"Ryou… you…" Zhongli paused, then exhaled. "Fine. I'll go back with you to the Ministry of Civil Affairs."
He knew there was no dodging it today.
Ryou was charging straight ahead like a bull, leaving him no room at all.
Zhongli agreed partly because he wanted to watch Ryou up close. The change in him wasn't just physical—it ran deeper.
"Consultant… are we really going?" Hu Tao asked, voice a little tight.
Keqing's warnings from before still echoed in her head. If they walked in, she was genuinely afraid she wouldn't walk back out.
"We go," Zhongli said.
They had no better option. Ryou was acting on behalf of the Ministry, while they represented Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If they refused, Ryou could spin it however he liked—then explaining anything later would be ten times harder.
"Ryou-sama!"
"Ryou-sama!"
The moment Ryou returned, the Ministry staff shot to their feet.
"Do your jobs," Ryou said, not even looking at them. "You—come with me."
He led Zhongli and Hu Tao straight into the interrogation room.
Hu Tao glanced around, and her courage shrank fast.
"Um… we really didn't sell out Liyue Harbor," she said, forcing the words out. "Ryou, you can't use this to get revenge. I-I only said a couple things, okay?"
Zhongli cleared his throat.
"Ryou-san," he said calmly, "you know what kind of people we are. Selling information to the Fatui is impossible."
He held Ryou's gaze.
"I also know you want me to take a position at the Ministry. I'm agreeing to that now. Can we leave it at that?"
Ryou studied him for a moment.
"Alright," he said. "If that's what you're saying, then we'll settle it that way."
He raised a finger, matter-of-fact.
"But this isn't me 'inviting' you. It's me giving you a chance to make up for your mistakes. That said—handle the work properly, and you can leave whenever you want. No restrictions. And you'll be paid what you're owed."
Ryou didn't push any further once Zhongli gave in.
Hu Tao snapped her head around.
"What the heck—so you were just using this as an excuse to drag my consultant into the Ministry!" she burst out. "You're unbelievable! I'm going to Yujing Terrace and filing a complaint!"
Ryou took a slow sip of tea.
"Director," he said, "I've got more than ten complaints in my hand. All of them about you showing up at people's doors trying to sell coffins."
He set the cup down.
"Several of them say you scared them half to death. Want me to take that seriously? Because if I do, it won't be 'one month.' It'll be at least six."
"Wha—y-you—!" Hu Tao jolted like she'd been splashed with cold water.
She puffed her cheeks and glared at him. "Hmph. I actually thought you were decent. Turns out you're just abusing your power for personal gain!"
"Director," Zhongli said quietly.
He could tell Ryou was bluffing to keep Hu Tao in line. Zhongli had already agreed anyway, and Ryou's conditions weren't harsh—just spend some time clearing paperwork.
"Ryou," Zhongli said, "what you said just now—do you mean it? As long as I handle the Ministry's work, I can leave at any time?"
He didn't blink.
"And there won't be any restrictions?"
"Of course," Ryou said. "I keep my word."
He patted his chest like it was the most reliable thing in the world.
"I guarantee it. No one in the Ministry will stop you."
"Then fine," Zhongli said. "I accept."
"Good." Ryou stood up with a grin. "From today on, we're colleagues. Come on—I'll introduce you. We'll get your appointment paperwork processed."
Hearing that, Zhongli had the distinct sense he'd just stepped into a pit.
But at this point, backing out wasn't happening.
Still… Ryou was interesting. Staying a while to observe him wasn't the worst idea.
Once the basic procedures were handled, Zhongli left the Ministry with Hu Tao.
"Unbelievable," Hu Tao fumed the whole way. "That guy totally played us!"
She spun on Zhongli.
"Consultant, you're not actually going to work at the Ministry, are you? Wangsheng Funeral Parlor can't run without you!"
"It's fine," Zhongli said. "The Ministry's work won't take me long. It's mostly small matters. I'll still spend most of my time at the parlor."
"That's more like it!" Hu Tao brightened instantly.
Then her eyes sparkled with a new idea.
"You've got two incomes now. Oh—starting today, send your bills to the Ministry, okay?"
She clapped her hands once.
"And—remember that teapot you said was nice? Let's go buy it!"
Zhongli froze.
Was the director out of her mind?
That teapot was an antique.
Eight million Mora, minimum.
Was she trying to make him work at the Ministry for life?
[End of chapter]
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