Su Ming, his pockets entirely empty, was starting to feel a twinge of regret. He really should have pilfered a bit more from his master's private vault before he left.
"Wait, I don't necessarily have to pay for this myself, do I?"
Su Ming suddenly thought of a certain orange-haired, unlucky buddy of his, and a wicked grin played across his lips.
"Director Hu, can I have the bill for this sent somewhere else?"
Hu Tao immediately grew wary. Thanks to Zhongli's presence, she was naturally suspicious of anyone wanting to "put it on the tab," even if the bill wasn't being charged to her own account.
"I mean, technically you can... but how do I know they'll actually pay?"
Su Ming laughed. "Don't worry, they'll pay. I'll wait right here. If they don't settle the bill, I'll pay it myself. How's that?"
Hu Tao gave Su Ming a skeptical look before finally sighing. "Alright, alright. This Director thinks you don't look like the type to lie."
"So, where am I sending the bill?"
"Send it to the Northland Bank," Su Ming replied.
He chuckled. "Director Hu, do you have a pen and paper? Let me write a little note. Send it along with the bill to the Northland Bank, and I guarantee they'll pay on the spot."
"Just you wait," Hu Tao said.
She quickly returned with the writing supplies. Su Ming scribbled a single line of text and handed the paper back to her.
Hu Tao glanced at the contents and asked, "Are you sure you want to give this to those Fatui people?"
"Trust me, it'll be fine."
The bill was soon delivered to the Northland Bank by an attendant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The staff at the bank were already well-accustomed to attendants from the parlor showing up with bills in hand.
"Is it another bill for Mr. Zhongli?"
The attendant shook his head. "No, this one is for a Mr. Su Ming."
"What?! Who did you say?!" The Fatui guard at the entrance practically exploded.
The attendant jumped, startled by the outburst. Cold sweat began to pour down the face of the Fatui member responsible for reception.
Ever since the day Tartaglia had returned gravely injuredrequiring a full night of emergency resuscitationevery member of the Fatui in Liyue knew the name of the man who had beaten their Harbinger to the brink of death: Su Ming.
While Su Ming wasn't particularly well-known in Liyue Harbor generally, if the Fatui had a mind to investigate someone, it was easy enough to find out.
Now, Su Ming was sending people from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to have his bills reimbursed? What was the meaning of this?
This was the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!
Could it be that that man wanted to send Childe off for good and had already started making the funeral arrangements?
"Can... can I see that bill?"
The attendant looked at the Fatui member with a strange expression, thinking to himself, What is with this guy? Usually they're so arrogant, but now he's shaking just from hearing a name?
Is this Mr. Su Ming some kind of incredible big shot?
But this is the first time I've ever heard of him. He sounds like he's from Liyue, so why do these Snezhnayans know him when I don't?
Despite his complex internal monologue, the attendant quickly handed over the bill.
"Let me see... a coffin, funeral services, tomb maintenance..."
The more the Fatui member read, the more panicked he became. His hands were visibly trembling. Finally, he gave a forced, bitter smile. "Uh... just a moment. I need to show this bill to my superior."
"Go ahead. I'll wait by the door."
"No, no, please! Come inside and take a seat. Sit for a while and have some tea."
"No need, no need... Oh, right. There's also this note. Mr. Su Ming asked for it to be delivered with the bill."
...
"Lord Childe, a man from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor brought a bill and a note from a Mr. Su Ming."
Tartaglia, who had only recently regained consciousness from his coma, looked at the items his subordinate handed over and couldn't help but complain. "What is going on? Is everyone starting to treat me like a wallet?"
"Buying things and not paying for them, then sending the reimbursement to me."
But despite the grumbling, he felt a certain level of respect for the man who had utterly defeated him. If the amount wasn't too large, settling it this once didn't matterhe could treat it as a penalty for losing.
Besides, it wasn't like it was his own money. (Pantalone: Aminos!)
"By the way, Lord Childe, this note came with it. Would you like to see it?"
"Give it to me."
Tartaglia took the note and began to read. It was just a single sentence, and he finished it in a heartbeat.
Suddenly, he slammed his hand onto the table with a loud bang. "Quick! Reimburse him immediately! Faster! Right now!"
"Yes, Lord Childe!"
Seeing their superior's reaction, several regular Fatui members scrambled to gather the Mora according to the bill.
Left alone, Tartaglia took a deep breath.
"Is he really that generous? As long as I cover his Mora expenses, he'll accept all my future challenges and even give me pointers?"
"Hahahahaha! This was a great deal! This trip to Liyue wasn't in vain!"
"Though... he really is arrogant. Is he that confident I won't be his match?"
"I'm a Tartaglia who is constantly growing stronger!"
"Just you wait. Sooner or later, I will win it back!"
"Hiss... I hit the table too hard. I pulled my wounds."
"Forget it, I need to focus on recovering first. In my current state, using Foul Legacy for even ten seconds would be considered overexertion."
"Once I've healed, you just wait, Su Ming!"
A fire ignited in Tartaglia's heart, making him look exactly like a hot-blooded youth who had been set ablaze with excitement. He had almost forgotten why he had come to Liyue in the first place.
But whatever. Since he could trade blows with a powerhouse, everything else could be put on the back burner.
Outside the Northland Bank, the Fatui respectfully handed the Mora to the attendant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"We were worried you wouldn't be able to carry it all, so please take this as a deposit for now. The Northland Bank will deliver the rest of the Mora to the parlor shortly."
The attendant was stunned. "Huh?"
They actually settled it?
It seemed this Mr. Su Ming really was a person of incredible importance... even the Northland Bank acted so humble before him.
The attendant quickly recovered from his shock and tried his best to maintain his composure. "Very well. I shall inform the Director."
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).