiled. In the game, Hu Tao was always just clever and mischievous.
Seems like she'd discovered something quite interesting...
But what could she do? Bonasan happened to be weak to cuteness. She used her right hand to pinch Hu Tao's soft little cheek while her left hand continued covering her own face.
"I was just joking. We don't need so many rules here." Bonanus smiled. This girl was so soft! She really wanted to take a bite!
Bonanus briefly wondered if making the Director cry would make her seem even more vulnerable and cute.
But the thought vanished instantly. How could she think such a thing? She wasn't some kind of sadist!
"Sister Bonanus is so nice!" Hu Tao continued rubbing against her. At this moment, the two girls—well, Bonanus was more of an 'older girl'—seemed like old friends, completely unlike people who had just met.
Seeing this scene, Bosacius and Zhongli weren't particularly surprised. Hu Tao was always enthusiastic toward people she liked and approved of.
But Xiao was different. Though he appeared calm, he was practically grinding his teeth.
Xiao hadn't just drunk a bowl of vinegar—he'd overturned the entire vinegar factory! The air was thick with sourness!
Sometimes he envied women! Someone as lively as Hu Tao could easily get close to Sister Bonanus. It made him incredibly envious!
Thinking this, Xiao unconsciously tightened his grip on the teacup Zhongli had just handed him.
Crack!
Sure enough, even the finest teacup couldn't withstand Xiao's strength. It shattered instantly.
The tea inside splashed onto him. Fragments scattered across the table and floor. Suddenly, a chill filled the air.
Seeing this, Bonanus was alarmed. Forget the cat whiskers on her face—this was freshly brewed tea! What if he got burned?!
Thinking quickly, Bonanus pulled out a white cloth with butterfly patterns from who-knows-where and carefully wiped the tea stains from Xiao.
Seeing Sister Bonanus so worried about him, the displeasure in Xiao's heart gradually calmed. He'd gotten agitated again...
How unbecoming!
"How could you be so careless?! What if you got burned?!" Bonanus said with some anger. Xiao being so absent-minded was really worrying!
In truth, Bonanus needn't have worried about burns. Zhongli controlled the tea's temperature perfectly—it was ready to drink as soon as it was poured.
Witnessing this scene, Hu Tao watched curiously. When she caught Xiao's somewhat unfriendly gaze,
The Director instinctively shifted away. That Conqueror of Demons seemed quite fierce! Better not provoke him!
Thinking this, Hu Tao looked at Bosacius sitting across from her, a hint of complaint in her eyes.
Her gaze seemed to say: 'Big Brother, didn't you say they were all easy to get along with?'
Faced with this look, Bosacius could only helplessly spread his hands and laugh heartily, unsure what to say.
He could only blame little Hu Tao's bad luck for stepping on someone's landmine. But Bosacius knew Xiao would never harm a Liyue citizen, so he wasn't too concerned.
"Sister Bonanus, that Conqueror of Demons looks really fierce," Hu Tao whispered.
Though Hu Tao had moved slightly away from Bonanus, she could still speak softly enough for only the two of them to hear.
Hearing this, Bonanus wore a conflicted expression. What could she do?
Since arriving in this world, she'd seen many emotions from game characters that were never shown in-game.
Bonanus could only nod slightly at Hu Tao, indicating not to worry—that was just Xiao's personality.
Sitting nearby, quietly sipping tea, Zhongli also noticed Xiao crushing the teacup. He shook his head slightly, then spoke calmly.
"You still have much to learn."
Hearing this, Hu Tao was confused. Was he talking about her? What did she need to learn? She was so clever!
Aside from Hu Tao thinking it was about her, Bosacius and Bonanus both knew Mr. Zhongli was addressing Xiao.
Xiao nodded slightly, lowering his head, and said no more.
Seeing Xiao suddenly become a well-behaved child, Bonanus couldn't help but marvel. Leave it to old man Zhongli!
With just one sentence, Mr. Zhongli could rein Xiao in. This scene was like a father educating his child.
"Xiao, you're still too young," Bosacius said teasingly. Xiao usually seemed calm and controlled his emotions well.
Except under certain special circumstances—like when Bonanus got close to others. That fell under 'special circumstances'.
"You're so talkative." Xiao shot Bosacius an annoyed glare. Losing that many games still couldn't shut his mouth.
At least Xiao had written 'idiot' on his chin. Though not obvious, if you looked closely, you could see it.
"You two are something else." Bonanus rubbed her forehead, somewhat speechless. These two bickered at the slightest provocation.
Bonanus's recent actions had exposed the pattern on her face to everyone, so there was no point covering it anymore.
If she kept hiding it, she'd seem overly self-conscious.
"Sister Bonanus is so cute!" Hu Tao poked Bonanus's waist, giggling.
The six cat whiskers on Bonanus's face looked adorable, like a real little cat, making you want to pet her.
"Want some too? I can have Xiao draw some on your face." Bonanus propped her chin on her hand, smiling at Hu Tao.
"Ah! No thanks! I have to do business tomorrow—going out with cat whiskers would be so embarrassing!"
Hu Tao quickly waved her hand in refusal. She didn't want the 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to be laughed at for having cat whiskers.
Everyone seated together chuckled softly. Bonanus looked up at the somewhat dazzling sky and shook her head slightly.
It was still early...