Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [480]

Gu Sanqiu flicked his wrist to brush off the shards of the shattered teacup and, without missing a beat, reached out to pinch Hu Tao’s ear.

He slowly lifted his hand higher. “Little girl, you seem quite bold today.”

“Ow, ow, ow! That hurts!”

Her eyes filled with mock tears in an instant. Even though Gu Sanqiu knew she was faking it, he reluctantly released his grip.

“Tch, Gu Sanqiu, how dare you try to silence me just because I’ve exposed your real preferences? I’m reporting you to the Millelith to have you locked up!”

Gu Sanqiu’s expression didn’t change. “And I’ll file a report about your unauthorized Wangsheng Funeral Parlor advertisements over the years. Once I’ve earned credit for exposing your misdeeds, I’ll be out in no time. But don’t worry—I’ll send you steamed buns and leafy greens every day to keep you alive in there.”

“You traitor!”

Hu Tao bared her teeth. “You’d actually let your childhood friend rot in a cell? Men really do grow colder as they age!”

“Correction: the world already thinks I’m insane. I’ve always been bad—it didn’t happen after growing up.”

He gave her a light pat on the head, silently telling her to sit back down and finish her food.

“Anyway, I’m not helping with this. Marriage is no small matter. Any disagreement that arises could create issues in your workplace dynamic.”

Although, to be fair, it won’t be long before your professional hierarchy flips entirely.

“You’ve changed, Sanqiu,” Hu Tao muttered, her face adopting a look of pure heartbreak. “You used to spoil me, letting me have my way and agreeing to everything. Now, you’re completely different!”

“That’s called immaturity. Now, eat up. If you waste food, I won’t take you out again.”

Gu Sanqiu sipped his tea calmly. “Besides, this ‘you’ve changed’ act of yours is too well-worn. If you’re going to fake it, at least wipe that smile off your face so it’s more convincing.”

“I don’t care! You’ve still changed!”

Hu Tao grabbed his head and began vigorously messing up his hair. “I bet it’s because you’ve been running around outside. You must’ve met some prettier girl and fallen for her, you unfaithful Rascal of the Incense!”

“Alright, alright,” Gu Sanqiu sighed, shaking his head. “After dinner, I’ll pull some strings and get you a list of eligible ladies. We’ll look through it together.”

“Yay! Sanqiu is the best!”

Delighted, Hu Tao ruffled his hair once more before scampering back to her seat, suddenly acting like a proper young lady enjoying her meal.

Old man… no, Zhongli. I hope you’ve developed a sixth sense for impending doom—or at least a good excuse to vanish into thin air.

Gu Sanqiu massaged his temples, already resigned to the fallout. At least Zhongli is only a consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If this plan backfires, the blame shouldn’t reach me.

Right?

A few hours later, outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Gu Sanqiu. He sighed and pulled a slim booklet from his coat, only for it to be snatched from his hand instantly.

“Hehe, finally got my hands on it!”

Hu Tao’s mischievous grin widened. “Today, Zhongli’s arrangements must be settled!”

Gu Sanqiu covered his face and let out a long sigh.

Forget ‘Morax’ or ‘the old man.’ To me, Zhongli is just Wangsheng’s consultant. Hu Tao’s motives aside, I’m just trying to introduce a companion out of the goodness of my heart.

The women on this list are all prominent, reputable figures in Liyue Harbor—absolute top-tier candidates that most people couldn’t dream of meeting. This is a well-meaning gesture!

And if Zhongli ever decides to reveal his true identity?

Well, that’s a problem for future me. For now, plausible deniability is my shield.

With that logic firmly in place, he reassured himself that everything would be fine.

---

Later that evening, Zhongli returned to Wangsheng after spending the day observing Liyue Harbor’s daily life—or, in truth, enjoying a leisurely break filled with bird-watching and listening to opera.

“I’ve brought some soothing balm to replenish energy. It should help everyone after today’s work.”

Zhongli’s eyebrows rose slightly when he noticed a familiar face. “Oh? Gu Sanqiu is here as well?”

What’s he doing here? Isn’t he supposed to be wandering aimlessly around Liyue?

“Hehe, welcome back, Zhongli!” Hu Tao greeted him with a sly grin. “Go ahead and hand those balms to the team members heading out tonight. Once we’re done here, we’ll call you over.”

“Understood. Thank you for your hard work, Director.”

“Oh, it’s not hard work at all! I’m having the time of my life today, hehe~”

Zhongli cast a glance at his “boss” and her partner-in-crime, figuring it was just some harmless fun between young people. As long as Sanqiu isn’t up to his usual chaos…

“This one seems perfect! She’s refined, well-educated, and personally funded a wildlife sanctuary. Plus, she trained with the Millelith—smart, strong, and beautiful!”

“Nope. Too headstrong. Zhongli values peace and quiet. A strong-willed woman might clash with his easygoing nature.”

“Huh, good point. What about this one? Her family is a major agricultural supplier—she could easily keep Zhongli fed!”

“Oh, scratch that. Xingqiu and Chongyun helped her recently, and I hear she’s been asking around about Chongyun ever since. She’s already got her eyes on someone.”

Hu Tao’s eyes sparkled. “And? Did you leave her any clues?”

“I cut off her information channels and left a note saying ‘may the best woman win.’ She’s probably imagining a horde of rivals right now.”

As the discussion raged on, Zhongli, having completed his task, found himself growing uneasy. Something about this conversation felt… off.

After distributing the balms, he approached the pair just as Hu Tao gestured for him to sit down.

“Perfect timing, Zhongli!” She slapped a thick stack of papers in front of him.

“These are the candidates Sanqiu and I picked out for you. Go ahead, take your pick!”

She beamed. “Don’t be shy! With both our family names backing you, we can arrange a meeting as early as tomorrow. Who knows? You might hit it off!”

Somewhere far beyond the physical realm, Liyue’s very essence quaked. The Geo Archon’s golden aura stirred, as if preparing for an invasion.

Suppressing his shock, Zhongli listened to Hu Tao’s lengthy pitch, catching on to the real issue: her so-called “financial education.”

And you, Zhongli thought, his gaze shifting to Gu Sanqiu. What on earth is your role in this farce?

He wanted to glare but restrained himself. As a consultant, not a deity, he had to maintain his cover.

Instead, he gave a polite smile.

“Director, marriage is not a trivial matter. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but my focus remains on archaeology and the study of regional cultures. I have no interest in pursuing a relationship at this time.”

“Oh, no you don’t!” Hu Tao grinned, sensing his resistance.

She was ready. Gu Sanqiu’s earlier advice echoed in her mind: Start high to leave room for negotiation. Especially with someone as sharp as Zhongli.

Push harder, Hu Tao. Tomorrow’s accounting will thank today’s Director.

“Come on, Zhongli! This is for your own good!”

---

T/N: spoilers guys im actually the one zhongli picks teehee

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!