"Wait, Miss, where exactly are you taking me?"
Not long after leaving Liyue Prison, Chen Feng finally broke free from Hu Tao's grasp and watched her warily.
"If you're trying to scam me, I'm afraid I'm so poor that all I have left is myself."
"It's precisely you that this Director is interested in!"
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Chen Feng immediately stumbled back several steps in alarm, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Let me tell you, I'm not that kind of person... unless you pay extra!"
Hu Tao and Zhongli: "..."
"You don't recognize this Director?" Hu Tao suddenly asked, as if realizing something. "Have you heard of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
"Never heard of it."
Hu Tao was surprised. While many people in Liyue were still somewhat superstitious about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, there were very few who hadn't heard of it.
"You're not from another nation, are you?"
"No, that can't be right. No matter how I look at you, you seem like a Liyue native."
"Could you be from a reclusive clan?"
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Chen Feng rolled his eyes.
"If I were from a reclusive clan, how could I be so poor I can't even afford a meal?"
"Actually, I have amnesia. I can't remember much, only that my name is Chen Feng."
"But from the way you asked, it seems the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is quite famous in Liyue?"
Surname Chen? There don't seem to be any major clans with that surname in Liyue Harbor, Hu Tao thought.
"Of course! In Liyue, aside from the Liyue Qixing, you could say the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is the most famous!" Hu Tao snapped back to reality, puffing out her chest with pride.
"And I am the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao!"
"This gentleman here is our consultant, Zhongli."
"This Director has a dream: to expand the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor across all Seven Nations, making it bigger and stronger!"
"Chen Feng, this Director sees great potential in you. Why not join the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor now as a consultant? When we've expanded across the Seven Nations, you'll be a founding member!" Hu Tao said in a highly tempting tone.
"Why does this sound so much like a scam?"
Hearing Chen Feng's words, Hu Tao's expression instantly froze.
But she quickly recovered, forcing a smile as she continued, "How could it be a scam?!"
"How about this? Come with this Director to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor first. Once you see it, you'll understand I'm definitely not trying to trick you!"
"That's a nice sales pitch, but how much does a consultant at your parlor actually make a month?"
"A monthly salary of 10,000 Mora, plus room and board. What do you think?"
Even as she said it, Hu Tao felt a little embarrassed. In her eyes, Chen Feng's value was practically priceless, so this salary was far too low.
However, a few days ago, she had gone all-in and spent most of the parlor's funds on advertising, leaving them temporarily strapped for cash. She couldn't offer anything higher.
Hu Tao's heart pounded with anxiety, worried that Chen Feng would feel insulted by the offer and storm off. She quickly added, "The parlor's expenses have been a bit high lately, so this is the best we can offer for now."
"But don't worry! Once Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business is booming, I'll definitely give you a raise!"
"What did you say?!"
Seeing Chen Feng's extremely agitated expression, Hu Tao's heart suddenly sank.
Oh no, she thought. It looks like he's genuinely furious about the salary I offered—so angry his neck is turning red.
"Why didn't you say so sooner?!"
"Director Hu Tao, I can start today!"
Chen Feng pounded his chest emphatically, his neck flushed as he declared, "From now on, I'm your man! If you tell me to go east, I'll never go west!"
Hu Tao's anxious heart gradually settled, and she inwardly burst with joy.
I can't believe it was that easy! It's as if the heavens themselves want Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to soar to new heights!
"Excellent, excellent! Let's work together, you and I, to make Wangsheng Funeral Parlor bigger, stronger, and more glorious than ever!"
"Bigger, stronger, and more glorious than ever!" Chen Feng echoed, shamelessly flattering her.
Zhongli watched the scene unfold and shook his head helplessly. He couldn't even begin to imagine the chaos these two live wires would cause together. He then cast another deep, searching look at Chen Feng.
Amnesia, huh...
Gurgle...
Just then, an ill-timed sound broke the silence, startling Hu Tao.
"Was that thunder?"
"No, that was my stomach."
Hu Tao: ???
No way, is this for real?!
She had actually thought it was thunder and was wondering why, since the weather seemed perfectly fine.
But then she considered Chen Feng's current attire and suddenly understood.
"Come on! This Director will treat you to a good meal today!" Hu Tao declared generously, patting her chest—so flat that not even a game bug could get stuck on it.
