Hu Tao’s eyes lit up. Was it true? Helping out would earn her 2000 Mora? That was almost the going rate for a funeral service. Was this what being rich was like?
“Is it really possible? Then it’s a deal. I’ll definitely come help when I have time. May I ask what kind of help you need?”
Lu Ze chuckled. It wasn’t like he’d offer such a high fee without a reason. The main reason was that he needed to open a new figure shop soon and wouldn't have enough staff. It would be best to find someone local, and Hu Tao was perfect.
The most important thing was that if he recruited Hu Tao to help at the shop, the system would reward him with a Hu Tao collaboration outfit (the one linked with the number one). It wasn't because he wanted to see it, but purely out of humanitarianism.
After all, he already had an old man playing the elder in Zhongli at home. However, tomorrow was the Rite of Descension, and it was likely that a certain Fatui Harbinger would soon become Zhongli’s personal wallet.
“It’s probably just taking money at the counter. You just need to keep track of the item prices. Soon, the second book of the Thirteen Flame-Maneuvers will be released, and we can ride that wave of popularity.”
Hearing that it was such an easy job, Hu Tao nodded excitedly, her plum blossom eyes seeming to shine even brighter.
“I don’t know how to thank you enough. You helped me see my grandfather and now you’re giving me a stable income. All I can do is a small thing…”
A blush crept onto her delicate face. Hu Tao quickly stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on Lu Ze’s cheek. Feeling the light touch, like a dragonfly skimming water, Lu Ze was slightly taken aback.
“Oh, it’s over.”
Having done that, Hu Tao shyly ran away. It was the first time she had ever done something so bold.
However, the few girls behind her didn’t think the same way. Especially Nahida, who had just teleported over. For some reason, she watched the scene with a smile.
“I’d say your romantic luck is quite extraordinary… Perhaps a little punishment is in order?”
A kanji symbol appeared on Venti’s forehead. Things had been going well, why the sudden shift in tone? Should she lock him in his room to prevent him from causing trouble outside?
“Sirin wants a kiss too! Lower your body a bit, Sirin wants one too!”
Sirin, a little annoyed, raised her small fists and playfully punched Lu Ze’s chest. Her punches were fast but caused no harm.
“Heh, humans are indeed complex creatures. Why, then, does my heart ache a little? Can you explain it to me, Lu Ze!”
Looking at the three of them, Lu Ze felt utterly exhausted. If there were more people, how could he possibly manage? He might as well just die at home.
After dealing with this group, Bronya in Mondstadt had already seen three trailers. The different snippets confused her, but the release date had been sent over…
“Three days from now… I remember tomorrow is the Rite of Descension in Liyue. I heard people on the street talking about it. The version update is on the same day… and the main feature will be released in two more days? Truly something to look forward to, my little Lu Ze.”
Besides watching the trailers, she also finalized her company’s matters, played the role of a behind-the-scenes boss for a while, and even interacted with Mei, promising to send her the main feature for sure.
Meanwhile, in another world, in a future timeline, Mei slowly closed her phone. Her intuition told her that this trailer conveyed a lot of information, but she didn't know how much she could grasp.
As the perspective shifted, in a world filled with numbers, a world was being nurtured, or rather, being repaired.
Inside a giant sphere, a pink world could be seen. Besides repairing most of the data within, there was also resurrection…
“I… why am I here? Where is this? No, this is still the Imaginary Tree… I’m not dead? That’s great! I’m not dead! Sister Mei! Sister Ai… and everyone else…”
Then, as a torrent of memories poured in, her eyes shifted from hope to despair.
“How could this be… everyone… is dead? That’s right! The Herrscher of the End… how could we possibly resist her? But Lord Kevin is truly amazing… Am I ultimately just a data construct? Am I… truly myself?”
Throughout the Imaginary Tree, thirteen people appeared in various locations, all neatly arranged. However, their bodies were not fully restored; they were all in slumber.
“Host, are you looking forward to this gift? This gift from the past…”
At the Honkai Impact 3rd experience store in Liyue, Lu Ze looked at the letter with a troubled expression. In Liyue, property ownership was centrally managed. If he wanted to buy a house, he had to go through official channels.
However, he had already visited the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and there wasn’t a single property available for purchase. How was he supposed to open his Honkai Impact 3rd figure shop?
He immediately thought of Ningguang, the Qixing of the Jade Chamber on the floating island. If anyone could help, it would be her. After all, she was the wealthiest person in all of Liyue. It wouldn’t be strange for her to own multiple properties, right?
“I hope this letter is truly useful, otherwise it will be troublesome… I’ll just have to try my luck and see if I can rent a shop or something.”
He sent the letter through certain channels to Ningguang’s secretary. After all, he wasn’t an ordinary person; he was someone Ningguang valued, so he must have some small connections.
“Alright, let’s go for a walk. Does anyone want to go out with me?”
The first to look up was Sirin. She immediately dropped her game console, hopped over, and hugged Lu Ze, saying sweetly:
“Can I? Sirin wants to go for a walk, take me with you.”
Lu Ze crouched down and patted her head, smiling. “We were going out for a walk anyway. If you want to go, I’ll definitely take you. Anyone else?”
Since it was early morning, Venti still had to prepare lunch, so she wouldn’t have time. Bella’s principle was that wherever Sirin went, she would follow, so she naturally wanted to go.
As for Nahida, she was currently engrossed in Honkai Impact 3rd and had no time. Liliya also expressed her desire to go out. Bronya, on the other hand, was in Mondstadt.
In the end, only these three little ones went out, making it seem like he was taking his own children for a stroll. Though, it was almost the same.
“Alright, let’s go and watch today’s Rite of Descension. Let’s witness a grand spectacle, the Archon of Liyue!”
Sirin patted her head. An Archon? Was she stronger than me? Compared to my peak, who would win?