"Miss Hu Tao, you of all people should know the rule: debts have owners, grudges have culprits. If you want to argue, take it up with Mr. Zhongli—don't kidnap a delicate, helpless youth like me."
Tied to a wooden chair, Ji Ming stared blankly at Hu Tao and yawned. She'd piled up a stack of kindling and looked ready to use her Vision to light it.
Girl, this is Liyue, not some old Mondstadt bonfire legend. And I'm no heretic—just… unconcerned with the Lord of Geo's existence, that's all.
Hu Tao shot him a glare and slapped a bill in front of his face. Her plum-blossom eyes flashed with annoyance.
"Even if Wangsheng is reimbursing you, you can't spend like you're trying to bankrupt us!!"
One… million… mora. He'd done it on purpose, obviously. Did he know how many coffins she needed to sell to make that back?!
The bill smacked his cheek. Yep—she was truly angry. Knowing he was in the wrong, Ji Ming came clean.
"Full disclosure—I did do it on purpose. I skimmed Wangsheng's money. That part is on me…"
"But I won't be returning it. I earned it fair and square. That said, I can do something for you in exchange—consider it compensation."
Who needs your compensation?! If not for Xiangling's sake, Hu Tao would have buried him already. Infuriating man.
Still… think, Hu Tao, think. The mora's not coming back. May as well accept labor as repayment. He is a capable mouth, at least.
Hu Tao huffed. "Do something, huh? I haven't even settled the 'Book of Life and Death' scam, and now this. You'll repay both—together!"
Ji Ming brightened. "Oh? You still remember the Book of Life and Death? You really do love selling coffins."
"Not everyone is like you—cheating creepy uncles is one thing, but you even conned me."
Hu Tao knew exactly who Ji Ming was on the streets. Her other friend Xingqiu romanticized the jianghu, but Ji Ming's jianghu was clearly not Xingqiu's jianghu.
As Xiangling's friend, Hu Tao often got asked to bail Ji Ming out of jail. He was a regular—never anything too serious, but still against the law. She didn't think highly of him.
Yet because he was an orphan, she tolerated him. He was like a mirror—reflecting whatever was in people's hearts. The impure got stung; the kind received returns.
Weird, right? Such a contrary fellow.
"Alright, alright, Master Hu Tao, spare me the sermon. I've got no real talents. This is how I survive. Just think up the terms."
He grinned, easy as ever. Hu Tao and Xiangling were roughly the same age; he was two years older than both. To him they were impish kid sisters. Teasing wouldn't rattle him.
Granted, he favored Xiangling. Their bond ran deeper.
Hu Tao tapped her chin—lightbulb. "Decided. You're coming with me to hawk coffins on the main street. You've got a silver tongue—use it."
"You're hardly any worse at it yourself, Parlor Master Hu Tao."
"Ugh, stop with the titles—just call me Hu Tao. Otherwise the seniority gets all messed up."
With a sigh, she undid his ropes and restored his freedom. "Back to the Parlor first. I'll get you an outfit."
Thus Ji Ming donned a Wangsheng employee uniform and a placard that read:
"Wangsheng Big Promotion—Buy One, Get One Free."
Then he followed Hu Tao onto Liyue Harbor's main thoroughfare.
People were used to Hu Tao's antics by now. What surprised them was the boy at her side. Wangsheng staff usually refused to accompany their boss on such outings.
This youth… has the makings of a… live-in son-in-law?
Coffins were inauspicious to Liyue folk. Unless there was a funeral, no one would buy one.
Merchants also complained constantly, so patrolling Millelith had put Hu Tao on a watchlist. The moment she appeared, they'd shoo her off; stricter officers even threatened jail time.
Eventually, even when she wasn't selling, Millelith still kept an eye on her. That was Hu Tao's "reputation."
But today was different. Thanks to Ji Ming, a few old "regulars" out for a stroll noticed—and quickly gathered.
"Fl—Mr. Ji Ming! Changing trades today?"
Ji Ming sighed and patted his placard. "Can't be helped. You make a mess, you clean it up. If you want to do me a favor, buy a coffin."
He meant to shoo them. Instead, they all pulled out coin pouches.
"I was here first—I'm buying. Gotta support Mr. Ji Ming today."
"Drat, I didn't bring enough. How about we pool funds for one coffin?"
"No way. You buy yours; I buy mine. Keep it separate."
Oh wonderful. Here to burn favors, are we? Ji Ming was speechless. Still—fine. He wanted to finish compensating Hu Tao and get back to private jobs.
If they want to spend favors, let them. It's not like we're not taking the money. Favors and payments—at worst, a small discount.
He felt much better and nudged Hu Tao. "Mark it down. These gentlemen are buying coffins. Prep them back at the Parlor."
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled. She was puzzled, sure—but business at the door is business you take.
"Excellent taste, everyone. Wangsheng coffins have never received a bad review."
Well, yes. It's not like customers crawl out to leave one.
Just as Ji Ming removed his placard, he caught sight of a squad of Millelith jogging over. Their leader was studying a wanted poster.
"That's him. Don't let him run!"
Uh-oh. Who spilled?
Ji Ming shrugged out of the Wangsheng coat and stuffed it into Hu Tao's arms—then knelt with hands behind his head.
Don't ask. It's muscle memory.
As for the old "regulars," they scattered the moment they saw the Millelith—guilty consciences, all.
"Well, if it isn't Captain Da Kun. What brings you to Liyue Harbor today? Aren't you usually patrolling Guili Plains?"
The squad captain sighed. An old acquaintance, clearly. He said nothing—just handed Ji Ming a rope to bind his own wrists, then turned to the stunned Hu Tao.
"Parlor Master Hu Tao, I'm taking your temp hire. And maybe stop peddling coffins on the main street—it's not a great look."
Hu Tao sprang forward to block him. "Wait—what did he do this time?"
Da Kun's gaze moved between Hu Tao and Ji Ming, meaningful.
"Honestly, it'd be good if someone kept an eye on him. Then he wouldn't keep slipping up. Nothing serious—we'll ask a few questions, keep him a few days, and let him go."
Ji Ming nodded at Hu Tao, then obediently followed behind Da Kun—no one even bothered to check if he stayed in line.
Don't make trouble for the Millelith, and they'll treat you better the next time. That was Ji Ming's survival rule.
Those people who bolt the moment they see the Millelith—do they know nothing about social savvy?
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
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