Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Ooooh, an internship you say!"

Xiangling nods with a smile that runs from ear to ear. "Yup! Since he finally hired someone to help at Wanmin, he suggested I try to work as a manager at the new exclusive café that's opening up on the boulevard for Sailors' Welcoming next week. It's not like I've never done this sort of job, but…"

Hu Tao giggles. "C'mon, don't look so glum! You're the most resourceful person I know!" Well, resourceful might be a generous term. She glances at the dish in front of her. "And… I'm sure your inventions in the kitchen would be very appreciated."

"You say that, but you haven't tried my Chilli and Slime Slushie yet!"

"My stomach is a bit upset, is all," Hu Tao says, and she's not lying – just the sight of this thing gave her a pretty bad cramp. "Don't change the topic, though. Don't let a challenge like that scare you to death, lest I need to come to Wanmin with a shovel and a handful of coupons in hand!"

"Don't say those things… it gives me the heebie-jeebies." Xiangling hangs her head in defeat. "And it's not like I'm scared, but… a café is an entirely different business."

"Oh? How so?"

The chef counts with her fingers, lips pursed. "Well, for starters, it's not a restaurant, it's a café, so people come and go a lot more quickly!" Ah, that's true – unless you're Zhongli, at least… "And then, I will need to look into the staff, the supplies, and so many other things…"

Hu Tao gasps. "Waitwaitwait, all that? Are you sure that's an internship? That sounds like you're opening a completely new place on your own!"

With a sip of her slushie, Xiangling laughs nervously. "That's the point of an internship, if you think about it – and if I'm being given so much work, that means the boss has a lot of faith in me, I'm sure! When dad suggested I work for her, dad told me she was super excited!"

It still sounds a little strange, all things considered. What kind of weirdo would open up a café and leave it to a novice to manage it? Granted, Xiangling is probably the most reliable of the bunch, and she's an excellent cook, but… it's too risky. If she were to open Wangsheng subsidiaries in all locations investors have told her, she'd be in ruins! Acting on whims is just the quickest recipe for a disaster.

Still… how fascinating to see! Could this boss be a lady millionaire looking to make some quick Mora, perhaps an enrichened adventurer that, rather than being wise and investing in a good funerary plan, would open a café on an impulse?

Hu Tao clicks her tongue. "I wonder who this woman is… you should totally let me do some business development there. I'm sure that'll attract a new clientele."

"What? Why?"

"Well, duh! Wherever there is alcohol, there is danger, and it's not like the buildings of the boulevard are earthquake-proof – if another Osial comes by, you never know what could happen!" Hu Tao hums to herself, crunching the numbers in her head, but then remembers the matter at hand and claps her hands. "Whatever, that's another story! So you'll also need to hire staff, you say?"

"Mhm! I'll only need two waiters at most… it's a very small place, but the decor is pretty expensive, and the kitchen is even fancier than what we have at Wanmin. I bet I could cook so much good food there! Fullmoon Eggs, Black-back Perch stew…!"

The chef is drooling. Hu Tao scoots closer to her. "Will you let me cook there sometime? I have a certain friend who is very picky about his food. I'd say he would rather starve than eat my dishes…"

Xiangling's eyes crinkle. "Most times, the quality of the dishes has to do with the cook and not the kitchen."

Oh, the audacity! Hu Tao's lips curl to a smirk. "Considering you once served me a milkshake made of Black Bass, pepper and eggs, I can confidently say hubris will blind you. Poor Chonguyn ran away like his life depended on it!"

Her friend's expression curls with a grimace. Hu Tao starts laughing. "Ugh, stop reminding me, it was only one time! And it's not my fault that sort of thing only works in Mondstadt, Diona told me her patrons loved it!"

"And why would you trust Mondstadt for these things? I've heard a rumor in the Adventurer's Guild that there's someone who can turn the tastiest of dishes into atrocities by just looking at them – and then he eats them! People got a screw loose there." A sneaky idea comes into her head, and she bites her lip. "I wonder… if he can digest something so unsightly, perhaps he could also help me find a few people we've got on our missing list…"

"Gosh, don't talk about these things while we're eating! I'll add more Slimes to your slushie next time, I swear." Hu Tao immediately holds her hands up in alarmed surrender. "Good. Now, all I need to worry about is the staff…"

"The Ministry of Civil Affairs could help you. They always have some spare Treasure Hoarders that could learn a lesson or two about honest labor."

"Treasure Hoarders? No no, that won't do. Knowing them, they'll steal all our Mora the moment I turn around." Well, she makes a good point, but isn't retaliation what Guoba is for? "And being a waiter isn't super easy, either!"

"Really?"

"Really! A normal person with normal skills won't do. You need to have good balance, you must have very good manners, be patient with the client, you must be polite – and this is very important, you must know how to sell a product, too!"

