School Anniversary Day (4)

The crowds at the Golden Mirage Grand Hotel's special anniversary booth reached their peak.

"Make way! Make way! Freshly cooked stir-fried Slime Condensate! Limited to 100 servings! First come, first served!"

A vibrant voice rang out from the other side of the stall.

Xiangling (at this stall) suddenly turned her head, her eyes wide open.

Then came another "Xiangling"—the same blue circular braid, the same apron, even the same smile of boundless enthusiasm for cooking on her face—standing behind a large iron wok, wielding a spatula with incredible skill. Inside the wok, some translucent gel-like substance sizzled and churned under the high temperature, displaying strange colors that resembled fragments of a rainbow.

"The Golden Maze Boiled Fish is really good!" "Xiangling" shouted loudly, her voice clear and bright, exceptionally catchy amidst the noise.

"But when it comes to creative cuisine, you have to look to this chef! This Slime Condensate has undergone forty-nine processes and eighty-one days of settling! Its fishy smell is removed, while its chewy texture remains. Stir-fried with Jueyun Chili and Qingxin flower petals, it boasts a rich and layered flavor, and eating it even temporarily boosts magic resistance! Don't miss it!"

Beside her, a seemingly quiet and well-behaved girl named Yaoyao was frantically trying to hold down a strange, bear-like creature that was trying to jump into the pot.

"Guoba! No! You can't eat that! That's what Senior Sister Xiangling is selling!"

The creature known as "Guoba" made a "lululu" sound, its short arms stubbornly reaching towards the rim of the pot, which was churning with an eerie color.

Escoffier's hand holding the kitchen knife trembled almost imperceptibly. She slowly turned her head to look at the girl who called herself "Xiangling," and then at Xiangling (at this stall) beside her, who was burning with fighting spirit but whose expression had already frozen.

The air was filled with the strange blend of two extremely spicy aromas, along with a faint, indescribable fresh, fishy smell belonging to Slime Condensate.

"...?" Escoffier uttered a short question.

"Uh, well..." Xiangling (at this stall) scratched her cheek, looking at the girl opposite her—from her hairstyle and expression to the strange creature beside her, who was like a reflection in a mirror—and chuckled dryly, "Probably... me from a parallel world? Or some kind of strange magical clone? Hehe~"

"Hey, what are you talking about!" Escoffier's forehead veins bulged. "The battlefield of cooking is not for child's play! Nor is it for counterfeits! Get serious!"

"But she looks very serious about it!" Xiangling (at this stall) pointed to the opposite side. That "Xiangling" was sprinkling a handful of Jueyun Chili into the pot at a dazzling speed. The flames shot up high with a "boom", and the scorching heat even made the people queuing on this side feel a gust of hot air, which drew a chorus of exclamations.

"And she said it can increase magic resistance! I really want to try it and see what it tastes like..." Her eyes began to light up, the typical gleam when discovering an unknown ingredient.

Escoffier, rubbing her forehead.

Just then, "Xiangling" from the opposite stall suddenly turned her head, winked at them, and casually brushed her fingers over an inconspicuous mask ornament at her waist. A fleeting, playful, and ethereal smile appeared on her lips, quite different from her previous energetic smile.

"A fool has a thousand faces, playing games in the world; which one is the real me...?"

The whispers were barely audible, quickly drowned out by the clanging of spatulas against woks and the clamor of the crowd.

Far away.

A calm voice, tinged with deep weariness, rang out:

"Baishi, note this down. 'During the school anniversary celebration, multiple unusual individuals appeared to be interfering with normal business operations, including but not limited to identity duplication, tasting of dangerous goods, and unplanned explosions.' A special report must be submitted to the Yuehai Pavilion afterward, and the potential impact on the college's public safety regulations must be assessed."

Ganyu, carrying a stack of documents that almost obscured her view, staggered through the crowd.

The pair of unicorn horns on her head were faintly visible through the gaps in the documents, and there were light dark circles under her eyes. Her expression was a mixture of the dazedness from long-term sleep deprivation and the deep anxiety that "today's work progress may not be completed."

Even on the school anniversary, she was still wearing her standard secretary uniform, except that she incongruously wore a sash with the words "Liyue Yuehai Pavilion School Anniversary Special Envoy" printed on it.

"Yes, Lady Ganyu." Beside her, a bespectacled female secretary named Baishi, with an impeccable expression, quickly scribbled notes in her notebook while reaching out to try and Ganyu the mountain of documents that was about to topple over.

