Standing with his hands behind his back on Yujing Terrace, gazing out toward Liyue Harbor's docks, Zhongli spoke with a sigh of emotion,
"In the blink of an eye, another year has passed."
Gu Chen stood beside him, his right hand resting on the railing.
"This year, the Hall Master will come of age."
This year, Hu Tao would turn eighteen—already a grown young woman.
Zhongli did not respond immediately. Instead, he gave Gu Chen a long, deep look before saying,
"Recently, Axiu has been trying to find a husband for the Hall Master. Whether merchant or porter… without exception, she rejected them all."
"Why?" Gu Chen asked, puzzled.
Zhongli chuckled softly.
"Perhaps none of them pleased her. Or perhaps… her heart already belongs to someone else."
Thinking it over, Gu Chen smiled.
"That kind of thing should be her own decision anyway. Let her be."
Zhongli glanced at the time.
"Come. We should go pick out some gifts for the Hall Master."
"Finding her a few more clients might make her happier than gifts," Gu Chen teased.
"Haha…" Zhongli laughed heartily.
[Nilou]: Aunt Axiu introducing suitors only for Hu Tao to reject them all—what Zhongli's saying is basically that Hu Tao likes Gu Chen, right? (thinking)
[Collei]: Yes, yes! As an outsider, it's obvious! Zhongli and Gu Chen are both consultants, but Hu Tao clings much more to Gu Chen. Zhongli's care feels like a father's—safe but distant. Gu Chen's care feels like a warm big brother who never refuses her unreasonable requests. If she acts cute, he'll do anything—even things he doesn't want to. No distance at all. Feelings cultivated since childhood… they've changed! Remember that picnic scene? Hu Tao noticed Gu Chen doesn't age—she's already guessed part of the truth! At least that he doesn't grow old, that his lifespan is very long… Ahhh the more I think about it, the more worried I am for Hu Tao! She only has a century!!! (Collei · error)
[Kirara]: I can't read. (cool)
[Venti]: I'll read it to you. (nod)
[Dvalin]: Can you just die already? (angry)
[Nahida]: If measured by a normal human lifespan, two people together are like a pair of chopsticks. But between long-lived and short-lived beings, it's more like comparing chopsticks to a carrying pole. (pondering)
[Paimon]: Why is your metaphor so abstract?! (shocked)
[Nilou]: I think I understand the Little Lord Kusanali's meaning—if length represents lifespan, it's clear. If Hu Tao were to be with Gu Chen, she couldn't accompany him for very long. After she passes away, Gu Chen would have far more time ahead, filled with sorrow. Even if he eventually moves on, the regret would remain…
[Xingqiu]: That makes sense now. (realization)
[Callirhoe (Springvale Pure Water Spirit)]: So… are long-lived and short-lived beings destined to be a tragedy? (Pure Water Spirit · helpless)
[Paimon]: Wait—your avatar looks wrong! You don't look human! (shocked)
[Azhdaha]: Perfectly normal. This group's full of all kinds of weird things. (picking nose)
[Callirhoe]: Hello everyone, I've been lurking. I'm a Pure Water Spirit, one of the former Hydro Archon's attendants. (Sucrose · shy)
[Heizou]: About that question, I think the Taixuan Scripture already gives the answer. (proud)
[Furina]: Before the Cult Leader arrived, the world was dark—long-lived and short-lived beings were destined for tragedy. But when the Cult Leader descended, he brought light and warmth, giving them possibility! (Venti · celebration)
[Osial]: Hey—aren't you a god? Why do you sound even more sycophantic than me? (doubt)
[Furina]: Does admiration for the Cult Leader need a reason? (confused)
[Kaeya]: Alright, welcome Hydro Archon to the Cult Leader fan club. Now, please insult the Cult Leader once to prove you're a real fan. (grin)
[Furina]: Does he even need insulting? He's black to begin with. (amused)
[Azhdaha]: Approved!
[Venti]: Approved!
