Hu Tao finally admitted defeat. She slumped her shoulders and muttered with a gloomy face,
"Fine… fine, Adrian—no,Boss Adrian. You win. I won't ask for today's wages anymore."
Adrian nodded in satisfaction before casually tossing aside the half-dead Chonky like something insignificant.
"Grant's case is officially closed. I plan to handle his funeral tomorrow. You two help me out—same pay as before: ten-thousand Mora per day."
Hu Tao's eyes spun. After thinking for just a moment, she agreed happily. She'd been curious for a long time about how Adrian kept stealing her business.
Adrian then went over the detailed funeral arrangements with Hu Tao and paid her the corpse-watching fees for the past few days.
Of course, he did not forget to deduct one day's wage. With a performance that flawless, it was only right.
When everything was done, Adrian walked out of the estate with relaxed steps, heading toward the worn-down southern district.
Liyue might be the most prosperous commercial center in the mortal world, but that prosperity was never evenly distributed.
The east was a bustling harbor;
the north held the majestic Yuehai Pavilion;
and above the west floated the splendid Jade Chamber.
Only the south housed the laborers—the people who survived by selling their strength. The narrow streets were filled year-round with an unshakable stench of sweat. Houses on both sides were shabby and worn.
Adrian approached one especially simple-looking home. Even before he reached it, he could hear the passionate, high-energy guitar music blasting from inside.
He knocked lightly on the door.
"Xin Sanhuo, it's me."
The fiery guitar came to an abrupt stop, followed by frantic rustling—someone scrambling to clean up.
Moments later, the door swung open. Standing there was a lively, dark-skinned girl with her signature chili-pepper twin-tails.
Hands on her hips, she glared at him.
"Adrian! How many times have I told you—stop calling me Xin Sanhuo! That character is pronounced Yan!"
Adrian spread his hands, smiling.
"Alright, Xinyan. I'm here for serious business—I want to hire you for a performance."
"A performance?" Xinyan tilted her head, confused. "What performance?"
Adrian replied calmly,
"Grant passed away. His funeral is under my care. I want you to perform there."
Xinyan exploded instantly.
"I'm a musician! You want me to perform at a funeral? If word gets out, what will my fans think?!"
Adrian stayed completely unfazed. He slowly pulled out a heavy pouch of Mora and shook it in front of her.
"Performance fee: one hundred-thousand Mora."
Xinyan snatched the pouch instantly, gripping it tight.
"Hmph! Let me tell you—this much money is only enough for me to sing all night! Prepare yourself, I'll give you more than your money's worth!"
She stuffed the bag away at lightning speed.
Adrian chuckled softly.
Rock music wasn't well-received in Liyue; most citizens thought Xinyan's music was too loud. She lived a difficult life, earning very little from performances. One hundred-thousand Mora might hire her—but for Yun Jin? That wouldn't even get you through the front door.
Adrian then instructed,
"The songs must be sad. Really sad. We're trying to create a somber funeral atmosphere. And—try to work in some harsh scolding for adulterers."
Xinyan answered without hesitation,
"Don't worry! I've heard all about Grant's situation. Those shameless adulterers deserve every curse in the book."
Adrian nodded, satisfied.
"Good. If this goes well, we can work long-term. And when the chance comes, I'll help you publish a music album."
The words music album made Xinyan's eyes sparkle.
"Boss Adrian… you're amazing! From now on, whatever you need—just call me!"
"Then it's settled. I still have business to deal with, so I'll take my leave."
"Bye!" Xinyan waved enthusiastically.
Once Adrian was gone, she shut the door, practically tearing open the pouch. The gleaming Mora reflected brilliantly in the dim room—no more, no less, exactly one hundred-thousand.
This was the first time she'd ever received proper payment for a performance. Usually, even her tips were pitiful. Most days, she had to work random jobs to survive.
Even if it was a funeral gig, she still deeply appreciated Adrian.
She sat at her old, worn desk, opened a notebook, and began writing lyrics according to Adrian's instructions.
——————————
After settling arrangements with Xinyan, Adrian headed toward a pier in the western harbor.
Before long, he spotted Uncle Tian sitting at the end of the dock, fishing lazily.
Adrian walked straight over and said,
"Uncle Tian, work's here. Tomorrow, bring ten men with you to Grant's estate to perform the rites."