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The atmosphere quickly reached its peak as numerous dock workers gathered around. After all, Xinyan's music held immense power.
Soon, Xinyan entered a state of complete immersion, and sparks began flying from her Vision onto the wooden stage.
In no time, flames engulfed the boards, spreading here and there.
At that moment, Zhongli leisurely approached. Noticing a green figure amidst the crowd, he felt puzzled. Why wasn't this individual staying put in Mondstadt but showing up here again?
Seeing the timing was right, Venti promptly picked up his lute and started playing gently.
Instantly, soothing melodies filled the air, gradually suppressing Chongyun's Pure Yang Physique.
As Chongyun regained his senses, recalling his recent actions and glancing at the audience below, his face turned bright red.
This time, it wasn't due to his Pure Yang Physique; rather, sheer embarrassment...
"What are you doing here?" Zhongli asked mildly, approaching Venti.
Venti then turned around, chuckling teasingly, "Hey old man, what happened to your voice all of a sudden?"
"Based on universal reason, if you don't reveal it now, you might never get another chance!" Zhongli glanced at Venti, responding calmly.
"Cough, just joking!" Venti coughed twice, giving an awkward smile. Zhongli's temperament had indeed improved; previously, he wouldn't have set foot in Liyue under any circumstances.
Venti leaned close to Zhongli's ear and whispered quietly, "Cough, I've been declared wanted in Mondstadt, so I'm here to lay low."
Zhongli's lips twitched slightly, amazed by this unreliable God. One would think being hunted by one's own people is quite the feat!
"Need assistance? I could make an exception and intervene once!" Zhongli looked at Venti, asking mildly. After all, they were colleagues and old friends, and Zhongli was not someone known for stinginess.
"No need!" Venti hastily shook his head, determined not to let his beloved Mondstadt be ruined by this fellow.
Before Venti could say more, Zhongli had already approached Xinyan.
"Miss Xinyan, may I have a moment to speak with you?" Zhongli looked at Xinyan and asked.
Xinyan nodded, following Zhongli towards the teahouse. Shamelessly, Venti trailed behind them as well.
"Cough, Miss Xinyan, do you happen to be seeking employment?" Zhongli inquired, gazing at her.
"Hmm, not yet. Do you have any recommendations, Mr. Zhongli?" Xinyan's face showed confusion; what was this about?
"Well... Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is currently looking for a resident singer. Would you be interested?" Zhongli seriously asked, keeping his gaze on Xinyan.
"Singer?" Xinyan's expression lit up with excitement. Could it be that someone finally appreciates my music?
"Mm..." Zhongli nodded, maintaining his composed demeanor.
"Wonderful! I accept!" Xinyan quickly agreed, fearing Zhongli might change his mind if she hesitated.
"Good, please follow me!" Zhongli closed his eyes and nodded.
He promptly led Xinyan to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. As they approached, Xinyan stood frozen at the entrance, taken aback.
"Here... here?" Xinyan hesitated, unsure and needing clarification once more.
"Yes, indeed. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been around for centuries, serving numerous eccentric clients. I'm certain someone would appreciate your music!" Zhongli nodded, patiently explaining.
"I'm sorry, but that's not suitable," Xinyan promptly declined, bewildered by this peculiar request. Performing rock at a funeral parlor? Would the corpses rise to party with me?!
"Sigh, what a shame!" Zhongli shook his head; fulfilling the Director's task seemed increasingly challenging.
"Cough, cough, Zhongli, Zhongli!" Venti cleared his throat, calling out cheerfully to Zhongli.
"What is it?" Zhongli turned towards Venti, feeling embarrassed to associate with such a slacker!
"Why don't you consider me? As a renowned singer of Teyvat, being the resident musician at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor should be right up my alley!" Venti pointed at himself, wearing a smug grin.
"You?" Zhongli closed his eyes, contemplating silently for a moment before finally nodding. Dealing with the Director was no easy feat; perhaps using Venti temporarily wouldn't hurt!
"Alright, you're hired then. Now, can you play this? Give me a sample!" Zhongli promptly produced a suona and handed it to Venti.
Venti accepted the peculiar instrument, puffed up his cheeks, and blew with great force.
However, the resulting sound was merely a harsh "honking," devoid of any skill but filled with raw emotion.
Zhongli shook his head; sending out such a suona player would surely tarnish Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's reputation. The Director might even kill him for that!
"Cough, perhaps you should try elsewhere; this may not be suitable for you!" Zhongli cleared his throat, gently rejecting Venti.
"No problem, mastering something so simple will just take a couple of tries!" Venti smiled confidently, undeterred.
"Very well, then!" Zhongli nodded helplessly and turned his attention back to the caged songbirds nearby.
Soon after, bizarre sounds began emanating from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, startling passersby. It wasn't long before someone reported them, attracting the attention of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
***
"Eula, did you miss me? I'll be back soon, hehe!" Lin Feng chuckled into the phone.
"Not at all!" Eula's tone was icy, but her swift answer upon receiving his call seemed to suggest otherwise.
"I've secured a position in Liyue as well. If those Mondstadters continue bullying you, we can always move here together!" Lin Feng said earnestly with a smile.
"...Mm..." After a long moment of silence, Eula gave a soft reply. However, she wasn't one to admit defeat easily.
Lin Feng then proceeded to describe some of Liyue's scenic spots and intriguing events, capturing Eula's full attention as if his words held a magical allure.
***
Hu Tao successfully conducted another funeral, this time utilizing Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's funeral money. The deceased belonged to a wealthy family who believed that burying Mora wouldn't be noticeable to others.
However, burning funeral money leaves behind significant ash piles. Additionally, using funeral money eliminates the risk of theft since it cannot be stolen from graves.
***
"Boss, it's this grave—they just buried him this afternoon!" A Treasure Hoarder scout grinned as they reported to their leader.
"Good work, you'll be rewarded. We'll strike tonight and enjoy ourselves tomorrow!" The Treasure Hoarder boss laughed heartily, knowing full well that wealthy families bury plenty of Mora with their deceased.
"Boss, isn't it too soon to go tonight?" someone questioned hesitantly. After all, even thieves have principles; allowing the deceased one peaceful night was a rule within their trade.
"Spare me your nonsense! Do you think Old Fourth will give them a chance to rest? If we wait any longer, the Millelith will be waiting for us!" The boss cursed, immediately grabbing their tools and setting off.