[Zhongli]: Certified hardcore fan. (nod)
[Gu Chen]: My reputation has been harmed. (angry)
[Callirhoe]: Mm, after hearing all this, the Cult Leader truly has accomplished great deeds. Thank you. (Sucrose · shy)
[Gu Chen]: (ahem—let me say a few words. Voice message 3s)
[Nilou]: Front row listening to Mr. Gu Chen's wise words! (shy)
[Collei]: Here here!
[Kirara]: Yay, notes ready~
[Gu Chen]: I think feelings shouldn't be bottled up. If you feel something, say it boldly. Don't let today's cowardice become a lifelong regret. Did you understand? Applause! (Zhongli · dragon-king grin)
[Hu Tao]: You're talking about me, aren't you? But you're saying it here—the me in the video can't hear it anyway. (shrug)
[Kaeya]: Oh~ Hidden meaning, right? (grin)
[Furina]: Our Cult Leader always speaks with depth—think carefully! (grin)
[Callirhoe]: I understand now! Thank you, Cult Leader! (Dehya · flowers)
[Gu Chen]: Good. May you face your heart, understand yourself, and respond. Whatever you choose, don't betray yourself.
[Venti]: Suddenly got served chicken soup. Wait—I get it now! No way, the Cult Leader's glow just got even brighter! (Paimon · shocked)
[Kaeya]: I don't understand anything you're all talking about!
[Kokomi]: Sounds like Miss Callirhoe has a story. (prayer)
[Callirhoe]: Mm… yes. Please watch the video. I'll bring good news later. (Collei · I can do it)
[Nilou]: Judging from Gu Chen and Callirhoe's words, this sounds like a love story~
[Collei]: I think so too!
[Hu Tao]: I thought you were talking about me—scared me. (relieved)
[Kaeya]: Wait—you don't think you're off the hook, do you? (grin)
[Xingqiu]: @HuTao With the Taixuan Scripture, just charge into Gu Mansion and pin the Cult Leader down! (grin)
[Zhongli]: Abstract, but if it's the Hall Master, not impossible—especially since she's been influenced by Venti. (nod)
[Venti]: Why do I suddenly feel a black pot on my back? (angry)
[Zhongli]: (Zhongli · dragon-king grin)
On Hu Tao's eighteenth birthday.
Axiu looked at her daughter helplessly.
"Xiao Tao, do you truly not wish to marry, or are you dissatisfied with everyone I introduced?"
Hu Tao waved her hand.
"Aiya, these things depend on fate—fate!"
"Xiao Tao… don't tell me you already have someone you like?" Axiu asked.
Hu Tao stiffened, then pretended nothing happened.
"How could that be!"
As her mother, how could Axiu not see through her?
After sighing, she didn't press further.
"My health isn't good… I don't know if I'll live to see you marry…"
Hu Tao fell silent.
Perhaps… she was destined to disappoint her mother.
"Hall Master, we're back."
Zhongli's voice came from the outer door as he entered with Gu Chen.
"We picked out some gifts," Gu Chen said with a smile, setting them aside. "Thinking it over, your coming-of-age is special. Should we invite friends and family?"
"Mhm! It's a big deal—we should commemorate it properly!" Hu Tao nodded eagerly.
"Second Consultant, come on—let's find Xingqiu, Xiangling, and the others!"
And just like that, Gu Chen was dragged away.
Eighteen meant adulthood—being able to make decisions and bear responsibility.
That night, Hu Tao's friends all came to celebrate.
Xiangling, whose cooking had matured, served as head chef, filling the table with dishes.
At the table—
Xingqiu sighed.
"My family's been urging marriage lately. Any good ideas?"
"Just cultivate in the mountains like me," Chongyun replied calmly.
"Huh? You're all being urged?" Xiangling scratched her head. "My dad hasn't rushed me."
Taking advantage of the friends' gathering, with Axiu absent, Hu Tao complained as well.
Gu Chen and Zhongli, half-elders, quietly enjoyed the food while watching Guoba eat with gusto.
"Kindred spirits!" Xingqiu sighed.
