Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [45]

"Are you here for a meal or staying overnight?"

A waitress in an apron and maid's uniform approached them with a welcoming smile. Her name was Yuhua, an employee at Wangshu Inn.

She was a Liyue Harbor native and had been working at Wangshu Inn for nearly three years. Her twin sister worked at a different inn in the city, White Stallion's Rest.

Experienced and professional, Yuhua was excellent at handling customers—she even remembered the names of all the regulars.

"Oh, Director Hu! It's been a while since your last visit," she greeted warmly, then turned to the unfamiliar face beside her.

"And this is…?"

"This is Jiang Bai, a disciple of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. We're just passing through and stopping for a meal," Hu Tao introduced him casually.

Yuhua pulled out a small notebook to take their order. "Same table as last time?"

"Yep. And I'll have one Almond Tofu, one Stir-Fried Triple Delight, one Crystal Shrimp, and one Jueyun Chili Rice Cakes. That should be enough for now. If we need more, we'll order later."

Yuhua noted everything down and smiled. "Traveling all the way from Liyue Harbor must be exhausting. Feel free to take your time resting here—your meal will take a while to prepare. I'll bring it to Table 21 when it's ready."

"Got it, you go do your thing," Hu Tao waved her off nonchalantly.

She was very familiar with Wangshu Inn—she had lost count of how many times she'd been here.

"Director Hu, you must be quite the regular here," Jiang Bai teased.

"Well, what do you expect? This is the only inn in the area. It's not like I can camp out every night! A soft bed is way better than a sleeping bag on the ground."

Hu Tao sprawled lazily in her bamboo chair, limbs draped over it as if she had no bones.

Jiang Bai had the sudden urge to kick the chair and tip her over.

…But considering the consequences, he decided to restrain himself.

Hu Tao continued munching on a Sunsettia, speaking between bites.

"The first two floors here are for dining and resting, while the guest rooms are upstairs. It's a lot pricier than inns in Liyue Harbor, but hey, it's the only option around. Most travelers end up staying here for the night."

"No one's tried opening another inn here to compete with Wangshu Inn?" Jiang Bai asked, raising a practical question.

Hu Tao leaned back, balancing her chair on two legs while lightly pushing against the ground with her foot.

"Running an inn here isn't that simple. This area sees all sorts of travelers, and you need a sharp eye to handle all kinds of guests. That's the first requirement."

"And second? You need strength."

She shook her head knowingly.

"This place is constantly dealing with monster attacks. If you open an inn here, you have to take responsibility for keeping the roads safe. Not to mention, you also need enough power to keep rowdy guests in check."

"Last time, a fight broke out between some travelers here. They broke several chairs! If the innkeeper hadn't stepped in, the whole place might've been wrecked."

"Huh… I see. Running an inn really isn't as easy as it sounds," Jiang Bai mused.

If it were just a one-time business, it might not matter, but Wangshu Inn was clearly built on returning customers. That's why people like Hu Tao would still choose to come here, even if it meant taking a slightly longer route.

"There's no such thing as an easy business. If you want to do something well, you have to put in the effort."

"Just look at us—we've been traveling all over just to expand Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services."

"Director Hu is absolutely right! It's precisely because of your dedication that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has flourished. I'm sure we'll continue to grow under your leadership!" Jiang Bai complimented smoothly.

With that one statement, he managed to praise Hu Tao, the funeral parlor, and emphasize that their success was all thanks to her leadership—perfectly playing the role of an obedient subordinate.

Of course, if he weren't secretly plotting to push her chair over, his performance would be even better.

Hu Tao, clearly pleased, grinned widely.

Even so, she still made sure to emphasize Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's values.

"We're not just merchants chasing after profit. We handle matters of life and death—a solemn and serious responsibility.

If we take on this duty, we must do it right—ensuring that both the living and the departed are satisfied.

You'd better keep that in mind."

"I will always remember Director Hu's teachings!" Jiang Bai declared, full of sincerity.

Seeing how cooperative he was, Hu Tao slapped the table and jumped to her feet.

"Let's go! I'll take you up to see a real view!"

Jiang Bai followed closely behind, looking every bit the loyal bodyguard.

...

The wooden elevator leading to the upper floors slowly descended.

Hu Tao stepped inside, and Jiang Bai followed.

The elevator was entirely made of wood, with three enclosed walls carved with intricate designs. The fourth side remained open, allowing guests to step in with their luggage.

Large cut-out patterns in the wooden panels provided a clear view of the outside scenery.

Jiang Bai noticed a steel cable connected to the waterwheel below, using its motion to power the elevator—an efficient use of mechanical energy.

As the elevator began its ascent, the landscape slowly unfolded before his eyes.

It was a view beyond words—lush green mountains stretching across the horizon, crystal-clear rivers winding through the land, golden trees shimmering under the sun.

On the riverbanks, silvergrass swayed gently in the breeze. A fisherman guided his boat across the tranquil lake, while a lone angler sat peacefully by the shore.

To the north, rolling peaks painted a breathtaking landscape.

To the east, Dragonspine stood tall, its snow-capped summit piercing the sky.

To the south, the ancient fortress of Guyun Stone Forest stood steadfast, guarding the sea.

Every direction held a different beauty—each one stunning in its own right.

Hu Tao gazed down at the view and began to recite:

"From Wangshu Inn, one can behold Qingce's rolling hills in the north and Mt. Tianheng in the south. To the west lies Jueyun Karst, and to the east, the towering snowcaps of Dragonspine."

"Above, the boundless sky stretches toward the stars. Below, the silvergrass ripples in the wind."

"Ahead, the land of Mondstadt reaches for the heavens. Behind, the great seal of the Geo Archon stands eternal."

"Out of Liyue's three thousand breathtaking sights… Wangshu Inn alone claims half!"

The spectacular scenery was one of the biggest reasons Hu Tao loved coming here.

She clasped her hands behind her back, her expression calm and composed—as if she had long grown accustomed to such beauty.

Jiang Bai was momentarily speechless.

He wanted to say something profound to match the grandeur of the sight before him, to express the awe swelling in his chest.

But after struggling for a long moment, all he managed to blurt out was—

"…It's really pretty."

Hu Tao, expecting something more poetic, immediately smacked him on the back of the head.

"Go read some books! You're a disciple of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—you can't be this uncultured!"

"…Oh." Jiang Bai rubbed his head, looking aggrieved.

How is it my fault for not being cultured?

I'm just a poor little amnesiac…!