Douluo; Zhongli Adventures in Mortal World with Paimon

Chapter 531: Making an Appointment

"Wang Sheng Hall... Hall Master... Consultant?"

"The seventy-seventh generation..."

For a moment, "Xue Qinghe's" mind was in chaos.

First of all, she had never even heard of Wang Sheng Hall, let alone someone like the Hall Master or Consultant.

Second, what made her even more dizzy was that Zhongli was actually the Consultant of this unknown force.

And he would become the next Hall Master of Wang Sheng Hall!

Zhongli was clearly her Consultant, hers, Qian Renxue's!!!

If she couldn't get the person, was she even going to lose the title of Consultant to her?

For a moment, sorrow welled up in her heart.

After glancing at Zhongli a couple of times, "Xue Qinghe" suppressed her curiosity, thinking to herself: Most likely, Zhongli is just indulging this girl in her antics.

"Greetings, Hall Master Hu."

"Xue Qinghe" took the initiative to extend her hand and continued, "I am Xue Qinghe, a friend of Consultant Zhongli."

Hu Tao was startled and shook "Xue Qinghe's" hand briefly before letting go.

"This..."

At this moment, Hu Tao was stunned again, her eyes filled with confusion, looking at "Xue Qinghe" in disbelief.

She was clearly her sister, but why did she look like a man?

"Y-you... hello."

The sudden change left the lively girl at a loss.

Qinghe was just good-looking and appeared like a sister, but he was indeed a boy.

This Xue Qinghe, who looked like a boy, was handsome and no matter how you looked at it, he was a boy, but in reality, she was a girl.

What was going on with the world?

Wait a minute~

The clever Hu Tao seemed to have thought of something, looking at "Xue Qinghe" in surprise, and then glancing at Zhongli.

If she remembered correctly, Zhongli had previously referred to this person as "Your Majesty Qinghe."

This was the Heaven Dou Empire, and someone addressed as "Your Majesty" would be the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, right?

The emperor was a girl?

Hu Tao narrowed her eyes, sensing the scent of gossip!

"Consultant, are you and Hu Tao out shopping?"

"Xue Qinghe," who was always attentive to the situation at Zhongli's residence, naturally knew that Hu Tao had just arrived in Heaven Dou City that morning.

Moreover, this was Hu Tao's first time in Heaven Dou City.

"Your Majesty Qinghe..."

"Consultant, no need for such formalities. Between us, there's no need for such politeness. Just call me Qinghe."

Before Zhongli could finish, "Xue Qinghe" quickly waved her hand and said.

The matter wasn't settled yet, and it wasn't the time to reveal her identity. She still had to maintain the guise of Xue Qinghe.

Zhongli addressing her this way was also a form of protection.

Qian Renxue felt very happy about this, her heart filled with joy.

Hearing this, Zhongli nodded, not dwelling too much on the form of address, and continued, "Qinghe, Hall Master Hu plans to establish a branch of Wang Sheng Hall in Heaven Dou City, so I'm accompanying her to select a location."

"I see."

"Consultant, for such matters, you just need to say the word. Any place in Heaven Dou City is permissible!"

"Xue Qinghe" said grandly, "Even within the imperial palace, if Hall Master Hu likes it, she can set up Wang Sheng Hall there!"

At these words, even the mischievous Hu Tao fell silent.

She exchanged a glance with Zhongli, her mouth slightly open, hesitating to speak.

Could her family's business really be set up in the imperial palace?

How should I put it, well...

Zhongli knew that "Xue Qinghe's" intentions were good, but she didn't know what Wang Sheng Hall was for.

"Xue Qinghe," seeing the awkward atmosphere, was filled with confusion and puzzlement in her beautiful eyes.

Had she said something wrong?

It shouldn't be; such words should be fine, right?

"What is it, you two?"

"Qinghe..."

Zhongli waved his hand and said, "You probably don't know what Wang Sheng Hall does."

Indeed, she really didn't.

"Sorry, I really don't know."

"Qinghe, Wang Sheng Hall's main business is to allow the deceased to rest in peace..."

Even with Zhongli's thick skin, coupled with their previous conversation, it was still somewhat difficult to say.

Setting up Wang Sheng Hall in the imperial palace?

Heh~

Although Zhongli didn't finish, "Xue Qinghe" was exceptionally clever.

After understanding what Wang Sheng Hall did, she felt very uneasy.

The Spirit Hall had a hall called the Douluo Hall, which was a place for the deceased to rest in peace.

Moreover, only those who had made outstanding contributions to the Spirit Hall had the chance to enter.

