Gu Chen knew that Zhongli's status was exalted, and Zhongli likewise knew that Gu Chen's background was anything but ordinary.
The two understood each other without words, living in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor just like ordinary mortals.
The old hall master was even more aware of how mysterious the two were, but he neither asked questions nor said much.
It was already winter in Liyue.
Gu Chen rarely went out, and Zhongli was the same.
Occasionally, the two would drink tea together and discuss refined matters.
Perhaps influenced by their calm, water-like state of mind, the atmosphere of daily life in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor gradually became tranquil and unruffled.
[Azhdaha]: Watching the sect leader get along with Zhongli, why do I feel like the female lead of this arc is actually Zhongli? (Hu Tao · bad grin)
[Conqueror of Demons]: …
What do you mean the female lead is Zhongli—Azhdaha, you'd better not be that absurd!
[Venti]: For real?! (Venti · celebration)
[Yae Miko]: Oh? Are we going to bring up the elegant and charming Lord of Geo again? (Yae Miko · bad grin)
[Furina]: Don't say it—actually, don't not say it. At least for now Hu Tao hasn't been born yet. Looking at how Gu Chen and Zhongli interact… it's very plain, but at the same time they always know what the other wants and act before a word is spoken. It's really hard not to ship them! (Klee · yay)
[Nilou]: Mr. Gu Chen and Mr. Zhongli together… ah, forbidden knowledge, but I like it! (Nilou · peeking out)
[Collei]: It sounds ridiculous, but imagining two great faces pressed together—wow, that picture is really hard to imagine! (Collei · longing)
[Gu Chen]: …
[Zhongli]: …
[Sustainer of Heavenly Principles]: I ship it. I really ship it. (Collei · longing)
[Azhdaha]: May I ask when the wedding will be? (inquiry)
[Venti]: The Anemo Archon is here! Let me, Barbatos, preside over the wedding of the sect leader and the Most Exalted Lord of Precious Jade! (Venti · scattering flowers)
[Albedo]: Mm. The wedding photo has already been drawn. (Photo of artwork: groom Gu Chen and shy bride Zhongli)
[Gu Chen]: Fine, fine, you guys are really something—this is giving me chills. (Baizhu · vomiting blood)
[Zhongli]: Hard to evaluate… (frowning)
[Sucrose]: Teacher Albedo, please privately send me a copy of the original painting! (raising hand)
[Nilou]: Me too, me too—Teacher Albedo~ (Klee · please please)
[Collei]: Almighty Teacher Albedo~!! (Klee · please please)
[Albedo]: Everyone gets one, everyone gets one~ (Albedo · bad grin)
[Paimon]: If you count the time, Hu Tao should be about to be born, right? (Paimon · shocked)
[Shikanoin Heizou]: Even though I know you're changing the subject, I still have to say—if we count it out, barring accidents, it should be in spring.
[Xingqiu]: Mm… around this time, it should be about me as well. (Xingqiu · got an idea)
[Chongyun]: Me too.
[Xiangling]: Hehe, I just asked my dad—I'm around this time too! (Xiangling · starry eyes)
[Guoba]: ~~~ (Guoba · smiling widely)
[Cloud Retainer]: Mm… calculating it out, Shenhe should be about three years old now? Or five? Probably not over five. (pondering)
[Shenhe]: (Shenhe · staring)
[Kaeya]: In this arc, will the sect leader always be staying in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, or will he go out for walks? Judging by his mental state, he seems pretty homebound. (thinking)
[Zhongli]: By commonly accepted rationality, although the sect leader's exact age in this arc is unclear, judging by his conduct, he does resemble an old antique somewhat. (Zhongli · drinking tea)
[Hu Tao]: You, a real old antique, have the nerve to say others look like old antiques? (Hu Tao · startling)
[Zhongli]: It is precisely because my mindset is thus that I can discern the sect leader's mental state. (firm)
[Gu Chen]: Hard to say.
[Venti]: Then say it in detail!
[Lyney]: I feel it's more because Mr. Zhongli influenced Mr. Gu Chen, causing Mr. Gu Chen to also start… well, focusing on health preservation. (nodding)
Gu Chen and Zhongli went out together today, a rare occurrence.
Although Gu Chen didn't say anything, Zhongli, as Liyue's local encyclopaedia, still introduced various customs and scenery along the way.
Gu Chen didn't interrupt him.
Without realizing it, the two arrived in a bustling, lively district.
Even in the cold winter, it was still crowded with people.
Gu Chen and Zhongli found a stall and sat down, drinking hot tea.
The cries of a child hawking wares in the distance drew their attention.
Turning to look, they saw a small barefoot girl with white hair and red eyes, carrying a basket on her back and selling shells and star conches.
"In such cold winter weather, walking barefoot—this child…" Gu Chen raised an eyebrow.
Zhongli reached into his pocket and said, "We could lend a helping hand."
