"Miss Hu Tao, you do understand the principle of debts having rightful owners, don't you?"
Ji Ming spoke flatly, tied to a wooden chair, yawning as he looked toward Hu Tao in the distance. "If there's an issue, you should be taking it up with Mr. Zhongli—not kidnapping a fragile, defenseless young man like me."
Hu Tao had piled up a stack of firewood nearby and looked ready to light it using her Vision.
Girl, this is Liyue.
Mondstadt-style burnings don't fly here. Besides, he wasn't a heretic—he just didn't particularly care whether Rex Lapis existed or not.
Hu Tao shot him a glare and slapped an account ledger in front of his face. Her usually lively plum-blossom eyes flickered with anger as she shouted,
"Even if Wangsheng reimburses it, you can't spend money like you're trying to bankrupt us!!"
One million mora.
This guy had definitely done it on purpose. Did he have any idea how many coffins they'd have to sell to earn that back?!
The ledger hit his face—hard. She was genuinely angry.
Ji Ming knew he was in the wrong, so he decided to be honest.
"Let me make this clear first. I did do it on purpose. I was aiming specifically for Wangsheng's mora. That part is on me."
"But I'm not giving the money back. I earned it with my own skills. That said—I can help you out with something. Consider it compensation."
As if she cared!
This guy really thought highly of himself. If not for Xiangling's sake, Hu Tao would've buried him ages ago. Infuriating.
Still… after calming down, she realized the mora wasn't coming back anyway. Might as well agree. Ji Ming was, at the very least, usable labor.
Hu Tao snorted and turned away.
"Help me out? You still owe me for that fake Ledger of Life and Death. Let's settle everything together!"
Ji Ming perked up immediately.
"Oh? You still remember that? What—still dreaming of selling coffins to people?"
"Not everyone's like you, scamming creepy old men all day," Hu Tao snapped. "And you even dared to scam me."
She knew Ji Ming's reputation on the streets. Her friend Xingqiu admired the jianghu as well—but Ji Ming's jianghu and Xingqiu's jianghu were clearly not the same thing.
As Xiangling's friend, Hu Tao was often asked to bail Ji Ming out of jail. He got locked up frequently—never for anything major, but always technically illegal. She didn't like him much.
Still, considering he had no parents, she tolerated him. Ji Ming was like a mirror—those with ill intent would be reflected back upon, while kind-hearted people often received something in return.
Strange, right?
A truly contradictory guy.
"Alright, alright, Director Hu Tao, don't scold me," Ji Ming laughed it off. "I've got no real skills—this is just how I survive. Hurry up and think of a way I can compensate you."
Ji Ming was two years older than Hu Tao and Xiangling. To him, they were mischievous little sisters. A bit of ridicule didn't bother him.
That said—he was closer to Xiangling. Childhood bonds ran deep.
Hu Tao rubbed her chin, eyes lighting up.
"I've got it! You're coming with me to sell coffins on the street. You've got a silver tongue anyway."
"You're not exactly lacking one yourself, Director Hu Tao."
"Hey—don't keep changing how you address me!" she protested. "Just call me Hu Tao, or the hierarchy's gonna get messy."
Rolling her eyes, Hu Tao finally untied him.
"Come on. Let's head back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I'll get you some clothes."
Soon enough, Ji Ming was wearing Wangsheng employee attire, a sign hanging from his chest that read:
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Grand Sale — Buy One, Get One Free."
Together with Hu Tao, he appeared on Liyue Harbor's main thoroughfare.
Hu Tao did this often, so residents and shopkeepers were long used to it. Instead, their curiosity focused on the young man behind her.
Wangsheng employees never accompanied their director in this nonsense.
This kid…
He had the look of a kept husband.
Coffins were considered inauspicious in Liyue. Unless a family had suffered a death, no one would buy one.
Coupled with frequent complaints from shop owners, Hu Tao had long since been blacklisted by the patrolling Millelith. The moment she appeared, she'd be escorted away—sometimes even threatened with imprisonment.
Over time, even when Hu Tao wasn't selling coffins, the Millelith kept a close eye on her.
That was her reputation in Liyue Harbor.
But today was different.
Ji Ming's presence immediately caught the attention of several old customers who just happened to be strolling nearby. One by one, they gathered around.
"Li— I mean—Mr. Ji Ming? You changing careers today?"
Ji Ming sighed and tapped the sign on his chest.
"No choice. When you mess up, you own it. If you're willing to support me, feel free to buy a coffin."
He'd intended to shoo them away.
Instead, they all pulled out their money pouches.
"I was here first—I'm buying one today no matter what. Gotta support Mr. Ji Ming."
"Damn, I didn't bring enough mora. How about we pool together for one?"
"No way. You buy yours, I buy mine. Let's keep it separate."
…So this was a coordinated favor run?
Ji Ming was even more speechless—but he couldn't stop them. He wanted to compensate Hu Tao quickly and get back to his own side jobs.
Fine.
If they wanted to trade favors, then favors it was. Mora still changed hands—maybe with a discount, but still paid.
His mood improved instantly.
"Hu Tao," he called out, "remember these customers. They're buying coffins—get things ready when we're back."
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled. Confused or not, business was business. She stepped forward with a bright smile and accepted every pouch.
"You gentlemen have great taste! Wangsheng's coffins have never had a bad review!"
…Well, it's not like anyone could crawl out and leave one.
Just as Ji Ming took off the sign, he caught sight—out of the corner of his eye—of a squad of Millelith approaching. The leading officer seemed to be comparing faces with a wanted notice.
"That's him! Don't let him get away!"
Oh no—who leaked the info?!
Ji Ming immediately stripped off the Wangsheng uniform, shoved it into Hu Tao's arms, and—smooth as water—squatted down with his hands over his head.
Don't ask.
It was muscle memory.
As for the old customers? The moment they saw the Millelith, guilt took over and they scattered in all directions.
"Oh? Isn't this Captain Da Kun?" Ji Ming greeted cheerfully. "What brings you to patrol Liyue Harbor today? Aren't you usually stationed at Guili Plains?"
Da Kun sighed. Clearly, he and Ji Ming were old acquaintances.
He didn't answer—just handed Ji Ming a rope and gestured for him to tie his own hands. Then he turned to Hu Tao, who was still frozen.
"Director Hu Tao, I'll be taking your temporary employee away. And please—try to sell fewer coffins on the main streets. It's not a good look."
Snapping back to reality, Hu Tao hurried to block his path.
"Wait—what did Ji Ming do this time?"
Da Kun glanced between them before speaking meaningfully.
"Honestly, if someone kept an eye on this kid, he wouldn't mess up every day. It's nothing serious—just some questions. He'll be locked up for a few days and released."
Ji Ming nodded at Hu Tao, then obediently followed behind Da Kun. No one bothered to watch whether he'd actually keep up.
Don't make things hard for Uncle Millelith—get treated better next time you're arrested.
That was Ji Ming's survival philosophy.
As for those who ran the moment they saw the Millelith?
Do they even understand what social savvy is supposed to mean?