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Lin Feng glanced inside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, feeling slightly uneasy around coffins. The dark red lacquer combined with the crimson character for longevity undoubtedly gave off a chilling vibe.
"Hey, what's up?" Hu Tao approached and suddenly slapped Lin Feng on the shoulder.
"Ahh..." Lin Feng flinched violently, emitting a shrill scream.
Hu Tao was startled by his reaction, stepping back two steps. How could someone be so timid? Even Xiangling, a young girl, had more courage than this.
Lin Feng turned around, taking a moment to compose himself after seeing it was Hu Tao. He briefly considered asking her for compensation due to emotional distress!
Clutching his heart dramatically, he looked at Hu Tao and said, "You've given me a fright-induced illness; I demand compensation..."
A red Staff of Homa appeared in Hu Tao's hand, twirling gracefully as she smiled mischievously at Lin Feng. "Oh ho, compensation for what?"
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been operating in Liyue for centuries, encountering all sorts of people along the way. Besides guiding ghosts lingering between life and death, the staff in her hand also serves to discipline evildoers.
Lin Feng swallowed his initial response and forced an awkward smile. "I was just joking with Director Hu Tao earlier. Actually, I have some business to discuss with you!"
"Oh, business?" Upon hearing this, Hu Tao's eyes immediately lit up, and the Staff of Homa vanished from her hand. She has always been exceptionally enthusiastic towards potential clients.
"Ahem, looking at your furrowed brows, it seems entangled by karmic afflictions, indicating that your days may be numbered. Ordering a coffin from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor now is indeed a wise decision - perfect timing!" Hu Tao cleared her throat and began spouting nonsense at Lin Feng.
The corner of Lin Feng's mouth twitched slightly. Wise decision my ass! Any karma on me is superficial; it's not something inherent! He thought inwardly.
"Um, Director Hu Tao, I'm not here to buy a coffin!" Lin Feng chuckled uneasily, still young and unmarried, he had no intention of dying anytime soon!
"Not buying a coffin? Then are you here to cause trouble?" Hu Tao was already irritated after failing to sell a coffin to Madame Ping, and someone daring to provoke her further seemed ill-advised. It looked like she might need to offer a free full-service funeral package!
Under Hu Tao's suspicious gaze, Lin Feng hastily explained, "I'm here to propose a collaboration with the Director. I possess something that can elevate Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's reputation, even expanding its presence internationally!"
Hu Tao suddenly paused, imagining the vast business opportunities if they could open branches abroad.
"Go on, let this Director hear more!" she said, scrutinizing Lin Feng closely.
"Cough, cough, Director, allow me to show you something!" Clearing his throat, Lin Feng took out his phone and began scrolling through documents.
"The Origins of Funeral Money," he exclaimed gleefully, switched to reading mode, and handed the phone to Hu Tao.
As Hu Tao accepted the phone, she was momentarily taken aback. The text resembled images from a Kamera photograph. Intrigued, she started reading and became absorbed, amazed to find someone sharing such similar views about their profession. She couldn't let her business be overshadowed; it was time for some thorough research.
After a while, Hu Tao looked up at Lin Feng with a smile, "Esteemed guest... no, potential partner, please come inside!"
Lin Feng followed Hu Tao nervously into the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, fearing that a zombie might suddenly leap out or a ghost with disheveled hair could drift towards him at any moment.
"Feel free to sit anywhere while I continue my reading!" Hu Tao said as she settled behind the counter, leaving Lin Feng amidst several coffins.
Lin Feng spotted a rocking chair nearby and cautiously took a seat. As Hu Tao absorbed herself in her book behind the counter, an eerie atmosphere seemed to permeate the air.
"Woe... woe..." Suddenly, a haunting cry echoed, seemingly originating from one of the coffins. Lin Feng's hairs stood on end.
"S...seven..." A spectral voice whispered again, right next to Lin Feng, causing him to jump to his feet in fright.
"Tap-tap-tap..." The sound of knocking came from within a coffin. Lin Feng sprinted over to Hu Tao, pointing at the slightly trembling casket and stammering, "D-Director, there's s-something inside that coffin!"
Hu Tao blinked, appearing unperturbed, and responded with a peculiar smile, "Of course there's something in the co...ffin; it's just one of my...good friends!"
Terrified, Lin Feng nearly bolted from this eerie place, unwilling to spend another minute here.
"Qiqi, afraid of the dark, don't want, being buried, help...save me!" Qiqi pounded on the coffin, desperately crying for rescue.
Earlier that morning, she had detected a strong scent of coconut milk. As soon as she stepped out of Bubu Pharmacy, she was unexpectedly snatched by someone wielding a pink sack.
Recognizing the familiar voice, Lin Feng hesitated momentarily - it was none other than Qiqi, who had consumed his Small Guaranteed Summon!
At that moment, Baizhu entered through the door, exuding an air of refined elegance. However, the snake draped around his neck somewhat disrupted the serene atmosphere.
"Director Hu Tao, is Qiqi here?" Baizhu asked with a warm smile, but his eyes scanned the room attentively.
Hu Tao swiftly stepped forward, blocking Baizhu's view, and feigned nonchalance, saying, "Qiqi? Where's Qiqi? I need to catch her, hehe!"
"Qiqi, here, save, Qiqi!" Qiqi's faint voice echoed nearby.
"What was that sound just now?" Baizhu persisted, still maintaining his amiable smile.
"Ahem, that's Mr. Zhongli's pet skylark; it often makes peculiar sounds, ha ha..." Hu Tao chuckled awkwardly, offering an explanation.
"Sss!" Changsheng flicked his forked tongue out, sending chills down Lin Feng's spine. He truly regretted coming here now!
"Qiqi is over there!" Changsheng raised his head, directing Baizhu towards her location.
"Director Hu Tao, it's getting late. I'll take Qiqi home now; she can visit you another time for play!" Baizhu maintained his gentle smile, and Hu Tao didn't obstruct him, as their secret was already exposed.
Hu Tao glared at Changsheng perched on Baizhu's neck, contemplating how to capture it and deliver it to Xiangling for snake soup—after all, she had a penchant for such exotic ingredients!
Feeling uneasy under Hu Tao's gaze, Changsheng instinctively tightened its coils around Baizhu's neck.
Lin Feng followed closely behind as Baizhu effortlessly pushed open the coffin lid with one hand. His strength seemed rather uncharacteristic for a doctor.
"Baizhu!" Qiqi stared blankly at Baizhu before swiftly climbing out of the coffin, displaying agility far beyond what one would expect from a young zombie.