[Beidou]: Yo, isn't that Ningguang? (Beidou · laughing loudly)
[Kaedehara Kazuha]: The Tianquan Star was like this when she was young? (Kazuha · shocked)
[Dori]: No wonder she built the Jade Chamber—she must have climbed from poverty step by step to the very top. (admiration)
[Keqing]: Impressive. (Keqing · thumbs-up)
[Paimon]: Look at Ningguang in winter without shoes, wearing such plain clothes with so many patches… her family situation must've been really bad, yet she still became the Tianquan Star step by step! (Paimon · shocked)
[Lumine]: Amazing. She must've suffered a lot along the way, right?
[Ningguang]: Just a bit of hardship, that's all.
[Azhdaha]: Impressive.
[Cloud Retainer]: Even this adeptus must admit that this human is exceptionally outstanding. (nodding)
"It's so cold and you're still out selling things. What's your name?" Gu Chen poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to her.
"Thank you, big brother." After taking the tea, the little girl said, "My name is Ningguang!"
"By commonly accepted rationality, these shells and star conches are of good quality, suitable for collection… I'll take them all," Zhongli said.
"R-really?" Little Ningguang's eyes widened in disbelief.
"They truly are of good quality, clearly selected with great care. Worth buying," Gu Chen nodded.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Chen added calmly, "You're too young. Carrying Mora on the streets would be like a child hugging gold bricks—it draws attention. Even though Liyue Harbor's security is good, I think converting it into clothing for you would be safer and more convenient. What do you think?"
"By commonly accepted rationality, sound reasoning," Zhongli agreed.
Little Ningguang thought for a moment. "That does make sense."
Gu Chen and Zhongli didn't give excessive help—only a set of clothes and shoes, plus a remaining sum of Mora.
In the days that followed, whenever they went out, they would occasionally run into little Ningguang.
"She really might be talented. When we first met, she was barefoot selling shells; now she's already started a small business," Gu Chen sighed.
"Tempered by the mortal world, she's grown ever more resilient. This child's future achievements may be quite remarkable," Zhongli commented.
"There's no need for us to help further. Let's go."
"It's getting colder. Bring some medicinal herbs back for the young madam—judging by the days, it's almost time."
Life at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was peaceful.
Asen's death had already faded into the past.
Now the old hall master had resumed managing everything, often going out to handle funerals.
Spring.
The Lantern Rite.
It was meant to be a time of reunion. Although Wangsheng Funeral Parlor seemed a bit quieter, with Gu Chen and Zhongli there, it felt warm nonetheless.
"Hall Master, I've come to pay New Year's greetings—there should be red envelopes," Gu Chen said with a smile.
"As there should be," the old hall master said with a laugh, nodding repeatedly.
"Hall Master, don't forget my share," Zhongli added.
"Everyone gets one, everyone gets one!" the old hall master laughed brightly.
Unknowingly, the wind became gentle, and the temperature slowly warmed.
The Lantern Rite passed, and spring arrived quietly.
In this season of revival, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor became more tense.
As the saying goes, ten months of pregnancy—time was drawing ever closer.
To prevent accidents, the old hall master specially hired a midwife and a physician to stay by Axiu's side at all times.
Gu Chen and Zhongli, however, were not particularly worried.
The two sat and drank tea.
Zhongli suddenly said, "Using mysterious power without a Vision does draw attention."
Gu Chen paused slightly. Thinking of Zhongli's Vision, he pondered for a few seconds. "Then I'll leave it to you."
Zhongli was startled, then laughed. "I'll find someone to make a glass bead."
"Much obliged."
"No need for such courtesy."
That very afternoon, Zhongli gave Gu Chen a Vision.
Rubbing the material, Gu Chen said quietly, "A fake so real it passes for the genuine."
"It's all thanks to the craftsman's skill," Zhongli said with a faint smile.
Gu Chen didn't expose it. He hung the Cryo Vision in a conspicuous spot at his waist—this indeed avoided many troubles.
[Paimon]: So do all the big shots have a habit of carrying fake Visions? (confused)
[Zhongli]: (Zhongli · Dragon King crooked smile)
[Kaeya]: Wow—talking about a craftsman's skill on one side, and "fake passing for real" on the other. You two understand each other so well it's like you've got some kind of illness. (Paimon · shocked)
[Venti]: Selling Vision collectibles now! (Photo of glass-bead Vision)
[Gu Chen]: Wrong door—you should sell that next door in the normal group. This is the supernatural group. Who here doesn't have a Vision?
[Osial]: The sect leader has a Vision too? (Paimon · shocked)
[Sustainer of Heavenly Principles]: Just asked me for one. (Screenshot of private chat with Gu Chen)
[Kaeya]: Hello, please send Diluc a Cryo Vision so he can trigger Melt by himself, thank you. (Thoma kneeling · begging)
[Diluc]: …
With the Vision Zhongli provided, Gu Chen could now openly use elemental power.