"With Zhongli and me, our Wang Sheng Hall is a professional team!"

"If you have any business, you can come to us!"

"Given our close relationship, I'll give you a 50% discount. If you book in advance, another 50% off!"

Hu Tao said boldly.

Zhongli: "..."

"Xue Qinghe": ...

There's something that I don't know if I should say!

Suddenly, "Xue Qinghe" seemed to have thought of something, her eyes lighting up.

"Hu Tao, I actually have a business I'd like to book!"

Hearing this, both Zhongli and Hu Tao were stunned.

Most people would think Hu Tao was strange for saying this, but when "Xue Qinghe" responded this way, it was "Xue Qinghe" who seemed odd.

Was she really going to book?

"Great, great!"

Hu Tao rubbed her hands together and instinctively said, "Are you booking one or two?"

"The second tablet is half price!"

A black line appeared on "Xue Qinghe's" forehead, but she didn't dwell on it and said, "My father is old and doesn't have much time left. He will probably pass away after the new year."

"At that time, I hope Wang Sheng Hall will handle the arrangements."

"As for the second tablet, it's not needed for now."

Emperor Xue Ye was indeed old and didn't have much time left. One thing was certain: "Xue Qinghe" had never done anything underhanded.

People have life and death, old age and sickness. Emperor Xue Ye could have lived a few more years, but "Xue Qinghe's" actions over the past two years had really shocked him, drastically reducing his lifespan.

"Xue Qinghe" didn't take any action, let alone poison him. Xue Ye just couldn't hold on anymore.

He just wanted to see the Heaven Dou Empire unify the Douluo Continent while he was still alive.

Going to the afterlife, it would be a glory to his ancestors.

Unfortunately, too many shocks had led to Xue Ye's illness. He probably wouldn't live to see the continent unified.

"As for payment, in addition to the shop location, I'll give Wang Sheng Hall a million gold spirit coins as payment."

"Xue Qinghe" said without changing her expression, "The location can be chosen freely, even within the imperial palace if you like."

Hu Tao: " 0.o"

Wait, isn't this business a bit too extravagant?

So extravagant that it's hard to believe!

Not only solving the shop issue but also earning a million gold spirit coins?

You should know, her last business was for a noble lord, and after a grand funeral, the earnings were only a hundred or so gold spirit coins.

Indeed, the emperor is truly generous!

"This business, our Wang Sheng Hall accepts!"

####

Chapter 532: 532: Venti: I've Become a Worker?

In the southwest of Heaven Dou City.

The once bustling streets were now sparsely populated, yet they were still adorned with lanterns and decorations at this hour.

A few pedestrians, upon seeing Zhongli and the other two, watched from a distance but dared not approach.

After all, these were the Geo Archon and the Emperor of Heaven Dou. Who knew what they were discussing?

If it were state secrets or personal matters, eavesdropping might send them straight to the front lines.

The wise live by knowing less; sometimes, the more you know, the less comfortable life becomes.

On the contrary, ignorance can bring peace of mind.

"This order, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor will take it!"

Hu Tao didn't hesitate for a moment and immediately accepted the business.

After "discussing" so many deals, this was the most straightforward one. She knew it was largely due to "Xue Qinghe" giving face to Zhongli that it went so smoothly.

As a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, it was only natural for Zhongli to bring in clients. Thus, in her joy, Hu Tao finally discovered another use for Zhongli.

On the Douluo Continent, Zhongli was a "celebrity" of sorts. Using his name to attract clients would surely yield twice the result with half the effort!

Thinking this, Hu Tao's lips curled into a smile, and a glint of amusement flashed in her plum blossom eyes.

At that moment, Zhongli looked at "Xue Qinghe," and a strange light flickered in his amber pupils.

Reserving this project for Xue Ye?

This would be the last thing she did for Xue Ye under the identity of "Xue Qinghe."

Hu Tao didn't notice the expressions of "Xue Qinghe" and Zhongli. Instead, she patted her chest, her face beaming with excitement.

This wasn't just a big order worth a million gold soul coins and a shop, it was also the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's first business since officially opening!

"Consultant, we'll have to put on a good show later and make a name for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"

Hu Tao patted Zhongli's shoulder, her smile unwavering.

"Yes, Director."

Zhongli's eyelid twitched slightly, feeling somewhat helpless.

This child—he still couldn't quite handle her. After all these years, she hadn't changed much.

But that… was also fine.

Glancing at Hu Tao and Zhongli chatting, "Xue Qinghe" smiled, lost in thought.

