While chatting, everyone walked toward the teahouse where Zhongli often visited.
As for Yaoyao, Keqing planned to discuss it with Ganyu to find more playmates for Qiqi. With Klee, the little bundle of sunshine, they should all get along well.
Klee was excited to meet this new friend Takumi and Keqing had mentioned.
The four of them soon arrived at the street below the teahouse.
Takumi immediately spotted Zhongli's car parked at the entrance.
"He's here. Let's go."
With that, Takumi walked straight into the teahouse.
"Master Takumi? And Master Keqing, welcome. Please come in."
As soon as they entered, a waiter greeted them. He recognized Takumi and Keqing immediately.
"Zhongli should be here, right? Take us to him."
Hearing Takumi's request, the waiter quickly responded:
"Looking for Mr. Zhongli? Please follow me."
He led the way upstairs.
At that moment, Zhongli was enjoying a performance.
Takumi and Keqing entered with the two little girls.
The other patrons were surprised to see them but greeted them respectfully.
Takumi and Keqing nodded in response and followed the waiter up to a private room.
After leading them to the door, the waiter excused himself.
Takumi knocked on the door.
Soon, Zhongli's voice called out, "Please come in."
Takumi pushed open the door and entered.
Inside, Zhongli and Hu Tao were having tea.
Both of them were surprised to see the newcomers.
Hu Tao's eyes immediately locked onto Qiqi.
As soon as Qiqi saw Hu Tao, she turned around without a word and tried to leave.
Takumi?! Bad! He actually brought her here to see this terrible woman!
Wasn't this like sending a sheep into the tiger's den?
Qiqi was ready to run!
However, Takumi quickly grabbed her.
"Don't worry. Hu Tao won't try to bury you again."
Hu Tao, realizing what was happening, exclaimed, "Qiqi! Don't run!!"
She rushed forward but was stopped by Takumi.
"Alright, Hu Tao, stop trying to bury Qiqi," he said firmly.
"Even though Qiqi is a zombie, she's a good zombie."
"Besides, she's also Keqing's relative. Show some respect and don't make trouble for her."
Hu Tao was taken aback. "Keqing's relative?"
Qiqi peeked out from behind Takumi, watching Hu Tao warily.
Even though she had lost many of her memories, she still clearly remembered that she hated Hu Tao.
After some explanation, Hu Tao reluctantly gave up her plan to bury Qiqi.
In truth, she didn't actually dislike Qiqi.
Well, now she had an excuse to leave her alone—out of respect for Takumi.
Takumi led Qiqi inside to sit down, while Keqing locked the door behind them.
Klee politely greeted Hu Tao.
Meanwhile, Qiqi continued to glare at Hu Tao, keeping her distance. Even after sitting down, she clung to Takumi and chose a seat far from Hu Tao.
Zhongli watched this scene with interest.
After settling in, Takumi spoke.
"So, what brings you here today?"
Zhongli knew Takumi wouldn't visit without a reason.
Takumi reassured Qiqi before answering:
"I just discussed something with Ningguang—we're planning to establish a school."
"And we want you to be the principal."
"Mr. Zhongli, you are highly knowledgeable, a master of history, literature, and geography."
"Who could be a better headmaster than you?"
"So, what do you think?"
In front of Hu Tao, Takumi didn't reveal Zhongli's true identity. He respectfully referred to him as "Mr. Zhongli."
Zhongli was slightly surprised by the offer.
A school?
Was it something like Sumeru's educational institutions?
Were they planning to cultivate scholars for Liyue?
After considering it for a moment, he found the idea feasible.
But making him the headmaster—wasn't that too sudden?
He was supposed to be retired, yet Takumi wanted him to take on such a major role?
Wouldn't this keep him incredibly busy?
Before he could respond, Hu Tao glared at Takumi.
"Takumi! Are you trying to steal Zhongli from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?!"
"You're trying to pry him away, aren't you?!"
"That's immoral!"
She felt completely ignored.
Right in front of her, Takumi was trying to take Zhongli away!
Takumi rolled his eyes. "Does Zhongli actually have a job at the funeral parlor?"
"He's just a consultant in name."
"And he costs you a lot of money every day. You must be frustrated about that, right, Hu Tao?"
"Why not let him be a principal?"
"This way, he can actually earn some money for the funeral parlor."
Hu Tao hesitated.
Takumi's words made sense.
If Zhongli took on a job, he could actually contribute some money instead of just spending it.
She was tempted.
Zhongli sighed as he saw Hu Tao's expression change.
"Will his salary go to me?" Hu Tao suddenly asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.
If she could collect Zhongli's wages, she wouldn't mind him taking a side job.
Takumi and Hu Tao quickly came to an agreement.
In the future, Zhongli's salary would go directly to Hu Tao.
To be honest, negotiating with Hu Tao was much easier than with Zhongli.
As long as Hu Tao agreed, she would take care of making sure Zhongli actually did the job.
After all, in Hu Tao's eyes, Zhongli was someone who spent all his time drinking tea and enjoying performances.
A total freeloader.
Thankfully, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had a strong financial foundation and could afford him.
If it had been someone else, they would've fired Zhongli long ago.
For various reasons, Hu Tao had kept him around.
Even though he cost a fortune every month.
But he did buy authentic antiques, and Hu Tao had long planned that if the funeral parlor ever went bankrupt, she would sell all of Zhongli's belongings.
Now that Zhongli could make money?
That sounded good.
And wasn't teaching students something a well-educated person should do?
It actually suited him quite well.
Zhongli watched as Takumi and Hu Tao decided his future.
He sighed helplessly.
The two of them had already planned everything.
Keqing, witnessing the "Geo Archon" being outmaneuvered, struggled to hold back her laughter.
Thankfully, she managed to keep a straight face.
After finalizing the discussion, Hu Tao grinned at Zhongli.
"Congratulations on your new job, Zhongli!"