The old hall master merely smiled upon hearing this—everything was understood without words.
That day, Axiu suddenly felt abdominal pain.
"She's going into labor," the midwife said gravely.
The old hall master had been out on business. Upon hearing the news, he rushed back immediately.
By the time he returned, Gu Chen and Zhongli were standing in the courtyard, the physician already waiting there.
Hearing Axiu's cries from inside, the old hall master unconsciously clenched his hands and paced back and forth. "It'll be fine, it'll definitely be fine…"
"Hall Master, no need to worry. By commonly accepted rationality, with Mr. Gu Chen here, nothing will go wrong," Zhongli comforted him.
Gu Chen nodded. "Mr. Zhongli is highly accomplished in medicine. Hall Master, there's no need for concern."
As the two praised each other's abilities, the old hall master felt much more at ease.
Before long, the cry of a newborn came from inside the room.
"She's born!"
"Mother and daughter are safe!"
The midwife immediately announced the good news.
"That's wonderful!"
The old hall master beamed with joy. "Make sure to take good care of Axiu!"
"Understood!"
After giving birth, the mother was extremely weak.
Fortunately, with the physician present—and with Gu Chen and Zhongli acting as stabilizing pillars—the old hall master's brows were filled with joy.
After a long while of busyness, Gu Chen and Zhongli finally saw the baby.
Washed clean with warm water, the infant looked fair and spotless, sleeping soundly in her swaddling clothes. (The author doesn't fully understand the procedure—please forgive any inaccuracies!)
"Pretty cute," Gu Chen remarked after a glance.
Zhongli looked as well and said, "This child is quiet and calm. In the future, she may grow into a gentle and graceful young lady."
[Xingqiu]: A gentle and graceful young lady? You mean Hall Master Hu? Hahaha! (laughing)
[Xiangling]: Hahaha!
[Chongyun]: Hahaha!
[Conqueror of Demons]: No comment.
[Hu Tao]: (Hu Tao · startling)
"Hall Master, had Asen considered a name for the child?" Gu Chen asked.
The old hall master thought for a moment and shook his head. "He hadn't thought about it before he passed. I'll ask Axiu!"
After asking, Axiu admitted she hadn't thought about it either. Left with no choice, she handed the naming rights to the old hall master.
The old hall master paced anxiously around the courtyard.
Gu Chen and Zhongli sat calmly, drinking tea.
After much thought, the old hall master said, "How about Hu Tao?"
"It sounds like she'll surely be a refined and intelligent girl," Gu Chen nodded.
Zhongli pondered briefly. "Very good. Mr. Gu Chen has already said everything I intended to say."
Seeing that the two well-traveled guests had no objections, the old hall master finally went to ask Axiu.
"Hu Tao, Hu Tao… a good name. Let's call her Hu Tao," Axiu nodded, looking at the baby girl in the servant's arms with a gentle expression.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—a place that presided over death—had gained a joyous occasion.
The old hall master specially invited familiar old friends to a feast, sharing his happiness with everyone.
Generous as ever, he also gave red envelopes to Gu Chen, Zhongli, and the attending physician—no small sums.
For several days in a row, the old hall master spoke to everyone he met about the new little member of his family.
[Paimon]: Little Hu Tao is pretty cute. (Hu Tao · acting cute)
[Hu Tao]: Since I'm this cute, want to buy a service package? (Hu Tao · acting cute)
[Paimon]: Farewell! (cupped hands)
[Shikanoin Heizou]: The old hall master's joy comes through even across the screen. If Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was previously calm like stagnant water, then Miss Hu Tao's birth is like a droplet falling into a lake, stirring ripples. One can foresee the parlor becoming lively from now on.
[Xiangling]: You're right—three days without discipline and she'll be tearing up the roof. That's our Hall Master Hu. (Hu Tao · bad grin)
[Xingqiu]: You're right—from a young age, clever and mischievous, even napping inside coffins. That's our Hall Master Hu. (slippery grin)
[Chongyun]: You're right—uh… although I'm close with Hall Master Hu, I don't know much about her childhood. Forget it, everyone's right! (nodding)
[Zhongli]: First, let me clarify—saying the hall master would grow into a gentle and graceful young lady was not said by me. It was said by the Zhongli in the video!
[Azhdaha]: It's fine. As long as the final reward of the video is memories, this will be a lifelong black mark you'll never erase! (Hu Tao · bad grin)
[Gu Chen]: People misjudge because their knowledge is insufficient. But Zhongli has lived six thousand years—if he misjudged… that can only mean his studies were inadequate. Criticism! (slippery grin)
[Venti]: Another black mark caught—feels great! (Venti · scattering flowers)
――[Card-Hand Sword][North Wind Without Dust][Not Willing to Stop Here][Ink Brother][…][Petals Falling on Melons][A Difficult Spot]
Thanks to the bosses for the monthly tickets!! (Hu Tao · acting cute) (Hu Tao · flying kiss)
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