On a morning several days after Hu Tao had obtained the book "dragonfall: i am the dragon king."
A rather eye-catching signboard was set up at the entrance of WangSheng Funeral Parlor, with words written in a lively, bouncy font:
[WangSheng Funeral Parlor Customer Appreciation Special Event]
Mr. Zhongli, the brand ambassador for WangSheng Funeral Parlor, will demonstrate the latest ritual procedures today at the Hour of Si. Friends from all walks of life are welcome to visit, observe, and provide feedback! (Special small gifts available on a first-come, first-served basis~)
The news quickly spread as if it had grown wings, especially within the small circles of those who had read "dragonfall: i am the dragon king."
"Did you hear? That consultant from WangSheng Funeral Parlor is going to do some kind of demonstration!"
"The notice was even handwritten by Director Hu herself! Could it be..."
"It couldn't be THAT, could it?! THAT scene?!"
"Go, go, go! Hurry and grab a good spot!"
Even before the Hour of Si arrived, a large crowd had already gathered in the small plaza in front of WangSheng Funeral Parlor. Among them were many fans of "Dragonfall" waiting with bated breath, each with an expression of curiosity and excitement, exchanging "you know what I mean" looks.
The time goes back to one day ago.
Zhongli himself was still completely unaware of this matter until he was dragged by Hu Tao into the inner courtyard of WangSheng Funeral Parlor.
Zhongli looked at the long robe before him, which was clearly overly luxurious and embroidered with subtle dragon patterns; his brow twitched imperceptibly.
"consultant~" Hu Tao pressed her palms together, her plum blossom pupils blinking as she put on her most innocent and enthusiastic smile. "For our WangSheng Funeral Parlor... Ah, no, to give back to the people of Liyue Harbor for their long-term support and trust, This Hall Master has meticulously planned a unique customer appreciation activity! And you, our most knowledgeable, most majestic, and most—Dragon King-like consultant, are the well-deserved protagonist of this event!"
Zhongli: "..."
He glanced at the long robe and spoke in a steady tone, attempting to decline politely: "Director, I believe that the reputation of WangSheng Funeral Parlor should be built upon professionalism, stability, and trust."
"Oh! It's about making that image of professionalism and trust concrete and vivid!" Hu Tao picked up the robe and draped it over Zhongli's shoulders without allowing for any argument. "Think about it, with a consultant whose aura is comparable to a Dragon King presiding over things, who would dare say our WangSheng Funeral Parlor isn't solemn and majestic? This effect is more useful than handing out a thousand flyers! Come on, try it on; I had the best seamstress rush this out!"
Zhongli originally wanted to refuse, but seeing the expectant look in Hu Tao's eyes and the curious, suppressed smiles of the surrounding Funeral Attendants, he fell silent for a moment. Ultimately, he sighed helplessly and took the robe.
"Just this once," he said, with a hint of resigned compromise.
"Good, good, good, just once!" Hu Tao promised readily, though her heart was blooming with joy.
The time returns to the present.
Zhongli stood inside the doors of WangSheng Funeral Parlor, took a glance at the dense crowd outside through the crack in the door, and silently adjusted his cuffs.
It had to be said that Hu Tao's eye and the seamstress's skill were top-tier. The robe was perfectly tailored, and the subtle patterns shifted in the light, making Zhongli's already mountain-like, steady temperament appear even more otherworldly, as if he truly were an ancient Dragon Lord temporarily dwelling in the mortal realm.
He looked at Hu Tao beside him, who was excitedly rubbing her hands together. (Fly-rubbing-hands.JPG)
"Director," he said in a calm tone, yet it carried a final trace of struggle, "is this act perhaps a bit too... boisterous?"
"Oh, consultant~" Hu Tao patted his arm, her plum blossom pupils sparkling. "This is called sharing joy with the people! Besides, this is a legitimate demonstration of ritual procedures, a serious business promotion! Just follow what we practiced later, and I guarantee there will be no problems!"
As she spoke, she pulled out a crumpled copy of "dragonfall: i am the dragon king" from somewhere, flipped to a dog-eared page, and shoved it in front of Zhongli's eyes: "Look, I've marked the lines for you! How domineering! We're going for this exact feeling!"
Zhongli's gaze swept over the bolded sentence on the page: "The three-year term has ended; welcome the return of the Dragon King." The corner of his mouth twitched imperceptibly, finally turning into a barely audible sigh.
He nodded slightly, effectively accepting this "script."
The hour had arrived.
Hu Tao took a deep breath, adjusted her expression, tried her best to look solemn, and then pushed the door open to step out first.
She cleared her throat and spoke loudly to the gathered crowd: "Thank you all for coming! Today, to improve our service quality, WangSheng Funeral Parlor is here to demonstrate our latest developed ritual: 'Pure Land of Rebirth, Everlasting Blessings'! Next, please welcome our parlor's chief consultant and brand ambassador—Mr. Zhongli!"
The crowd immediately fell silent, all eyes focusing on the ancient doors of WangSheng Funeral Parlor.
Zhongli walked out slowly. As soon as that unique "Dragon King Robe" appeared, the entire area outside WangSheng Funeral Parlor went silent for a moment.
The next second, it triggered a large-scale wave of hushed exclamations.
Zhongli's demeanor was composed and his expression steady, no different from usual. Although he might not have entirely approved of this behavior in his heart, since he had promised the Director, he maintained his usual calm grace.
He quickly walked to the center of the temporary small stage and stood still, his calm gaze sweeping over the crowd below.
According to the "script," he should now say his few lines.
Zhongli remained silent.
The sunlight fell upon him, plating him in a layer of gold.
The crowd below held their breath—especially the book fans, whose eyes were wide and whose hearts were nearly leaping into their throats.
Hu Tao gestured secretly from below the stage, mouthing silently in an urgent manner: "Say it! Say it quickly!"
Zhongli seemed to take a slight breath before finally speaking. His voice was as steady and magnetic as ever, though the content differed slightly from what Hu Tao expected: "WangSheng Funeral Parlor adheres to the ancient ways and abides by contracts, aiming to send people to the afterlife and bring peace to their souls. The procedure demonstrated today is for..."
He began a serious introduction to the history and philosophy of WangSheng Funeral Parlor's rituals, using sophisticated language and citing classics. Some of the elderly people who had come to observe nodded repeatedly.
However, the book fans in the audience began to get a bit restless, whispering to each other:
"Huh? Didn't they say there would be THAT?"
"Yeah, why is it like this?"
"Did we misunderstand?"
Hu Tao was stomping her feet in frustration below the stage. Taking advantage of the gap when Zhongli finished a sentence, she suddenly grabbed several Funeral Attendants who were watching the show and jumped onto the stage.
Then, Hu Tao and the Funeral Attendants exchanged a knowing look, and the drama immediately escalated.
Funeral Attendant A stepped forward, trying her best to put on a fierce expression. She pointed at Zhongli and raised her voice deliberately, with a hint of exaggerated trembling: "consultant Zhongli! As of today, you are expelled from WangSheng Funeral Parlor!"
After speaking, she stared nervously at Zhongli. Seeing that he remained as steady as a mountain and completely unresponsive, she hurriedly nudged his back secretly with her elbow.
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