Lin En lay on the bed, stunned for two seconds before realizing where he was—a guest room in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If he hadn't been lying in bed, he would have thought he was dreaming this morning.
He got up and washed up. His legs were still a little weak when he went downstairs, but it was much better than last night. At least he could walk freely now.
The Hydro circulated in my meridians all night, and my internal injuries have healed somewhat. Although there is still some dull pain, it will pass if I just bear with it.
A large round table was set up in the main room downstairs. Hu Tao had just returned from outside, carrying a large food box, steam rising from the lid.
Zhongli sat in the main seat, flipping through documents, while Zibai leaned against the wall. Bowls and chopsticks were already set on the table.
"Oh, you're awake?"
Hu Tao placed the food box on the table, opened the lid, and revealed a steaming spread of braised pork, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of egg drop soup.
"Perfect timing! I just bought them, let's eat together!"
Lin En thanked him and sat down. Ronava had already come downstairs earlier and was walking out of the backyard, probably observing the layout of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
She sat down next to Lin En, glanced at the dishes on the table, and said nothing.
Everyone was at the table, but no one touched their chopsticks, and the entire Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was shrouded in an eerie atmosphere.
Hu Tao held her chopsticks up for a long time, Zhongli was drinking from her teacup, Zibai was staring blankly at Ronava. She looked at Lin En and Ronava, but neither of them moved.
Why aren't you eating? Is it not to your liking?
She picked up a piece of meat and put it in her mouth; the taste was fine.
"No."
Zhongli put down his teacup.
"No."
Zibai withdrew his gaze.
"It's quite a feast."
Ronava added a sentence.
Then the group exchanged glances and simultaneously started eating.
After eating for a while, Hu Tao suddenly sighed.
"Business at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor hasn't been good lately, Zhongli. Don't be so extravagant with your money; we haven't paid off the pharmacy's debt from last month."
"The sect leader is right."
Zhongli nodded and picked up a piece of braised pork.
"And Zibai."
Hu Tao turned the spear around.
"You also need to promote the business of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor more; you can't just wander around outside all day doing nothing like Zhongli."
Zibai swallowed the food in his mouth, looking completely innocent.
"It was all taught by Zhongli."
Zhongli paused for a moment, then looked at Zibai.
"This is a necessary way to promote the services of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"Does listening to audiobooks and traditional operas count?"
Zibai joked.
While Lin En listened to the others bickering, he was thinking about something else entirely.
The system still has a loan of one million Mora outstanding, and a debt of two million. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is providing food and lodging, so he won't starve for the time being, but the debt still needs to be repaid. He has to think of a way to pay it off.
Just then, Hu Tao suddenly turned her gaze toward him.
"By the way, Lin En, are you guys really short of Mora right now? You can't even afford a hotel?"
Lin En's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this. There's always a way out; Hu Tao were a timely help!
He was about to speak Ronava shaking her head slightly, probably to say that he didn't need to trouble her. He quickly took her hand, which was resting to the side, and gestured for her to be quiet.
Ronava glanced at him and abruptly changed her head shake into a nod.
"We are indeed in short supply. Does Director Hu have a solution?"
Hu Tao didn't beat around the bush; she simply placed her chopsticks on the table.
"I plan to open a branch of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Chenyu Vale. Currently, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor only operates near Liyue Harbor. Chenyu Vale has many mountains and monsters, so there will definitely be more business there. I've already inquired, and there's no funeral service in Chenyu Vale yet."
Upon hearing this, Lin En quickly did some mental calculations. Chenyu Vale is located north of Liyue Harbor, with high mountains and dense forests, making the roads difficult to traverse. For Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to open a branch there would essentially be occupying a blank market.
But then another question popped into his head—where did Hu Tao get so much money? Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is constantly claiming losses; how could she possibly have spare cash to open a branch?
Hu Tao continued.
"So I'm planning to hire two people to help manage the branch."
Lin En paused for a moment, then looked up at her.
So you're going to hire both of us?
Yes! How about it?
Hu Tao slammed his hand on the table.
"The benefits will be great: base salary plus commission, meals and accommodation provided, and monthly vacation. One of you will be responsible for field sales and business development, while the other will handle accounting and document processing—a perfect complement."
Lin En looked at Ronava, waiting for her to make a decision.
Ronava thought for a moment and nodded.
"Thank you for your kindness, Director Hu. We agree to help you manage the branch."
"Great! You guys get ready these next few days. I'll give you the branch's information and initial funding. Pick a date and you're ready to go."
"So fast?"
Lin En asked.
"Of course, the earlier we go, the sooner we can open for business."
After saying that, Hu Tao shoveled a mouthful of rice into her mouth.
"There's a small Yilong Wharf over there. I've rented a shop there; you can stay there as soon as you arrive. I've already had people put up notices to promote it."
Zhongli put down his chopsticks and added slowly.
"The mountain path to Chenyu Vale is rugged and often inhabited by demons. Please be careful when you go there."
Lin En pointed at Ronava.
"With her around, there's nothing to fear from monsters."
Zhongli glanced at Ronava.
"That's true, but there's been some unrest in Chenyu Vale lately. Once you get there, find out the situation first, and don't rush to open for business."
Ronava nodded.
We will be careful.
After the meal, Hu Tao handed over the branch's information and initial funding to Ronava —a thick stack of documents and a small money bag.
Ronava flipped through the documents, then weighed her money pouch in her hand. She was all too familiar with death, but she never imagined that something like this could be used to make money.
Lin En leaned over and glanced at the amount of Mora in the money bag; it was more than he had expected.
It seems that Hu Tao was being modest when he said Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was losing money; this girl is earning much more than he imagined.
When do we depart?
He asked.
Ronava carefully put the documents away.
"The day after tomorrow, let's prepare the supplies first thing tomorrow morning, then we'll leave."
Lin En leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.
From the bomb traps in the Chasm to the temporary worker at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and then to the branch manager of the Chenyu Vale, life has been like a rollercoaster ride, but at least there's hope for paying off the debts and for life to look forward to.
"Oh, right."
He suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Zhongli.
"Mr. Zhongli, is Chenyu Vale far from Fontaine?"
Why are you asking this?
Zhongli was somewhat puzzled, but still held her teacup and thought about it.
"You can also go to Fontaine for vacation."
Lin En replied, Zhongli instantly understood what he meant.
"I see. There's a port above Chenyu Vale where you can take a ship directly to Fontaine in just half a day."
Lin En nodded and noted it down.
"Besides,"
Zhongli added.
" Director Hu mentioned having a lot of business, which probably means there are a lot of deaths. The mountain roads around Chenyu Vale are difficult to travel, and caravans often overturn or travelers go missing. Once you get there, you'll probably get your first order very soon."
Lin En's lips twitched. The first order for the branch of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was collecting corpses, but as long as it made money, that was fine.