Chapter 10

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated — that was the cornerstone of her unbroken winning streak in the world of commerce.

"Bai Wen, prepare a clean set of clothes for me. I need a bath," she said, stepping out of the lounge. Her complexion had returned to normal, her tone cool and unhurried.

A bath in the middle of the day? Out of nowhere?

Bai Wen found it strange, but she dared not ask questions. She acknowledged the order and immediately set about making the arrangements.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Lu Lin hummed a cheerful little tune as he made his way briskly away from the Jade Chamber.

When Ningguang notices the strawberry marks on herself, her expression is going to be absolutely priceless. Serves you right for taking a sudden dislike to me for no reason at all.

Leaving the Jade Chamber, Lu Lin made his way back to Yujing Terrace.

This was the highest point in all of Liyue Harbor, and at the moment a contingent of Millelith soldiers were busy setting something up.

"Brother, what are they all rushing around for?" Beside Yujing Terrace stood a man named Bu Yun, who kept permanent watch there as a guide for the Jade Chamber — Lu Lin had passed through him earlier to gain entry. He turned to the man with a curious look.

"The Rite of the Descension is in three days. It's the annual ceremony of the Liyue Qixing. The Millelith are setting up the venue in advance."

The Rite of the Descension — Liyue's once-a-year occasion to commune with the Geo Archon Morax, presided over by the Liyue Qixing. On this day, Rex Lapis would deliver divine guidance to steer Liyue's course for the coming year.

If he remembered correctly, this year's Rite of the Descension was to be presided over by Ningguang. She would witness the "fall" of Rex Lapis with her own eyes, and that golden-haired girl would also appear at the ceremony.

Is there something I can do to take advantage of the situation?

Lu Lin mulled it over as he left Yujing Terrace. Ganyu was swamped with work, so he decided not to bother her, and instead headed toward the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for a visit.

It was lunchtime, after all — a perfect chance to chat with Hu Tao, freeload a meal, and invite her to reside in the Serenitea Pot.

The haunted ghost house inside the Serenitea Pot was already fully decorated. All it needed was its new resident!

"Hilichurl number one fell ill, Hilichurl number two came to see. Hilichurl number three went to gather herbs, Hilichurl number four went — awoo~"

Lu Lin had barely reached the entrance of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor when Hu Tao's bright, cheerful voice rang out behind him. She darted to his side in a flash, clapping him on the shoulder. "Lu Lin, you're here! Did you come looking for this Director?"

"I had nothing better to do and thought I'd drop by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor — and maybe freeload a meal off you, Hu Tao. Am I welcome?" Lu Lin turned around and gave her cheek an affectionate pinch.

Hu Tao beamed, completely unbothered by the familiar gesture. "Of course you're welcome! Most people go out of their way to avoid this place, so someone coming here to mooch a meal is a first. This Director shall give you a proper reception!"

The girl spun around gracefully and gestured behind her. Only then did Lu Lin notice a young man standing not far away.

"Oh right, let me introduce you — this is Zhongli, our guest consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Don't let his young appearance fool you; he talks and acts like an old man, stuffy as anything.

But his knowledge is vast and he understands everything — extremely reliable when it comes to the work!"

"Hello, Mr. Lu Lin." Zhongli greeted him with a composed expression, his faint smile as warm and refreshing as a spring breeze.

"Mr. Zhongli, a pleasure to meet you." Lu Lin returned the smile. This was his first time seeing the Geo Archon in the flesh, and honestly — the man was genuinely striking. Not even Lu Lin himself could claim to be better-looking!

"Come on, don't just stand at the door — let's go inside and talk. I'll tell the cook to add a couple extra dishes today." Hu Tao waved them both in with great enthusiasm.

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor occupied a considerable amount of space. Hu Tao led the two of them to the sitting room, instructed someone to bring tea, and then dashed off into the kitchen to busy herself.

It was Lu Lin's first visit, and she wanted to give him a proper welcome.

In the sitting room, Lu Lin and Zhongli fell into easy conversation.

"Thanks to Mr. Lu's care for our Hall Master during the incident at the Guili Plains."

"Hu Tao is my friend — looking out for each other is only natural. She helped me plenty as well."

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, the conversation flowing warmly and the atmosphere relaxed.

Then, without warning, Zhongli shifted the subject entirely: "Mr. Lu should know who I really am, I presume?"

"You're Zhongli, aren't you? Of course I know who you are!" Lu Lin put on a convincingly puzzled expression.

"Ha." Zhongli smiled faintly. "Quite right. I would like to make a deal with you."

Zhongli wants to make a deal with me?

It was said that Rex Lapis honored contracts and prized fairness above all — any deal struck with him was bound to be a fair one. The thought immediately piqued Lu Lin's interest.

A formal transaction proposed by Rex Lapis himself was sure to be no ordinary matter!

