"Master Hu, funeral customs differ greatly from country to country, and the customs of the world I came from may not be suitable for Liyue," Smith said to Hu Tao, his tone serious. "So, if you're asking me about funeral customs from other worlds, I think it's better not to delve into it."
Hu Tao looked at him, slightly confused. "So, you're saying the funeral customs of your world are not applicable here? That's a bit disappointing."
Smith gave her a knowing smile and continued, "Regardless, based on the situation of the Rebirth Hall, I assume Mora isn't an issue for you, right? The businesses are already seeking out the Rebirth Hall. It seems you don't need to actively chase after them, correct?"
Hu Tao pursed her lips. "Even though the Rebirth Hall is the leader of Liyue's death and burial industry, we can't rest on our laurels. As the Rock King Emperor has wisely said, we must adapt to the times. If we don't, the Rebirth Hall will eventually fall behind."
Zhongli, who had been quietly listening, rolled his eyes internally. But I never asked you to hand out flyers for the Rebirth Hall in the street!
Smith couldn't help but chuckle at Zhongli's internal monologue. "Alright," he said, lifting a hand to cover his forehead in defeat. "I can't seem to persuade you, can I?"
He turned back to Hu Tao. "The reason I came here today is to cooperate with you, Master Hu. Specifically, I want to invite you to join my guild. This is a huge opportunity for you."
"Guild?" Hu Tao raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. Her usual cynicism was gone for the moment, replaced with a serious curiosity. She glanced at Zhongli, seeking confirmation.
Zhongli, seeing the situation, nodded slightly.
Hu Tao finally spoke, "You didn't tell me what your guild does. But, since Zhongli is already in it, I suppose I can join too."
Smith smiled. "Thank you, Master Hu. I'm sure you'll find this guild valuable."
"Ding! You have joined the Dimension Guild."
A voice echoed inside Hu Tao's mind, signaling her successful registration.
Hu Tao blinked, taken aback by the voice, but quickly recovered. "So, I can go to other worlds later?"
"Yes, but you'll need to complete tasks in order to travel to other worlds," Smith explained.
Hu Tao chuckled, clearly amused by the idea. "So, I could learn about the funeral culture of other worlds. Who knows, maybe I can expand the Wangsheng Hall to other worlds too. This guild is sounding more and more interesting."
Smith smiled, pleased by her enthusiasm. "Yes, the guild offers many benefits. The more tasks we complete, the higher the guild's level becomes, unlocking even more abilities."
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with excitement. "But what about the tasks? Can we get started right away?"
Smith waved his hand. "We just completed a task, so there's no rush. But if you don't mind, perhaps you could treat me to a meal? It's not often that a guild member gets to eat at the Hall Master's expense."
Hu Tao gave him a skeptical look. "Wait, why should I treat you? Isn't that your job as president?"
Smith laughed. "Well, leaders usually don't pay for meals, don't they?"
Zhongli, overhearing this, gave a small but disapproving sigh. "Smith, the Seven Stars earn a decent salary. You can't make a habit of expecting free meals."
Smith, though, couldn't resist teasing Hu Tao. "It's a good habit to have, don't you think? I'm sure it's nothing for you."
Hu Tao, taking it all in stride, grinned widely. "Alright, alright. Since you're being so persistent, I'll treat today. But don't get used to it!"
After a light chuckle, Hu Tao led Smith to a local restaurant. They enjoyed a hearty meal at Wangsheng Hall, which had a reputation for serving delicious yet affordable food. It reminded Smith of the simplicity of life, and for a brief moment, he felt content. Unfortunately, Xiangling, who usually made the best dishes, was away, and Smith found himself missing her cooking.
---
After Dinner
Later that evening, Hu Tao accompanied Smith to the residence that Ningguang had arranged for him. Upon reaching the place, Smith looked around, a little confused by the grand structure before him.
"I remember this place seems to have been Miss Ningguang's house?" Smith muttered, examining the impressive residence. The food at Wangsheng Hall had been good, but the grandeur of Ningguang's house made it feel like the evening was far from over.
Hu Tao looked at him, dumbfounded. "This house was originally Ningguang's residence before she built the Jade Pavilion. Do you know how much one acre of land costs around here? The building area of this house is over 100 acres!"
Smith blinked. "Over 100 acres? How much does that cost?"
Hu Tao chuckled. "Even with the Rebirth Hall's accumulation, it would take us ages to afford this place. When Ningguang stopped using this house, she received an offer of more than 2 billion Mora for it, but she refused. Can you imagine that?"
Smith raised an eyebrow, impressed. "2 billion Mora? Ningguang sure knows how to make smart decisions. A house like this would be invaluable."
"Exactly!" Hu Tao nodded eagerly. "It's practically a treasure. And it used to house many of Ningguang's priceless collections. But now, all of that's been moved to the Jade Pavilion. It's incredible, really."
Smith looked around again, taking in the lavish surroundings. "I can see why Ningguang wouldn't just sell this place. It's not just a house; it's a symbol of her influence and taste."
"That's right," Hu Tao agreed. "The Jade Pavilion is one of Liyue's finest landmarks, after all. Ningguang didn't get to where she is by being careless."
Smith nodded thoughtfully. "I admire her business sense. There's a lot to learn from her."
---
As the evening continued, Smith reflected on his conversation with Hu Tao. She may have been playful and eccentric, but there was no denying her sharp mind and the sincerity with which she handled her responsibilities. In a way, the contrast between her casual demeanor and her strong leadership reminded him of why Liyue was such a vibrant, thriving place.
And in that moment, as he stood before the massive estate, Smith realized that joining forces with people like Hu Tao, Zhongli, Keqing, and Ningguang was far more than just a strategic move. It was an opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in Liyue, and to build something truly significant.
As he looked out over the city, a sense of anticipation filled him. Whatever the future held, he was ready for it.
---
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