Genshin Impact: Starting from Liyue to Build Infrastructure

Takumi wandered through Liyue Harbor.

Unconsciously, he arrived at the docks of Sanwan Pavilion.

As soon as he got there, he spotted Zhongli, leisurely drinking tea.

Zhongli noticed him as well.

"Takumi, care to join me for a drink?"

There was nothing wrong with the invitation.

But to Takumi, it translated automatically in his head as:

Takumi, come and pay the bill.

The corner of his mouth twitched slightly, and he was speechless.

The three archons together couldn't produce a single Mora.

If Zhongli invited him for a drink, it could only mean he expected Takumi to foot the bill.

After mentally complaining for a moment, Takumi sighed but didn't refuse.

Instead, he went straight up.

"You're really enjoying retirement."

Zhongli smirked slightly.

"That's right."

"Originally, I planned to retire after the next Rite of Parting."

"I didn't expect you to appear."

Now, his retirement was ahead of schedule.

A truly comfortable life.

Hearing Zhongli's words, Takumi was speechless.

He didn't even know how to respond.

"Well, that's something worth celebrating."

"But Zhongli, did you bring any money today?"

...

As soon as those words were spoken, Zhongli froze for a moment.

After a brief pause, he looked at Takumi calmly.

"It's fine. Just send the bill to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"The hall master won't mind."

Just as he finished speaking, a dissatisfied voice rang out.

"I mind!!"

"I absolutely mind!!"

A lively girl with a mischievous expression suddenly appeared.

Her crimson eyes filled with frustration.

"Master!"

Seeing the newcomer, Zhongli's expression turned subtle.

It was none other than Hu Tao, the 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

Hu Tao trotted over to Zhongli and slammed her palm onto the table.

"Zhongli, how many times has this happened?"

"I work outside every day, yet you keep sending bills to the funeral parlor!"

"The money I earn isn't enough to cover your expenses!"

"Look at this!"

She pointed at her dark circles with her blackened fingernails.

She had stayed up all night working.

And now, as soon as she returned, she heard Zhongli suggesting yet another bill be sent her way?

She was absolutely furious.

Hearing Hu Tao's outburst, Zhongli sighed helplessly.

He was never good at dealing with her.

Hu Tao, still fuming, turned her gaze to Takumi.

The moment she laid eyes on him, her expression changed.

"Whoa, what a handsome guy."

"Hey, little brother, you be the judge."

"Isn't this unfair? This guy eats and drinks for free all the time and dumps the bills on me."

"If I weren't so wealthy, I'd have gone bankrupt by now."

"Honestly, I don't even know why my grandpa invited this guy to join us."

Her frustration was evident.

She needed someone to back her up.

Takumi, seeing her reaction, couldn't help but smirk.

"I'll cover the bill this time."

"Director Hu Tao, nice to meet you."

"I'm Takumi. I just arrived in Liyue recently. Please take care of me."

Takumi greeted Hu Tao politely.

At the same time, he assured her that he would pay for the meal.

There was no need for her to get worked up.

Hearing that Takumi was new to Liyue, Hu Tao raised her eyebrows.

"Just arrived?"

"No wonder I haven't seen you before."

"Takumi, huh?"

"I'm Hu Tao—Hu as in walnut, Tao as in peach, but not a mischievous peach, just a normal one."

"So, Takumi, would you like to order a tombstone from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

"We have a special offer—buy a tombstone, get the second one half price!"

"You're new to Liyue and don't have a home yet, right? How about booking a grave in advance?"

Hu Tao's eyes sparkled mischievously.

To her, Takumi was a potential customer.

Takumi's expression turned subtle.

Buying a tombstone for himself?

That was a bit much.

But seeing this quirky girl, he couldn't get annoyed.

Was he supposed to buy a tombstone just to help her business?

"I'd rather eat peaches than buy tombstones."

Hearing that, Hu Tao's expression became strange.

She narrowed her eyes at Takumi.

"Brother, are you hitting on me?"

"I mean, you're handsome, but isn't this a bit sudden?"

A slight blush appeared on her cheeks.

But the amusement in her gaze told Takumi she was just teasing him.

She was an expert at controlling her expressions.

"You're overthinking."

"I was just joking."

"Miss Hu Tao, have a seat."

"It's already noon. Let's eat together."

"This meal is on me."

Takumi invited Hu Tao to join them.

Her eyes lit up at his offer.

She didn't hesitate and sat down immediately.

"Then I won't hold back."

"If you ever visit Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I'll give you a discount—half price!"

...

"I doubt I'll need it."

"I'm immortal, after all."

Thanks to the power of the Herrscher, he wasn't bound by lifespan limitations.

Hearing that, Hu Tao blinked in confusion.

"Wait… you're not human?"

Zhongli also looked at Takumi curiously.

Sensing the growing energy within him, Zhongli nodded to himself.

If things continued this way, Hu Tao might leave before Takumi did.

After all, he had given Takumi a Vision, and in doing so, seemingly helped awaken his hidden power.

The Eye of God was insignificant compared to the strength Takumi was developing.

This guy… was he evolving into something else?

Not a demon, but something beyond ordinary human limits.

If he continued to gain higher-quality energy, his power would become even more terrifying.

...

Takumi, of course, was fully aware of his situation.

Every day he woke up, he felt stronger.

Well, at least now he could boast:

I was literally awakened by my own power.

As for Hu Tao's reaction?

He wasn't pleased with her remark.

"I am human!"

"A completely normal person."

"What are you even thinking?"

"I just happen to be a little stronger, and my lifespan is longer."

Takumi felt like Hu Tao was subtly insulting him.

Hu Tao squinted at him, studying him carefully.

"I don't feel it."

"You say you're strong, but I feel like I could take on ten of you."

Takumi gave off the impression of someone weak.

Even though he had a Vision, he didn't look like a warrior at all.

Takumi's mouth twitched.

"Don't underestimate me, Miss Hu Tao."

"Judging someone by appearances is dangerous."

"As the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover."

"You should be humble, young lady."

"In fact, do you see that tree over there?"

"I could blow it up right now if I wanted to."