"Okay."
As soon as Hu Tao heard something serious was happening,
Her whole expression changed—serious, solemn.
But on that childish little face,
That intense look was oddly endearing.
Orion had seen it many times.
Yet every time, it felt fresh.
In the game, Hu Tao had always worn her mischievous, ghostly grin.
Seeing her at work—this side of her—was a rare glimpse.
And every time Orion looked at Hu Tao like this,
He couldn't help but think of his little pity.
Whenever it came to buying or selling,
That girl's expression would turn unusually serious too.
Just like Hu Tao now.
---
The client was soon brought inside.
A middle-aged man with a sly, somewhat shady face.
He looked like a thief.
Didn't seem like a good person.
In Genshin Impact, a 12+ game,
The bad guys and good guys were pretty clear-cut.
---
"What's going on?" Hu Tao asked bluntly.
She clearly wasn't fond of this man—her tone was slightly impatient.
The client noticed this.
The smile vanished from his face.
He lifted his chin arrogantly.
"Our mine—it's part of the Tianquan's operations."
"Lord Ningguang is constructing the Jade Chamber."
"We supplied the mined materials she used."
---
"Ningguang?"
The moment Orion heard the title Tianquan,
His eyes lit up.
"Bold!"
The man snapped.
"Who are you to speak Lord Tianquan's name so casually?"
Hu Tao wasn't having it.
She was just about to rebuke him—
But a voice echoed from outside:
"I didn't realize my name was forbidden to speak."
---
The hairs on Orion's body stood up instantly.
It was her.
Ningguang.
The real Ningguang.
More regal than the game's portrayal.
The aura of a royal sister—undeniable.
He turned quickly.
There she was:
White hair, crimson eyes, a golden cheongsam.
Graceful in every step.
She carried a commanding aura—
One that came naturally to a successful, confident businesswoman.
---
"Lord Tianquan!"
The client dropped into a bow, voice trembling.
She was one of the Seven Stars.
Like a celestial body—too distant to reach.
To stand before her now?
He was overwhelmed with awe.
---
Orion was excited too.
But his introverted nature masked it well.
Hu Tao didn't seem fazed.
She stepped forward casually.
"You're here."
"Yes," Ningguang nodded.
"I've been expediting my workflow. I'll have free time this month."
"Great. We'll leave today—head to the mine the client mentioned."
"If ghosts are involved, we may find some clues."
"Spirits tend to brush past more than the living."
---
There was a flicker in Ningguang's gaze—
A moment of familiarity, perhaps.
But it faded quickly.
She returned to her poised, noble self.
---
Orion couldn't stop peeking at her.
He tried to keep it subtle.
Yet… she felt inexplicably familiar.
Was it from playing the game too often?
She was his favorite character, after all.
He often ran scenes with her.
Maybe that's all it was.
Or maybe…
---
Ningguang was focused—still hoping this man (Orion) might hold a clue.
She didn't realize the person beside her had changed names, appearances…
Orion didn't realize it either.
Because the Ningguang standing here—
Was none other than his little pity from ten years ago.
---
Back then, she hadn't had a name.
When he first met her, he'd asked:
"Are you Ningguang?"
She'd answered: no.
And saw the disappointment in his face.
She remembered that moment vividly.
---
After Orion disappeared,
She changed her name.
Not even sure why—
She thought she hated him.
But she couldn't stop thinking about him.
Even changed her identity to the one he cherished most.
Ningguang.
---
When they met again…
She pretended to be that person.
Gave him a taste of his own deception.
Swindled his Mora.
Swindled his feelings.
Made him miserable.
Let him feel the heartbreak she once knew.
---
He had designed everything for her.
Not to escape—but to make her stronger.
So she could stand alone.
She thought she could take revenge.
But when she read the letter,
When she heard he might be dead—
It all shattered.
---
If he had actually run off,
She could've hated him purely.
Plotted revenge with clarity.
But now?
She wasn't even sure if he was alive.
No body. No ghost.
Just… absence.
---
No.
That couldn't be true.
As long as his body hadn't been seen,
He was still alive.
Even if he had died—
His soul…
She would find it.
No matter what.
Let him rise from the dead. Even if you lose all that you have now.
Even if.
There is a greater price to pay.
Where does Orion know. I left that little pitiful back then.
It caused so much psychological trauma to her. After all, two people live together for a long time.
It's been less than a month. For a 12-year-old.
A month of time.
Maybe it's just hating for a while. Wait until you make enough money later.
Let's forget about it.
But he didn't know.
For a lonely girl since childhood. For children who have not felt the kindness of the world.
Those warmth he gave.
Enough to be the whole world of this child.
Plus Ningguang, this person was also stubborn. Thing to be determined. Recognized person.
Basically, it won't change easily. I'm afraid there are only people with such a
character to be a successful businessman.
But now the condensation.
I have been crawling around in the mall for so many years.
True emotions are no longer easily revealed.
Although the heart is turned upside down.
The face is still calm.
She nodded.
He has a professional smile on his lips.
Polite and distant.
"It's for the best. That old man is very important to me, and it would be best if I could find him."
"There's a master of the Laohu Hall."
"This trip will definitely not let Director Hu run in vain."
"I heard that Hall Master Hu is interested in
expanding the business of the Hall of the Dead to Mondstadt, right?"
"I do have some connections in this regard. You can help in any way you can."
Hu Tao's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?"
"Can the Hall of the Dead really go to Mondstadt?"
Ningguang pondered for a moment.
There is no guarantee either.
Instead, choose to tell the truth.
----------------
End of chapter.