"Exactly!" Hu Tao agreed.
Xingqiu downed a cup of wine.
"Another year older… feels like our youth was just yesterday."
Xiangling nodded.
"Yeah. Before we knew it, Hall Master Hu is all grown up."
Time often carried sadness.
"We're only around eighteen—why are we reminiscing already?" Hu Tao widened her eyes.
"Oops—my bad. I'll drink as punishment!" Xingqiu laughed, patting Chongyun's head.
"Why is it my head?!" Chongyun protested.
"Reflex—sorry!"
Laughing, Xingqiu put a piece of Jueyun Chili into Chongyun's bowl.
"You…" Chongyun pouted. "I'll let it slide today…"
After the lively dinner, Zhongli escorted everyone home.
Hu Tao's smile slowly faded, her face flushed with wine.
Everyone else had left; she hadn't stopped drinking.
"Hall Master, you may be an adult now, but drinking like this isn't good," Gu Chen reminded her.
Hu Tao looked at him.
"If only I didn't have to grow up."
Gu Chen froze.
"Why?"
"If I didn't grow up, Mom wouldn't grow old, and Grandpa wouldn't have died." She slumped onto the table.
Missing the old Hall Master?
Gu Chen sighed.
"People must grow up."
"Yeah…" Hu Tao murmured, growing drowsy.
After a while, Gu Chen realized she'd fallen asleep.
Smiling helplessly, he picked her up.
As he carried her toward her room, Hu Tao murmured in her sleep, her face buried in his chest:
"If I didn't grow up… could I… stay with the Consultant longer…?"
Gu Chen halted, gazing at the moon in silence.
After a nearly imperceptible sigh, he carried her inside.
He gently laid her on the bed, removed her hat, shoes, and socks, tucked her in.
She kicked the blanket in her sleep. Remembering she wielded Pyro and wouldn't feel cold, he left it aside.
Once she settled comfortably, he stepped out.
Under the bright moonlight in the courtyard, Zhongli returned.
They exchanged a glance.
"She's asleep?" Zhongli asked.
"Yes." Gu Chen nodded, then said quietly, "Perhaps… I should leave Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Zhongli froze, then replied with complexity,
"I'm afraid it wouldn't help."
Gu Chen rubbed his brow.
"So it's useless… I noticed too late."
Zhongli sighed.
"Sadly… it was fated, yet destined to part."
"Yes. Walk with me for a bit."
"Alright."
In the bedroom, Hu Tao hugged the blanket tightly, her face buried deep within. Only the moonlight through the window revealed tear stains.
[Xingqiu]: It's my fault! Why did I bring up age and time? It made Hall Master Hu think of herself and Mr. Gu Chen! (regret)
[Chongyun]: There was nothing wrong with that—Gu Chen is simply too special. (Tighnari · startled)
[Nilou]: Hu Tao cried… She understands her own feelings best…
[Collei]: Now I truly understand what "those who see through death fear it" means. (crying)
[Callirhoe]: So this is how it feels… I understand even more now…
[Hu Tao]: So… I'd be like this? (confused)
Watching herself in the video, Hu Tao felt the suffocating despair surge from her heart.
A chasm like heaven and earth separated long-lived and short-lived beings, severing all possibility.
Just as Zhongli said—fated, yet doomed to part.
Her pupils trembled.
"Hall Master, don't worry," Venti comforted. "The Cult Leader may already know Finch and Callirhoe's story. He's been planning ahead."
Azhdaha cracked seeds.
"Relax. With the Taixuan Scripture, cultivate longevity. Then stand before the Cult Leader and ask—will you marry me or not?"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up.
"That makes sense!"
Then she frowned.
"Wait—something's off. I can feel the me in the video is sad, but what does that have to do with me now?"
Zhongli, Venti, and Azhdaha exchanged glances.
"Past-life memories haven't fully awakened yet—understandable," Zhongli said.
"Indeed. Once they do, she'd already be sprinting to Gu Mansion," Venti nodded.
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