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[arcaico]

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[localweirdo]

To go and get your something!

You don’t think I’m just going to sit around and not give you a present, right? Let’s get going!

[arcaico]

Oh. Hm, is there anything you need me to get on the way?

[localweirdo]

Nope not at all!

Now you better hurry because I’m making my way to the inn! Be sure to tell me what you want when I get there!

[and just like that? Off she went as she marched her way toward the place. As she did so, she’ll be keeping her eye on a certain employee of hers.

Hope he’s ready for her.]

[arcaico]

Parlor Master Hu.

[He announces himself, obviously expecting her, though unsure if he'll ever be ready, per se, for her. He hadn't been far from the Inn after all, and with Smiley Yanxiao starting to work on the kitchen, he wouldn't be too far off.

(That and paying a small visit to the person lodged in the roof.)]

I trust the trip here wasn't too troublesome.

[localweirdo]

Not at all, I just so happen to be out anyway and was on a lovely stroll to find you!

[Especially when she was already going out to find some materials for her business. Either way, she gestured toward the exit.]

Now, let's hurry! We don't want to dillydally as the item you want might be bought off already!

[Pause]

Of course, that is if you already had something in mind.

[arcaico]

Well.

[This is awkward, he's not one to ask for things for no good reason. It may be his birthday but gifts often tend to have more meaning when life is but a precious and ephemeral thing. But, fortunately, he had come across something that had caught his eye not far from the Inn.]

I was thinking about a tea set that I heard was for sale nearby. Lu, the young man working on his father's behalf not far from here, said that it is one of a kind. Would you like to go and appraise it with me?

[localweirdo]

I don't see why not! Especially since it is a one of a kind, it makes it all the more special that we go and get it!

[And with that, off she pointed right toward the exit before marching out!]

Now, onward! The faster we get there, the faster we get our prize! [Don't mind her waltzing right out of the area.]

[arcaico]

[Oh. There she goes. Zhongli can't do anything else but follow, a slight smile hinting at his lips as Hu Tao leads the way.]

Do you happen to know young Lu?

[localweirdo]

No, I'm afraid not.

[She said with a small dramatic sigh.]

But that doesn't mean I can't talk to them, no? Especially when there is something that you want!

[arcaico]

Not at all. He's a very earnest young man looking after his father's shop, I'm sure you'll get along.

[localweirdo]

Is that so...?

[She said with a smirk or two.]

Enough where he can handle a few things from me?

[arcaico]

[Here are two arched eyebrows aimed at her.]

Oh? Such as...?

[localweirdo]

Knowing when I am serious or not.

[And then there was a dramatic pause or two.]

Although, the better question right now is do you think I'm being serious or not?

[arcaico]

Oh? About what, in particular?

[localweirdo]

This! Will I scare him away or not?

[:)]

[arcaico]

He's been tending to the store on the path where many travellers and outlands walk past. I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[localweirdo]

Then all the more reason why we should hurry! If he is someone whom most people talk to, then I'll just have to see.

[When she finally marched her way toward the area, she couldn't help but give a small hum.]

Although, it makes me wonder if he has seen the Traveler lately too. What a shame, I was hoping to give them something too.

[arcaico]

I see. [Here's Zhongli actually scratching his chin as he thinks.] Well, you can always ask him if he's seen them. They're quite the striking pair, after all.


And the Traveler does indeed travel light. [What with Madam Ping's teapot and all.] I'm sure whichever gift you may want to offer will be highly appreciated.

[localweirdo]

Oh, I was planning on giving them much.

[She said with a smile and a long pause. Of course, that didn't stop her from leaning a little closer to Zhongli as she waited to see what he would say. Because...?

Wait for it.....!!]











I was planning on telling them to give you something for your birthday, that's all!

[arcaico]

[What does he do with all of these feelings...

A sigh.]

Ah. If that's the case, and considering the Traveler is very busy, just their presence one day would be enough.

[localweirdo]

And yet, it doesn't stop me from trying to see if they can see you. It seems only fair when your birthday is coming up soon!

[She gave a giggle or two. As she walked happily with her arms swinging from side to side.]

Who knows, maybe they might even sing you a tune! Wouldn't that be lovely in a room?

[arcaico]

[He could not help the slight huff of a breath—yes, a laugh—at the Director's energy. There's just something about it that is both infectious and exasperating.]

I see you're looking forward to this.

[localweirdo]

Of course, why wouldn't I be? It's not every day we get to celebrate the birthday of my dearest consultant! You can think of it as a wonderous celebration of all the things we have done in the past year too!

[She said before giving a small hum to herself. Even with her merely little tune, the pause she gave grew a bit melachonlic.]

Or perhaps this could be seen as me thanking you for helping me out too.

[arcaico]

Then, should we also celebrate another year of our partnership?

[localweirdo]

Of course we should! If it weren't for you, I would think that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would out of business by now!

[She narrowed her eye at him.]

And you do plan on continuing to work for me for a couple more years, right?