As for how Zhongli had seen through the fact that Lu Lin recognized him — that was hardly surprising.

Zhongli had lived for seven or eight thousand years; his ability to read people had long since reached a state of perfection. Lu Lin hadn't made any particular effort to manage his expressions, so it was perfectly natural that a telltale sign had been noticed.

"Please go ahead, Mr. Zhongli."

Zhongli produced an elegantly crafted wooden box and slid it across to Lu Lin. "Inside is an All-Immunity Talisman. The immortal power imbued within it has nearly fully dissipated — it can now only serve as a token of identification.

Something extraordinary will occur at the Rite of the Descension three days from now. When it does, please deliver this All-Immunity Talisman to the foreign golden-haired Traveler, and ask her to use it to seek out the Adeptus of Three Eyes and Five Manifestations.

As for exactly what to say, detailed notes and suggested wording are included in the box. Please review them at your leisure — and I ask that you keep this matter confidential."

Something extraordinary — you mean you're planning to stage your own assassination, don't you?

Lu Lin laughed inwardly, and felt a flicker of sympathy for Ningguang. First she'd been thoroughly tormented by him, and now she was about to be saddled with the blame for assassinating Rex Lapis…

Though, according to the plot as Lu Lin remembered it, it should have been Childe who rescued the Traveler from the pursuing Millelith and handed over the All-Immunity Talisman — so why had Zhongli come to him instead?

It seemed that his arrival in this world as an outsider had already produced a butterfly effect. The broad strokes of events might remain unchanged, but the details had clearly shifted.

"This isn't a complicated matter at all — I'll take it on." Lu Lin agreed without hesitation. He'd been looking for an opportunity to make contact with Lumine anyway, and here one was, delivered right to his door.

Lu Lin accepted the wooden box and tucked it away, then shifted the conversation: "Though I'm a little curious — why did you come to me specifically, Mr. Zhongli? It seems you have some foreknowledge of what is to come?"

Zhongli lifted his teacup and took a measured sip. "Fate is difficult to predict in full," he said calmly, "but with sufficient information in hand, extrapolating the shape of future events is not particularly difficult.

I am not omniscient. I know something of your origins, Mr. Lu, but why you were able to recognize me — that I do not know.

What I do believe is that you, Mr. Lu, have the potential to bring about some rather remarkable changes — for Liyue's future, and for the future of this world."

Zhongli's words were somewhat roundabout, but Lu Lin grasped the meaning well enough. He had gathered sufficient information and extrapolated the trajectory of future events from it.

And he knew of Lu Lin's identity as an outsider — it was precisely because of that identity that he had sought Lu Lin out.

Lumine, too, did not belong to the world of Teyvat — she was likewise an outsider. Just what was so special about that identity?

"Now that the request has been stated, we should discuss the compensation." Zhongli produced another box — this one made of jade — and slid it across to Lu Lin.

"This is… the glowing orb from Guizhong's palace?" Lu Lin opened the box and recognized the familiar soft green light at once. "So it was you who intervened that day at the end?"

"I merely happened to be passing by. This orb contains the full breadth of Guizhong's mechanical arts — the culmination of her life's work.

Entrusting it to you, I believe, is the right choice."

Guizhong's mastery of mechanical arts had surpassed even that of Cloud Retainer — the sum of her life's work was of incalculable value!

And Lu Lin had no need to worry about being unable to learn from it. With the [Keen Intellect] Entry, his comprehension had been vastly enhanced — studying such things would yield twice the results with half the effort.

"Isn't this too precious a gift?"

"When I make a deal, I always ensure it is fair and just. What you are offering is sufficient exchange for it — and I trust that with your talent, you will not let it go to waste."

"Then I'll accept it gratefully." Lu Lin stopped protesting.

"Then the contract is made. Let those who break their word be punished by the consuming of stone!"

"Aiyoyo, what are you two chatting about? You both look so pleased with yourselves!" The contract had just been sealed and Lu Lin had finished putting everything away when Hu Tao came through the door carrying dishes.

"Mr. Zhongli's knowledge is so vast that even a casual conversation leaves one enriched — of course I'm pleased."

"Come, come — taste the dishes this Director personally cooked!" Hu Tao set the food on the table with a proud flourish.

"Hall Master Hu cooked these herself? Then I must give them a proper appraisal." Zhongli inclined his head.

"Oh ho! Everyone says Mr. Zhongli pursues refinement and pleasure and holds extremely high standards for food and drink — this Director is very curious to hear his verdict on her cooking."

Hu Tao's culinary skills fell quite a bit short of Xiangling's — and were, frankly, a little peculiar — but to her credit she had some self-awareness. Only one dish was her own handiwork; the rest had been prepared by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's cook.

Lu Lin was polite about it and ate generously. Zhongli, on the other hand, was refreshingly honest — if something didn't taste good, he wasn't going to force himself to eat it.

