"Director Hu Tao is coming, everyone run!"
When the pedestrians on the street saw Chen Feng and Hu Tao, they immediately cried out in alarm, and then everyone disappeared in an instant.
The shops on the street also closed one after another, and the once bustling street suddenly became incredibly desolate.
Seeing this scene, Hu Tao was very angry.
"I said that the so-called 'Book of Life and Death' is completely a rumor made up by someone, why does no one believe this Director?!"
That's right, Hu Tao's little notebook was lost again, and its contents were even put on public display.
Hu Tao found it hard to understand why those great robbers would target her small business. You know, this time she had found a cabinet to lock it up, but it was still stolen.
When the incident happened, no one in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor noticed, but it was said that someone saw Zhongli at the place where the notebook's contents were put on public display, though the truth of the news is unknown.
After the names on the list matched the dead one by one again, everyone completely went crazy.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor not only has the "Book of Life and Death", but even more than one!
Some people even suspected that Hu Tao had a method for mass-producing "Books of Life and Death," which was simply terrifying!
"Utter nonsense!"
"Someone is targeting this Director!"
Finally, Hu Tao came to a conclusion.
"There must be competitors who don't want to see Wangsheng Funeral Parlor continue to grow, so they hired someone to deliberately smear us!"
After hearing Hu Tao's conclusion, Chen Feng nodded in deep agreement.
"Director Hu Tao is right, those competitors would stoop to any means; they're truly despicable!"
"Exactly, exactly!"
Hu Tao said, feeling somewhat indignant.
If other people were to hear their conversation right now, they would surely comment with strange expressions: Which idiot in Liyue these days would actually dare to oppose Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?!
"We haven't had any orders for several days, this can't go on!"
Hu Tao said worriedly, then her eyes suddenly lit up as she noticed a few shops still open a little further away.
"Come on, Consultant Chen Feng, let's go take a look over there."
Just as Hu Tao led Chen Feng a few steps toward the shop, its owner appeared in their sight, looking utterly terrified, then slammed the door shut.
The streets had completely quieted down. Hu Tao and Chen Feng had successfully made everyone in Liyue Harbor remember them through their own efforts, but the parties involved were not very satisfied with the result.
"Consultant Chen Feng, what should we do now?!"
"At this rate, let alone expanding, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor might even decline under this Director's leadership!"
Finally, Hu Tao looked at Chen Feng with an expectant gaze, while Chen Feng wore an awkward expression.
"Director Hu Tao, I've thought of several methods over the past few days, but none of them worked."
"Now, all the people who could run have run. The ones who didn't have run like spirits, vanishing into thin air at the slightest hint of our presence. We're even more unwelcome than debt collectors."
"Director Hu Tao, I'm really at my wit's end."
"One hundred thousand Mora!"
"Director Hu Tao, this isn't about Mora... no..."
"Two hundred thousand!!"
"Director Hu Tao, I'm really out of ideas, and I'm not the kind of person who only comes up with solutions when I see Mora. You've got the wrong person."
"Three... five hundred thousand!!!"
"...Well, it's not that I can't think about it again."
Chen Feng scratched his head and pondered for a long time, finally speaking slowly under Hu Tao's extremely expectant gaze.
"Director Hu Tao, I've thought of a method we could try."
"Since conventional methods don't work, let's try a drastic measure!"
"Since everyone claims our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has a 'Book of Life and Death,' we can just clear up this misunderstanding in front of everyone!"
"At that time, we'll not only write down the names of people whose lives are about to end, but also a few healthy people. If they remain unharmed in the end, the rumor will collapse on its own!"
Hearing Chen Feng's words, Hu Tao's eyes lit up.
"But would anyone actually be willing to let us write down their names?"
"That's easy to solve. A brave man will do anything for a great reward. As long as there's enough Mora, someone will definitely be tempted!"
"As expected of you, Consultant Chen Feng!"
After hearing this, Hu Tao was overjoyed.
"You're truly this Director's strategist, comparable to Mr. Fledgling Phoenix from the novels!"
"Isn't it Crouching Dragon, Director Hu Tao?"
