"Mr. Vampire? That's a manga too?"
When Han Feng saw the manga he had drawn, his face showed a trace of surprise.
Up until now, every draw had been one of the blockbuster manga from his past life.
But Mr. Vampire? That wasn't the case!
Sure, it was famous, but it was a movie, not a manga!
"Don't tell me the system's run out of stock?"
"System, what's going on?" Han Feng asked.
[The manga drawn by the system are mostly works published as manga in the host's past world. However, this is not exclusive—films, TV series, and other works may also appear, though with a lower probability.]
"So that's how it is!"
Han Feng nodded in realization.
That meant his manga shop might end up with many more interesting works in the future.
Placing Mr. Vampire onto the shelf, he took a sip of tea and waited patiently for new customers.
Liyue.
In a quiet alley, a girl wearing a black robe, a Qunkun Tai diviner's hat, and sporting twin ponytails that faded from crimson to chestnut bounced along while cheerfully singing a Hilichurl rhyme:
"Big Hilichurl's sick, Second Hilichurl checks, Third Hilichurl gathers herbs, Fourth Hilichurl brews, Fifth Hilichurl dies, Sixth Hilichurl lifts, Seventh Hilichurl digs, Eighth Hilichurl buries…"
This playful chant was Hu Tao's own creation. Once, it had been popular among Liyue Harbor's citizens, even spreading to Qingce Village where children sang it gleefully.
Aside from poetry, Hu Tao's favorite pastime was wandering.
Whenever she had free time, she would roam about—whether bustling streets or desolate mountains, Hu Tao could pop up anywhere.
Today, her wandering had brought her into a little alley in Liyue Harbor.
This was a quiet, remote spot, rarely visited by anyone. Which, naturally, piqued Hu Tao's interest.
But as she strolled through, she stumbled upon something unexpected.
"There's a bookstore here?" Hu Tao blinked in surprise.
A shop in such a hidden spot? What was the owner thinking?
Even her Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was located not far from the people, yet it still struggled for business. And this? Hidden away in an alley?
"Well then, let this Hall Master be your very first customer!" Hu Tao declared grandly.
Maybe she could even take the chance to promote the Funeral Parlor's services.
With a cheerful bounce in her step, she pushed the door open.
"Oh? It's actually pretty spacious inside!"
Hu Tao showed no hint of shyness—rather, her eyes brimmed with curiosity as she looked around.
Seeing another customer arrive, Noelle stepped forward with her usual warm smile.
"Welcome, miss. Would you like to read a manga?"
"Manga? What's that?" Hu Tao tilted her head.
"It's a type of book with more pictures and fewer words. One Lakh Mora per person. One read per day," Noelle explained.
"So expensive?!" Hu Tao's jaw dropped.
This was daylight robbery!
No wonder the shop was hidden in an alley.
If it had been out on the main street, the owner might've been beaten black and blue by now.
"Well then, never mind your overpriced books. How about trying out our Funeral Parlor's services instead? Second tablet is half off!"
Noelle: (⊙_⊙)
She had seen customers who came excited.
She had seen customers who left bitterly disappointed after realizing they had no money.
But this was the first time she'd seen a customer come to promote their own business.
"What kind of service is it?"
Since the girl had asked, and out of politeness, Noelle responded.
She had only visited Liyue once, and didn't know the details of Hu Tao's line of work.
If she did, she might have given her first-ever flat-out refusal.
But seeing the maid show genuine interest, Hu Tao's eyes lit up. Finally, someone who didn't reject her straight away!
She eagerly launched into her pitch.
"Our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services are—"
She was abruptly cut off by a black-haired youth stepping over.
"Ahem. Noelle, go take a break. I'll handle this guest," Han Feng said gently.
He hadn't expected Hu Tao of all people to come here.
And to immediately start promoting funeral services?!
If he didn't stop her, poor Noelle might end up questioning her entire worldview.
"Yes, Boss!"
Noelle gave Hu Tao one curious look before stepping away.
"Ah… my potential client just walked away…" Hu Tao muttered, crestfallen.
It wasn't often she found someone who seemed interested in the Funeral Parlor.
"Miss Hu Tao, let me be clear: my shop doesn't accept Wangsheng Funeral Parlor business," Han Feng said with a shake of his head.
Not just his shop—no normal establishment would ever want to tie themselves to such services. Cooperation was out of the question.
"Eh, fine then!"
Hu Tao scratched her head, but she didn't dwell on it.
She had been through this many times before—she was already used to rejection.
"Still, while I can't offer you business opportunities, I do have a manga that's very similar to the Wangsheng Parlor's work. Would you like to see it?"
As Hu Tao turned to leave, Han Feng spoke with a faint smile.
If it had been any other manga, she might not have been interested until she saw the reward herself.
But Mr. Vampire was different. With its overlap in theme, Han Feng was certain Hu Tao would be hooked.
Truly, the draw had been perfect timing!
Sure enough—At his words, Hu Tao spun around, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"A manga about the Funeral Parlor?!"
This was the first time she'd ever heard of such a thing.
Most people either feared or avoided anything to do with the Wangsheng Parlor. Under such circumstances, who would ever create a work about it?
Yet here, in this little hidden shop, there actually was one?!
What a delightful surprise!
"Of course. But first—you'll need to pay," Han Feng said with a knowing smile.
"Pfft, it's only One Lakh Mora? Here!"
Hu Tao slapped down a bag of Mora without hesitation.
If this guy was lying, well… she wouldn't mind turning this place into the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's newest branch!
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