Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [546]

Actually, “learning” wasn’t exactly an enjoyable experience for Childe either.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s young master pulling her chair closer, whispering non-stop into Gu Sanqiu’s ear. Every so often, her gaze would drift toward him.

Gu Sanqiu nodded along while listening, occasionally glancing his way as well.

This is unbearable.

Childe was aware of this peculiar little girl from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, though they had never interacted before. If she were just murmuring to herself, he wouldn’t have thought much of it.

But the fact that her hushed conversation was with Gu Sanqiu—that lunatic whom Childe had been keeping on high alert against—was another matter entirely. And the fact that both of them kept glancing at him made it all the more uncomfortable.

To make things worse, neither of them even attempted to be discreet about it, which made the already-guilty-feeling Harbinger feel like he was sitting on a bed of nails.

Childe even started to imagine that a rabid wolf had perched its legs on his shoulders, jaws wide open, waiting for the perfect moment to sink its teeth into him.

Joining them at this table for a meal had been a terrible mistake.

Wouldn't it have been much better to go somewhere peaceful, solve a research problem, enjoy a good meal, and bond with a new friend? Why did he have to subject himself to this torment?

Oh, wait. He hadn’t exactly chosen this himself.

He had been forcibly dragged in here by Gu Sanqiu.

Fine. I surrender.

Childe gave up resisting, while Zhongli, on the other hand, was mildly surprised to run into his “children” by pure coincidence—this hadn’t been part of his grand plan at all.

But oh well. Letting these two little troublemakers have some fun and unwind wasn’t a bad idea. At least it would keep his “son” from running amok and raising his blood pressure for a while.

Besides, they had no clue what he’d been up to lately. As long as he concealed things well enough, there was no need for excessive caution.

Yes, a safe approach.

Zhongli mentally patted himself on the back for his well-reasoned strategy—completely missing the knowing look that flickered across Gu Sanqiu’s face.

Luckily, even if things played out according to a normal sequence of events, he could still summon a whole battalion of brawny warriors and mages from Minlin as reinforcements.

The Fatui causing trouble?

Please. If Liyue truly mobilized its full power, these scattered Snezhnayan agents wouldn’t even be able to make a ripple, let alone a wave.

After the meal, Childe—who felt as if he had just been granted amnesty—bid the three of them farewell at lightning speed, vanishing before Gu Sanqiu had the chance to blink over and chase after him. His escape route even included a detour to Yuehai Pavilion to seek assistance.

Yet, to his surprise, Gu Sanqiu didn’t immediately come after him. This puzzled Childe, but confusion quickly gave way to extreme vigilance.

If that lunatic isn’t chasing me, does that mean his Ten-Gold Society has already formed a massive encirclement around me?

Cunning Sanqiu!

---

Meanwhile, Gu Sanqiu had no idea that Childe was busy fabricating an entire drama in his head. He was carrying multiple shopping bags, leisurely making his way back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

This time, things were much easier. Though the stroll still involved plenty of sightseeing and snacking, the ones carrying the bags were now him and Zhongli. Plus, having another man to chat with along the way helped pass the time, making it far less of a chore.

"We’re home~"

Hu Tao cheerfully pushed open the door. "Qiuqiu, Zhongli, you can just put those—"

Bang!

Bang!

The sound of party poppers exploding filled the air, showering Hu Tao in colorful streamers and flower petals.

Keqing and Xinyan had been hiding behind the door, each wielding a miniature party cannon, which they had just fired.

Ahead of them, a ceremonial attendant from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor approached, pushing a small cart carrying a massive three-tiered cake.

As the attendant rolled in, Ningguang, Beidou, and several others stepped out from behind columns and doorways, smiling as they nodded toward Hu Tao.

"Happy Birthday!"

Two hands landed gently on Hu Tao’s shoulders—one on each side.

"Happy birthday, Little Peach."

"Happy birthday, Master Hu."

"Huh? Eh? Eh?!"

Hu Tao’s eyes widened in shock. "What are you all doing here?"

Gu Sanqiu casually set the shopping bags aside. "Of course we’re all here. Some even dropped work just to be here."

For instance, there was Yanfei, clapping with a bright smile, and Xiao, who was standing with his arms crossed, leaning against a pillar.

Ganyu didn’t really count, though—his elder sister was the Tianquan of Liyue, after all. She could simply approve a leave of absence on the spot!

"A very~ Happy~ Birthday~ to Master Hu—"

A graceful, melodic voice rang out. Yun Jin approached with a flower crown in hand, placing it gently atop Hu Tao’s hat.

"Here you go—your birthday crown. Happy birthday~"

"Yun Jin, you’re here too?"

Hu Tao was even more surprised. "I thought you had a performance tonight?"

Yun Jin shot a glance at Gu Sanqiu, who was busy arranging tableware. "A certain wealthy patron booked out the entire venue. Consider it a day off for everyone."

Zhongli immediately understood—so that’s why there had been no listed performance at Yun-Han Opera Troupe today.

"Hey, hey, Sanqiu," Xingqiu elbowed him. "When’s my birthday going to get this kind of treatment?"

Gu Sanqiu glanced at him. "Next birthday, I’ll arrange for a lineup of exotic dancers from different nations to wish you a happy birthday. You up for it?"

"On second thought, never mind."

Xingqiu waved his hands frantically. Sure, the idea intrigued him, but mostly, he feared for his life.

If that really happened, only Rex Lapis himself could save him—regular Adepti wouldn’t be enough.

Gu Sanqiu scoffed.

Like I don’t know you.

That aside, organizing a birthday for Hu Tao had been a good plan. The girl didn’t have many friends outside their circle, and everyone was always busy with their own affairs. Getting them all together was no easy feat.

Hu Tao’s eyes sparkled as she lifted a knife. "Time to cut the cake!"

Keqing and Zhongli’s hands shot out almost simultaneously, stopping her.

"Hold on! You have to make a wish first!"

"Oh? That’s a thing?"

Realizing her mistake, Hu Tao immediately turned to Gu Sanqiu with a sharp look. "Qiuqiu, where are my candles?"

"Right here, right here."

Gu Sanqiu handed them over, resisting the urge to light them with his Vision.

Using that would be an absolute disaster.

"Xinyan, give me a light."

Once the candles were lit, everyone gathered around, singing the birthday song.

Hu Tao clasped her hands together and closed her eyes.

I hope this happiness lasts forever.

Rex Lapis, please bless us. Hehe.

As the celebration continued, the laughter and warmth of the gathering filled the room, cementing yet another cherished memory.

"Happy birthday to me!"

---

T/N: SO CUTE!! ALSO RED FLAG

This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!