Chapter 136

Liyue Harbor, Chihu Rock, Afternoon.

Under the bright sunlight, Hiroshi swaggered out of Jie Cui Trade, giving a thumbs-up to Zhongli with a grin, "All done, let's go."

"Hmm, very good."

Satisfied, Zhongli nodded, then turned to head towards Yujing Terrace. Hiroshi, holding Klee and Qiqi by their hands, followed closely behind.

Inside Jie Cui Trade, Stone stood there, staring blankly at the 300,000 Mora promissory note from Northland Bank in his hand.

"Didn't I say it was a free offering to Lord Rex Lapis? Why did they still leave me money?"

"And it's even double the price! But why is it from Northland Bank?"

"Phew."

Setting the box they were holding down on the stone table in Yujing Terrace beneath the pavilion, Klee raised her arm and wiped the nonexistent sweat off her forehead. She then hugged a dazed Qiqi beside her.

"So cool, feels great."

"Warm..."

Looking at the luminous Noctilucous Jade in the box, Zhongli nodded in satisfaction.

"The Noctilucous Jade is ready. Jewelers will come soon to carve it into the necessary ceremonial implements for the Rite."

"Next, we need to prepare the incense."

"Uncle Zhongli."

Klee hugged Qiqi and tugged on Zhongli's clothes, curiously asking, "Where did the big body that was here before go?"

"That, strictly speaking, should be referred to as the Ancestral Celestial Form."

Zhongli explained seriously, but seeing Klee's blank expression, he sighed and said, "It was hidden away by the Tianshu, Ningguang, in the Golden House."

"Oh~"

"Never mind."

Turning to Hiroshi, who was crouched in front of Qiqi with a small bird in his hand, Zhongli said, "Let's go, we need to buy Glaze Lilies."

"Alright."

Placing the little bird into Qiqi's cupped hands, Hiroshi jumped up, "Let's go!"

Underneath Liyue Harbor, Zhongli stopped in front of a shop named Wanyou Emporium.

Looking at the shopkeeper who came out, Zhongli raised his hand and said, "Shopkeeper, we need one of each of Jinxiao, Mountain Bloom, and Mystical Sky Glaze Lilies."

"Eh? Zhongli, sir, why are you here?"

Surprised, Bolai nodded and said, "Please wait a moment."

"Why do we need three types?"

"Heh."

With a chuckle, Zhongli looked at Hiroshi and said with a smile, "For the opera, you have to request the best singer; for bird-keeping, you must buy the most prized thrush—such is life."

"This time, selecting three Glaze Lilies is also an old tradition for offerings to the gods."

"Mr. Zhongli, were you saying earlier that these Glaze Lilies are meant for offering to Lord Rex Lapis?"

Holding the three Glaze Lilies, Bolai handed them to Zhongli and sighed, "If even the most knowledgeable Zhongli of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor himself has come out..."

"Then it must be true that Lord Rex Lapis has departed."

Hiroshi tried to hand over a promissory note, but Bolai refused, shaking his head, "If it weren't for Lord Rex Lapis, we ordinary folks of Liyue wouldn't have what we have today. Consider the flowers as my offering."

"Just take it."

Hiroshi forcibly put the note in Bolai's hand, speaking quickly, "Don't forget, Lord Rex Lapis is the God of Contracts. Buying something and paying for it is only right. If you don't accept it, it's disrespectful to his rules!"

"This..."

"Of course, if you personally wish to make an offering, you can bring it yourself when the Rite is held."

Looking at Hiroshi, Bolai finally nodded, "Alright, I'll accept it. I will definitely attend the Rite of Parting."

"Good."

Nodding, Hiroshi smiled, "Then come to the pavilion square tomorrow morning; we've reserved it. Every resident of Liyue who wants to come can attend."

"Thank you for letting me know."

Bowing slightly to Hiroshi, Bolai watched the group leave, sighing, "Why did Lord Rex Lapis have to go..."

Handing the Glaze Lilies to Hiroshi, Zhongli said calmly, "I'll leave the matter of the incense to you."

"I'll head to the Seven Statues in Guili Plains first."

"Alright."

Nodding, Hiroshi looked at Zhongli, whose mood seemed more subdued, and said, "Once it's ready, I'll come find you."

Putting away the Glaze Lilies, Hiroshi picked up Qiqi and Klee, who had been running around all this time.

"Next, let's go find Xiangling and Kuroneko. Are you two tired after running with me for so long?"

"Hehe, Klee isn't tired."

Hugging Hiroshi's neck, Klee nuzzled his cheek happily, "Klee saw so many fun things today, it was great."

Mimicking Klee, Qiqi also hugged Hiroshi's neck, gently pressing her cheek to his. "Qiqi...feels happy too, having family with me."

"Haha."

Laughing joyfully, Hiroshi placed the two little ones on his shoulders, then headed for Wanmin Restaurant.

On his shoulder, Qiqi held onto Hiroshi's neck and looked at the familiar scenery as if from a long time ago. A glimmer of emotion appeared in her eyes.

Hugging her arms around herself gently, Qiqi murmured, "Qiqi...feels warm inside... It's nice."

Inside Wanmin Restaurant, Noelle, who was cleaning tables with Xiangling, saw Hiroshi enter and happily called out, "Master Hiroshi, you're back!"

"I'm back, Noelle."

Smiling, Hiroshi waved to Noelle, then set Klee and Qiqi down from his shoulders. He looked around and asked, "Where's Kuroneko?"

"Sister Kuroneko was just taken away by Ying'er, who came in for a meal."

"Ying'er?"

Looking puzzled, Hiroshi asked, "Who?"

"Sister Ying'er works at the Spring Fragrance Boutique across the street."

Picking up a cloth, Xiangling looked at the clean table and nodded in satisfaction, "Sister Ying'er thought Sister Kuroneko looked pretty but didn't have perfume, so she took her to pick out materials for making some."

"Sister Ying'er is really skilled in making perfume. Many wealthy young ladies in Liyue have custom perfume made by her."

"Why do I hear my name being mentioned?"

A voice filled with charm came from behind. Hiroshi looked up to see Ying'er smiling at him.

"Has this handsome new chef of Wanmin also fallen for my charms?"

"No!"

Pulling Kuroneko, who was standing at the door watching the scene, into his embrace, Hiroshi smiled firmly, "I am wholeheartedly devoted to Kuroneko!"

Taking out the three Glaze Lilies Zhongli had given him, Hiroshi handed them to Ying'er.

"Could you make three bottles of incense for me, please?"

"Hahaha, young man, you sure have a big appetite despite your young age."

"You already have the beautiful Kuroneko as your fiancée, and yet you're still thinking about spreading your charm around, huh?"

"It's for the Rite of Parting for Lord Rex Lapis."

"Hmm..."

"Wait a moment."