Hearing this, Chen Feng's eyes lit up, and tears of gratitude streamed shamelessly from the corners of his mouth.
Zhongli, noticing the direction Hu Tao was heading, offered a well-intentioned reminder.
"Director Hu Tao, does Wangsheng Funeral Parlor still have enough funds to book a table at Liuli Pavilion?"
Zhongli's words made Hu Tao freeze instantly. But she quickly recovered, feigning composure as she replied, "Consultant Zhongli, what's so great about Liuli Pavilion's food? It can't hold a candle to Wanmin Restaurant!"
It wasn't that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was completely broke, but purchasing various supplies also cost money, and there was indeed no surplus cash left.
Previously, Hu Tao had gambled that this was Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's one chance to make it big. After calculating the necessary funds, she had spent every last Mora of the surplus on advertising.
"Come on! This Director will take you to Wanmin Restaurant to taste the skills of Xiangling, the winner of the last Chef's Competition!"
"Really? She's that skilled?!"
"Of course it's true! Why would This Director lie to you?!"
With that, Hu Tao changed direction and headed toward Wanmin Restaurant. Chen Feng and Zhongli quickly followed.
Soon, the trio arrived at Wanmin Restaurant. Hu Tao breathed a small sigh of relief upon seeing Xiangling bustling about inside. She quickly asked Xiangling to prepare a meal for Chen Feng. Before long, Xiangling brought out several fragrant dishes.
The aroma alone made Chen Feng's eyes glaze over. The moment the dishes were set on the table, he began devouring them like a starving wolf.
Hu Tao and Zhongli, who had already eaten but found their appetites rekindled by the fragrant aroma, were about to have another bite. But upon seeing Chen Feng devour the food like a reincarnated hungry ghost, they silently put down their chopsticks.
"Hic!"
Five minutes later, Chen Feng patted his full stomach contentedly. Suddenly remembering something, he turned to Hu Tao and Zhongli.
"You guys should eat too."
Hu Tao and Zhongli stared at the plates, which were now so clean they reflected the light. They fell silent for a moment.
"W-we're not hungry..." Hu Tao finally managed to reply after a long pause. "If you're still not full, This Director can order a couple more dishes for you."
"Oh, how could I impose... I'll have the Stir-Fried Shrimp and the Shredded Pork with Bamboo Shoots and Mushrooms."
Hu Tao sighed in exasperation. Chen Feng's words feigned politeness, but his actions showed no restraint whatsoever.
Soon, Xiangling brought out the new dishes, and the same scene repeated itself.
Even Xiangling, busy attending to other customers, was stunned. She leaned over to Hu Tao and asked curiously, "How long has it been since he last ate?"
Hu Tao shook her head. She didn't know either, but seeing how ravenous he was, she couldn't help but feel a mix of pity and admiration.
Despite his extreme hunger, he hadn't resorted to crime or wrongdoing—a truly commendable feat. He had even tried to use his ability to earn money, asking for only a small reward, but unfortunately, no one had believed him.
Thank goodness he ran into me, she thought. Otherwise, who knows how much longer he would have had to wander alone?
Don't worry, she mused, her eyes glinting. Soon, those ignorant fools will realize just how wrong they were!
While Chen Feng ate, Hu Tao took the opportunity to learn more about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's future God of Wealth.
Since it wasn't peak mealtime, the restaurant wasn't crowded. Xiangling, her curiosity piqued, listened in from the side, her expression gradually shifting to astonishment.
"This Consultant Chen Feng can actually calculate a person's remaining lifespan?"
"That's incredible!"
"Dulu-lu!"
Guoba, clinging to Xiangling's leg, also stared at Chen Feng with wide, curious eyes.
"I know, right? I never imagined someone with that kind of power actually existed!"
Hu Tao nodded and added, "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes earlier, I wouldn't have believed it either."
"Anyway, you'll see for yourself soon enough. Consultant Chen Feng will have plenty of chances to demonstrate his ability!"
"No need to wait," Chen Feng suddenly interjected as Hu Tao finished speaking.
"Consultant Chen Feng, how can you show Xiangling your ability now?" Hu Tao asked, puzzled. "Even if you calculate someone's remaining lifespan, we can't verify it right away."
