The Stubborn Mascot of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor

Hu Tao went on a long speech about how to raise Lin Yuan, leaving the Qixing members feeling that they had misunderstood her. Maybe her eccentric behavior was just a façade. However, Lin Yuan was still skeptical about how much of her grand plans Hu Tao would actually follow through on. Given past experiences, he would already be grateful if she didn't feed him leftovers again.

After Hu Tao finished painting her rosy picture, the Qixing said:

"Hu Tao, if you can take care of the new Geo Archon well, we can rest easy."

"As long as the little one is healthy and well the next time we see him, you'll have done great for Liyue."

"We'll also send some gifts to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to celebrate the birth of the new Geo Archon."

Although the Qixing wouldn't completely hand over Lin Yuan's upbringing to Hu Tao, they wanted to show their support. They would check on Lin Yuan's condition next time, and if anything was off, they would hold Hu Tao accountable.

Hu Tao's eyes lit up at the mention of gifts. Not only were they covering Lin Yuan's expenses, but they were also sending presents? The Qixing were truly wealthy!

Hu Tao waved her hand and pretended to be modest:

"Oh, there's no need for gifts! You've already offered to cover his expenses."

But the Qixing members smiled and insisted:

"These are gifts for the new Geo Archon. There's no need for modesty."

"It's just a small token. We must express something for the new Geo Archon's birth."

"You can accept them on his behalf, Hu Tao."

The Qixing had missed witnessing the birth of the new Geo Archon, something they regretted. The gifts were a way to make up for that.

Seeing the Qixing's sincerity, Hu Tao didn't push back and happily accepted. After all, gifts from the Qixing were likely priceless.

After exchanging pleasantries, Hu Tao decided to take Lin Yuan and head back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

Lin Yuan, still in Ganyu's arms, was reluctant to leave. Although Hu Tao was now holding him, she didn't provide the same comfort as Ganyu's embrace.

Once they returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the staff, who had been waiting in the main hall, rushed over and asked:

"How did it go, Master Hu? What did the Qixing say?"

"Is the little one still part of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

"If he's leaving, can we still visit him?"

Despite Lin Yuan's short time at the parlor, he had already won over everyone's hearts. They didn't want him to leave, though they knew they couldn't defy the Qixing's orders.

All eyes were on Hu Tao.

Hu Tao smiled and reassured them:

"Don't worry, the little one is still a part of our parlor."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Not only that, but the Qixing will also be sponsoring his upbringing…" Hu Tao shared the Qixing's decision.

The staff were shocked and overjoyed:

"A sponsorship from the Qixing? How much will that be?"

"Not only did they not take the little one away, but they're also funding us? The Qixing members are such good people!"

"It seems like the little one truly is our parlor's lucky charm."

Initially, everyone had thought Lin Yuan would be taken away since Ganyu had mentioned that he was the new Geo Archon. The Qixing should have been the ones raising and protecting him until he fully matured.

But to their surprise, the Qixing were lenient, allowing Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to continue taking care of Lin Yuan.

Hu Tao nodded in agreement:

"That's right. He's our parlor's mascot. You all have to take good care of him from now on."

The staff exchanged glances and laughed:

"Even without orders from the Qixing, we would have taken good care of him."

"Honestly, Master Hu, you're the one we worry about when it comes to looking after him."

"Yeah, you're not allowed to feed him leftovers anymore."

Hu Tao straightened her back and retorted:

"Hey! I didn't know what he ate back then! From now on, I'll be the best at taking care of him."

But as she continued, her confidence waned. After all, even she knew that caring for others wasn't her strong suit. She was much better at handling stone lions than living beings.

The staff didn't miss the opportunity to tease Hu Tao further, making playful jabs at her. Flustered, she knocked each of them on the head, raising her chin defiantly:

"Have you all forgotten who the master of this parlor is?"

Despite being playfully hit, the staff couldn't help but smile.

Lin Yuan, watching the lively scene, couldn't help but enjoy the warm atmosphere. Though Wangsheng Funeral Parlor dealt with funerals, everyone here was cheerful and positive—like a sunny funeral home, of sorts.

He could tell that their care for him wasn't because he was the future Geo Archon, but simply because they saw him as part of the parlor.

This genuine care helped Lin Yuan relax, easing some of the tension he felt upon learning he was the new Geo Archon.

After Hu Tao had finished playfully reprimanding everyone, she suddenly realized something:

"Wait, where's Zhongli? Where did he go?"

The staff looked around, equally confused:

"Yeah, where's Mr. Zhongli? He was just here behind me."

"Maybe he went off to have tea or watch a play again?"

Nobody had noticed when Zhongli had quietly slipped away.

Annoyed, Hu Tao muttered:

"Zhongli's only just come back, and he's already vanished again."

When it came to this elusive consultant, Hu Tao could do nothing.

The staff wisely chose not to comment, knowing Hu Tao might vent her frustration by assigning extra work.

Suddenly, someone shifted the conversation:

"Look, the little one has been drinking milk ever since he got here. He hasn't stopped."

Everyone turned their attention to Lin Yuan and indeed saw him nursing nonstop.

"This little guy sure can eat! Who can keep up with that?"

"Good thing the Qixing are sponsoring us; otherwise, we wouldn't be able to afford this."

"It looks like keeping him well-fed is the key to raising him healthily."

Hu Tao, too, was drawn to Lin Yuan's voracious appetite and remarked:

"Wow, little one, you sure do love your milk."

Lin Yuan glanced at Hu Tao's slender frame and couldn't help but think, And you think I'd be drinking from you?

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A/N:

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