"So, Director, is this the 'opportunity to make a fortune' you mentioned?"
Chen Feng, dragged to the Adventurer's Guild early that morning by Hu Tao, watched as she expertly promoted their services to adventurers turning in quests. Glancing down at the flyers in his hand, he couldn't help but twitch his lips.
"Exactly! What's wrong?" Hu Tao nodded enthusiastically. "Don't you know? The Adventurer's Guild is a goldmine of business opportunities!"
"So is there any problem with this Director coming here to promote our services? Absolutely not! No problem at all!"
"You should watch and learn from the sidelines. The future prosperity of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor depends on this!"
After explaining to Chen Feng, Hu Tao immediately began shouting:
"Come one, come all! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's grand opening sale! Buy one tombstone, get one free! Second tombstone half-price!"
"Group purchases get even bigger discounts!"
"Consultant Chen Feng, join me in shouting!"
"Esteemed guests, would you like to purchase a tombstone?"
Chen Feng glanced at the promotional flyer in his hand again, but he still couldn't bring himself to shout.
"Director Hu Tao, I don't think this approach is very effective. Shouldn't we try something else?"
Hu Tao immediately shook her head.
"Absolutely not! This Director spent a fortune printing these flyers!"
"Don't worry. With such generous discounts, we're sure to attract plenty of customers!"
"Just help This Director shout a bit, and I'll treat you to a feast later!"
Hearing this, Chen Feng's eyes lit up, and he joined in the shouting:
"Come one, come all..."
"My friend, I see darkness gathering between your brows. You'll be crossing the River Styx before long. At a time like this, you must be desperately searching for your final resting place!"
"You couldn't afford a house in life, but don't settle for less in death!"
"Feast your eyes on this monument! It's the crown jewel of our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the Overlord of Monuments!"
"We share a karmic connection. If you want it, I'll give you a 50% discount!"
"Hey, hey, hey! No violence! Let's keep it civil... Director Hu Tao, help me!"
Hearing Chen Feng's cries for help, Hu Tao swiftly intervened, rescuing him from the assailant. Realizing Hu Tao was not someone to trifle with, the man reluctantly backed down, though his words remained venomous.
"What foul creature dares curse my death?!"
"I've been an adventurer for two and a half years! What storms haven't I weathered?!"
"You little punk think you can curse me to death?"
"You better not let me see you again. Every time I do, I'll beat you senseless!"
"Miss Katheryne, I'll take this commission."
After accepting the commission, the man immediately left the Adventurer's Guild.
"Hmph! How dare they attack our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's most promising Consultant? They'll regret this!"
Hu Tao examined Chen Feng's condition with concern, only relaxing when she confirmed he was largely unharmed.
"Aiyo, Director Hu Tao, would this count as a work injury?" Chen Feng asked pitifully, clutching his chest.
"Of course it does! This Director already said I'd have your back!"
"Though, Consultant Chen Feng, your skills seem a bit lacking. It appears you're not suited for promotional work. I'll handle this matter myself."
Though Hu Tao was impressed by Chen Feng's passionate sales pitches, she couldn't understand why no one was moved, despite his sincere efforts. She was practically losing money on this venture!
"Alright, I'll defer to Director Hu Tao's judgment," Chen Feng nodded in agreement.
"But Director, I don't think shouting our lungs out will be very effective. After all, most people aren't even thinking about their funeral arrangements right now."
"Ooh~ Consultant Chen Feng, what brilliant ideas do you have?!"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up at his words. The breakthrough she'd been waiting for was finally at hand!
"We can actually achieve precise targeting, which would save both our breath and the money we're spending on these custom-designed flyers."
"Director Hu Tao, just watch my eyes and follow my lead!"
Hearing this, Hu Tao's heart bloomed with joy. With a powerhouse like Chen Feng at her side, how could the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's grand ambitions possibly fail?!
"Alright, I'll follow your lead, Consultant Chen Feng!" Hu Tao nodded eagerly. "Today's sales depend on you!"
"By the way, Director Hu Tao, I've just thought of another brilliant idea!" Chen Feng exclaimed, suddenly energized.
