The scene returns to Zhongli and Hu Tao. The tall and short pair had just finished buying fresh black-back bass and were now making their way back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor at a snail's pace.
"Ahhh~ this director is exhausted." Hu Tao swung the bamboo basket filled with fish rhythmically at her side.
Zhongli said nothing. He'd seen Director Hu act like this many times before, so he didn't pay it much mind.
And so they walked slowly, casually chatting about various topics. Hu Tao hummed self-composed songs the entire way, hopping along as she went.
They hadn't gone far when a particularly fiery piece of music caught their attention.
Neither was unfamiliar with this style. Hu Tao often heard it during her promotional events, and Zhongli had frequently encountered this novel music during his travels through the mortal realm.
This rock music had traveled all the way from Fontaine. As for this art form, Zhongli couldn't quite formulate a definitive opinion.
"Oh! It's Xinyan! She's got another crowd gathered around her!" Hu Tao peered curiously in that direction. Xinyan looked absolutely wild right now.
The sound from her guitar was thunderous. Hu Tao couldn't find precise words to describe it—just as crazy as ever, she supposed.
"Ah, too bad I'm busy right now. Otherwise, I'd definitely go hang out with her." Hu Tao said with a hint of regret.
"Xinyan's music always manages to astonish me. Though the younger generation does seem rather fond of this style." Zhongli rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Having said this, he quietly gazed at the Xiao lanterns drifting through the night sky. The sight immediately plunged him into reminiscence.
Zhongli slowly closed his eyes, sighing inwardly as he recalled events from thousands of years ago.
Back then, the people of Liyue would release bright lights into the night sky so that warriors amid the chaos of battle would not lose their way home—nor lose themselves.
So that the souls of fallen soldiers could find their resting place. So that those departed spirits could see that light marked the way home.
But alas, after so many years, did anyone still remember?
Whenever he thought of those who once stood behind him, fighting with unwavering resolve, his heart trembled slightly.
Even though Morax's heart was as unyielding as stone, even though thousands of years had passed, such memories could still shake him.
Rex Lapis, that mighty god, appeared untouched by worldly concerns, as if nothing could affect him in the slightest. He always wore that expression of indifference.
The God of Contracts, a symbol of rock itself, could always shield himself from external harm.
But no one understood—an emperor's heart was long ago covered in wounds and scratches. They endured millennia of erosion and the pain of losing cherished companions.
People often said the gods were unfair, that they couldn't see human suffering or hear their prayers.
Rumors claimed gods didn't bleed, didn't weep, didn't possess feelings.
Yet people didn't know gods were not omnipotent. They too could be hurt. When they lost those they treasured, they too wept in anguish.
It's just that after thousands of years of baptism, their hearts had grown far harder than ordinary mortals'. No one could understand them—such was the solitude a nation's protector must bear.
Thinking of all this, Zhongli sighed deeply once more. Millennia of fulfilling one's duties—even unyielding rock occasionally felt weariness.
"Hey! Zhongli, what are you spacing out about now?"
As Zhongli pondered the night sky, Hu Tao stood on her tiptoes and waved a hand before his eyes.
Her gaze was filled with confusion. Why had he stopped walking? Just a few more steps and they'd reach Wangsheng—don't stop now!
"Did something else trouble you, Zhongli?" Hu Tao furrowed her brow. Zhongli had always seemed mysterious to her.
Beneath that youthful exterior lurked something like a hundred-year-old man. Hu Tao always felt Zhongli had experienced far more than he let on.
"Pay it no mind, Director Hu. I was merely recollecting some personal matters." Zhongli shook his head gently, his tone calm.
Sometimes Zhongli had to admit that having Director Hu by his side was a rather wonderful thing.
Sure, she could be mischievous, and her antics sometimes gave him headaches. But her warmth always managed to soothe him somehow.
"Oh, come on! Don't dwell on things so much, Zhongli!" Seeing his expression soften, Hu Tao's face lit up.
Without hesitation, she linked her free arm through Zhongli's, pressing herself against him.
Then, in a tone reminiscent of a daughter coaxing her father, she said:
"Zhongli, will you carry me? My legs are so sore from all that walking."
Looking at Director Hu before him, Zhongli could only shake his head helplessly. Those beautiful plum-blossom eyes were blinking up at him pleadingly.
What could he say? Refusing would feel like letting her down somehow.
"Ah... very well. I'll indulge Director Hu this once." Zhongli chuckled lightly and stood still, waiting for her to jump on.
Hu Tao's smile grew even brighter. With a leap, she landed on Zhongli's back, one arm wrapped around his neck, the other still holding the fish basket.
Using Rex Lapis as a mount—Hu Tao might well be the first!
Right now, Hu Tao was overjoyed. In the past, Zhongli would never agree to such requests. This time was a pleasant surprise!
Regardless, she'd helped pull Zhongli out of that gloomy mood. Surely that counted for something!
Just then, fireworks once again illuminated the sky, their radiance casting light upon the pair.
For an instant, Hu Tao seemed to transform back into the little girl she once was.
And Zhongli, carrying her along—for just a moment, his shadow bore a striking resemblance to Hu Tao's grandfather.
Seeing this, Hu Tao was reminded of something. She buried her little head into Zhongli's shoulder and murmured softly.
"Grandpa... little Hu Tao misses you."
Listening to her whisper against his back, Zhongli simply gazed at the beautiful fireworks overhead and nodded gently, maintaining his characteristic silence.
Afterward, the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Rex Lapis himself—carried the director of Wangsheng for the remainder of their journey.
Upon returning to Wangsheng, the employees had already prepared all the dishes. Only their director's favorite black-back bass was missing.
---
Yujing Terrace
"That was absolutely incredible." Bonanus's eyes sparkled. In her previous life, she'd never witnessed such beauty. It was truly soul-stirring.
Aside from Bonanus, who kept exclaiming in wonder, the others quietly admired the celestial spectacle, occasionally taking small bites of the pastries on the table.
This moment, every year during Lantern Rite, was the most magnificent. No one could possibly dislike it—except perhaps certain hostile creatures from the sea.
Not that those creatures would dare cause trouble now. After all, Liyue still enjoyed the protection of the God of Contracts.
Though Morax had endured millennia of erosion, even with such a weathered form, were he to re-enter the Archon War, those he'd once defeated would still be no match for him.
Watching everyone so completely captivated, Granny Ping chuckled softly and said with a warm smile:
"Truly, the Lantern Rite has only just begun."