"Consultant Chen Feng, has this Director treated you well?"
"Yes, Director Hu Tao. Of course you've treated me very well."
"But being good is useless now. Besides expanding our business abroad, there are no other options left."
Chen Feng shrugged and said.
"The Fatui have been driven out, and now you can't even find a few of them outside. The Treasure Hoarders have all fled too. We're not allowed to go to other places, so what can I do?"
"Aiya, Consultant Chen Feng, please think of something else!"
Of course, Hu Tao knew about these problems; otherwise, she wouldn't look so worried.
But expanding the business abroad was easier said than done. The actual implementation was incredibly difficult. After all, every nation has different customs, and people would naturally prefer to have their own countrymen handle funeral arrangements.
Moreover, if they continued to promote their business abroad as aggressively as before, they would likely be driven out by other nations.
So, even if they truly wanted to open Wangsheng Funeral Parlor branches across the Seven Nations, it couldn't be accomplished overnight. It would require thorough preparation in all aspects.
Therefore, they still needed to think of another solution. Hu Tao had racked her brain for a long time without coming up with a good idea, so she could only hope that Chen Feng might have a brilliant one.
"Consultant Chen Feng, the future of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor rests on your shoulders! Think of something else!"
"But Director Hu Tao, even if you say that, there's nothing I can do..."
"I'll give you a bonus!"
"...Well, maybe I can think a little harder about it... I've got it!"
The moment Chen Feng heard the word "bonus," he immediately changed his tune. He stroked his chin in thought for a moment before slowly speaking.
"How about this: since the authorities won't let us promote our business, we'll just stop."
"We'll simply jot down the names of high-quality clients and show up to solicit business the moment they pass away."
"That sounds like a pretty good idea!"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up, and she cheered.
"Consultant Chen Feng, I knew you'd have a solution!"
In her excitement, Hu Tao rushed forward, grabbed Chen Feng, and tossed him into the air, catching him securely each time. After repeating this several times, she finally let him go. Chen Feng stood on shaky legs, trembling as he said to Hu Tao.
"Th-this will cost extra!"
"Extra it is! A super-sized extra!"
Hearing Hu Tao's occasional bursts of laughter from inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli knew that if nothing unexpected happened, someone was about to have an "accident" tomorrow.
And just like that, time quickly passed to the next morning.
Originally, no one planned to attend the event hosted by the Liyue Qixing today. However, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had recently toned things down and even performed a great good deed, so everyone came to Yujing Terrace early, just to watch the spectacle.
At Yujing Terrace, Ningguang had already arranged for everything to be prepared.
Having orchestrated such a grand event, Ningguang naturally wasn't just advertising for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Her true intention was to use this opportunity to ease the public's taboo surrounding life and death, thereby minimizing the recent impact caused by the funeral parlor.
This time, Ningguang had even persuaded Madame Ping to participate. Having an Adeptus preside over the event was the best possible scenario.
Of course, Ningguang had other preparations as well. She had discussed them with the other Liyue Qixing members, and aside from those who were too busy to attend, a total of five Qixing members were participating in this event.
When the crowd saw the lineup, they exclaimed that it was an absolute steal. It was rare to see so many Liyue Qixing members gathered together, let alone with an Adeptus overseeing the proceedings.
Soon, the event to promote Wangsheng Funeral Parlor began. After Ningguang gave a brief opening speech, Madame Ping took the stage.
"Consultant Chen Feng, I can't believe five Liyue Qixing members are here to promote Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and even Madame Ping is present. This is truly impressive!"
Hu Tao looked at the scene ahead and spoke excitedly to Chen Feng beside her.
"By the way, Chen Feng, you don't know Madame Ping yet, do you?"
"Madame Ping is the one I told you about before. When the Overlord of the Vortex Osial broke his seal and attacked Liyue Harbor, several Adepti, the Liyue Qixing, and a foreign traveler fought back against the god's assault. Madame Ping was one of those Adepti."
"She's an Adeptus?"
Chen Feng asked, somewhat surprised.
"She looks just like an ordinary old woman."
"That just shows how profound Madame Ping's cultivation is. Her Adeptus aura is completely concealed!"
