Takumi did not know at all that, far away in another world, there was a salty duck plotting to kill him.
The New Year's Eve dinner would soon be ready.
Everyone gathered together and began celebrating.
While everyone was eating, a special program was also being broadcast on the TV station.
It was Liyue's first Spring Festival Gala.
Because of this event, Eden did not return home.
But they could still celebrate the New Year together through the television broadcast.
No one felt too worried.
At this time, every household in Liyue had turned on the TV and was watching this year's Spring Festival Gala with anticipation.
The Gala had been promoted in advance, and many people already knew that a very impressive program would be aired tonight.
They could enjoy it together while having their New Year's Eve dinner.
Because of this, many people were looking forward to it.
Even other nations were watching.
For example, Sumeru.
In Sumeru, Yael invited Tighnari and others to his palace for dinner, and then they watched the program on TV.
Everyone knew that it was the Lunar New Year in Liyue.
Through the screen, they could feel the festive atmosphere.
Even Bouyer was thinking about whether they, too, should keep up with the times and celebrate the New Year together.
The scholars of Sumeru were often the type to bury themselves endlessly in their studies.
It could not continue like that.
Perhaps giving everyone a yearly reason to gather and watch something together was actually quite good.
Rumor had it that Inazuma did something similar.
Thinking of this, Bouyer made up his mind to discuss the matter with everyone later.
All of them watched the program intently while enjoying their meal.
Soon, the Spring Festival Gala officially began.
The first performer to appear was Yun Jin.
She served as the host of this year's Gala, so she offered New Year greetings to the people of Liyue.
The Gala program included many of Liyue's traditional performing arts, such as storytelling.
However, the content of the story was written by Fu Hua, who had put considerable effort into it.
For many viewers, the performances were unfamiliar, yet everyone watched with great interest.
In Inazuma, although they also celebrated the New Year, they had no Spring Festival Gala.
Thus, during their reunion dinner, the programs they watched were outdated.
Even Chiyo Heiying watched with enjoyment.
"Well, we'll hold one next year too!"
She genuinely found it excellent.
So they decided they would create their own festival performance the following year.
Thinking of this, she turned her gaze toward the Huzhai Palace.
"This matter is left to you."
Hearing this, Huzhai Palace immediately rolled her eyes.
"Yes, yes, yes, I know!"
"You people always push everything onto me."
"It's outrageous!"
Huzhai Palace could not help complaining.
Ever since being resurrected by Takumi, she had been constantly assigned tasks by the true ruler and forced to do all sorts of work.
Had she known beforehand, she might not have wanted to be resurrected at all.
Chiyo's lips curled slightly.
Naturally, she would choose someone capable.
Raising her wine cup, she silently toasted Huzhai Palace.
Seeing this, everyone lifted their cups and drank together.
Ei observed the scene quietly, a faint smile in her eyes.
Ever since her sister's death, she had longed for this very image.
Now, it had finally come true.
All thanks to Takumi.
After silently giving thanks in her heart, she continued celebrating with everyone.
They drank joyfully until the early morning.
As dawn arrived, fireworks began to light the sky everywhere.
Needless to say, in Liyue, Keqing had ordered a great number of fireworks ahead of time.
As for Inazuma, Yoimiya had become the largest fireworks maker in all of Teyvat.
She brought out all the fireworks stored at home and set them off freely, as if money were no concern.
She was delighted.
Inazuma had begun improving steadily, and since it was such an important year, she would certainly not be stingy.
Naturally, she wanted it to be as lively as possible.
Her neighborhood loved noise and excitement, especially fireworks.
As in previous years, the new year began with tradition.
After everyone woke the next day, they prepared to enter the mountain to burn incense for the immortals.
Takumi also came to the temple of Dijun to make his offerings.
Every year would be like this from now on.
And Takumi believed that Liyue's officials must also attend.
After all, this was the Emperor's temple.
How could they neglect their incense offerings?
That would be disrespect to the Emperor.
Keqing and Ningguang followed Takumi.
They wanted to laugh aloud but managed to restrain themselves.
Dijun was still alive and well, and he had also come.
Yes, Zhongli had been dragged there by Hu Tao.
There might have been a final reason as well—after all, someone had persuaded Zhongli to attend.
So Hu Tao and the others pulled Zhongli there early.
Zhongli stared at his own grave and temple.
He fell into deep contemplation.
"Yo, Takumi!"
Hu Tao and the others greeted him cheerfully.
"I knew you would come today!"
"Hehe!"
"Let's worship the Emperor together!"
After speaking with Takumi, Hu Tao cleared her throat and called out to the crowd.
"Ahem! Everyone, please give me a moment. Those who wish to worship the Emperor, please wait briefly. We will perform the rites together. I am Hu Tao, the head of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The Emperor's funeral was arranged by me alone. Therefore, I have prepared a complete set of offerings for Dijun today. And our highly respected Mr. Zhongli will read the rites for Dijun. What do you think?"
It had to be convincing.
As Hu Tao took out a stack of ritual texts, the eyes of the crowd lit up.
Everyone knew the prestige of the Funeral Parlor. Their grandparents—well, that phrasing might not be entirely accurate, but close enough—had long been familiar with it.
As for Mr. Zhongli, nothing more needed to be said.
Some children even greeted him as their headmaster.
Hu Tao's arrangement was perfectly acceptable.
Naturally, everyone agreed.
"No problem!"
"Hallmaster Hu Tao, we support you."
"Master Takumi, Master Ningguang, and Master Keqing are all here."
"Let's worship the Emperor together."
"It would be best for Mr. Zhongli to preside."
Soon, many voices responded with approval.
"Very good! Then it's settled. Come, everyone, prepare your offerings."
Hu Tao began directing the preparations.
Watching this, Zhongli fell back into thought.
What crime had he committed in a past life to end up like this?
Why did it feel as though he were truly dead?
He could not help but laugh quietly to himself.
This was truly interesting.