Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

"What should we do, Mr. Zhongli? Business has been really bad lately."

Hu Tao paced back and forth, anxiety written all over her face.

"In general terms, poor business is a sign of peace and happiness in Liyue."

Zhongli, unbothered, slowly sipped his light tea.

"Well… when you put it that way, I guess it makes sense."

Hu Tao nodded thoughtfully.

"It's been so dull lately. Why don't you go out and meet up with your old friends? Relax a bit."

Zhongli recalled how Hu Tao used to be followed around by a bunch of children, reciting playful rhymes together.

But ever since Elliot passed away, she hadn't played with them again.

"They've already graduated. They don't need me teaching them anymore. Besides, I'm the master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor now. I'm busy! I don't have time to play with them."

Hu Tao said proudly, hands on her hips.

Zhongli only smiled and slowly picked up a small wooden block.

He knew very well that this child had been trying hard to suppress her true nature.

Each night, when there was no business, Hu Tao would sit alone at the edge of a tall building in Liyue, letting the breeze blow past her as she dangled her legs in the air.

Her gaze would fall on the children playing below.

In her eyes was unmistakable envy—

But even more than that, resilience.

She was only a teenager—an age meant for fun and laughter—yet already burdened with heavy responsibilities.

Nearly all of Liyue's funerals were managed by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

And that weight fell on the shoulders of this young girl.

Even though Zhongli helped lighten the load, he was only a guest consultant. He had never entered Hu Tao's heart the way Elliot once had.

So most of the burden remained hers alone.

She usually bounced around happily, always laughing, like a carefree girl who had never known sorrow.

But every time a funeral ended, she'd stand there quietly, dazed and still.

Today, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was as cold and empty as ever—not a single customer by closing time.

Night fell.

Midnight.

Hu Tao arrived alone at Elliot's grave.

"Grandpa, I came to see you. Today marks the one-year anniversary of your passing."

"A lot has happened this past year. Hu Tao has grown up a lot too."

"Not long after you left, during the annual Rite of Descension, the Geo Archon fell. At first, everyone thought he was assassinated—it threw all of Liyue into chaos."

"But later we found out... it wasn't an assassination. He was taken by a heavenly tribulation."

"And the one who organized the funeral... was me, Hu Tao!"

"Oh, and I even brought in Zhongli, who knows all things ancient and modern, to serve as the guest consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Together, we hosted the Rite of Parting for the Geo Archon."

"I made the send-off grand and magnificent. A lot of people praised me!"

"Hehe, Grandpa, I didn't embarrass you, right? I did a great job, didn't I?"

Hu Tao excitedly shared all the events of the past year with Elliot.

She looked happy—at least on the surface.

But...

As her smile lingered, tears began to fall.

"But…"

"Grandpa…"

"I really wish… you could've seen it…"

"Seen how much Hu Tao has grown… how I can hold my own now…"

"This past year… I haven't caused any trouble…"

"I can bathe on my own now… I've been listening to you… I haven't slept in any coffins…"

"Grandpa… Hu Tao's been a good girl, right?"

"Everyone says they can rely on me…"

"Grandpa… I miss you so much…"

At that moment, Hu Tao could no longer fake her smile.

Tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks.

She could act tough in front of anyone.

Except Grandpa.

In that moment, she was no longer the master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—just a little granddaughter missing her grandfather.

"I'm so tired, Grandpa… I miss you so much…"

"I want to sleep with you again… I want to be held by you…"

"Your embrace… was so warm…"

"Grandpa… after you left, I realized… drying hair is such a hassle…"

"I want to bathe with you again… want you to dry my hair for me…"

"Grandpa… I'm really tired… Even with Mr. Zhongli's help… I'm still so tired…"

"I want to sing silly rhymes with my friends again…"

By now, Hu Tao was sobbing uncontrollably.

Only here, before her grandfather, could she show her true self.

Only here, could she pour her heart out.

"In the end… I'll never be as good as you…"

Not far away, Zhongli stood quietly atop a large tree, silently watching it all unfold.

Until the horizon turned pale, and the morning sun bathed the clouds in golden light like fish scales.

Only then did Zhongli slowly descend from the tree and walk over.

He took off his coat and gently draped it over Hu Tao, who had cried herself to sleep.

"My friend… the child you raised… is far too mature…"

"She's never said those words to anyone. Not even me."

"I'll take good care of her. You can rest easy."

With that, Zhongli gently picked up the sleeping Hu Tao and carefully laid her on the bed, tucking her in.