"Hmph, the title of Crouching Dragon, of course, belongs to this Director!"
Hu Tao said somewhat smugly.
"With our Crouching Dragon and Fledgling Phoenix safeguarding the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the day we rise to prosperity will surely not be far!"
"Let's go, Consultant Chen Feng, let's head back and make preparations. Then we'll pick an auspicious day to put an end to these recent rumors once and for all!"
-
Sandrone saw Dottore again, and by this time, Dottore had already completed his punishment and seemed to be in relatively good spirits.
"Oh, you're here?"
Hearing Dottore's mocking tone, Sandrone completely lost her cool.
"Dottore, you bastard!"
"This is a betrayal. Aren't you afraid that The Jester will come to settle the score with you?!"
"Heh, you're getting impatient."
"I ¥%##@#(*)!"
Sandrone vented all her inner rage and dissatisfaction through her words, only to be slapped on the head by Rene.
"Alain, did you install some irrelevant modules?"
"Rene, that's enough. I've already told you my name isn't Alain. Have you forgotten your old friend from hundreds of years ago?"
"And what was that power you just showed? Don't tell me that toy-like thing you were holding was your source of power?!"
Sandrone knew she had lost, and she had lost completely. But she still couldn't figure out why.
Alain, hiding inside the Pulonia, remained silent. He didn't want to come out and face what came next, not only because of Neuvillette's attitude toward the Fatui, but also because he once stood on the side of justice and light in Fontaine.
Now, his and Rene's positions seemed to have completely reversed. This sense of disparity was hard for him to accept in such a short time.
Of course, the main reason was that he had been completely defeated by Rene in terms of talent. They used to be evenly matched.
After learning the truth, the people behind them could only sigh in dismay.
At first, they thought it was a battle for household status. Many people who saw Rene transform into the Giant of Light were still complaining about his being such a typical straight man who didn't know how to hold back a little. But the truth was that Rene was catching a spy who had infiltrated the Fontaine Research Institute, and they had even been cheering for the spy.
Who could have expected this? A talent like Sandrone would be a treasure to any faction. Which faction would be so foolish as to send her as a spy?!
By the current standards of the Fontaine Research Institute, even an ordinary genius couldn't even manage to get in.
Besides, their Fontaine Research Institute had already gained independence from Fontaine and focused completely on research, so there was no information that could be spied on.
As for Dottore, this time it was an accident. There aren't many people in the entire Teyvat continent that Neuvillette would treat so seriously.
For this reason, the Fontaine Research Institute accepted everyone without exception and never suspected Sandrone. Although they noticed she wasn't a local, there were no shortage of foreigners in the Fontaine Research Institute either. They just thought Sandrone had come for its good reputation.
Moreover, Sandrone almost always stayed in the room assigned to her every day, so there was nothing suspicious about her.
After Jacob learned the news, he laughed wildly in his heart.
He knew Rene would never abandon him!
"You guessed correctly."
Rene directly nodded to confirm Sandrone's conjecture, then once again took out the Divine Light Rod from his robe and carefully brushed the patterns on it with his fingers, his eyes full of nostalgia.
"This is something my best friend and mentor gave me in the final moment of his life."
"At that time, we were in a desperate situation. The Ark had already entered its final self-destruction sequence countdown, and I had completely given up hope."
"He told me not to abandon the light in my heart and finally gave this gift to me."
Rene paused, then looked at Sandrone and spoke again.
"Now I am bringing this message to you as well, Alain."
"No matter what time or what happens, never abandon the light within your heart."
Hearing Rene's words, Sandrone crossed her arms and spoke somewhat disdainfully.
"I never expected you, Rene, would believe such words. I would actually like to see what that person you admire so much looks like."
"You can't see him anymore. He was the first outstanding scientist on the continent of Teyvat to complete Artificial Authority, but unfortunately, he ultimately died at the hands of Fontaine's pests."
Rene took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh.
Upon hearing Rene mention "Artificial Authority," both Sandrone and Alain, who was hiding in seclusion within the Pulonia, were completely stunned.