Suddenly, Chen Feng's expression turned serious, and he spoke with sudden realization.
"I see, so this is what an Adeptus is like..."
Hu Tao scratched her head, feeling that Chen Feng's response didn't quite connect, but she didn't dwell on it.
Then, Hu Tao turned to look at Zhongli on the other side.
"Consultant Zhongli, you must memorize every word Madame Ping says today!"
"After this is over, pick some of the best lines and hang them at the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. It's free advertising!"
Zhongli's mouth twitched slightly upon hearing Hu Tao's words.
"Understood, Director Hu Tao."
Just then, Zhongli sensed Madame Ping's gaze from her direction, so he turned his attention toward her and gave a slight nod.
Because of the Cleansing Bell incident, Madame Ping knew his true identity, but she also knew he didn't want to be disturbed, so she hadn't told the other Adepti.
After hearing Madame Ping's explanation of life and death, everyone present felt a sense of inner peace.
They had indeed overreacted to recent events. Although Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's targeting of "high-quality clients" was overly precise, it was normal for people to pass away in Liyue Harbor every day. After all, with such a large population, even excluding accidents, natural death from old age and illness was common.
It was just that previously, only close relatives and friends knew about such deaths. Now, with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's publicity, they realized that many people were dying in Liyue Harbor every day, which was terrifying. They then subconsciously blamed Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for this, ultimately wanting to flee Liyue Harbor to escape.
When the statistics were presented one by one, people were shocked to discover that the number of daily deaths in Liyue Harbor was even higher than they thought, and the vast majority were from natural causes.
The Liyue Qixing even took this opportunity to educate everyone on daily safety issues, forcing them to sit through another safety lecture.
Soon, it was time for the final segment. In reality, this part was prepared for Chen Feng.
Although Hu Tao had taken the brunt of the rumors in Liyue Harbor, most people understood that the key figure was Chen Feng, and various rumors had led to misunderstandings about his abilities.
While Chen Feng's identity remained a mystery, he had shown no dangerous behavior so far. His physical condition was that of an ordinary person, and even the Adepti had examined him. They were now living nearby to monitor him closely.
Of course, the fact that Xianyun was actually Cloud Retainer couldn't be hidden from Ningguang, who fully supported this arrangement.
With so many layers of insurance, Ningguang temporarily set aside concerns about the amnesiac Chen Feng's threat to Liyue and instead focused on how to make him develop feelings for the nation.
If Chen Feng were a dangerous individual who had temporarily lost his memory, building a bond between him and Liyue during his amnesia would surely be more beneficial than harmful once his memories returned.
Of course, they could also arrange an "accident" for Chen Feng while he was defenseless. However, Ningguang was reluctant to use such methods. Furthermore, if the plan failed, the consequences for Liyue could be severe, especially if he belonged to that faction from Fontaine...
Ningguang glanced at Chen Feng, who was chatting with Hu Tao, paused for a moment, and then addressed the crowd.
"Next, I would like to invite Consultant Chen Feng of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to perform a reading for the Liyue Qixing."
Upon hearing Ningguang's words, the crowd was instantly shocked.
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? Consultant Chen Feng? Is that the living King of Hell who can decree your death at the third watch, ensuring you won't live to see the fifth?"
"A furrowed brow, a flyer in hand, even the King of Hell would have to kowtow to him! After all, even the King of Hell makes mistakes, but he has never failed!"
"No, Lady Ningguang, this is too dangerous!"
"Yes, yes! What if he hands one of you a flyer? How could we possibly stop him?!"
Many people began to plead with Ningguang, their faces filled with worry. They genuinely feared that Chen Feng might glance at one of the Liyue Qixing and immediately pull a flyer from his pocket.
After all, each member of the Liyue Qixing was a precious treasure to Liyue. The death of even one would be a tremendous loss.
"Everyone, please calm down. We, the Liyue Qixing, do not fear learning how much time we have left."
"On the contrary, we would rather know how much time remains for us to contribute our humble efforts to Liyue's development."
"If our days are truly numbered, we will try to change our fate."
"If it is truly unchangeable, we will accept it calmly and ensure our legacies are passed down before that day arrives."