"Who says we can't?"
Chen Feng pointed to a table in the corner of the dining hall, where a family of four was seated. "I just calculated it. That old man's lifespan is up. He's about to die."
Xiangling: "???"
Hu Tao: "!!!"
"Whoa, are we getting a new client already?!"
Hu Tao shot up from her seat, her face beaming with excitement. Her eyes, fixed on the old man, practically glowed green.
"Consultant Chen Feng, you're amazing! Once we secure this client, This Director will reward you handsomely back at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
With that, Hu Tao skipped off toward the family, her steps light and cheerful.
Zhongli felt this was highly inappropriate and started to raise a hand to stop her, but she was already too far away. He slowly lowered his hand, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.
Forget it. I'm staying out of this.
Tea... Tea is good...
Meanwhile, Hu Tao had reached the family's table. She beamed at them and chirped, "Greetings, everyone! The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is running a promotion right now—pre-book our services and get a 10% discount! Interested?"
"Get lost! What kind of bad luck are you trying to bring us? My father is perfectly fine!"
"A 10% discount? How about I give you a discount on your bones—by breaking them!"
The middle-aged man and woman flew into a rage, standing up to drive Hu Tao away.
"If you weren't so cute, I'd have hit you already! Now scram!"
"Owner, get her out of here now!"
Sensing the conflict escalating, Xiangling rushed over to calm the couple down.
Just then, a dull thud sounded from behind them, followed by the child's loud wails.
The middle-aged man and woman whipped around, their faces contorting in terror.
"Dad!"
The old man had slumped forward, his head resting on the table. His eyes were cloudy and lifeless, his chest still. Yet, a faint smile lingered on his face.
In his final moments, the presence of his family had allowed him to pass without regret.
"Dad—!"
Confirming the old man had passed away, the couple broke down in heart-wrenching sobs, and the child's cries grew even louder.
"He... he really predicted it?!"
Xiangling's gaze toward Chen Feng had completely transformed. This man is practically a god!
At that moment, Hu Tao seized the opportunity to promote her services again.
"Sir, Ma'am, the discount I mentioned is still valid. How about you consider it now?"
Hu Tao's words gave the couple's overwhelming grief an immediate outlet. They shot to their feet, pointing at her and screaming accusations.
"It was you! You must be behind this!"
"My dad was perfectly fine just a moment ago! How could he just die the moment you arrived? You must have killed him just to make a profit!"
"I'm going to sue Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! I'll sue you until you're bankrupt! Just you wait!"
"Let's go. We're taking Dad home!"
Watching the grieving family retreat, Hu Tao stood dumbfounded. How did things turn out so differently from what I expected?
"Hmph, how strange!"
Finally, she sighed and returned to her seat.
"These people... It's one thing to avoid talking about life and death when everything's fine, but why can't they face it now that someone has passed away?"
"They can't just skip the funeral rites, can they?"
"And I was even kind enough to offer them a discount! But they turned around and accused me!"
"How strange! How bizarre!"
Zhongli's tea-drinking motion paused for a fraction of a second before resuming its usual rhythm.
As a ferryman between life and death, Hu Tao's perspective differed greatly from that of ordinary people. Combined with her unique personality, she often did things that were difficult for others to understand.
Zhongli, however, saw no issue with her outlook. To bear such a heavy responsibility without becoming desensitized to death would be an unbearable torment. He was actually quite relieved that Hu Tao had managed to retain her mischievous spirit.
Though, he had to admit, she did give him a headache sometimes.
"Exactly! Those people are just unbelievable!"
"I once kindly tried to calculate their death dates for them, and they actually tried to beat me up! They're just awful!"
"Director Hu Tao is the only one who truly understands me! If you don't mind, Director, I'll start treating Wangsheng Funeral Parlor as my own home from now on!"
"Hahaha, of course! No problem at all!"
"Consultant Chen Feng, from now on, feel free to consider Wangsheng Funeral Parlor your home!"
"When Wangsheng Funeral Parlor flourishes in the future, we won't forget your contributions!"
Watching Chen Feng and Hu Tao bonding so deeply, almost as if they were about to become sworn siblings on the spot, Zhongli paused mid-sip from his tea.
The coming days likely won't be peaceful...