When Keqing left, it felt somewhat like she was fleeing in panic.
Though Jiang Ning found it rather puzzling, she had paid for his meal after all, so he didn't dwell on it.
After eating his fill, Jiang Ning felt much of his strength returning.
At least he no longer needed to walk while supporting himself against walls.
Today, Jiang Ning didn't want to go to work. Senior Sister Shenhe... well, honestly, he was truly scared.
So he subconsciously feared meeting her.
As he walked, he found himself in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's territory.
"Hey there, young man! You look pale as a ghost, with white lips—clearly in poor health! To prevent any accidents, would you like to purchase a Wangsheng Funeral Package?"
An energetic voice rang out. Jiang Ning reflexively said, "No thanks, I don't need it..."
Were there really so many salespeople in Teyvat too?
Turning around, he saw a slender young woman wearing a dark brown top, a hat, and shorts standing before him.
The girl appeared mischievous, with brown hair tied in twin tails hanging behind her.
The most eye-catching feature was first her fair legs boldly exposed to the air. Though young, just those legs showed great promise for the future.
While her chest might be somewhat lacking, her legs were long.
Moreover, her pupils were plum blossom-shaped, giving her a unique beauty.
The young woman said, "Don't be so absolute! Everyone needs a Wangsheng package. Early preparation is never a bad thing, right? Besides, young man, you really don't look well."
Jiang Ning fell silent for a moment: "I really don't need it, I just need some rest. And you are...?"
The girl thumped her chest proudly and introduced herself:
"This Director's name remains unchanged as she sits unmoved—the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao!"
"Hu Tao? Director of Wangsheng?" Jiang Ning was startled, remembering Mr. Zhongli had mentioned her.
"I recall Wangsheng is a funeral organization, right? You can really promote it like this?"
Jiang Ning was dumbfounded.
What should have been a solemn and dignified organization had such a young and overly energetic girl as its director?
Was Mr. Zhongli really not joking?
Hu Tao said, "Hehe, this is called keeping up with the times! This is authentic marketing! The growth and success of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor depends on me, the Director!"
Jiang Ning said, "Okay... but I really don't need it."
"Our discounts are very generous, let me tell you..."
Hu Tao pestered Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning felt a headache coming on. No wonder they said even Mr. Zhongli had trouble dealing with this Director... he couldn't handle her either.
"That's enough, Director. This gentleman is my guest, so please don't trouble him. He truly doesn't need our services."
Finally, Zhongli's gentle voice came to Jiang Ning's rescue.
Only then did Hu Tao relent: "Alright, but if you ever think about getting a package, be sure to come find me! Here's Wangsheng's business card—with it, you can get a half-price discount on your second gravestone!"
Without waiting for a response, she stuffed a business card into Jiang Ning's hand. Hu Tao put her hands behind her back and bounced away.
"Got to go promote business elsewhere... Big Hilichurl got sick, Second Hilichurl checked, Third Hilichurl..."
Hu Tao's strange nursery rhyme faded as she went further away.
"My apologies, Jiang Ning. The Director means no harm, she's just overly extroverted," Zhongli said slowly to Jiang Ning.
"It's fine, I can tell," Jiang Ning replied.
Zhongli examined Jiang Ning, suddenly showing a mysterious smile, then said, "Although I'm not in a position to interfere with your private life, as an elder, I should remind you... you're both still young..."
Jiang Ning froze, then his face turned bright red. Had Mr. Zhongli figured it out immediately?
Jiang Ning just wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
What was this feeling of secretly doing something under the covers at night, only to have a parent immediately expose it?
Zhongli didn't pursue this embarrassing topic further.
"Come in, I've prepared tea... it's for restoration and recovery. As we discussed last time, I'm very curious about your world's history."
The two sat at the table, and before telling stories, Jiang Ning drank some tea, immediately feeling warmth spread through his body and his spirit improve considerably.
"What would you like to know, Mr. Zhongli?"
Jiang Ning asked.
Zhongli pondered for a moment, then said, "Take what you mentioned before, about a world completely governed by humans without divine intervention. Tell me about some typical countries, and specifically about your original homeland that you say is similar to Liyue."
Jiang Ning nodded: "Alright, Mr. Zhongli."
Mentally, he kicked his system.
"Stop playing dead, pull up the information for me."
[Okay!]
Over the afternoon, Jiang Ning vividly narrated stories from several dynasties.
Among them, the Three Kingdoms period at the end of Han Dynasty and the affairs of the Ming Dynasty were particularly worth telling.
Zhongli felt deeply moved.
"Such stirring history? It truly makes one yearn to see it."
There was longing in Zhongli's eyes.
Those free spirits who claimed to be the most outstanding figures of all time, those who commanded with bold authority, and those who showed absolute loyalty to their lords, even to death.
Plus that tale of conquering the world starting with just a broken bowl... even novels wouldn't dare write such stories.
Along with his yearning, Zhongli was still puzzled about some things.
"Why was there always fighting? Yet in what you call modern times, there are no more large-scale wars?"
Jiang Ning said, "In matters of the world, division must lead to unity and unity to division—that's the natural order. As for why there are no great wars in modern times..."
He smiled: "Because there are weapons of mass destruction like nuclear bombs. I might not be able to defeat you, but I can drag you back to the primitive age with me... or even make the whole world share heaven's fate."
Zhongli pondered this: "I see... Thank you for today, I've learned much. Let this Geo element be your reward for this time."
Saying this, he crystallized what appeared to be an even more substantial Geo element than before in front of Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning's face lit up: "This is too kind..."
But his unconsciously reaching hand didn't seem to think so.
While absorbing it, Jiang Ning realized this Geo element wasn't simple—it was more powerful than before, even more pure than what his half-adeptus, half-human Senior Sister Ganyu possessed.
As expected of a true adeptus.
After they parted, the tea still warm, Zhongli sat there quietly.
After a long while, he finally sighed.
"It seems this matter requires careful consideration..."
Zhongli decided to have more frequent exchanges with Jiang Ning in the future.