Qiu Bai and Zhongli exchanged a glance, immediately understanding each other's thoughts.
"What?!"
"Lady Ningguang actually invited Mr. Qiu Bai and Mr. Zhongli to the Jade Chamber?!"
The surrounding citizens of Liyue were stunned.
After all, the intelligence held within the Jade Chamber was so valuable that even a single scrap of paper from it could command a staggering price among Liyue's business elite.
Yet now, these two guest consultants of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had been personally invited by Lady Ningguang herself—proof enough of their significance.
"Lady Yuheng, I've grown accustomed to a leisurely life," Zhongli said calmly.
"I spend my days admiring flowers and listening to birdsong. I have no interest in holding an official position."
"Perhaps you should ask my old friend here instead?"
If he accepted Ningguang's offer, wouldn't that mean working directly in his area of expertise? That would completely ruin his peaceful retirement.
"This Zhongli… He looks young, possesses vast knowledge, yet chooses to waste his time like this?"
"He's nothing like the Emperor and the Immortal Lord, who have devoted thousands of years to Liyue's prosperity."
"I will definitely follow in their footsteps."
Keqing thought to herself, her determination unwavering.
She maintained a composed expression as she looked at Zhongli and smiled.
"Mr. Zhongli, you certainly live a carefree life."
Zhongli's mouth twitched slightly at her words, and he turned to see Qiu Bai trying to stifle a chuckle.
"Haha, I'm simply used to a relaxed lifestyle. But I do appreciate Lady Tianquan's recognition."
With that, Keqing turned to Qiu Bai.
"And what about you, Mr. Qiu Bai?" she asked gently.
"I'll naturally visit the Jade Chamber once my current matters are settled."
Qiu Bai replied with a smile.
Keqing's lips curved slightly. At least this Qiu Bai seemed more responsible than Zhongli.
"Whenever Mr. Qiu Bai wishes to visit, you may go to Yujing Terrace and ask for Bai Shi and Bai Wen."
"They will escort you to the Jade Chamber."
Keqing informed him with a polite smile.
"Well then, I won't disturb you two any longer. Farewell."
With that, Keqing turned and walked off, still occupied with planning the city's architecture.
...
The surrounding merchants, seeing Keqing leave, quickly entertained thoughts of befriending Qiu Bai.
But Qiu Bai had already seen through their intentions.
Without lingering, he and Zhongli quickened their pace toward Liuli Pavilion.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by two attendants at the entrance.
"Gentlemen, Lord Childe has been expecting you. Please, come in."
The attendants bowed respectfully before opening the doors with a smile.
Qiu Bai and Zhongli stepped inside.
As soon as they entered, Qiu Bai glanced up and saw a man seated at the table.
His eyes seemed devoid of light, yet his noble attire carried an air of wealth and power.
At that moment, a faint smile played on the man's lips as he gazed at Qiu Bai and Zhongli.
"Well, if it isn't Dadaliduck…"
Qiu Bai mused internally.
Among all the Fatui Harbingers, Childe was the only one who had left him with a decent impression.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, Mr. Zhongli, please have a seat."
Childe stood up, greeting them with a friendly smile.
He was a little surprised by today's guests. He hadn't expected Qiu Bai to show up as well.
Even the Fatui's intelligence network had taken notice of this mysterious Mr. Qiu Bai.
"Someone who appeared out of nowhere, huh?"
"And he's friends with Zhongli? Now that's interesting. I really want to spar with him sometime!"
Childe was intrigued by this mysterious Qiu Bai.
After hearing Childe's comment, Qiu Bai and Zhongli made themselves comfortable, taking their seats without hesitation.
"Wait a moment, we still have one more guest who hasn't arrived," Childe said with a smile.
"I'll go fetch her."
With that, he stepped out of the room.
Qiu Bai and Zhongli, unbothered by the wait, leisurely sipped their tea.
After all, in Liyue, it was considered impolite to start a meal before all the guests had arrived.
...
A short while later, Childe returned, accompanied by a blonde girl in an elegant yet unusual outfit.
Floating beside her was a round, chubby little companion—Paimon.
It was none other than Lumine and Paimon.
"Qiu Bai, what are you doing here?!"
Paimon flew up to him, eyes wide with surprise.
Lumine, too, was taken aback to see Qiu Bai here.
"Qiu Bai, I didn't expect to run into you," she said, smiling as she greeted him.
"Yo! If it isn't the Traveler and Paimon. Long time no see!"
Qiu Bai waved and grinned at them.
"So, Mr. Qiu Bai knows the Traveler?"
"That's even better. It's always easier to handle things among acquaintances," Childe remarked with a chuckle.
Then, turning toward Zhongli, he gestured for introductions.
"Allow me to introduce you—this is Mr. Zhongli, a guest consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Like Mr. Qiu Bai, he is also… a person of the trade."
"A person of the trade?"
Lumine frowned slightly. "You mean that kind of trade?"
"Exactly the kind you're thinking of," Qiu Bai said, barely holding back a laugh.
Hearing his confirmation, Lumine and Paimon visibly stiffened.
They never expected Qiu Bai to be involved in that kind of business!
"Well, in Liyue, an establishment like Wangsheng Funeral Parlor inevitably has to deal with certain… underworld affairs," Childe said smoothly, glancing at Lumine, who sat beside him with a polite but cautious expression.
"And as for us Fatui, well..."
"We've always had a preference for working with friends who operate in the shadows."
At that, Paimon shrank back slightly.
"In the shadows…?" she muttered, a bit unnerved.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. I've heard quite a few stories about your adventures in Mondstadt," Zhongli said, his voice calm and measured.
"Underworld dealings, shadows, sending people to the afterlife… Wait—!"
"Does that mean Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is actually—?!"
Lumine and Paimon had never asked Qiu Bai what Wangsheng Funeral Parlor actually did. Now that they were starting to piece it together, they couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines.
"Yes," Zhongli responded, unfazed.
"Just as you're thinking."
"Yikes!"
Paimon clasped her hands over her mouth, clearly unsettled.
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is an organization that oversees funeral rites, ensuring that souls pass on peacefully to the afterlife," Zhongli explained.
"Hahahaha!"
Qiu Bai, who had been holding it in, finally burst out laughing.
Paimon and Lumine shot him irritated glares.
"You tricked us on purpose, didn't you?" Lumine pouted.
Paimon crossed her arms and huffed. "Yeah, you totally set us up!"
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore."
"I admit my mistake."
Qiu Bai chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. He couldn't help it—Paimon's reaction had been too funny.
"Haha, did you two actually think Zhongli and Mr. Qiu Bai were assassins?" Childe chuckled.
"Well, it's true that the Fatui have quite a few assassins among our ranks, but Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? At least on the surface, that's not their business."