Even if her identity remained undiscovered in the end, the things she had to do would still be unacceptable to Emperor Xue Ye.

Perhaps it was for the best that Emperor Xue Ye passed away at this time.

Maybe the wise Emperor had already guessed something but chose to remain silent.

At the very least, the Heaven Dou Empire had defeated the Star Luo Empire, unifying the continent. That might be one reason for Xue Ye's silence.

Suddenly, "Xue Qinghe" seemed to remember something and said to Zhongli, "Consultant, I still have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

She had wanted to call Zhongli by his name, but Zhongli was a consultant in her mansion!

Could she not call him that when this girl could?

After a pause, "Xue Qinghe" continued, "Once you and Hu Tao have chosen the shop's location, just inform the guards. I'll handle the rest."

"Xue Qinghe" had guards with her, still at the Titled Douluo level.

Even if they weren't visible to the naked eye, "Xue Qinghe" believed Zhongli knew where they were.

As the Emperor of Heaven Dou, and with this being Heaven Dou City, the location of any shop was just a matter of her word.

If it was a royal shop, it would save some trouble.

If it was someone else's shop, at most, they'd compensate with a bit more gold soul coins. No big deal…

Hearing this, Zhongli nodded. For her to take time out of her busy schedule to handle such a "small matter" was truly considerate.

"Alright, Qinghe, you go ahead and attend to your business."

"Xue Qinghe" took a deep look at Hu Tao and Zhongli, etching this moment into her memory, before turning to leave.

"Zhongli, this sister seems to have taken a liking to you!"

Hu Tao poked Zhongli's shoulder with her index finger and whispered.

Zhongli: "…"

The Douluo Continent was truly fascinating. Even Hu Tao seemed to have been influenced in some way!

After "Xue Qinghe" left, Zhongli and Hu Tao wandered for another two hours before finally deciding on the location for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

After informing the "guard" and receiving confirmation, Zhongli and Hu Tao headed back to Zhongli's mansion.

When Zhongli and Hu Tao returned to the mansion, Lumine and Tartaglia had also come back from outside the city.

A glance at their expressions was enough to tell how things had gone.

"Everyone, I've chosen the location for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and we've even got our first order!"

As soon as she entered the gate, Hu Tao couldn't help but share the news.

Red and prosperous, dazzling and confusing…

Who knew who Hu Tao had "convinced" to make a reservation in advance?

Of course, no one voiced this thought aloud, lest Hu Tao come up with something like "first tombstone 20% off, second one half price."

"Hu Tao, congratulations!"

Xiangling, who had grown up with Hu Tao, wasn't too averse to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business.

"Lu lu~"

Guoba chimed in beside her.

"Xiangling, would you like to make a reservation…"

"Hu Tao, I take back what I said earlier!"

Xiangling quickly waved her hands, now starting to feel uneasy about the funeral parlor's services.

As if remembering something, Xiangling narrowed her eyes and pulled Guoba toward the kitchen.

"Hu Tao, I've got a new dish. You'll have to try it later!"

Hu Tao, having just been rejected, was momentarily stunned. She then looked at Xiangling's retreating figure, lost in thought.

A new dish?

As Xiangling's childhood friend, not just her, but also Xingqiu and Chongyun had been victims of her culinary experiments!

Especially when it came to taste-testing. The mere thought of those devilish dishes sent a shiver down her spine.

"Xiangling, what's the new dish?"

Instinctively, Hu Tao asked.

"You'll find out later!"

"Can I not eat it?"

"No!"

"Then, would you like to make a reservation…"

"Sure!"

"???"

What was it that Xiangling was willing to reserve a tombstone for, just to make her try it?

At that moment, Hu Tao felt as if she could see her grandfather beckoning to her.

Gulping, Hu Tao decided to take the plunge for the sake of business.

Time flew by, and the New Year was drawing closer.

After some thought, Zhongli decided to invite acquaintances and close friends to celebrate at his mansion.

Just like the gatherings of the Seven Archons in the past, he wanted to make the holiday less cold.

First, he sought out Barbatos and asked him to help send out some invitations.

Venti: "???"

So I've become a worker now?

Most of the invitations were sent out by Barbatos, while a few guests within Heaven Dou City received theirs directly from Zhongli.

Upon receiving the invitations, everyone exchanged glances but agreed to attend.

This was an invitation from the Geo Archon himself. Even if they were busy, they'd make time to go.

Gatherings weren't unfamiliar to the powerful and noble of the Douluo Continent.

After receiving the invitations, everyone hurriedly prepared gifts, regardless of their value, it was the thought that counted.