After discussing the important matters, Yelan and Yuto both left the Yanshang Teahouse.
Someone attempting to harm a Qixing is a major issue that naturally needs to be reported to Ningguang. If the situation proves true, the problem becomes much more serious, potentially involving the suitability of candidates to succeed the Qixing, and it cannot be ignored.
As for Yuto, he walked through the streets of Liyue Harbor in a joyful mood. This quiet, peaceful city, full of the hustle and bustle of human life, made Yuto, a wandering drifter, feel incredibly at ease.
If this were Inazuma, the nights wouldn't be this lively. Even if there were festivities, they would belong to the nobles, not the common people, who wouldn't waste a few candles at night.
Working from sunrise to sunset, that is the daily routine for the common people of Inazuma.
This is also why the people of Inazuma are so fond of celebrations and rituals, as these activities provide them with rare forms of entertainment and nightlife.
Just as Yuto was about to walk back to the Inazuma Embassy, he suddenly heard a very distinctive voice.
"Zhongli, Mr. Zhong Yuan, could either of you explain to me why today's bill is so much higher than usual? Where did you two go to enjoy yourselves this time?"
"Hall Master Hu, don't get so agitated. We brothers simply did as usual: enjoyed tea, listened to stories, admired paintings, and had a simple meal at Three Bowls Are Not Enough. Oh, and yes, today we went to Xigu Antique to commission a set of wine and tea ware."
Xigu Antique is an antique shop in Liyue. As for antique shops, everyone knows the saying: 'three years without business, one business for three years.' They sell items for the pitiful rich to feign elegance. The items inside are astonishingly expensive, and most importantly, they aren't guaranteed to be authentic; it all depends on one's eye.
As Lord Rex Lapis, Zhongli naturally possesses extraordinary discernment. Moreover, due to his distinguished demeanor, he clearly appears to be a knowledgeable and wealthy individual. However, he has one fatal flaw: he cannot haggle.
Therefore, whenever Lin Lang, the owner of Xigu Antique, serves Zhongli, no matter what item he is interested in, the quoted price will always be significantly higher than usual. On one hand, she fears being tricked and having him snatch a bargain; on the other hand, he is generous with his spending, and once a deal is made, the profit is quite substantial.
It can be said that Zhongli is the primary contributor to the growth and prosperity of the Xigu Antique shop.
Hall Master Hu of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had a vein throbbing on her forehead, and the corner of her mouth twitched involuntarily. Although she acknowledged her consultant's discerning eye and ability—the antiques he bought back were at least genuine and held some collection value—
this did not mean she approved of Zhongli's spending habits. Just for drinking tea and wine, he could easily buy a fifty Mora cup from a small stall, yet he insisted on spending five hundred thousand Mora on a complete tea set and another five hundred thousand Mora on a complete wine set.
What? Are ordinary cups no longer enough for your tea and wine?
"Hall Master, you are different. From a generally rational perspective, a high-end tea set and wine set can have an icing-on-the-cake effect, allowing the aroma of tea and wine to be fully brought out..."
Zhongli's lengthy theoretical explanation gave Hu Tao a headache; it was simply spending money to suffer.
"Alright, let's put the tea and wine sets aside for now. Why was your meal and tea so expensive? Did you go to Xinyue Kiosk or Liuli Pavilion?"
"Hall Master, have you forgotten? Today is the day the Inazuma Delegation arrived in Liyue. Liyue Harbor is very lively today. Even the head chefs of Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion were called to Yuehai Pavilion to jointly prepare the dinner. Therefore, today's prices are quite a bit higher than usual."
"What! The Inazuma Delegation coming to Liyue actually made me spend more money? Why? Zhongli, when will that Inazuma Delegation leave Liyue?"
"Hall Master Hu, how heartless you are. I've only just returned to Liyue, and you're already trying to send me away?"
At this moment, the voice beside them immediately caught Hu Tao's attention. She saw a young man walking towards the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Hu Tao's plum blossom pupils lit up, like titanium alloy cat eyes in the dark night.
"Oh! A customer! Zhongli, Zhong Yuan, what are you standing around for? Quickly go pour tea for the customer! This customer, please accept my condolences. May I ask who the deceased is and what services you wish to arrange?"
Uh, have Lord Rex Lapis and Azhdaha pour me tea? Could I even drink that tea?
"Hey, hey, hey, no need to trouble Mr. Zhongli and Mr. Zhong Yuan. Hall Master Hu, do you still recognize me?"
"Hmm? I think I have some impression. A few months ago, you seemed to have sought out our consultant. It was something like Uchi... Yu..."
Hu Tao took a closer look at Yuto's face and instantly remembered him, but along with the memory came the expansive chest of his female companion... Hu Tao subconsciously lowered her head to look at her own chest. Uh... she could still see her entire foot at a glance, and a hint of sorrow welled up in her heart.
Didn't Zhongli say I was still growing? Why is there still no change after several months?
At this moment, to prevent her Hall Master from saying anything inappropriate, Zhongli reminded Hu Tao: "Hall Master, this Mr. Yuto is now the Inazuma Regent and the head envoy of the Inazuma Delegation."
"Wow! Regent! Head envoy! That's a very important official, isn't it? Is there a big business deal for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Zhongli and Zhong Yuan were both astonished by Hu Tao's peculiar train of thought. Is this girl so desperate for customers she's gone mad? She can't go three sentences without mentioning business.
Yuto also chuckled awkwardly and quickly tried to change the subject: "Hall Master Hu, does your Wangsheng Funeral Parlor also do business at night? That's really quite tough."
Unexpectedly, after Yuto said this, Hu Tao, Zhongli, and Zhong Yuan all looked at him with strange expressions.
Zhongli explained: "Ahem, Mr. Yuto, our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor handles funeral services. To avoid disturbing other businesses, we originally operate at night.
If a customer comes during the day, they can take a plaque from the wooden board in front of the shop, write down the matters to be handled and the address. In the evening, we will send someone to the address written on the plaque to discuss the specific arrangements."
Hearing Zhongli's explanation, Yuto finally understood. No wonder he always saw Zhongli idly during the day; it turns out he rests during the day and works at night. If there's no business at night either, he can naturally slack off all day.
What a job, I'm so envious!
At this moment, Yuto suddenly remembered something and said to Hu Tao: "Hall Master Hu, you just reminded me, I do indeed have a big business deal."
This not only made Hu Tao ecstatic, but even Zhongli and Zhong Yuan, who were nearby, were very surprised. What's going on? Did someone in Yuto's family die? No, didn't he say he was the only one left in his family?
"What business? What business?"
"I wonder, can the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor undertake international business?"
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