Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [479]

The arrival of the waiter saved Gu Sanqiu’s life. Before they stepped in, Hu Tao had quickly returned to her seat, pretending to focus intently on building a tower out of dessert pieces.

It was as if nothing had happened.

Gu Sanqiu, however, was far from calm. His thoughts about the Chasm had been completely overshadowed by Hu Tao’s outrageous suggestion from moments earlier.

Finding a companion for the old man?

Leave me out of this suicide mission, thanks.

He ran a hand over the tea-soaked table, glancing at Hu Tao, who was gleefully dunking delicate shrimp dumplings into the fiery broth of the spicy fish dish.

“So, what’s the damage? What did Zhongli buy while I was in Mondstadt?”

“Tch, where do I even start? He bought so much stuff I can’t even keep track of it.”

Hu Tao spoke through a mouthful of food. “Like that bird statue that flaps its wings to a tune or a set of Nightglow Stones with cracks that line up perfectly to form a landscape painting. All ridiculously expensive and completely useless!”

That… does sound like him, Gu Sanqiu thought, his expression growing complicated.

“You’re a little rich girl yourself. Surely a few fancy trinkets don’t bother you that much?”

“You don’t get it, do you?”

Hu Tao waved her chopsticks dramatically. “It’s like parenting. If a child makes mistakes and the parents don’t step in, they might grow up to cause serious trouble. Spending habits are the same—if you don’t teach moderation and planning, you’ll find yourself broke when you need money most. Simple as that.”

Did she just promote herself to parental status?

So, Zhongli thinks of her as a daughter, but she’s trying to act like his mom?

Gu Sanqiu sighed and used Anemo to levitate the teapot, refilling her cup. The way Hu Tao dunked shrimp dumplings into the spicy broth was certainly bold. As two distinct dishes, their flavors weren’t meant to mix—at least not in this way. The fiery oil didn’t blend with the dumplings but instead coated their delicate wrappers in a thick, searing layer.

This pairing could give a normal person firsthand experience of Pyro-element burns, he mused.

“Surprising, Hu Tao. Didn’t think you had it in you to think so far ahead.”

“Hey!”

With a grin, she scooped up a spoonful of chili oil and dumped it into his teacup.

“If everyone around me could stop giving me headaches, maybe I wouldn’t have to play the nagging old mom in my prime!”

“And you’re one to talk! When things went down in Dragonspine, even the ghosts at Wuwang Hill were behaving themselves. Yet somehow, you found a way to get involved in the chaos! I should report you to Ningguang and let her deal with you!”

“Ahem.” Gu Sanqiu cleared his throat. “My sister knew I was heading to Mondstadt, and the two big shots there wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”

Although technically it was Venti’s invitation, Gu Sanqiu had still reported his plans to Ningguang before leaving. He wasn’t about to risk being scolded in the Hall of Incense upon his return.

He dumped out the chili-laden tea and used Pyro to burn away the residue, releasing an oddly pungent yet stimulating aroma.

“Don’t overthink things, alright? Just do what you do best. No need to act like some doting parent. Leave the rest to me.”

Gu Sanqiu flashed a confident smile. “With me in Liyue, the sky won’t fall.”

Assuming no ancient monsters from centuries ago crawl out of their graves, anyway.

Hu Tao rolled her eyes. “So that’s how you sweet-talk girls when you’re out and about, huh?”

“Please, I’m not some lovesick fool like Xingqiu. And stop hanging out at Chunxiang Teahouse, listening to Ying’er’s ‘romance lessons’ for young ladies!”

“Tch. Says the guy who’s so predictable,” she retorted, before pausing and brightening. “Hey, does this mean you’ll help me find a proper young lady for Zhongli?”

“Allow me to reiterate: no.”

Gu Sanqiu’s expression turned flat. “Marriage is a serious matter. It’s not something you or I have the right to decide—even if you are his boss.”

“If this keeps up, Wangsheng’s finances will crumble!”

“No worries. I’ve got money. Worst case, I’ll sell some treasures from storage. That should keep Zhongli happy for a while.”

He remained calm, recalling that while Zhongli had lived for thousands of years, his human persona as Zhongli was still relatively new.

Besides, unique artifacts don’t grow on trees. It’s manageable.

The Gu family had amassed considerable wealth over generations. Gu Sanqiu alone couldn’t spend it all even if he tried. Even if he married and his hypothetical wives were all extravagant spenders, they wouldn’t scratch the surface.

In comparison, Zhongli’s refined tastes are nothing.

Gu Sanqiu allowed himself a satisfied smile.

Hu Tao eyed him skeptically. “You’re oddly enthusiastic about supporting your consultant. Are you sure there’s nothing… personal going on here?”

“Hm?”

“Aren’t you being a little too attentive?” She suddenly leaned forward, feigning a look of realization.

“Don’t worry! I’m very open-minded. If that’s your thing, I won’t judge. No wonder you’re so against finding him a nice young lady!”

“This topic was your idea!”

Gu Sanqiu set his teacup down firmly, resisting the urge to crush it again.

“Tch. I only brought it up to see if you’d pay more attention to me,” Hu Tao huffed. “Instead, all you care about is Zhongli!”

She reached over and ruffled his hair.

“Fine, fine! I’ll stop teasing. But just say the word, and I can arrange a little alone time for you two. I’ve got a few tasks in Wangsheng that could use some external help. Maybe you two could tackle them together~?”

“Show off your charm—and maybe your motherly qualities—and who knows? If he’s interested, it’s a perfect match. You’d be adorable together!”

Gu Sanqiu’s glare turned icy. “Since you officially took over Wangsheng, I don’t think I’ve disciplined you properly.”

Hu Tao stuck out her tongue. “Oh, please! Is that all you’ve got? Go on, run to Zhongli. I’m sure he’ll comfort you!”

CRACK.

Gu Sanqiu crushed another teacup.

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T/N: LMAOO ZHONGLI x SANQIU NOW?

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!