The director sighs. "You don't say. The hostess at the Yanshang Teahouse could learn some tips. Their decor is beautiful, but their manners and marketing… oh, their marketing."

"Huh? You've been inside? But I've heard–"

"Anyway," Hu Tao clears her throat. "That's going to be complicated, then. It took me a while to find my current undertakers, and they've still got a lot to learn. You're gonna need a real pro for that."

Xiangling's frame deflates on her seat. "Yeah… but where am I going to find someone that's all that? If I want the boss's café to be a success and earn her approval, I'll need to find someone who can win the public, someone with some skill, and…" The chef's eyes briefly land on Hu Tao, and then, her eyes light up like stars. "Wait, Hu Tao! I got an idea! You could help me out!"

Hu Tao jolts as Xiangling grabs her hands. "Me?"

"Yup! You'd be perfect for the job, don't you think? You know how to treat the public, I'm sure you can carry a tray or two, and you're very good at advertising!" The chef looks away for a moment. "Well, not always successfully, but that doesn't matter! There's nobody I know who could be better for this!"

When she puts it like that – stroking her ego a bit – Xiangling makes a lot of sense. There's nobody in town with more advertising expertise than her, and she does have a very tight grip on the population of Liyue… in more ways than one. The same way they'll eventually need her for a burial, they would also need her to refresh their palates and fill their stomachs.

Still… Hu Tao shakes her head. "I still have the funerary parlor to take care of."

"Aw, but I'm sure Mister Zhongli can take care of it for a week, and it will be much easier if I have a good friend around!"

Her insistence isn't working thus far, no – but appealing to her heart is working a little better. Hu Tao takes a deep breath. "As much as I love talking to people and doing business, so long as there are no coffins or obituaries involved, it's out of my scope. Besides, why does it have to be me? Xingqiu is just as social as me!"

"But Xingqiu is busy writing, remember? He's been holed up in his room for days!" Ay-ay-ay, that's true… they need to sort that out soon, too. "Also, the boss said only exclusive guests with an invite will be allowed in! She said she'll want young people with excellent manners, with a good sense of humor and patience, and they must dress very well."

Just who is this owner that has such specific requirements for staff and clients? And what sort of café is this that it requires an invite?

Still, one thing stands out, and it makes Hu Tao smile as big as the sun. "Oh? So you think my sense of humor is brilliant? I got a… killer sense of humor, you'd say?"

"There must be a reason you get along with Xingqiu so well, so I think it's pretty good!" Urgh, if only that was the reason… Xiangling laughs. "Aw, don't look at me like that, I like your jokes too! But you need to keep them mild. I don't wanna gross anyone out, and some clients can be very nitpicky."

Hu Tao crosses her arms. "Not my fault that people can't see the fun in the negative, but… fine. I get it." Xiangling sighs with evident relief. "Still, what's in there for me, hm? No business is fair business without benefits for me, too!"

"Well, I would pay you!"

"I don't need the Mora."

"I'll get you that new volume of Vera's Lament that the bookhouse doesn't have in stock."

"Aha, you know I don't need that either."

"Aw, but…"

Her smile grows a bit wicked, because she knows Xiangling knows what she wants. The chef looks at her like that's the case, as though Hu Tao is forcing her to make an oh so dramatic decision.

Xiangling sighs. "Fine. I'll let you hang that ad of yours for as long as you work there – but it will have to be somewhere discreet, okay? I don't wanna freak our patrons out."

Hu Tao celebrates with some cheering. "Perfect, perfect! Then you'll have my collaboration. Beware of Zhongli, though... He doesn't take lightly to having his Osmanthus wine break taken away from him."

"I can deal with that," the chef says with a chipper grin. "Thank you so much for your help! I still have another day left, so… feel free to come by tomorrow for some training. It's gonna be fun!"

"Huh? Training?"

Xiangling's eyes sparkle. "Of course! I'll have to teach you how to serve tea, how to carry two trays at a time– oh, oh, and I should teach you a couple of cooking tricks just in case! I'll be doing all of the cooking, but one never knows." The chef keeps rambling, mostly to herself. "And I'll have to buy more fish, and apples too… maybe we could try to create something new for the menu, she'd like it for sure…"

Far too used to this, Hu Tao simply listens to her rambling, idly kicking her feet as she thinks of the hilarious face Zhongli will make when she breaks the news.

Oh, this is going to be fun.

Unfortunately, Zhongli didn't quite find it so fun. If anything, he's curious.

"You will be working at the Shade of the Qingxin next week?"

Hu Tao whistles. "You even know the name? It hasn't opened yet!"

The consultant laughs gently. "I am privy to some information that I'm afraid you young'uns don't quite have." He takes a sip of his tea. "A café that will only open its doors to those who pique the interest of the owner. With that sort of slogan, it's only natural curious eyes will wander in its direction. It's a quite unique selling point."

