Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence.

If Jiang Bai had known what Hu Tao was thinking, he would have definitely pestered her to tell him more about Mister Zhongli's story.

But it didn't really matter—so long as he stayed at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he would learn all about Zhongli's deeds soon enough.

The distance from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to Bubu Pharmacy wasn't too far, but it wasn't exactly close either.

Even though it was only seven in the morning, Liyue Harbor was already bustling with life.

The sounds of workers unloading cargo, shoppers chatting, and children laughing filled the air. The aroma of steamed buns and rice noodles lingered in the morning breeze, while the golden sunlight bathed the streets in warmth. Cats stretched lazily by the roadside, and shop doors were already open, painting a vivid picture of the city waking up.

Hu Tao bought two bags of buns from a street vendor, keeping one for herself and handing the other to her loyal underling.

Taking a bite of her bun, she spoke with her mouth full, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel:

"Our Liyue is famous for its trade—it's the most prosperous place in all of Teyvat. As they say, the early bird gets the mora! Business owners in Liyue open shop real early…"

Jiang Bai listened while munching on his own bun. Despite her muffled speech, he could roughly piece together what she was saying.

"What about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? I didn't see it open when we left."

They had taken the side door out, avoiding the main entrance.

"We're different. Our business revolves around the dead, so we only open at night."

"What if someone needs to order a coffin or buy funeral paper money?"

"Are you stupid? Just because we're not open doesn't mean the door is locked! Most people don't actually step into Wangsheng Funeral Parlor anyway—they write their requests on wooden plaques and hang them outside. When we see them, someone will reach out to handle the order."

"Besides, most people don't choose burials. Only the rich old folks go for those elaborate rites…"

After Hu Tao's explanation, Jiang Bai more or less understood.

So he was just lucky to have been picked up by someone wealthy. If things had gone differently, he might not have even lasted until waking up—he could have already been cremated.

The two of them continued walking as they ate, and before long, their buns were gone.

Hu Tao rubbed her stomach and let out a satisfied burp.

"Food's done! Now we just need something to drink." She quickly bought two cups of soybean milk, handing one to Jiang Bai before gulping down her own in just two swigs.

Jiang Bai chuckled. "Boss, you're still growing. You should have a balanced breakfast."

"Eh, as long as I'm full, who cares? It's not like I'll stop growing."

Tossing her empty cup into the trash, she grabbed Jiang Bai and strode forward. Before long, they arrived at Bubu Pharmacy.

Bubu Pharmacy was situated in an elevated part of the city, visible from afar. Compared to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's secluded location, this place was much quieter, far removed from the noisy docks. Naturally, that also meant its services weren't cheap.

They climbed the steps leading up to the entrance. Despite the number of people seeking medical attention, the crowd remained orderly, treating the physicians with great respect.

But the moment Hu Tao appeared, Bubu Pharmacy's staff immediately tensed up. The tiny figure fetching medicine from behind the counter scurried under the table in an instant.

"Director Hu, you're not here to snatch Qiqi again, are you?" The medicine boy eyed her warily, as if she were a thief.

"Nonsense!"

Hu Tao showed no signs of guilt as she pulled Jiang Bai forward, gesturing to him.

"I'm here to see Baizhu. This guy is one of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's own. He lost his memories, so we'd like Mister Baizhu to take a look at him."

Hearing that she wasn't here to kidnap Qiqi, the tense physicians immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Even the little one hiding behind the counter quietly patted her chest.

"That really scared Qiqi…"

She often forgot many things, but this face—this face she would never forget.

Over the past few years, this annoying woman had tried to take her away so many times, always insisting that she should be dead.

But Qiqi didn't want to die.

She wanted to live.

Even though it was difficult, she was trying her best to keep going…

Since Qiqi had hidden quickly, Hu Tao didn't spot her. Even if she had, she would have pretended not to see her.

After all, if she was going to take someone, it had to be done quietly in the dead of night.

"Mister Baizhu is currently seeing a patient. Please wait for a moment," one of the physicians informed them. Now that Hu Tao was here as a proper visitor, their attitudes became much more professional.

Hu Tao collected a waiting token and sat down with Jiang Bai, behaving herself for once.

Jiang Bai, however, was still puzzled by the earlier reactions. Why did everyone here treat Hu Tao like she was some kind of disaster waiting to happen?

"Boss, did something happen between you and them?" He phrased his question tactfully.

Hu Tao averted her gaze toward the sky. "Well… let's not get into that…"

She couldn't exactly say that she had tried to cremate someone from Bubu Pharmacy, could she?

Jiang Bai immediately picked up on her guilty expression, which only made him more curious. Had she tried to sell funeral packages here?

That seemed pretty likely. But if that was the case, the results must not have been great.

Even though he had lost his memories, Jiang Bai knew one thing for sure—trying to sell funeral services to the families of critically ill patients was a surefire way to get beaten up. It was practically the same as cursing someone to die.

Still, he figured it was worth discussing. In his opinion, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and Bubu Pharmacy could actually work together—it made sense to streamline the process from medical treatment to funeral services.

"Boss, now you've made me even more curious. Personally, I think we could collaborate with Bubu Pharmacy. If a patient passes away, they could be sent directly to us—"

Before he could finish, Hu Tao clamped a hand over his mouth, quickly scanning their surroundings.

After making sure no one had overheard, she dragged him into a corner.

"I get it, I get it! You're thinking about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business, but you can't say that here! Do you have any idea how bad it sounds? You're practically cursing people to die! If any of the patients' families hear you…"

Her tone was serious, clearly reflecting past experience. She had probably said something similar before and learned the hard way.

"Look, we may be open-minded about life and death, but not everyone is. Some people can't stand hearing the word 'death,' especially the critically ill and their loved ones."

"They go to great lengths—spending all their wealth, exhausting every option—just for a sliver of hope that their family member will survive. Even I would feel guilty bringing up funerals in front of them. That's why I rarely come here."

It was the first time Jiang Bai had seen Hu Tao so serious outside of conducting a funeral. It gave him a new perspective on his seemingly carefree boss.

"…I understand."

He nodded slightly and looked around at the people waiting for treatment.

There were young and old, men and women. Some were injured, pressing against wounds with worried expressions. Some were mothers trying to soothe crying children. Some were elderly, clutching their meager savings, faces filled with hesitation. Some were lovers, standing firm, eyes filled with determination.

One thing they all had in common—every single one of them wanted to keep living.

Indeed, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and Bubu Pharmacy seemed to exist in completely different worlds.