"Director, the situation is like this."
"There is a warrior from Snezhnaya."
"A Fatui Harbinger named Tartaglia, also known as Childe."
"He provided financial support for the preparations of the Rite of Parting."
Zhongli explained.
"I see."
"Childe Tartaglia… he truly sounds like a rare good person."
"However, cooperating with a Fatui Harbinger still requires caution."
Hu Tao nodded but offered a reminder.
"What the Director may not know is that besides me, there was also a traveler from another land."
"Her martial skill is exceptional. With her present, safety should not be an issue."
Qiu Nian added with a light smile.
"My old friend speaks the truth."
Zhongli nodded in agreement.
"A traveler from another land?"
"Well, alright. But you two should still be careful."
"I can sense that the atmosphere in Liyue is rather strange lately."
Hu Tao said thoughtfully.
"Let's head back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor first."
With that, she stood up to pay the bill.
After paying, she brought Zhongli and Qiu Nian back to the parlor.
By this time, work hours had begun.
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was filled with many young funeral attendants, as well as older staff such as Old Meng and the attendant girl.
"Director, you're back."
The attendant girl greeted them.
"Yep. Come here, everyone. Let me introduce someone."
"This gentleman is our newly hired consultant—Mr. Qiu Nian, Zhongli's old friend."
Hu Tao announced.
"Hello, Mr. Qiu Nian."
The attendant girl greeted him politely.
Just as expected of Zhongli's friend—his demeanor was refined, and his appearance was equally striking.
The only concern was whether he might also start putting restaurant bills on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's account.
After briefly introducing Qiu Nian to everyone, Hu Tao began explaining the rules of the parlor.
The explanation lasted an entire hour.
Fortunately, there were not many rules for consultants—otherwise she could have talked all day.
Afterward, Qiu Nian spent some time telling stories and giving lectures to the young attendants.
His literary talent and knowledge astonished even Old Meng and the senior staff.
Logically speaking, someone as knowledgeable and handsome as Mr. Qiu Nian should not be an unknown figure in Liyue.
Take Zhongli, for example—he was already quite famous in the harbor.
But considering Qiu Nian was Zhongli's friend, they quickly accepted it.
"As expected of Zhongli's friend…"
"With someone this knowledgeable around, our work will become much easier."
"Not bad at all."
Hu Tao watched Qiu Nian chatting with the others and grew more satisfied the longer she observed.
"Alright, everyone. If there's nothing else, get back to work."
"Consultant Zhongli, take some time to guide Consultant Qiu Nian."
"I still have matters to attend to at the Ministry of Civil Affairs."
"Attendant girl, come with me."
Hu Tao left with the attendant girl.
The rest of the staff soon returned to their duties.
Of course—
Except for Qiu Nian and Zhongli.
"I'll show you your room, old friend."
Zhongli led him upstairs.
Soon they arrived at a door.
Zhongli opened it.
The room was somewhat small, but it had everything necessary—wardrobe, bookshelf, wooden desk, bed, and lamp.
The lighting was good, and the room was very clean.
After looking around, Qiu Nian was quite satisfied.
He walked over and sat down at the desk.
Zhongli sat across from him.
"Oh right, old friend."
"Didn't you say you had something to discuss with me?"
Zhongli asked.
"This concerns Osial and Beisht."
Qiu Nian explained his plan in detail.
"Haha…"
"If you can persuade Osial and Beisht, I would have no objections."
"The conflicts of the old era are merely memories of that era."
Zhongli chuckled softly.
"You're quite open-minded."
"But if they could truly set aside their hatred toward Liyue…"
"And take their people to live in seas far away from the Seven Nations…"
"Or even travel the world in human form…"
"That would be a good outcome."
Qiu Nian said thoughtfully.
"Well, that will depend on your persuasive skills, my friend."
Zhongli teased.
"Haha…"
Qiu Nian laughed.
"Shall we take a walk?"
Zhongli suggested.
Qiu Nian nodded.
The two left the room and walked out of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
They strolled through Liyue Harbor while reminiscing about events from long ago.
Before they realized it, evening had arrived.
When they reached Third-Round Knockout, Zhongli ordered several dishes.
Unlike in the game, the establishment was large, filled with many tables and lively drinkers.
When the dishes arrived, Lumine and Paimon showed up as well.
"Ah, you're here."
"There's no need to order—I have already done so."
Zhongli said as Lumine took a seat.
"This establishment is unlike the taverns of Mondstadt."
"Here, the owner would refuse something as unsophisticated as fruit juice."
"So this time…"
"I ordered you a bowl of rice wine dumplings."
Zhongli glanced toward the storyteller Tian Tiezui before explaining.
"Rice wine dumplings are sweet glutinous rice balls served in chilled rice wine."
"You two should enjoy it."
Qiu Nian added with a smile.
Lumine and Paimon nodded happily.
"Oh, right."
"I have also become a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"I'm now Zhongli's colleague."
Qiu Nian said casually.
"What?!"
"Qiu Nian is also a consultant now?!"
Paimon exclaimed in shock.
"Someone as knowledgeable as Brother Qiu Nian would naturally catch Director Hu's attention."
Zhongli explained calmly.
"That's good."
"At least now Qiu Nian won't have to live in such a remote place anymore."
Lumine nodded.
Still—
Seeing Qiu Nian and Zhongli sitting together was truly pleasing to the eye.
Both of them had extraordinary looks.
Director Hu Tao was quite fortunate to see such a sight every day.
"This really is a rare and fortunate position."
"Thinking about it now, I can't help feeling a little emotional."
Qiu Nian said with a soft smile.
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