While their speculation was unfounded, Qiqi’s zombie nature only accounted for half her characteristics. She did not, like true zombies, drink blood, nor did she fear sunlight. Her primary traits were a stiff body, slow movements, and a lack of sharp intellect.
With a clear objective, Bai Shu quickly brought Qiqi home. Buwang Lou gained another herbal apprentice, albeit a rather peculiar one.
The immortals, witnessing this, breathed a collective sigh of relief. Since Qiqi had not harmed anyone, they felt reassured. However, they remained vigilant, for caution was always wise.
Thus, the zombie Qiqi was successfully adopted by Bai Shu, the proprietor of Buwang Lou. A decade and more slipped by. Bai Shu had not fully deciphered her nature, but for his grand plan of eternal life, he continued his earnest efforts.
Qiqi, meanwhile, had long since perceived his intentions. Yet, she felt no urge to leave. For reasons unknown, a certain feeling anchored her here, preventing her departure.
The PV concluded, and a profound silence fell upon the onlookers. Soon, tears began to fall, one by one, from someone’s eyes. They had watched a PV and found themselves weeping.
This individual had, in years past, bullied Qiqi. Back then, she was considered a freak, a little monster in their eyes. Humans are often curious about the unknown, and this curiosity can sometimes manifest as a desire to torment.
This person was one such tormentor. But now, they wept tears of repentance. This creature they had once dismissed as a mere "little monster" harbored an unspeakable past…
“I truly thank you, manager of the Honkai Impact 3rd experience store!”
A square furrowed on Bai Shu’s forehead. Now it was a disaster… the entire world knew he was researching zombies in pursuit of eternal life. What was he to do? Should he flee immediately?
If he delayed any longer, he might soon face arrest by the Millelith. He decided to act at once. He packed his belongings swiftly, planning to take a vacation in Sumeru. If he could stay truly hidden, no one would find him!
Once this storm blew over, that store manager would pay. He vowed to exact his revenge!
Despite his defiant words, he diligently packed his clothes. It was likely he would face an onslaught of rotten eggs by tomorrow, so leaving today was indeed the wisest course of action.
As the screen faded to black, Zhongli glanced at Hu Tao beside him, wondering what her thoughts were. He could only hope that the video had inspired some genuine change in her.
“Wuwuwu, Qiqi is so pitiful! I really want to hug her and comfort her.”
Hearing this, Zhongli initially thought the video had had the desired effect, convincing the young girl to abandon her notion of burying zombies.
However, his heart broke in the next moment.
“But disrupting balance is disrupting balance. I shall send her on her way sooner. Beyond the realms of Yin and Yang, I cannot allow such an existence to persist.”
While she spoke these words, a sliver of Hu Tao’s obsession did indeed diminish. In the future, she might merely engage in playful banter with young Qiqi… After all, everyone had their own selfish desires, and she was no exception.
On the other side, Raiden Ei, after watching the child’s video, was reminded of the first artificial human she had created. In a sense, that individual was also her child… though perhaps a somewhat rebellious one.
Not only had they joined the Fatui, but they had also caused trouble everywhere. It seemed that upon their arrival in Inazuma, they would have to experience a mother’s chastisement, as well as her delicious home-cooked meals.
Though it might lead to death… Ah, no, it was an artificial human.
Nahida, who had been directing workers in the repair of the Sangonomiya Palace, offered praise after watching the video. The story had not particularly piqued her interest; Qiqi’s plight was pitiable, yes, but compared to her own experiences, it was hardly unique.
As for Venti, the situation was entirely different. The lazy bard had actually fallen asleep while watching… one could only say, he was true to himself. Perhaps the gentle breeze of Windrise was too comforting?
Lying on the grass, feeling the gentle breeze caress every inch of her skin, the swaying blades of grass provided a subtle massage. It wasn’t itchy, but rather pleasantly soothing.
Combined with a bit of apple cider buried in Windrise, what could be more delightful? And so, the foolish bard had fallen asleep, even having half a bottle of wine stolen from him. Truly unfortunate.
Just as everyone thought the PV was over and were preparing to return to their respective duties and work diligently, the screen flickered slightly.
Several large characters appeared.
“Genshin… Hu Tao Chapter.”
This was a PV presented by the system. But wasn’t it a bit too coincidental? Hu Tao and Qiqi being placed together? No way! Hu Tao’s story was even more tragic!
Even Hu Tao herself blinked in surprise. “Well, well, telling my story, are you? If you get it wrong, I’ll be the first to refute it. I’d like to see what kind of story you can conjure!”
As the scenes shifted, Zhongli thoughtfully stroked his chin. It seemed… more unpleasant memories were to come.
On screen, it was a bright afternoon. The streets bustled with traffic, and people moved about in great numbers. Inside a classroom, Hu Tao, with a mischievous glint in her eye, crumpled a piece of paper, intending to throw it at a classmate in front.
However, the paper ball spun rapidly and struck the teacher who was lecturing. The teacher turned with anger, shouting loudly:
“I don’t need to guess, it’s you, Hu Tao! When will you ever listen to a class properly? Why don’t you use your intelligence constructively?! You’ve never paid attention in my class, so tell me, what does this mean?!”
It was over. She had angered the teacher. Hu Tao could only gaze blankly at the blackboard, utterly clueless… she hadn’t been listening, after all.
Time flew by, and the afternoon classes concluded in a blink. Hu Tao quickly dashed out of the academy, her large, plum-blossom-shaped eyes scanning her surroundings, as if searching for someone.
But the tall figure she sought did not appear. Seeing that the person she wished to see was absent, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes… Was she truly so unimportant? Even her grandfather rarely visited.
And now, here came an annoying fellow.
“Yo, isn’t this that tomboy? No, wait, a wild child with no parents. Why are you standing here? Is no one here to pick you up?! Haha! A wild child is just a wild child, how could they possibly have parents?”
The chubby boy’s words were sharp. Hu Tao, already feeling down, lost whatever sliver of good mood she had left. Her large, plum-blossom-shaped eyes became clouded with moisture.
But she, being resilient, did not cry. Yet, she also chose not to retort, for it was the truth. She had never met her parents… they had seemingly vanished into thin air, never to return.