"Recorded. Additional information: The suspected clones involve 'Xiangling' and 'Guoba,' exhibiting behavior patterns highly similar to the original, but their promotion of dishes is controversial."

"In addition, I just received news that Director Hu of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was promoting a 'Special Anniversary Funeral Package' to teachers and students passing by the fountain square, claiming that 'order today and enjoy a 20% discount, buy one tombstone and get one free, plus a free Wangsheng Funeral Parlor VIP membership card, with points redeemable for designated urns or funeral souvenirs'... There were zero inquiries on-site, but it caused a small crowd and blocked the path. Should we intervene?"

Ganyu was silent for two seconds, and then a deep sigh came from behind the pile of files, as if it contained the resentment of working overtime for who knows how long.

"... Make a note of it. Let Keqing handle it when she arrives." Her voice betrayed a sense of helplessness, as if she had given up trying.

"Yes." Baishi continued writing, adding, "Would you like me to order some Lingzhi tea for tomorrow to 'soothe the mind and replenish vital energy,' Lord Ganyu?"

"... Two portions. No, three portions, I suppose."

"Oh? The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business has expanded to the academy? That's incredibly efficient."

A male voice, carrying a scholarly air and a hint of teasing, rang out from the roadside.

Xingqiu closed the novel in his hand and stood up from the bookstall beside him. He was dressed in the proper attire of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, and held an account book in his hand. He was calm and composed, which contrasted with the chaos around him.

"My father mentioned a few days ago that he wanted to discuss a collaborative project with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor regarding 'optimizing the process for providing funeral arrangements and compensation for long-term employees.' Director Hu certainly has a keen market sense and has taken the first step."

Chongyun squatted beside him, staring blankly at a bowl of bright red, almost overflowing, "extra spicy Golden Maze Boiled Fish," radiating terrifying heat and a pungent smell. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He held chopsticks in his hand, his arm trembling slightly, his icy blue pupils filled with struggle.

"Okay, Xingqiu... do I really have to eat this too?" He swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "Won't eating it cause my yang energy to go berserk, triggering a pure yang body, and then I'll have to perform a fire-breathing act in public...?"

"Don't worry, Chongyun," Xingqiu patted his shoulder with a smile, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, "Fighting poison with poison, balancing yin and yang, might just have a miraculous effect. This is Master Xiangling's confident creation." He glanced at the culinary duel between the two "Xianglings " not far away and added, "Well, at least one of them is Xiangling's. It's time to test your cultivation."

"I... I think what I really need is a bowl of chilled, premium Qingxin herbal Slime Condensate..."

Beside the fountain square, Hu Tao was standing behind a makeshift stall. The stall was covered with a black velvet cloth printed with the butterfly pattern of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and a banner with the three bold characters "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor" stood upright. Next to it was a sign that read, "Anniversary Special Offer! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Unique Cultural Experience! Buy one monument, get one free! Refer three new customers and receive a limited-edition mini coffin keychain!"

Holding a stack of flyers, she gracefully approached any passing student, a bright, almost excessive smile spreading across her face, her mouth rattling off at an alarming pace:

"Young man! You walk with a light step and bright eyes; you're sure to have a bright future! Would you like to learn about our newest services at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? Book now and enjoy an exclusive discount for the school anniversary!"

The student she stopped turned pale, waved his hands repeatedly, and ran away as if fleeing.

Undeterred, Hu Tao turned around, her steps light and graceful, her skirt billowing in a small arc, and set her sights on the next target.

"Dear teacher! You possess a refined and elegant demeanor, and your students are truly inspiring! Our newly launched 'Gentle Breeze and Nurturing Rain, Enduring Blessings' Respect for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Package is specially designed for educators! Book now and receive a complimentary 'Calming the Qingxin and Enhancing Meditation' incense from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, to ease the burden of lesson preparation, teaching, and grading papers!"

The teacher she called out to—who looked like an alchemy instructor and was holding a bubbling flask—twitched at the corner of his mouth, silently held the flask in front of him, quickened his pace, and walked away without looking to the side.

"Sigh, true friends are hard to find, and business is tough." Hu Tao sighed, putting the flyer back on her stall. She pulled out a cup of milk tea with a straw from somewhere, took a big gulp, and her cheeks puffed out slightly. "I should have called Zhongli Keqing over to lend a hand. Just his face, even without saying a word, seems to say 'This is perfect,' increasing the credibility by at least fifty percent."

