Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [17]

Since he had already joined Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he needed to prove his worth somehow—otherwise, wouldn't he just be dead weight?

Not only were the attendants surprised by Jiang Bai's declaration, but even Hu Tao was caught off guard.

He volunteered? When did that happen?

For the first time, she felt a rare twinge of guilt—she knew this job wouldn't be easy.

Jiang Bai, unaware of her thoughts, continued, "As you all know, I've lost most of my memories. I don't even know where I came from or where I should go."

"But Director Hu took me in and gave me a place to stay. This job will require traveling to many places—even to the most desolate and perilous regions. Along the way, I'll meet people, see new sights, and perhaps even come across clues that could help me recover my lost memories."

He scratched his head and gave a sheepish smile, looking every bit like a bashful young man.

"Besides, I'm pretty strong. Even if I run into danger, I should be able to handle it."

The moment those words left his mouth, the attendants' expressions softened into ones of sympathy.

He knows it's dangerous, yet he still stepped forward. He's lost everything, yet he's determined to find his way back. What a fine young man…

As for his claim about being strong? That part was unanimously ignored.

A guy with amnesia claiming to be strong? Who would actually believe that?

Hu Tao, on the other hand, was genuinely touched.

So that's what he was thinking? She had assumed he didn't care much about his past…

She had to admit, Jiang Bai had successfully won everyone over.

If their affection for him had a numerical value, everyone in the room would've gained at least ten points of favorability toward him.

Well, everyone except for one person.

One person had remained a mere observer—watching everything unfold, occasionally making comments, but never interfering.

"Even so, we're not sending you out just yet."

Hu Tao patted his shoulder, looking every bit the authoritative Hall Master.

"You still lack a lot of basic knowledge, and you don't have a Vision. So for now, your job is to learn. Study Liyue's history, train in combat, and when the time comes, our senior attendants will teach you how to handle funeral rites. Once you meet my standards, we'll officially launch this service!"

"During that time, we'll also need to prepare the necessary artifacts and finalize a step-by-step process. Only then can we proceed."

"Exactly!" The attendants nodded in agreement.

"You should also take the opportunity to learn from Mr. Zhongli," Hu Tao added, nudging Jiang Bai in a particular direction. "Whether it's combat or knowledge, he's the best teacher around! Even if you only pick up a little, you'll be set for life."

Her tone was casual, but her intent was clear—she was outright encouraging Jiang Bai to go and bother Zhongli.

Jiang Bai nodded, making a mental note.

From the first moment he met Zhongli, he had sensed that the man wasn't ordinary.

Now that Hu Tao had explicitly suggested it, he had a legitimate reason to seek him out.

As if sensing something, Zhongli glanced over, his expression carrying a trace of resignation.

Hu Tao had always been a handful for him to deal with…

"Alright, that's enough for now. Everyone, back to your tasks!"

Hu Tao waved her hand, signaling the end of the meeting. She then turned to Jiang Bai.

"You've been busy all day—go rest."

Jiang Bai stretched lazily. "Got it."

He didn't ask what Hu Tao wanted to discuss with Zhongli. Right now, all he wanted was a bath and a good night's sleep—after walking around all day, he was exhausted.

---

Once the attendants had mostly left, Zhongli remained behind, waiting for Hu Tao to speak.

Without the formal setting of a meeting, Hu Tao's tone became much more casual.

"Old man, do you know where I can find someone who makes this kind of artifact?"

Wangsheng Funeral Parlor specialized in funerals and exorcisms, but crafting magical artifacts? That was outside their expertise.

Zhongli thought for a moment before answering.

"You could try Madame Ping at Yujing Terrace. Some of the old exorcist families and blacksmithing clans might also have knowledge of such crafts—if they still retain records of their ancient techniques."

Liyue had many old families, but most had declined over the years or shifted to different trades. If Hu Tao wanted to find someone who could craft the artifact she needed, she'd have to put in some effort.

"Madame Ping?"

This was the first time Hu Tao had heard of her. Sounds like an old granny…

"You'll understand once you meet her. Just don't tell her I sent you."

As if recalling something, Zhongli added, "The young girl at Wanmin Restaurant is her disciple. You might have better luck approaching her first."

"Xiangling?!"

Hu Tao's eyes lit up. Xiangling was her friend—this would be easy!

She could just help her taste-test some dishes… maybe slime sautéed with mushrooms or something.

"..."

The thought of Xiangling's unique dishes made Hu Tao pause.

She quickly pushed the images out of her mind and brought up another topic.

"Old man, if you have time, could you train Jiang Bai? He's got potential."

Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "It seems Director Hu is quite satisfied with him."

Hu Tao grinned. "I like his perspective on life and death—it suits me. Though we haven't known each other for long, he's interesting, isn't he?"

There weren't many interesting people these days.

And even fewer who could keep up with her way of thinking.

Finding such a rare companion? She loved it.

Zhongli chuckled but didn't comment.

Hu Tao was still young. Her thoughts and behavior carried a childlike playfulness.

But perhaps it was precisely because of this that she possessed such an unburdened, free-spirited heart.

"Old man, you should spend more time with interesting people. Otherwise, you'll turn into a relic yourself!"

Zhongli sighed. "One of you is already enough—I doubt I could handle another like you."

He was an old man, after all. He preferred a more peaceful life.

Hu Tao stuck out her tongue playfully. "Alright, I won't nag you anymore. Get some rest, old man!"

---

As the night deepened, Liyue Harbor quieted down. The streets, once lively, were now patrolled by the well-equipped Millelith.

In a secluded corner, the doors of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor remained open, warm light spilling onto the darkened streets. A silent ferryman, clad in black, stood guard outside.

Inside, Zhongli leaned against a window, letting the soft moonlight wash over him.

He reached out, fingers slightly apart, as the cold glow of the moon slipped through them.

His gaze drifted upward, tracing the endless stars that had remained unchanged for thousands of years.

But the land beneath them…

The land had seen countless changes—countless people and events turning into mere memories.

Just as he had said, he was old now. He didn't know how many more decades, centuries, or millennia he had left.

This world belongs to the young.

And their boundless ideas would always breathe new life into it.