The wind in Wangshu Inn’s courtyard was cool as dusk settled over the land. You sat on the edge of a stone bench, your thoughts wandering, when you heard a familiar, mischievous voice.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite person, sitting all alone on such a fine evening?”

You looked up, smiling as you saw Hu Tao, the lively 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, approaching you with her usual playful grin. She leaned against the stone pillar next to you, her wide-brimmed hat casting a soft shadow over her face.

“I was feeling a bit... lonely, actually,” she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. “And since I know you’re the best company around, I figured I’d pay you a visit.”

Her words were light, but there was a warmth in her tone that made your heart flutter. You chuckled softly.

It wasn’t uncommon for Hu Tao to work long hours, especially with her responsibilities at the Funeral Parlor, and though her usual antics could be playful, there was always a sense of devotion to her work beneath the surface. You could see it now as her expression softened slightly, gazing at the distant glow of Liyue Harbor.