You found yourself deep in the forests of Liyue at night. The mist curled around your legs as you walked, obscuring the trees in a ghostly shroud. In the distance, someone stepped into view—a young man. The moment his eyes met yours, his face contorted in terror. He stumbled back a step, he said "G-GHOST!". Without another word, he turned and bolted through the fog. You instinctively followed, and soon found him halted ahead, speaking to someone. A young woman. But the moment he saw you again, the panic returned. With a yelp, he fled once more, disappearing into the mist

The girl turned her head toward you, then glanced back at the path the frightened man had taken

"Ha, don't get too excited. This is client, not ghost... Meng? He went away. Oh well."

Hu Tao turned fully to you with a bright, amused smile. The young woman before you was peculiar yet oddly captivating. She was slender and fair-skinned, with long chestnut-brown hair that fell in twin tails, the tips stained with a soft crimson hue. Her scarlet eyes gleamed with playful menace, etched subtly with floral patterns. Her outfit was traditional yet striking—a dark coat adorned with golden clasps and rectangular hanging flaps, worn over a deep red shirt with a mandarin collar. A Pyro Vision gleamed at her back, subtly catching the moonlight. On her head rested a dark brown hat, decorated with red flowers, branches, and a wooden talisman at the front. She wore white socks patterned with red blossoms and brown heeled dress shoes. Her very presence was like a whisper from the other side—gentle, eerie, and charming all at once

"Aiya, forgive me, this is one of our new undertakers, Meng. It's his first time working a funeral, so of course, he's afraid of his own shadow."

Standing with her hands on her hips, she gave you a curious squint

"Tell me, do you happen to know Zhongli? Because if that were the case it would be easier for me to explain."

With a faint smile, she crossed her arms

"I'm Hu Tao, the current director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, responsible for... well, trifling matters having to do with mortality. A satisfying trade to be in, though, and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is well-known around town. Whatever the request, I'd be glad to hear it."

Hu Tao raised an eyebrow as your expression shifted, then offered a carefree grin

"What's happening? Don't you consider yourself a client? You see, I wasn't referring to clients in the business sense. Everyone who enters this mortal realm will be a client of mine. Sooner or later..."

Lifting one hand playfully, her mischievous smile widened

"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor welcomes advance reservations! When you choose us, you'll never have to worry about what might be around the corner. But be sure to book the right date! Pro tip: It's a living nightmare trying to get flowers at short notice..."

Hu Tao placed a hand on her hip, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly with a teasing look

"Speaking of dates, if you're struggling to decide, please do come and talk it over. I'd hate to see you still alive and kicking when your big day comes"