Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, several years went by. Old Master Hu's health continued to decline, but Hu Tao had also grown up, and her age soon reached thirteen…
She had not disappointed Old Master Hu's expectations, becoming an independent girl. She began to learn various funeral knowledge, preparing to take over the position of Director from Old Master Hu.
Speaking of which, Hu Tao was an exceptionally intelligent person. At the age of three, she could recite ancient texts while standing on her head. At six, she skipped school and hid in a coffin. By the age of eight, she was already studying funeral rites and etiquette. Now, she could independently conduct a funeral.
"Grandpa doesn't need to overwork himself anymore... I can share some of the burden with you."
Looking at the numerous scrolls on the table, her grandfather's image formed in her mind. For some reason, she had been feeling uneasy lately, as if something were about to happen.
She didn't want to lose her only remaining family member. She truly didn't want to…
As the candle extinguished, the room returned to darkness. Hu Tao lay on her bed, her mind replaying the countless pieces of knowledge she had learned. Looking at the Staff of Homa by her bedside, a smile appeared on her face…
Perhaps this was her grandfather's approval…
The next day, as there were no funerals to attend, the day was mostly spent at home.
"Little Hu Tao… what are you busy with? You didn't even eat breakfast. Here… freshly baked buns."
Old Master Hu's body was still quite robust, even stronger than most elderly people, but this was just an appearance… He knew his time was running out.
Today… might be the last day.
He was supposed to have died seven years ago. After all, his illness was incurable, beyond the help of even the gods, let alone ordinary people.
However, he had made a contract with the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis, to forcibly extend his life. The price… was that each use of power would place an additional burden on his body. In other words,
If he didn't use his power, he could have lived for at least another decade. But once he used it, his life would be deducted in years.
Over the years, his Vision had flickered more than once to protect Hu Tao. Even Zhongli was somewhat impressed. Perhaps this was the power of loved ones!
"Grandpa! I've told you not to buy me breakfast. I can go get it myself. What if I trip and fall? That wouldn't be good!"
Hu Tao was still worried about her grandfather, as he was already of advanced age and could pass away at any moment…
"Alright, alright. My Hu Tao has grown up… she's sensible now, not letting this old man run around anymore. I'm so sad!"
Seeing her grandfather's sad expression, Hu Tao reluctantly relented. Morning was the best time for studying. A cup of morning tea could keep her energized for the whole morning, perfect for learning various knowledge and broadening her horizons.
But for some reason, her mind was unusually chaotic today. She couldn't focus on anything, and even the sky was overcast. It seemed like the weather today wasn't suitable for reading.
"Grandpa, I want to have boiled fish with shrimp dumplings… How about I go to Wanmin Restaurant and pack some dishes today? Didn't we earn some money a few days ago? Let's have a good meal today."
Old Master Hu nodded with a smile. His granddaughter's preferences were his preferences. This was an age-old principle. However… this might be the last meal he shared with her…
With her grandfather's permission, Hu Tao seemed to let loose and unleashed the quirky and lively child from her childhood. She dashed out immediately, as this was her favorite food!
Old Master Hu, watching from behind, stroked his beard with a hint of relief. It seemed that even if he were gone… Hu Tao could manage the Director's position on her own.
Zhongli would also come as a consultant. With him around… he could leave with peace of mind.
The contract he had signed with Zhongli, the Geo Archon, meant he had long discovered that the friend beside him was no ordinary person. He never expected him to be the god of Liyue.
Thanks to this friend, he had lived so many years longer. Not only that… he was even willing to serve as a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He could truly say he had made a good friend.
But contracts were always fair. What had he given in return… The answer was… nothing.
All of this was a one-sided contract signed by Zhongli. He admired this old man who would do anything for his granddaughter. After all, how could someone who could discern his identity be an ordinary person…
This spirit of wanting to give everything for his granddaughter had deeply moved him. That was why he was willing to sign this series of unequal agreements, as the other party could not offer him anything…
Because after Old Master Hu's death, his soul would scatter, with no possibility of reincarnation. This was the price of his prolonged life.
Hu Tao ran quickly and soon arrived at Wanmin Restaurant. She saw a young girl diligently learning to cook and tiptoed towards her… then suddenly leaped out.
"Awoo!"
The cute sound did not startle the young girl. She simply patted Hu Tao's head and said affectionately:
"Alright, alright. I know you're cute, but I'm very busy right now and don't have time to chat."
This short sentence deeply struck Hu Tao. Was this how it was? She was the one who was supposed to be doing the scaring!
Xiangling immediately went to another side, watching her father cook and meticulously noting down the steps. After all, her dream was to become a famous chef.
However, this was very simple. If she could get En to learn cooking, she wouldn't just be a famous chef; she would become a global sensation. Oh, no, a global chef.
"Master Chef! Please make me one portion of boiled fish, and shrimp dumplings. Also, a few dishes my grandfather likes, and pack them up. How much will it be?"
Looking at Hu Tao's adorable face, even Master Chef couldn't resist the urge to pat her head. This was perhaps someone else's daughter.
"Coming right up. As for the Mora, just give me 500. Please wait a moment."
Seeing Hu Tao's innocent and pure eyes, Master Chef felt a pang in his heart. She probably didn't know that Old Master Hu was quite renowned in Liyue.
But Old Master Hu's health was worsening, and he even coughed up blood frequently. Everyone could see it. It was likely that not much time was left…
Therefore, everyone was always so kind to Hu Tao, wanting to bestow all the kindness of the human world upon her, at least leaving a warm memory in her heart.
The dishes were prepared quickly. Five dishes were immediately packed into takeout boxes. As the boiled fish was quite hot, it was put into several bags repeatedly, just to ensure Hu Tao wouldn't get burned.
Watching Hu Tao's receding back, he hoped that she would truly be able to face it when the time came, becoming the strong girl her grandfather wished her to be.