Creating Artificial Authority was not just several times more difficult than creating an Artificial God. After all, even gods could only borrow Authority, which was considered the most fundamental rule of the Teyvat continent. Artificial Authority was equivalent to forging a brand new path!
They had already been sufficiently shocked by the numerous research reports they saw at the Fontaine Research Institute, but that was nothing compared to what they had just heard.
While they were still pondering how to let the Pulonia gain greater power by borrowing a portion of Authority's might, someone had already effortlessly elevated Rene to an existence equal to the world.
Yes, the current Rene had already stood on a level equal to the world, no longer restricted by the Teyvat continent.
"Rene, are you serious?! You should know that achieving such a feat is almost impossible, right?!"
Even after seeing Rene's transformed appearance with her own eyes, Sandrone still found it somewhat unbelievable.
"I used to think it was impossible as well."
"But for Monsieur Alva, it seems nothing is impossible."
Recalling the times he had personally seen that man complete one piece of research after another with effortless ease, Rene couldn't help but shake his head. Even now, he still felt somewhat discouraged.
While others conducted research by crossing the river by feeling the stones, he looked like he was just copying the answers. How could anyone compete with that?
"It's a pity you didn't return to Fontaine sooner and see him with your own eyes."
Rene shook his head, unable to help but feel some regret for Alain.
If the other party had also seen the previous scene, he believed his current achievements would be no worse than his own.
Of course, Rene also knew the reason why Alain didn't want to return to Fontaine. After all, this was the place where he had simultaneously lost both his friend and his family.
Sure enough, after Rene finished saying this, Sandrone immediately became silent.
"You two, when reminiscing, would you like to pay attention to whether there is an outsider present?"
At this moment, Dottore suddenly spoke, interrupting their thoughts.
Sandrone replied in a displeased tone.
"Since you know you are an outsider, can't you have some self-awareness and shut your mouth?!"
"I'm afraid not. I can be considered to have finished my sentence, and I can't let you extend my imprisonment just because of that."
Hearing Dottore's words, Sandrone's fury flared even hotter.
"Mr. Dottore, your punishment may have ended, but that is far from enough to cleanse you of your sins."
"Go see Monsieur Neuvillette. He will inform you of the next steps regarding your disposal."
Rene's tone with Dottore was far from polite, but Dottore remained completely unbothered. He shrugged and replied, "Of course. Monsieur Neuvillette will have to sell me for a good price, after all."
After speaking, Dottore glanced at Sandrone and added, "Oh right, now that the Seventh Seat is involved, Monsieur Neuvillette should be able to demand an even higher price."
"Who do you think caused this whole mess?!"
Sandrone never expected that Dottore, a man with absolutely no scruples or bottom line, would actually report her. How else could she have ended up in such a miserable state?
If Rene hadn't been watching her, she would have thrown herself at Dottore and gotten into a brawl with him long ago!
"That's right, you did cause this. At least you have some self-awareness."
Hearing Dottore's words, Sandrone grew even more frantic.
"I can't take it anymore! Dottore, I'm going to fight you for real today!"
Sandrone tried to attack, but Rene restrained her.
He couldn't judge whether the two were acting or if their relationship had truly soured, but he dared not take the risk. If Sandrone was feigning her anger and used the opportunity to free Dottore from his restrictions, allowing him to regain his full strength, things would turn disastrous. Rene wasn't absolutely confident he could stop Dottore at full power—and if he failed, how would he explain it to Neuvillette?
"Whatever it is, let's go see Monsieur Neuvillette first," Rene said.
After stating this, he quickly gathered the two and called Jacob to head toward the Court of Fontaine, preventing any further conflict from erupting.
Jacob was so moved that tears streamed down his face. As expected, I am the most important person by Rene's side!
After the four of them left, the crowd watching their departing figures began chatting animatedly once again.
"I can't believe Miss Ann and Monsieur Rene are old friends!"
"I totally ship them!"
"Shipping everything will only hurt you!"
"It feels like there's still a chance for them, doesn't it?"
"I can see it. The relationship between Miss Ann and Monsieur Rene is still very good; they just haven't taken it any further yet."
"This is where we come in with a little bit of help. Right, everyone?"
"Right!"