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The Fatui representative then turned to Zhongli with a warning. "In any case, Mr. Zhongli, as Childe's collaborator, your stance reflects ours to some extent. Don't give anyone ammunition against us."
Paimon shook her head and remarked, "It seems like tensions in Liyue Harbor have reached their boiling point..."
Lumine looked at Zhongli and asked, "Is there anything we can do?"
Zhongli gazed back at Lumine and queried, "Do you mean using your unique neutral status to mediate? Or relying on your personal strength to shift the balance of power?"
He shook his head lightly and continued, "Unfortunately, neither path appears straightforward..."
Just then, it seemed the Fatui emissary remembered something. Turning to Zhongli, they exclaimed, "Ah, right! Mr. Zhongli, I heard that even your Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been drawn into this conflict, currently facing off against the imperial troops who've come knocking!"
Zhongli appeared slightly flustered and shook his head, saying, "This is not good."
Without further ado, he addressed Lumine, "I must leave now to check on the funeral parlor. Hopefully, Director Hu Tao can handle things temporarily... We don't want any major disturbances."
Lumine nodded and also departed...
"This Director has already stated that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has committed no crimes!" Hu Tao glared at the Millelith soldiers, her tone growing increasingly hostile.
"Apologies then, Director Hu Tao, but we must proceed! Everyone, move in!" The squad leader waved his hand, signaling to the other Millelith members.
Hu Tao drew the Staff of Homa and slammed it onto the ground forcefully.
"Hold your ground, everyone!" At that moment, Zhongli entered, stepping between the opposing sides.
"Zhongli, what brings you here?!" Hu Tao looked at him, puzzled. Normally, he would be enjoying tea at this hour.
Zhongli managed a wry smile; if he didn't intervene now, things could escalate disastrously.
"Mr. Zhongli!" The Millelith nodded respectfully towards Zhongli, recognizing him as a scholar worthy of their esteem.
"While I may have some connections with the Fatui, I have never betrayed Liyue. Moreover, this matter is unrelated to the Director!" Zhongli closed his eyes and shook his head firmly.
"Then, Mr. Zhongli, please accompany us for questioning purposes only." The Millelith captain addressed Zhongli courteously.
Zhongli nodded and turned to Hu Tao. "Director, do not worry. I'll return shortly!"
"Go ahead, go ahead! If you don't make it back, this Director will give you a lavish funeral, hehe!" Hu Tao chuckled mischievously at Zhongli and waved him off.
Zhongli's lips twitched slightly; indeed, she lived up to her reputation as the Director...
After Zhongli left with the Millelith, Hu Tao flashed a sly grin and turned towards Qiqi.
Sensing trouble, Qiqi abruptly stopped drinking her coconut milk, jumped down from the chair, but was swiftly caught by Hu Tao!
"Oh, where do you think you're going, Qiqi? Hehe..." Hu Tao leaned over, wrapping her arms around the little zombie.
"Qiqi... returning to Bubu Pharmacy..." Qiqi looked at Hu Tao, fear evident in her soft voice.
"You can't just leave after enjoying my coconut milk! It's not that simple!" Hu Tao had already decided against burying Qiqi for now, thanks to numerous pleas from viewers in the live stream's comments section.
Qiqi froze mid-sip, gazing at Hu Tao, and slowly said, "Qiqi won't drink anymore, can you please let me return?"
"Of course not, but hey, this hallmaster isn't entirely heartless. Just help me promote some coffins once, alright?" Hu Tao smiled and promptly retrieved her phone lying inside one of the coffins nearby.
"Alright, Qiqi agrees!" After a moment's hesitation, Qiqi nodded. As long as she wasn't buried, she would do anything asked of her.
***
"Broadcaster, don't let those zombies eat you! I'm so scared!"
"Someone help me, Qiqi is afraid of the dark..."
"Hey, commenter above, how can you send voice messages?!"
"Oh no, the little zombie got buried. What a pity! If you don't want her, just give her to me—I've got plenty of blood!"
Suddenly, the viewers' screens lit up. Hu Tao appeared at the center, with Qiqi standing beside her.
Hu Tao grinned, "Today, your broadcaster has captured a live zombie for everyone. Type 'Protect Wangsheng Funeral Parlor' in the chat—hee hee!" She pulled Qiqi closer, ensuring both were visible on screen.
Qiqi looked at Hu Tao, puzzled. She couldn't understand why Hu Tao was talking to that thing—it felt genuinely terrifying!
"Broadcaster, can you give me this zombie?"
"Director, if I buy ten coffins, could you include this zombie as a freebie?"
As Hu Tao noticed the increasing number of viewers in the live stream, she burst into a delighted smile.
"One client, two clients... so many clients, all of them this hallmaster's customers!" Hu Tao's eyes sparkled as she watched the rapidly increasing viewer count.
"Why do I suddenly feel a chill down my spine?" A viewer shook their head in the live chat.
"Qiqi, let me introduce our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor coffins to everyone—you've slept in more than anyone else!" Hu Tao turned and winked at Qiqi.
Qiqi blinked, unsure of what Hu Tao meant.
"Haha, Qiqi says that our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor coffins are incredibly comfortable for sleeping; she always has such restful nights!" Before Qiqi could respond, Hu Tao chuckled and spoke on her behalf.
"Oh right, if you haven't followed this humble hallmaster yet, be sure to do so quickly! Next time, I'll have the undead dance for everyone, hehe!" As the streaming time neared its end, Hu Tao hastily added.
With those words, Hu Tao ended the live stream and looked at Qiqi.
"Hmm... How peculiar!"
After observing Qiqi closely, Hu Tao shook her head, deciding it was best to continue studying before taking action. However, this would mean Qiqi would endure more suffering for some time. Sigh...