"Director Hu really is… a born salesperson. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has truly picked up a ghost," Lora said, watching Hu Tao hoist a shovel on her shoulder while enthusiastically pitching her services.
She honestly didn't know how else to describe the scene.
Was the Director planning to talk her to death and then bury her on the spot? Another deal secured?
Hu Tao noticed Lora's gaze lingering on the shovel on her shoulder. She casually set it down by the doorway, then grabbed Lora by the hand and tried to pull her inside.
"Wait!" Lora hurriedly protested. "I'm not here to arrange a funeral!"
Hearing that, Hu Tao didn't look discouraged at all. Instead, she pressed on cheerfully. "Then would you be interested in learning about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's various services? You never know when you might need them! We even offer discounts for regular customers—guaranteed to give you a grand send-off!"
"..."
Lora fell silent, looking at Hu Tao with a mixture of disbelief and speechlessness.
Barring any accidents, Hu Tao was probably never going to handle her funeral in this lifetime.
Hu Tao smiled at Lora and finally reined in her earlier frivolity.
"May I ask how I should address you, honored guest? I'm Hu Tao, the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Since you've come here, I assume you've heard of me?"
Lora gave a small nod and introduced herself. "I'm Lora Chaya. I'm here to see Zhongli."
"Zhongli?" Hu Tao paused, looking at Lora with some surprise. "Zhongli is our consultant. May I ask what business Miss Lora has with him? Also, he went out early this morning—I'm not sure if he's back yet."
Only then did the young girl guarding the door speak up. "Director, Mr. Zhongli came back not long ago. He's resting inside right now."
"Oh?" Hu Tao brightened immediately. "Perfect timing. Miss Lora, please come this way!"
She made a welcoming gesture and led Lora into Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
The parlor occupied a large area, its layout somewhat complex. Hu Tao guided Lora toward Zhongli's residence. It was already late, and a light was glowing from his room—it seemed he was indeed inside.
Knock, knock.
Hu Tao rapped on the door. "Consultant? Are you home, Consultant? Say something!"
"It's already late. What is it, Director?" Zhongli's deep, steady voice came from inside.
"Nothing urgent. Someone's here to see you," Hu Tao replied, glancing at Lora.
Footsteps sounded from within. Soon, Zhongli opened the door. His gaze swept past Hu Tao and then settled on Lora. When he clearly saw her face, even his usually composed expression showed a hint of genuine surprise.
"So it's you," Zhongli said softly, looking at her. "It's been a long time, old friend."
"It really has," Lora replied with a smile. "Long time no see, Zhongli."
"Oh? You two know each other?" Hu Tao looked at Lora in surprise. She might not know Lora, but she knew Zhongli well. Not just anyone could be called his friend—let alone be addressed as an "old friend."
"Since you already know each other, I won't interrupt," Hu Tao said with a grin. "Take your time talking."
With that, she found an excuse and left them alone.
Zhongli stepped aside and gestured politely. "Please, come in."
Lora entered the room.
As Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's most important consultant, Zhongli's accommodations were naturally excellent—second only to Hu Tao's. The various furnishings inside looked refined, and judging by their appearance, likely authentic antiques.
Lora sat across from Zhongli. He placed a teacup in front of her and personally poured the tea. A gentle fragrance filled the room.
Even the teacup itself was no ordinary item—the patterns were restrained and elegant, clearly valuable.
"This morning, Xiao mentioned that a strange god had arrived in Liyue Harbor, one with a strong affinity for hydro," Zhongli said after taking a sip. His gaze rested on Lora. "It seems that god was you. Egeria… weren't you within the 'Harvisptokhm' in Sumeru? Why—"
"Just call me Lora," she interrupted softly. "As for my resurrection, it's a long story."
Lora sighed, briefly explaining how she had returned, while omitting the truth that her soul was a new existence born from the fusion of Egeria and Lora. It was far too fantastical, and explaining it in detail would serve no purpose.
"Resurrection…" Zhongli murmured thoughtfully. He looked at her and smiled faintly. "What matters is that you're alive again. It's been many years since we last met—this is a good chance to catch up."
"I may have come back to life," Lora said, eyeing him, "but you 'died.' Do you know what happened today at Yujing Terrace? You tossed that dragon skin down from the sky and walked away, and I got arrested as the one who tried to assassinate the Geo Archon."
"Oh?" Zhongli looked genuinely surprised. "Something like that happened? Then what are you doing now…?"
"I broke out," Lora answered flatly.
"Escaping from prison is not appropriate," Zhongli said, shaking his head.
Before he could continue, Lora quickly cut him off. "I didn't actually try to assassinate the Geo Archon! And it's not like I don't plan to go back. I just came out for some air—and to see you."
"To see me?" Zhongli looked at her with mild surprise. "Then you must have something you want from me."
Lora nodded and got straight to the point. "I need your Gnosis."
Zhongli fell silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. I have already made a contract with the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya. Once matters in Liyue are concluded, the Gnosis will be handed over to her."
"Then can I just wait and snatch it afterward?" Lora asked. "Once you give it to them, I'll take it from their hands."
"The Tsaritsa likely already knows of your existence—or at least that someone intends to target the Gnosis," Zhongli replied with a quiet sigh. "The contract states that it does not conclude until the Gnosis reaches Snezhnaya. So… you can't do that."
Of course, Lora still had one other option: steal the Gnosis within Snezhnaya itself. But in her current condition, charging straight into Snezhnaya to confront the Cryo Archon felt… a bit foolish.
She let out a helpless sigh.
Zhongli looked at her and asked, "Since you came from Mondstadt, you've already met that poet, haven't you?"
Hearing him mention Venti, Lora suddenly remembered. She casually pulled out two bottles of wine and set them on the table.
"These are from Venti," she said. "He said the last time he got drunk, you knocked him flying. He asked me to check whether you're still angry."