Chapter 208: Thank You, But No Need!

When Takumi heard Zhongli say this, he immediately smiled and said,

"Of course. She's learned a lot."

After saying this, Takumi stopped and didn't dwell on the topic any further.

Instead, Hu Tao grew curious.

"Where did Keqing go to study? I haven't seen her around lately! Did His Excellency send her away?"

Hu Tao was really curious. At such an important time, Keqing wasn't in Liyue? That was what puzzled her most. The Rite of Descension was about to begin, and yet one of the Qixing, Keqing, had gone elsewhere. Even though she had just returned, it still felt odd. The other Qixing were handling the ceremony this year, and Hu Tao also noticed how fast Liyue had been developing lately.

"Yes, she was sent to another world. If you're interested, I can take you there, too. You can become very strong over there!"

Takumi smiled at Hu Tao. Was she interested? If so, he'd take her along.

Hu Tao was stunned by this.

"Another world? Seriously?"

She was shocked. Keqing had actually gone to another world?

"Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, ask Zhongli."

Takumi passed the buck to Zhongli, who could only nod helplessly.

"That's right."

Now Hu Tao was even more shocked.

"Does that mean you're not from this world either? Like those who descend upon this world?"

In Teyvat, it was known that there were outsiders, but someone who could freely come and go was new to Hu Tao. Yet here was one right in front of her.

Takumi nodded.

"Exactly! I'm not from this world."

There was nothing to hide—Takumi admitted it outright. Hu Tao took a deep breath and said,

"Let me process this for a second!"

Seeing this, Takumi let the matter drop and started chatting with Zhongli. Not long after, someone tagged Takumi in the group chat. He opened the chat and received a red packet from Himeko.

Himeko: [Exclusive red packet for Takumi.] [March 7th and the others are inside. Please look after them.]

Takumi: [OK!]

After replying, Takumi claimed the red packet. Just as Hu Tao was about to say something, she saw Takumi pull out a bracelet from thin air. She blinked in surprise, and the next moment, Takumi released two people from the bracelet.

"We're out, we're out! Takumi, we meet again~!"

March 7th and Stelle were both excited as they were let out. March 7th greeted Takumi, and Stelle nodded to him.

"Here we are again. By the way, do you two have so much free time? You came all this way just to see the Rite of Descension? Himeko herself couldn't make it, yet you two had the time?"

"Of course! The train isn't departing right now, so we thought we'd come check things out."

She glanced at Zhongli and Hu Tao.

"Mr. Zhongli, and you—I'm March 7th, and this is Stelle. Nice to meet you both!"

March 7th cheerfully introduced herself and Stelle.

"Hello! I'm Hu Tao—Hu as in eating a lot, Tao as in peach!"

Hu Tao perked up at the sight of March 7th and Stelle, especially March 7th. She felt they'd get along well.

"Everyone's here now. Let's go out and take a stroll. Director Hu, if you're not going to rest, come along."

Zhongli set down his teacup and stood up. With everyone assembled, it was time to head out—the streets were still bustling.

"Sure! I'm coming, too!"

Of course she would go. Hu Tao got up to join them.

As they left the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, March 7th couldn't help but ask,

"By the way, what does this place sell? The vibe is kind of weird."

March 7th was curious—what did the funeral parlor sell?

"Coffins and urns. If you're interested, Hu Tao can give you a discount."

March 7th was startled.

ヽ(*.Д)o゜

"What? You actually sell those things?"

She was shocked. That's what they sold?

"Do you want some? I can give you a discount! Buy two urns, get one free. Coffins too. As for tombstones, the second one's half price. Would you like to buy a discounted funeral set from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

Hu Tao was in her element, enthusiastically pitching the products.

March 7th and Stelle were dumbfounded.

"No way! We don't need any of that!"

March 7th definitely didn't need those things—way too scary! Did Hu Tao want them to jinx themselves?

"Why not? You never know when you'll need it. Don't be superstitious about life and death! That's not good. It's always best to be prepared!"

Hu Tao chattered on beside March 7th, determined to make a sale.

"No, no! We don't have money in this world. We're not from here, so we have no money!"

March 7th quickly waved her hands. That was her last defense: they didn't have money!

Hearing this, Hu Tao paused.

"No money? What a pity. But it's fine—I can just give them to you!"

She was disappointed, but there was nothing to be done. In that case, she'd just gift them as local specialties.

"Thank you, but no need!"

Stelle almost couldn't hold it in and refused flat out.

"Yeah, we really don't need them, but thank you, Hu Tao!"

March 7th also hurriedly declined. The three of them chattered away up ahead. Soon, they reached the street. Takumi and Zhongli walked behind, watching the trio chat away, with Takumi smiling at the scene.

He was live streaming everything to the group. Everyone in the chat was commenting.

Fujiwara Chika: [Good thing I didn't go! Otherwise, Hu Tao would be giving them to me, too!]

Raiden Mei: [She's way too enthusiastic!!]

That kind of enthusiasm was more than she could handle.

Takumi: [I'm plugging Hu Tao's shop here! Second tombstone half price, message if interested!]

Seeing Takumi's message, everyone in the group collectively rolled their eyes. None of them wanted any of that! Instead, they focused on his live stream—Liyue was lively as could be.