"We can offer incentives to make people keep the flyers. For example, we could tell them that if they bring the flyer to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor within a few days, they can redeem it for 1,000 Mora. That way, most people will think twice before tossing the flyer in the trash!"
"But wouldn't that cost the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor a fortune?" Hu Tao's expression turned hesitant. While the idea was clever, the expense seemed exorbitant.
And if the Mora reward were too small, few would bother keeping the flyer safe for such a paltry sum.
"Rest assured, Director Hu Tao, we can clarify that only the original recipient can redeem the Mora in person."
"Then we'll set a seven-day deadline. After that, we only need to distribute leaflets to those with less than seven days of remaining lifespan, saving us every last Mora!"
"BRILLIANCE!"
After hearing Chen Feng's plan, Hu Tao's eyes lit up with dazzling brilliance. She excitedly hugged Chen Feng, jumping up and down. This plan was simply genius!
Why hadn't she met Chen Feng sooner? The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would have soared to new heights long ago!
Such talent belongs solely to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!
"Ahem, Director Hu Tao, even though you're my superior, I can't work for free."
"Fine, fine, fine! A mere thousand Mora? I'll give it to you as soon as we get back!"
Seeing the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's dazzling future, Hu Tao, completely unfazed by such a small sum, declared magnanimously.
"Director Hu Tao is truly magnanimous!"
Chen Feng's eyes gleamed with avarice.
"It's nothing, Consultant Chen Feng. As long as you keep working hard for me, this Director will ensure you live a life of luxury and plenty!"
"Now, my dear Consultant Chen Feng, quickly help me identify our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's premium clients!"
"Don't worry, Director Hu Tao! I'll check the Adventurer's Guild for high-quality clients right away!"
With that, Chen Feng led Hu Tao out from a corner of the Adventurer's Guild. His gaze rapidly swept across everyone present, causing those caught in his scrutiny to feel a sudden chill and involuntarily shudder.
Suddenly, Chen Feng's expression shifted, and he immediately signaled Hu Tao to focus on a middle-aged adventurer, roughly in his fifties.
Noticing Chen Feng's signal, Hu Tao's excitement surged. A high-quality client indeed!
And not just any high-quality client, but the ultimate high-quality client—one who could bring in revenue within seven days! This was far more effective than any of her usual promotional tactics!
Seeing the man prepare to leave the Adventurer's Guild, Hu Tao immediately pursued him, calling out urgently, "Excuse me, sir! Care to learn about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services?"
Hearing this, the man not only failed to stop but quickened his pace, as if fleeing from a plague god.
Nearby adventurers pointed and whispered, some wearing expressions of disgust, others gleefully anticipating Hu Tao's humiliation.
At that moment, Hu Tao unleashed the killer move Chen Feng had just conceived!
"One week from today, if you bring this flyer to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor yourself and ensure it's undamaged, you can redeem it for 1,000 Mora!"
Sure enough, Hu Tao's words worked wonders.
"Are you serious?!"
The burly adventurer stopped in his tracks, turning to face Hu Tao with disbelief etched across his face.
To be honest, he was tempted. While 1,000 Mora wasn't a fortune, it wasn't a pittance either. He typically earned around 5,000 Mora per commission from the Adventurer's Guild, with some missions paying slightly more. But compared to those demanding quests, this was practically free money! All he had to do was keep Hu Tao's flyer safe and then claim the reward next week.
"Of course I'm serious! This Director's word is as good as gold. I'd never deceive you over something like this!"
"Alright, give me the flyer then."
Watching the burly adventurer carefully fold the flyer and tuck it into his inner chest pocket, Hu Tao and the adventurer both beamed with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Director Hu Tao! I'll come to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in a week to see you!"
Although Wangsheng Funeral Parlor wasn't the most pleasant place to visit, if he could get a thousand Mora, he'd even consider going to a mass grave.
What got into her today? he wondered. This is a real stroke of luck!
The middle-aged adventurer left the Adventurer's Guild in high spirits, his steps noticeably lighter.
"Consultant Chen Feng, your idea was brilliant!" Hu Tao exclaimed, beaming as she rejoined Chen Feng. "Not only did our client not give me a nasty look, but he actually thanked me! I feel like Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has taken a historic leap forward!"
