Hu Tao and Xiangling stepped into Jiang Chen's home for the first time, their eyes filled with curiosity as they took in the surroundings.
"Tsk tsk, not bad at all."
"Though living here might give you rheumatism."
"Still, you've set up barriers to isolate the dampness—smart move."
Hu Tao muttered to herself as she examined the layout of the house.
As the director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she had studied a wide range of subjects.
Despite her carefree demeanor, she was also a feng shui master.
Well, she had to learn it—burying people required expertise, after all.
The feng shui of this house was excellent, seamlessly integrated with mechanical constructs.
It could practically be called a golden mansion and jade abode.
Truly the work of an adeptus.
However, some elements felt oddly familiar…
Almost like Zhongli's handiwork?
Had he been involved in this?
With this thought in mind, Hu Tao couldn't help but ask Guizhong:
"Big Sis Guizhong, do you know my consultant, Zhongli?"
"The one who never brings Mora when eating out?"
"Is he an adeptus?"
"Ever since I was little, his appearance hasn't changed—always that handsome face."
"I suspect he's an adeptus. Can you tell me which one?"
Hu Tao stared at Guizhong with eager curiosity.
If she could confirm Zhongli's identity as an adeptus…
Hu Tao clenched her fists.
An adeptus freeloading at my parlor, huh?!
Hehe!
She'd finally caught him red-handed!
That said, while she pretended to be annoyed, she didn't actually mind Zhongli's spending.
After her grandfather passed away, Zhongli had taken care of her—he was practically family now.
The parlor was wealthy enough; Zhongli spending a bit was no big deal.
Whenever she scolded him, it was mostly for show.
She never truly blamed him—otherwise, she wouldn't keep reimbursing him.
Besides, Zhongli's "useless" antique purchases often turned a profit.
He had a knack for spotting hidden treasures.
So Hu Tao never really had grounds to complain.
When Guizhong heard Hu Tao's question, a strange glint flashed in her eyes.
"He is an adeptus—just a bit eccentric."
"He's even turned into a woman before."
Guizhong delivered this bombshell with a perfectly straight face.
Hu Tao's jaw dropped.
"Huh?!"
"Zhongli… turned into a woman?!"
Her eyes widened in shock.
She never expected Zhongli to be that wild.
He could change genders?!
What would that even look like? Zhongli… no, "Zhongli -ette"?*
The mental image hit Hu Tao like a meteor.
"Yep."
"He can become a woman—or even a little girl."
Guizhong gestured at waist height.
"About this tall."
Hu Tao's soul nearly left her body.
A child as small as Yaoyao or Qiqi?!
Absolutely shocking.
Who would've thought Zhongli—that dignified, composed man—had such a side?
In an instant, Guizhong had obliterated Zhongli's image in Hu Tao's mind.
If Zhongli found out, he'd probably drop a meteor on her.
Seeing Hu Tao's stunned expression, Guizhong's lips curled slightly.
"Don't go spreading this, though."
"If he gets angry, he will throw hands."
"He might seem calm now, but in his youth, he was quite the unruly type."
Though Zhongli appeared gentle these days, he had single-handedly ended the Archon War.
Back then, his temper was far from mild.
People often said that as one aged, no matter how fierce they were in youth, their temperament would mellow.
That saying held very true.
(Of course, some were rotten to the core—those shameless old folks were beyond redemption.)
"Tell me more!"
Hu Tao was riveted.
This was the perfect opportunity to collect Zhongli's blackmail material.
This kind of intel was priceless—you couldn't buy it even with Mora.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Guizhong happily obliged—mixing half-truths with complete fabrications.
But Hu Tao didn't know that.
In her eyes, Guizhong was an adeptus—why would she lie?
"Brother Jiang Chen, where's the kitchen?"
"I'll go get familiar with it—I'll prepare dinner for everyone later."
Xiangling watched Hu Tao's excitement with exasperation.
She refused to listen further—Zhongli's dignified image was already shattered enough.
Better to focus on cooking.
She'd gather ingredients later.
Jiang Chen pointed.
"Over there—just head straight in."
Xiangling nodded and left without another word, ready to explore and start cooking prep.
"Do you have any other plans?"
Havria suddenly spoke up, her gaze at Jiang Chen strangely complicated.
Sensing her odd mood, Jiang Chen frowned.
"What's wrong?"
What was up with Havria?
Had something happened?
"Nothing, just asking."
Havria certainly wouldn't voice her thoughts aloud.
Jiang Chen didn't press further, instead explaining his own plans:
"Next, I'll be researching something."
"Office matters will be left to you."
"I want to develop a method for teleporting via ley lines."
Most urgent tasks were already handled.
He wasn't planning to visit Fontaine yet.
So now, Jiang Chen intended to recreate the Teleport Waypoints.
Lumine had recently collected plenty of materials—especially Hilichurl masks.
Hilichurls were deeply connected to the ley lines.
Their materials might hold the key.
Same for Abyss Mages.
If this worked, he'd place an order with Aether.
More Hilichurl materials? Easy.
As the Prince of the Abyss, Aether could procure anything obscure.
He could even have a line of Hilichurls queue up to beat themselves up for drops.
After listening, Havria nodded.
I see…
Understood.
There'd be plenty of opportunities later.
But she'd observe for a few days—wait until Lumine really didn't return.
Honestly, learning that Lumine and Jiang Chen were together had shocked her.
Since when?!
How had she missed all the signs?
You two hid this way too well!!