Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence.

She could tell that Barbara's concern for Bennett was just that—concern—so she simply smiled and said nothing.

Too bad we're not better acquainted yet, Hu Tao thought. That Barbara priestess looks like the type who takes things a bit too seriously. Otherwise, I really would've liked to get into it with her—maybe preach a little about my views on life and death…

Naturally, Jiang Bai couldn't hear any of Hu Tao's inner musings. He had no reaction to Barbara's words.

Other people's views on death really have nothing to do with me, he thought. I'm not like the Director—no interest in going around enlightening people.

What he was thinking about was: It's getting dark. I'm starving. Time to eat.

"Director, it's getting late. Let's grab dinner first."

Hu Tao glanced up at the sky. Unknowingly, the whole afternoon had flown by, and now dusk was upon them.

"We're heading out for food. Thanks for the tour—hope we get to see you again sometime!"

"Bye-bye!"

After bidding Barbara farewell, the group left the church and went off in search of a restaurant in the city.

"Do you guys have a place to stay tonight?" Bennett asked.

"Any inn will do. We're just staying the night—we plan to head back tomorrow."

"Alright, good!"

Bennett had been about to suggest they crash at one of his friends' places if they had nowhere to go. Since they had it sorted, he could relax.

As for why he didn't offer up his own place…

Well—his home situation was a little… unstable.

Not exactly the best spot for having guests over.

After dinner and parting ways with Bennett, the two of them found a hotel.

"Goth Grand Hotel—now this is fancy." Jiang Bai looked up at the five-story building with genuine admiration.

The structure stood alone, grand and elegant, its design both refined and imposing.

A massive fountain adorned the front courtyard, with perfectly arranged greenery on either side.

Doormen in black waistcoats stood by the entrance, welcoming guests with practiced grace.

"Come on! Let's go see just how grand this grand hotel really is!" Hu Tao waved her arm with flourish and strode in first.

The interior didn't disappoint—extravagant and striking, with glowing crystal chandeliers casting a luxurious light throughout.

These fixtures weren't just decorative—they were brilliantly luminous. Despite the sun having fully set, the lobby shone as brightly as midday.

"Director, why don't we get something like this for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor too? Look how well-lit it is!"

"This kind of lamp would completely clash with the parlor's style, don't you think?"

Just one of those crystal chandeliers—where would she even put it? It would look out of place anywhere.

"I still think our parlor's too dim. Nothing like the brightness in here…"

Jiang Bai was genuinely bothered by how dark the Wangsheng Parlor was. Sure, the soft yellow glow gave the place a cozy feel, but the lighting was horrible for reading or writing—it was a strain on the eyes.

"Director, think about it. People already treat funerals as taboo. When they come into a place that's all dim and gloomy, it freaks them out. Even if they're interested in our services, they won't dare step inside. It's bad for business…"

Seeing Hu Tao waver, he pressed on.

"Besides, you're writing a book, right? If your room's that dark, it's bad for your eyes and makes it harder to work, right?"

Hu Tao finally gave in. "Alright, alright—tomorrow we'll get some lights like these."

They approached the front desk. Hu Tao rapped lightly on the counter and asked, "How much for a night?"

The receptionist smiled with impeccable professionalism. "Single rooms are 8,000 Mora per night."

Eight thousand?!

Jiang Bai's eyes widened. Isn't that a bit ridiculous?!

"8,000, huh? Not bad. We'll take two single rooms."

Hu Tao didn't even blink at the price and paid without hesitation.

Watching her hand over the Mora, Jiang Bai winced inside.

That 8,000 could've gone to me! he thought bitterly. I'd build her a whole room to sleep in—guaranteed warm and cozy!

But the money was spent. No point complaining now.

They paid 16,000 Mora for the two rooms, and a staff member led them upstairs. Jiang Bai finally got to see the difference between Mondstadt and Liyue when it came to beds.

At the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, all beds were canopy-style—wooden frames with poles and beams, perfect for hanging mosquito nets in summer.

The mattress sat atop a layer of sun-dried straw, topped with mats and thick blankets. It was warm and had just the right softness.

But the beds at this grand hotel were a completely different story—no frames, no barriers, just wide, open mattresses with pure white linens as soft as clouds. Lying on one felt like sinking into a dream.

"No wonder it's called a grand hotel… Honestly, kind of worth the Mora."

He had to admit—he couldn't make a bed this comfortable.

The room also came with instant hot water, a full shower, and a toilet just a few steps away.

After going several days without bathing, Jiang Bai took his time washing up, then slipped under the covers stark naked.

"So comfy…"

His whole body curled up under the blankets, only his head poking out. Before long, he drifted off.

He'd been running nonstop these past few days—either traveling or on the road again. Even though the Dragonspine situation was resolved, they'd spent the whole afternoon walking around Mondstadt. If it weren't for his extraordinary stamina and constitution, he'd have collapsed long ago.

Falling asleep the moment he hit the bed wasn't even an exaggeration.

...

It was ten in the morning by the time Hu Tao groggily opened her eyes from under the blankets.

She blinked at the light outside the window, dazed, then pulled out a pocket watch to check the time.

"Ten already?"

She rarely slept in—her internal clock was precise, and she never rose later than eight. To sleep this late was extremely rare.

Was I really that tired? Or is this bed just too comfy? Hu Tao thought as she lay there, unmoving.

She summoned Little Ghost from her ring. "Yuyu, go see if Jiang Bai's up yet."

The tiny spirit nodded and floated straight through the wall into Jiang Bai's room.

Jiang Bai was still fast asleep, showing no signs of waking.

Somehow, he'd kicked one leg and one arm out from under the covers… along with half his butt.

Little Ghost quickly slapped its little hands over its face and floated back to Hu Tao.

"He's still asleep? Then no worries."

The spirit nodded rapidly, its tiny head bobbing like a drumstick.

Reassured, Hu Tao wrapped herself back up in the blanket and closed her eyes again.

Nothing going on today—might as well sleep until afternoon.

With Hu Tao back asleep, the bored Little Ghost grew restless.

It floated a few circles around the room, then poked its head into Jiang Bai's room again—only to cover its eyes and retreat, then do it all over again.

Back and forth, it was having the time of its life.

Until Jiang Bai rolled over, completely shedding the blanket from his body.

Little Ghost, having seen everything, clapped its hands over its mouth in horror and whoosh—vanished into Hu Tao's ring.