After a simple lunch, Zhongli excused himself and left on other business, leaving just Hu Tao and Lu Lin.

"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has no business today, so this Director has time to keep you company. Shall we go out for a stroll?" With Zhongli gone, the lively, energetic girl was practically buzzing, leaning in close to Lu Lin.

Her large eyes blinked with bright anticipation, full of excitement for the outing ahead.

"Hmm~ I have a gift for you. Want to come see it?"

"Oh? What kind of gift?"

"Come to the Serenitea Pot with me — you'll find out when we get there!" Lu Lin took hold of Hu Tao's soft, delicate hand and left her in playful suspense.

Hu Tao gave a willing nod, and Lu Lin activated the mark, bringing her into the Serenitea Pot.

He had deliberately chosen the entrance to the haunted ghost house as their landing point.

"Wow, a haunted ghost house — are there actual ghosts inside?" Hu Tao spotted the four large characters hanging from the eaves and immediately looked ready to dive in.

"Don't get your hopes up — where would I get real ghosts from?"

"Hehe, that's fine too! This ghost house has such great atmosphere — I love it!" Hu Tao bounced up to the entrance and pushed the door open.

The ghost house's décor was a rich blend of styles — traditional Liyue-style horror alongside elements drawn from other cultures, vampires, demons, and more.

Hu Tao darted from room to room with gleeful enthusiasm, rapping on a skull model here, squeezing a demon plushie there, having the time of her life.

Eventually the two of them pushed open the bedroom door together.

The bedroom had far fewer horror elements than the rest of the house. It was spacious — spacious enough to fit two beds without feeling the least bit cramped.

But why were there two beds?

Hu Tao's face flushed a vivid red in an instant, tinged with a hint of confusion.

She had assumed Lu Lin put two beds in because he wanted to share a room with her — but… one bed would have been enough for that, wouldn't it?

That was simply her inexperience showing. Those who know, know — the importance of having separate sleeping arrangements speaks for itself!

"So — do you like the haunted ghost house?"

"Mm~ the décor style is unique and very much to this Director's taste. Not bad at all. Is this the gift you mentioned?"

"That's right — you guessed it!"

"Then I'll accept it without ceremony!" Hu Tao rose onto her tiptoes and threw her arms around Lu Lin's neck, her breath warm and sweet against his ear. "You've given me such a wonderful house — how should this Director repay you?"

"No rush — I'll collect a little interest first." With the spirited girl throwing herself into his arms, Lu Lin naturally welcomed her without hesitation, wrapping his arms around her slender, soft waist and leaning down to kiss her.

When it came to kissing, Hu Tao was far more assertive than Ganyu — she liked to take the initiative, liked to be the first to provoke the great demon king.

And ever since their encounter with Ganyu in the Domain, she and Lu Lin had had no opportunity for any intimate contact. She had been holding back for quite a while, which made her all the more eager this time.

Lu Lin's restless hands began to roam, his fingers deftly slipping beneath Hu Tao's clothing and slowly exploring upward until they met an obstacle.

But a small obstacle was no match for Lu Lin's determination to reach the summit. He worked around it and pressed boldly onward.

He reached the peak with ease, claiming the treasure within.

"Lu Lin~" Caught off guard by his touch, Hu Tao let out a soft, involuntary cry. The vivacious girl squirmed restlessly in his embrace, and the faint, elegant plum fragrance that always clung to her seemed to slowly ferment, growing richer and more intoxicating by the moment.

Liyue's number one Pyro wielder did have certain disadvantages in one respect, but what was large had its own grandeur, and what was small had its own charm — each had its own appeal.

Ganyu was rosy and full, Ningguang was like a red plum blooming defiantly in the snow, and Hu Tao was soft and pink — a delightfully adorable sight all her own.

This battle of lips and breath lasted a long while. The challenger, Hu Tao, launched several offensives, all of which were perfectly countered by Lu Lin. In the end it was Hu Tao who gave way first, releasing her cherry lips to gasp for breath.

The kiss had been so fierce that neither of them had found a moment to breathe — by the end, they were both nearly suffocating.

And Lu Lin's hands had not been idle either. Hu Tao was curled up entirely in his embrace, and scattered across the bed were her signature hat, black outer coat, red inner garment…

His technique had grown ever more practiced — how else would he have discovered so quickly that the treasure at the summit was soft and pink?

While Hu Tao lay against him with hazy, languid eyes, catching her breath in his arms, Lu Lin leaned close to her ear and murmured softly, explaining the residency function of the Serenitea Pot.

"Hall Master Hu Tao, would you be willing to take up permanent residence here?"

"Mm~" Hu Tao's voice was lazy and sweet enough to make one's heart melt.

* * *

Proofreader & Editor: Fat Goose 🪶