Meanwhile, the adventurers who had been stunned by the earlier scene finally snapped out of their stupor. Instantly intrigued, they swarmed around Hu Tao, their voices sycophantic.
"Director Hu Tao, we actually want to learn more about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services!"
"Exactly! In our line of work, we're always risking our necks. It's wise to plan ahead for our final resting place!"
"Director Hu Tao, look at me! My family of three is interested in pre-ordering!"
Hearing so many people express interest in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services, Hu Tao's eyes lit up once more. Just as she was about to hand out flyers, Chen Feng, who was behind her, grabbed her arm.
"Director Hu Tao, let's go outside and take a look."
"Oh, alright."
Chen Feng's reminder snapped Hu Tao out of her reverie. She quickly followed him out of the Adventurer's Guild.
The adventurers, realizing they had missed out on a bargain, couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. If only they had accepted Hu Tao's flyers earlier when she was promoting her services.
Some, unable to resist Hu Tao's relentless enthusiasm, had reluctantly accepted the flyers, only to toss them into the trash bin the moment she turned away.
Wait a minute... the trash bin!
Soon, a bizarre scene unfolded at the Adventurer's Guild: a large crowd gathered around the trash bin, erupting into a chaotic brawl.
"Don't snatch! These are all mine!"
"You think you can hog them all? Dream on!"
"Taste my Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms!"
"Take this: Monkey Steals the Peach!"
Katheryne stared at the chaotic scene before her, completely stunned. After a long moment, she regained her composure and shakily ordered someone to notify the Millelith.
Meanwhile, Chen Feng and Hu Tao strode confidently down the main street, a stack of flyers tucked under their arms. Chen Feng's eyes scanned the faces of passersby like a radar, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.
Pedestrians instinctively frowned at the sight and scattered to either side, quickly clearing a path for the pair through the once-crowded street.
Suddenly, Chen Feng's eyes lit up. He exchanged a glance with Hu Tao, whose eyes immediately brightened as well. She hurried over to the elderly woman Chen Feng had indicated.
"Elderly lady, please keep this flyer safe. Bring it to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in one week, and you'll receive one thousand Mora."
"Director Hu Tao, I appreciate your kindness, but I can't accept this aid. Please offer it to someone who needs it more."
"That's not how it works, Elder. You've misunderstood. This is Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's latest promotional campaign—we're giving these flyers out to everyone, not just you."
"So that's how it is? Then I'll accept it."
"Director Hu Tao, you're giving everyone such generous benefits! You're really such a kind person!"
After distributing another flyer and securing a new lead, Hu Tao excitedly high-fived Chen Feng, their faces beaming with mutual understanding.
Witnessing this scene, the passersby on the street immediately grew restless, swarming Hu Tao and clamoring for flyers, showering her with praise.
This was the first time Hu Tao had ever experienced such popularity, and her smile instantly became even brighter.
Although Hu Tao wasn't one to chase after empty praise, the outpouring of praise from so many people still filled her heart with warmth.
Of course, Hu Tao didn't lose her composure this time. No matter how flattering the words, she wouldn't recklessly hand out another flyer.
Previously, people had scorned her flyers, tossing them away the moment they turned their backs. Now, they were fighting tooth and nail to get one. The impact on Hu Tao was undeniable.
This transformation was all thanks to a new Consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!
"Director Hu Tao, eight o'clock, move up!"
Following Chen Feng's renewed instructions, Hu Tao immediately squeezed through the crowd to locate the targeted premium client.
Upstairs in the teahouse, Zhongli froze at the sight.
He rubbed his temples with a hint of resignation. Although Hu Tao had found a new favorite, forgetting him, her old flame, and allowing him to continue enjoying his retirement, he couldn't shake a growing sense of unease. He sensed that his peaceful retirement might soon be shattered.
After a moment's contemplation, Zhongli decided not to intervene. After all, even if he tried to stop their antics, Hu Tao would likely ignore him anyway. Better to savor these final moments of tranquility.
Time for tea... Tea is good.