"Alright, this is a matter for your Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, not for me to comment on."
Gu Sanqiu had a thousand things he wanted to say, but considering the situation involved that grand old man, he decided it was best to hold back his snarky remarks.
"Here, this is for you. It's good for your health."
(;￢＿￢)
"Ugh, it's so ugly. Just looking at it makes me not want to eat it. I, the mighty parlor director, only eat things that are both beautiful and delicious!"
"That's not up to you."
Gu Sanqiu's expression remained stoic. "I went through a lot of trouble to get this. There's no way you're getting out of eating it with just a simple refusal."
Normally, he'd let Hu Tao eat whatever she pleased, but this Three Soul Fruit was specially for her health. When it came to serious matters like this, Gu Sanqiu wasn't going to budge an inch.
He coughed lightly, and in an instant, a Geo elemental chain wrapped around Hu Tao's legs. With his left hand, he gently placed it on her shoulder to prevent her from summoning her Staff of Homa in resistance.
They were still in Liyue's city limits, so they couldn't cause too much of a scene, or it wouldn't just be a simple matter of being reprimanded later. And under these circumstances, Gu Sanqiu, a master of mystic arts and the successor of the Fengxiang Clan, had quite the upper hand.
"Eat it!"
Gu Sanqiu, seemingly possessed by a devil, forcefully tried to shove the Three Soul Fruit into Hu Tao's mouth. But she clenched her teeth tightly, resisting with her pristine white teeth holding the gray, dull fruit at bay.
"Mm mm mm—"
"If you eat it, you can buy whatever you want today. I'll cover the cost."
"Really...? Mmm!"
Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, Gu Sanqiu flicked his finger, and the fruit flew straight into Hu Tao's mouth.
"Gotcha."
Gu Sanqiu dusted off his hands, then removed the elemental chains from Hu Tao.
"Alright, let's go. If we're late, all the rare items might be sold out."
"Gu Sanqiu, I'm going to bite you to death!"
(ﾒ｀ﾛ´)ﾒ
"Calm down. First, tell me if you feel anything strange after eating it."
"Hmph, nothing!"
Gu Sanqiu glanced back at the puffed-up Hu Tao, his eyes subtly glowing with Geo elemental energy.
"Hmm, you look more energized."
He patted her shoulder with a grin. "Alright, alright, I was wrong. Today, I'll pay for everything you buy, and we'll have a fancy dinner tonight. Deal?"
"Deal! I'm going to make you pay big time!"
"Go ahead~"
...
"I want this, this one, and that one too."
Hu Tao's eyes didn't even blink as she pointed to various items. "Hey, shopkeeper, do you have any extra Peacock Wood? I'll take it all."
"Oh ho! Director Hu, you've come to the right place. This Peacock Wood was wrestled out of the hands of the International Trade Association by our Captain. Right now, only the Crux has any in stock," a savvy-looking sailor said, thumping his chest proudly. "How much do you need? I'll go ask the Captain, and I guarantee you'll get first priority."
"Well, rare items like these are always expensive. I'm planning to have Wangsheng Funeral Parlor make a limited edition of one hundred luxury coffins out of top-quality Peacock Wood. Customers will also get a full-service package."
Ignoring the sailor's stiffening expression, Hu Tao turned to Gu Sanqiu.
"What do you think of this idea? It's a good marketing strategy, right?"
"...Why would anyone care about luxury items after they're dead? Don't go spreading such weird ideas, please!" Gu Sanqiu sighed, shaking his head. "Here's an address. I'll take however much Peacock Wood you've got. Here's the deposit."
The sailor cheerfully accepted the silver note. "Aye, right away! The wood will be delivered soon. The Crux has a flawless reputation when it comes to business."
"Hahaha! So, you two youngsters are the ones buying my Peacock Wood?"
A hearty laugh drew their attention as a woman, wielding a massive sword, strode confidently toward them.
"Hey, Beidou! It's been a while, hasn't it?" Gu Sanqiu's eyes scanned the area quickly, noting that she wasn't accompanied by her usual crew.
"Hahaha, little Gu, I knew I didn't misjudge you."
Beidou laughed, giving him a heavy pat on the shoulder. "With a Vision, you're now a fully-fledged Fengxiang Clan heir. You've become the kind of man worthy of my recognition."
"Let's go! It's rare for us to meet like this. I'll treat you both to some drinks."
"No way!"
Hu Tao instantly latched onto Beidou's waist, pulling her away from Gu Sanqiu, and began whispering conspiratorially in her ear.
"Hahaha, not bad, not bad. Making him foot the bill sounds good to me."
Beidou ruffled Hu Tao's hair. "Little Gu, looks like I'm in for a free meal tonight, huh?"
"So... you two weren't discussing whether or not we'd drink, but rather how to make me pay?"
╮(╯▽╰)╭
"Fine, let's go for a meal then, just the three of us. Beidou, you finish up here, and I'll take Hu Tao for a bit more shopping."
Dragging Hu Tao by the ear, Gu Sanqiu led her to the other side of the market. He'd been busy accompanying her, which left him no time to buy the things he needed, so now was the time to stock up.
Night fell, and the port finally settled into calm. The Millelith soldiers, having finished their shift, were replaced by their comrades. The warm glow of lanterns and the smell of food filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere throughout Liyue Harbor.
"Wow, this place is amazing, Little Gu. You've really got money, don't you?"
Beidou gazed out at the sea, admiring the reflection of the lanterns on the water, taking a hearty gulp of strong liquor.
"Whoo—! Now that's the good stuff! Exactly the kind of drink I like!"
She slammed her cup down heavily on the table, causing the plate of Heaven's Pivot Beef in front of Gu Sanqiu to tremble.
"I mean, you're rich too, right? A private sea-view room at Liuli Pavilion must be a drop in the ocean for you."
"You just don't get it, do you? Let big sis Beidou teach you some life hacks."
Beidou downed another cup, nodding sagely. "I eat the same food as my crew when we're at sea. Even on land, I can't just take my first mate and second mate to fancy restaurants."
"On the ocean, when you face unknown storms and terrifying sea monsters, your crew becomes your family."
"And when you're family, you can't create distance."
Beidou grinned at Gu Sanqiu. "If it weren't for you getting your Vision and me wanting to celebrate, I'd still be with the crew, having our victory feast."
"Oh, right, Little Gu, now that you have your Vision, there's something important you need to start thinking about."
Beidou's expression suddenly grew serious, though her hand didn't stop pouring more wine.
"You're a Vision holder and the heir to the Fengxiang Clan. Those titles are a bit too dazzling for someone your age."
Gu Sanqiu's brow twitched. "Beidou, don't tell me you're suggesting I marry into some noble family for political gain?"
Hu Tao, still devouring her meal, lifted her head with a mischievous grin, waving at Gu Sanqiu.
"Sanqiu, if you get married, can I have double the wedding candy?"
"If you don't stop, I'll buy so much candy tomorrow that it'll flood Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"Stop pretending, you brat."
Beidou rolled her eyes dramatically. After clinking glasses with Gu Sanqiu, she popped a piece of Steamed Blackback Bass into her mouth.
"It's about relationships, Gu. You're a man who can hold his drink now, so it's time to start seriously thinking about these things."
---
If you spot any mistakes let me know so I can fix them.
Read up to Chapter 30! [P@treon.com/WiseTL]