Hu Tao from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?

A gentle, clear voice, like a mountain snow spring, rang out.

Hu Tao looked up and saw a woman with an elegant and refined demeanor and snow-white hair standing in front of the stall, accompanied by a graceful blue-haired girl with eyes as clear as autumn water.

"It is indeed the head of this hall!" Hu Tao's eyes lit up, and she immediately put down her milk tea. "This... fairy sister? And this pretty young lady, are you interested in the elegant matters after death and eternal rest? Our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor been providing professional services for thousands of years, and our reputation is guaranteed! We are currently offering special discounts for the school anniversary, a rare opportunity!"

Shenhe glanced at the Hu Tao, then at the astonishing promotional slogans on the stall, a faint, almost pure, hint of confusion flashing across her cool eyes. She turned her head slightly and whispered to Yun Jin beside her, "This person... what he's saying, what he's selling, doesn't seem to fit with 'celebration' or 'joy.' It even seems... a little out of place."

Yun Jin covered her mouth and chuckled softly, nodding slightly to Hu Tao with an elegant posture. "Director Hu, I've long admired your name. I am Yun Jin, and this is Shenhe. We were just passing by when we saw this stall... it's quite unique, so we stopped to look. Master Hu is truly... dedicated." Her tone was gentle, but her eyes held an undisguised curiosity and a hint of amusement.

"No rush, no rush!" Hu Tao waved her hand, her eyes darting around, her smile widening. "Miss Yun Jin, are you that renowned opera singer, whose every performance is worth a fortune? Oh dear, my apologies! Speaking of which, our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is currently preparing to launch a 'Elegant Opera Charm, Eternal Fame' farewell ceremony service, focusing on traditional culture and personalized customization! If Miss Yun Jin is interested, we can discuss cooperation in detail! With Shenhe Fairy's unparalleled beauty and otherworldly grace, if she could take a set of 'Ethereal Immortal Traces, Blissful Rebirth' promotional photos for our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the effect would surely shake the three realms, and orders would skyrocket..."

Yun Jin's smile remained unchanged as she gently tugged at Shenhe's sleeve. "We appreciate Director Hu's hospitality. However, today is the school anniversary, so let's not talk about such 'afterlife' matters. It's best to focus on the present celebration." With that, she bowed slightly, pulled Shenhe, who was still slightly frowning and pondering the meaning of "afterlife's elegant affairs," and quickly left, leaving Hu Tao standing there regretting her actions.

"What a pity, such a promising model..." Hu Tao muttered, picking up her milk tea again.

"Boss, a milk tea, extra sugar, please."

A calm, unwavering yet undeniably authoritative female voice rang out.

Hu Tao looked up and saw a woman with flowing purple hair, a tall and straight figure, and a faint glow of lightning element around her, standing in front of the stall. She had a long sword at her waist, and her eyes were calm, yet they seemed to reflect an eternal light that had never changed.

"Okay! Uh... Ah? Milk tea?" Hu Tao paused for a moment, looked at the milk tea in her hand, then at the sign for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor on the stall, "This... Sir, this is Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, we don't sell milk tea. If you want milk tea, you have to go over there..." She pointed to the bustling food area in the distance.

Ying remained expressionless, her gaze lingering on the milk tea cup in Hu Tao's hand for a moment before she slowly said, "Aren't you drinking it?"

Hu Tao: "... This is my own food, my personal rations, and the milk tea I drank wasn't so bad it would kill me."

Ying remained silent for two seconds.

"Sell me."

Hu Tao: "... Not for sale. This is not for sale."

Shadow: "I'll pay double."

Hu Tao: "... This really isn't about the money!"

Shadow: "Three times."

"Sir, look at you, you really are..."

Hu Tao took a deep breath, shook her head violently, and steadied herself.

"No, no way! Our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is a legitimate funeral planning and service organization! We don't sell milk tea on the side! If you want milk tea, turn left and walk straight, it's the third food stall there! It'll be hot!"

Ying glanced at her resolute expression, then at the milk tea the girl was clutching like a baby, a faint, almost imperceptible hint of regret flashing in her eyes. She nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave. But as she left, a soft murmur drifted to her lips, "... Sweets, to replenish energy, to sustain the fleeting pleasures of 'eternity'... Enough."

Watching her departing figure, Hu Tao scratched her head. "... Strange customer. But she has a really good presence. If she were willing to come and take promotional photos..."