She immediately lowered her already youthful voice and answered vaguely: "N-no, I'm not unwell... Thank you for your concern, big sister."
She tried to sidestep and pass by.
But Hu Tao obviously didn't intend to let this "suspicious-looking" little fellow go easily.
Hu Tao nimbly sidestepped and blocked Lovia again, bending down to try and see her face from under the hood, her tone full of concern: "Hey, hey, don't go! On such a hot day, dressed so tightly and carrying such a large package, how tiring! Is your complexion not good? Are you sick? Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, I'll take you to Bubu Pharmacy to have a look. Dr. Baizhu's medical skills are superb!"
Hu Tao giggled, tapping her chin with a finger: "Besides, looking at your small stature, carrying such a big package must be exhausting! Do you want me to help you carry it?"
Lovia suffered inwardly.
She was all too familiar with Hu Tao; this Director was warm-hearted and full of curiosity. Right now, in Hu Tao's eyes, she was probably just a poor little thing wrapped up airtight under the scorching sun, struggling forward with a heavy load.
Director Hu is way too enthusiastic, isn't she?!
If it were someone else, they'd definitely be happy to have help, but she was on a "secret mission" right now... Thinking this, Lovia hugged the manuscript in her arms tighter; she could feel the thickness of the package through the cloth. She was anxious, fearing Hu Tao's curiosity would make her insist on seeing what was inside.
"Oh, are you still shy?" Hu Tao saw that she didn't answer, only shook her head, and found it even more interesting, leaning in closer with a smile.
Seeing Hu Tao approach, Lovia was even more startled. She forced herself to calm down and decided to use the advantage of her current child-sized body to continue playing a shy but well-behaved child.
Lovia lifted her head slightly, letting the shadow of the hood still cover most of her face, only revealing a small chin and lips trying to purse into a well-behaved curve, saying in an even weaker voice: "Really, no need, big sister. I... I'm just helping an adult deliver something up ahead. It's very close, almost there. I-I'm not used to talking to strangers..."
Her voice even intentionally carried a bit of a timid tremble.
This explanation and performance seemed to work.
Hu Tao blinked and toned it down, replaced by an "I see" expression.
She probably took Lovia for a shy child sent out by some merchant's household to run errands.
"Oh—delivering something!" Hu Tao clapped her hands as if suddenly realizing, "Helping out at home, what a good child! But..."
She leaned in a bit closer again, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret: "If you really run into trouble, like someone bullying you or getting lost, just come to WangSheng Funeral Parlor to find me, Hu Tao! Mentioning my name works wonders!"
Lovia felt relieved, a wave of Warmth welling up, and she quickly nodded: "Mm-hmm, I know. Thank you, Big Sister Hu Tao."
She took the opportunity to try moving her feet again.
This time Hu Tao didn't stop her, just stood up straight, waved her hand, and said straightforwardly: "Alright then, go on, little friend. Be careful on the way! Don't delay your business!"
Lovia felt like she'd been granted a general amnesty and hurriedly hugged her precious guoba the god of cookery manuscript, stepping with her short legs, giving Hu Tao a shy smile back before diving into that quiet alley leading to Sanyu Bookstore.
Not until she turned the corner and confirmed Hu Tao's gaze could no longer reach her did she breathe a sigh of relief.
Sigh... why do I always have to run around so sneakily? But there's no choice; Mr. Lovia's manuscript must never be exposed!
Lovia thought helplessly, but then became smug again.
Can't be helped, who told me to be the famous Mr. Lovia of Liyue Harbor? And the first-ever natural Humanoid Melusina in Teyvat!
This unexpected encounter with Hu Tao was finally glossed over without any danger. Now, she had to find a suitable child quickly to complete this last step, and her masterpiece could successfully be released.
Under the hood, Lovia's mouth curled up again, this time with a bit of smugness from winning against the odds.
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