Hearing Conrad's words, Hu Tao's inner 'work' spirit immediately burned brightly. She knew nothing about modern funerals and hoped to take this opportunity to observe carefully.
As an important member of the TOPS Conglomerate, Conrad quickly selected a burial plot in the suburbs. His subordinates only took the time it took for Conrad and Hu Tao to have lunch together as a token of gratitude to set up the preliminary arrangements at the site.
Taking this opportunity, Hu Tao proposed that she would like to accompany Conrad to the cemetery before the funeral to observe briefly.
For this 'body-finding benefactor,' Conrad readily agreed to her request.
However, when they arrived there, the sight before them left Hu Tao dumbfounded. This funeral could no longer be called traditional; it didn't resemble a normal funeral at all:
The entire site was predominantly industrial-grade white plastic sheeting and cheap black spray-painted fabric, mimicking the 'white' of traditional funerals and the 'black' of Western influence, but with a cold, glaring texture.
At the same time, plastic simulation white chrysanthemums and yellow chrysanthemums were piled up everywhere, but their petals shimmered with unnatural fluorescence, interspersed with reflective strips of gold, silver, and even pink.
Moreover, the deceased's tombstone was actually a huge black polished display screen playing various selfie videos of Edmond from when he was alive!
Even more speechless was that on the stainless steel 'offering table,' there were several rows of ceramic cups of various colors containing carbonated drinks and canned coffee, along with several fast-food restaurant burgers and pizzas that were clearly just bought!
What Hu Tao found most unbearable was that the funeral music playing on the layered plastic wreaths, which were equipped with sound functions and filled with fluorescent green and pink, was actually the brainwashing hit song from the popular short video platform that Amber had just shown her!
In Hu Tao's opinion, all the elements of this funeral arrangement completely lacked organic connection and cultural logic. They were merely physical stacking and juxtaposition, presenting a chaotic, fragmented, and absurd collage.
Hu Tao turned around, looked at Amber who had come with him, and asked incredulously, "You mean... have I been in the Hollow for too long and started hallucinating?"
"Are all your 'modern people's' funerals this strange?"
Amber replied, "Well, first of all, I can't be sure if you traveled from 'our' past to the present, since the gods, visions, and Teyvat you mentioned in the Hollow are completely absent from modern records."
Then, she said helplessly, "Of course, it's also possible that that period of history was completely forgotten due to the disaster caused by the Hollow—which is what I wanted to say next."
"During the prolonged disaster caused by the Hollow, many non-heritage traditional cultures were completely forgotten, including the 'traditional funerals' you know."
"Of course, some related artifacts still exist, but because few people know the correct way to use them, modern funerals are basically all in this style."
"Although everyone feels something isn't quite right, since no one knows how to do it properly, they can only cobble things together."
Hu Tao felt both regret and heartache after hearing this.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind: "If this Hall Master brings the Wang Sheng Funeral Parlor's funeral model to New Elido, wouldn't I have a foundation to stand on?"
So, she quickly walked up to Mr. Conrad and solemnly said, "Mr. Conrad, do you wish to hold a true, traditional funeral for your son?"
Conrad was immediately puzzled, and as he carefully scrutinized Hu Tao's attire, he asked incredulously, "Could it be... you know how to conduct a funeral?"
Hu Tao confidently replied, "Of course! I..."
Suddenly, she realized that she shouldn't reveal her identity as a transmigrator, so she changed her explanation: "I once read a detailed method for conducting traditional funerals in an ancient family heirloom book."
"If you let me be in charge, I guarantee you a satisfactory funeral!"
Conrad thought about it. Even if this little girl in ancient clothes messed up, it couldn't be much worse than the current hodgepodge.
So, he firmly grasped Hu Tao's hand and said, "Little girl, since you're so confident, I'll give you a chance. The budget is unlimited."
"If you can really do as you say, I will reward you handsomely afterward."
Hu Tao confidently replied, "Hehe, just watch me."
The first order for the Wang Sheng Funeral Parlor Hall Master after transmigration was successfully secured!