Leaving the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Taro and Hu Tao stepped onto the path that connects Feiyun Slope and Chihu Rock.
Beneath the bridge ran a mountain stream.
The waters flowed down from the Tianheng Mountains, rushing all the way into the Sea of Clouds.
The sound of the water striking the rocks made a pleasant rhythm.
By the cliff stood two ancient maple trees, their trunks thick and sturdy.
The sunlight pierced through the leaves, scattering dappled shadows across the ground.
Whenever one stopped here, this place always carried a unique charm.
At noon, however, the sound of the stream would be drowned out by the bustle of Chihu Rock.
Morning, evening, and late at night—these were the busiest times when crowds filled the streets.
The two walked along the official road, passing row upon row of small homes and shops.
Soon, Chihu Rock lay right before them.
"Look, Taro, quick!" Hu Tao pointed ahead.
"Xingqiu just came out of Wanmin Restaurant. I bet he's heading straight home next."
As she said this, Xingqiu stepped out from Wanmin Restaurant and indeed turned in the direction of his family's residence.
"Young Master Xingqiu!"
Taro chuckled lightly, calling out:
"Hu Tao and I are right behind you."
Though his voice wasn't loud, it cut clearly through the chatter and noise of Chihu Rock.
"…Is that Brother Taro?"
Xingqiu's expression lit up in joy as he spun around quickly.
But there was no sign of Taro behind him.
Confused, he scanned the crowd until finally he spotted the familiar figure.
"Brother Taro! It really is you! But… why did your voice sound so close when you were so far away?"
For a moment, Xingqiu was puzzled, then quickly reasoned it away:
"Of course—it's only natural. Brother Taro is a man of many mysteries!"
Overjoyed, he hurried toward them.
"Brother Taro, you've made it so hard for me these past few days!" Xingqiu exclaimed.
"The other day I finally freed myself from tedious matters and went looking for you. But I was told you had already left three days earlier!
Thanks to your position as guest consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I managed to follow the trail…
But even so, two whole days of chasing rumors and running around—honestly, I almost thought fate itself meant to keep us apart!"
Taro smiled warmly.
What a good kid, he thought. So earnest, loyal, kindhearted, brimming with righteous spirit—and so passionate, too.
"My mistake, my mistake~" Taro replied, still smiling.
"I'm new to Liyue, and while I don't know the land well, I've taken a liking to wandering about.
I even bought two properties just to settle down a bit, but… yes, I've made you run in circles. You've worked harder than me."
"Not at all, not at all!" Xingqiu laughed, his eyes bright.
"The fault is mine for neglecting our meeting first."
"Where, where…"
"Enough!" Hu Tao suddenly jumped between them, hands raised to block their mutual praises.
"Stop it, both of you! If I let this go on, you'll be at it till nightfall."
"Uh…"
Caught mid-sentence, Xingqiu scratched his head sheepishly.
Taro, meanwhile, secretly sighed in relief.
Thank the Archons Hu Tao interrupted—if not, he'd be utterly overwhelmed by this boy's endless enthusiasm.
"You two…" Hu Tao crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Talking like a pair of old scholars is one thing, but seriously, don't you feel tired speaking so stiffly?
We're all friends here—can't you relax a little?"
She couldn't help but think: both younger than Zhongli, yet they spoke exactly like him.
This… was this really how young people should talk? It was exhausting just to listen!
"Well…" Xingqiu scratched his head again.
It wasn't really his fault—Taro had kept calling him "Young Master Xingqiu," and without realizing, he'd started replying in the same stiff tone.
"Cough."
Taro cleared his throat, following Hu Tao's lead.
"All right, let's do it your way, Hu Tao. Tell me then—Xingqiu, have you had lunch yet?
If not, we're just about to have some at my place. Why don't you join us?"
"This…" Xingqiu hesitated. "It should really be my treat…"
Hu Tao shot him a look.
"Ahem—very well then," Xingqiu laughed. "To refuse would be impolite. But next time, I'll be the host, Brother Taro. You mustn't refuse."
"Of course, of course. I'll be there for sure…"
Halfway through his sentence, Taro froze.
Wait.
Didn't he promise someone else he'd attend a dinner before?
And then… forgot about it?
(Meanwhile, somewhere, a certain purple-haired cat: "Strange… I think I forgot something too…")
"What's wrong, Brother Taro?" Xingqiu asked, noticing his distraction.
"Well…" Taro admitted awkwardly.
"I promised to attend someone else's dinner. But with everything happening, I forgot. Honestly, I think she probably forgot too."
"Who was it?" Hu Tao narrowed her eyes.
Taro shrugged. "…Lady Ningguang."
"—!!"
Xingqiu gasped sharply.
In all of Liyue, there weren't many who dared stand up a Qixing member.
To skip out on Ningguang, the Tianquan herself—one could count such fools on one hand.
"This… this is serious," Xingqiu muttered, frowning.
"Brother Taro, maybe you should pretend to be sick?"
"What? Fake an illness?" Hu Tao stared at him.
"Xingqiu, what kind of ridiculous idea is that? Usually you're cleverer than me, but today… really?"
"…Ugh, foolish of me!" Xingqiu slapped his forehead, forcing himself to calm down.
"I panicked. Forgive me, Brother Taro. Let me think of something better."
Taro could only smile helplessly.
This child—he truly did care for his friends.
(End of Chapter)
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