Hearing Ningguang's calm words, the crowd seemed to be influenced by her composure, and the clamor gradually subsided.
"I also hope that everyone here will not be prejudiced against Mr. Chen Feng's abilities. Life and death are determined by the heavens, not by human influence."
Then, Ningguang turned to Chen Feng and spoke slowly.
"Mr. Chen Feng, would you be willing to trouble yourself to perform a reading for us?"
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all!"
Seeing Chen Feng's excited expression, Hu Tao could almost guess his thoughts. She quickly answered for him while whispering to him in a low voice.
"Don't mention payment to the Liyue Qixing. This isn't the right occasion. They'll compensate you afterward."
Don't think Hu Tao was overthinking it; she knew Chen Feng's personality well enough to know he was fully capable of doing just that.
After hearing Hu Tao's words, Chen Feng immediately spoke up to assure her.
"You can rest assured, Director Hu Tao. Reading the lifespans of such important figures will make a name for me."
"I know the difference between one full meal and a lifetime of them!"
After saying this, Chen Feng immediately walked toward Ningguang.
"Is this really okay?"
Watching Chen Feng's retreating figure, Hu Tao felt a bit panicked. She hadn't expected this part of the plan; otherwise, she would have made Chen Feng rehearse first.
As Chen Feng passed by, the people along the path instinctively backed away.
Even though they kept telling themselves it was fine, they couldn't help but feel terrified!
Soon, Chen Feng stood before Ningguang, his expression subtly changing.
Seeing this, the hearts of everyone present began to sound frantic alarms.
No way, is it happening already?
Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, Chen Feng reached into his robes.
Ningguang froze. Was her life really about to end?!
Then, as everyone stared nervously, Chen Feng first pulled out a small notebook, then a pen, and held them out to Ningguang, his face filled with excitement as he spoke.
"Miss Ningguang, I'm your fan! Can you sign this for me?!"
Upon hearing this, many people collapsed to the ground; the turn of events was a bit too dramatic.
Ningguang hadn't expected Chen Feng to be asking for her autograph. A look of resignation appeared on her face, but after careful consideration, she nodded, took the items, and signed her name.
"I'm glad you approve of my work, but I hope next time you'll make this request at a more appropriate moment."
"Of course, of course!"
Chen Feng carefully took the notebook back, a brilliant smile spreading across his face.
Only then did Hu Tao finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness it was just an autograph. While the timing was poor, it wasn't a major issue.
But seeing Chen Feng's ecstatic and excited expression, Hu Tao's heart tightened with renewed tension.
Wait a minute, Chen Feng had never met Ningguang before. Why did he seem so thrilled?!
Could Ningguang have secretly contacted Chen Feng while she was away, trying to poach him?
Hu Tao immediately turned to Zhongli and asked nervously.
"Consultant Zhongli, has Ningguang come looking for Consultant Chen Feng these past two days?"
"No, that has not happened."
Zhongli shook his head and slowly replied.
"However, Consultant Chen Feng did go out yesterday, saying he had a business deal to discuss. Perhaps his actions are related to that."
"Consultant Zhongli, are you saying Chen Feng plans to sell Ningguang's autograph?!"
Hu Tao slapped her forehead. It was entirely possible.
Good grief! No wonder Chen Feng's earlier promise to her had seemed so decisive, without a hint of hesitation. He must have found a new way to make money!
When Hu Tao saw Chen Feng ask Keqing for her autograph next, she finally relaxed. It seemed her suspicion was correct; otherwise, Chen Feng would have asked Keqing for her signature long ago.
But it didn't matter. While such actions would certainly damage his personal reputation, Chen Feng's reputation couldn't get much worse anyway.
However, Hu Tao soon realized she had relaxed too soon.
When the third member of the Liyue Qixing appeared and directly asked Chen Feng for paper and a pen, Chen Feng simply put them away under the man's dumbfounded gaze.
"Sorry, I'm not your fan. Let's just get on with the process."
Hearing this, Hu Tao facepalmed while thinking to herself.
Looks like this Liyue Qixing's autograph isn't worth much...