Hu Tao isn't stupid, though. She eyes the open, fancy envelope right beside his cup of tea. "And I assume you are one of those interesting people, hm?"

"That seems to be the case, but why are you looking at me like that? It isn't my fault I was invited."

"Aiya, knowing you, you probably pulled some random trivia from your sleeve to trick them into giving you an invite!" Who this they is goes unknown, even to her. However… "You don't know who the boss could be, do you? For all we know, this could be someone trying to rope Xiangling into some shady business, and as a businesswoman myself, I cannot let that happen."

Zhongli shakes his head. Ah, bummer. "I found this letter addressed to you and I in the mail of the parlor, but seeing as you will be working there, your invite will be unnecessary." He sighs, looking genuinely dismayed. "And I might as well give mine up since I'll be working on your behalf as well."

Hu Tao shakes her head. "Don't be so dramatic, I've left very little work for you to do. Just sorting out the paperwork sent by the Qixing will suffice."

Ah, yes, that infamous pile of papers the Qixing sent last week. Just the thought of looking at them is giving her a headache, so it's a good thing that Xiangling roped her into this mess – it'll be on Zhongli's hands to sort out all this trouble.

Said consultant gestures at the seat on the other side of the table. "Have a seat, director. You look a bit tired."

Hu Tao complies immediately and sits. Zhongli serves her a cup of tea. "I left you a list that the Qixing sent us as a means to filter out the cases that aren't within our power. You need to send the rest back to the Qixing."

"I know, director."

She lifts a finger, frowning. "They're very complicated cases and scenarios, you know! I made notes for you in case you don't understand. For example, death by chi asphyxia isn't the same as death by lichi asphyxia. I don't think there are any lichis in the Chasm, so do be careful when you're reading!"

Of course, Hu Tao knows him to be reliable. It shows on his face, that this is unnecessary, but she can't rest easy leaving this in his hands. Humans aren't perfect, they make mistakes when reading, and surely he hasn't gone on as many trips to the Chasm as she has.

After the latest events at the Chasm, the Qixing had sent an enormous commission filled to the brim with death cases, possible remain retrieval, and spiritual investigations regarding the area. The event had been enshrouded in secrecy from the moment Madam Yelan announced the start of the investigation after she returned to Liyue.

Only a few organizations within Liyue could know of the case – and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, of course, fell under that category.

All they had to do is check if the funerary-related cases sent to them were relevant to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor or not, but naturally, anything related to demonic activity, karmic debt, and death falls in their hands. Most of the workload sent to them will ultimately be solved by Wangsheng.

That means that the next weeks of her life after this, maybe months, will be dedicated to collaborating with the Qixing to retrieve the remains and mangled bodies that were left abandoned in the Chasm before it was closed. The area may be devoid of corruption now – a fact that Zhongli hasn't given her explanations about – but it's still going to be tiring.

There's also another thing that she has been burning to ask him about.

"How is Xiao doing?"

The consultant visibly tenses up, like he hadn't expected her to ask – but how couldn't she? Xiao is one of her best friends, and she knows he was involved in the case.

Even if she didn't have Madam Yelan's reports where he is subtly mentioned, just looking at Xiao is enough – the guy is tired.

Zhongli clears his throat. "Last time I saw him, he was doing better. He seems to have quite a lot to think about." Before she can make any more questions, the consultant keeps talking. "How come you will be working at the Shade of the Qingxin? Chef Mao mentioned that his daughter… Xiangling, wasn't it?"

Hu Tao nods. "Yup. She got an internship there as a manager, and she asked me to help as a waitress. We still need to find another waiter, though – that might take a little longer."

"How curious. I never imagined you would work as a waitress, Miss Hu."

She flips one of her pigtails over her shoulder. "It'll be fine. I can practice some selling lines I've been thinking about on my clients! Like…" Hu Tao clears her throat. "Book a coffin so your safety won't be done in! Or, or! Invest in a new home when your old one is no more! I just need to give them another twist, and maybe swap them with something more relevant to food… aiya, this will take a while."

Laugher escapes Zhongli. "As high-spirited as always, director. Still, make sure to be cautious. The world of bartending is far less sophisticated than that of a funerary parlor."

"Don't worry, I'll manage. You know I have plenty of experience dealing with insensitive brutes." The consultant doesn't seem at all convinced by this. She snorts. "C'mon, lighten up a little! I'm not a security guard, I won't apply any of my industry experience in the café… unless I'm asked to, of course! I might be dedicated to the clients' satisfaction, but I won't let a potential customer leave without some advice of the spiritual kind."

"Ah." He quietly sips on his tea. "It's good to know you will be back to the funerary in a couple of days only, then, and not a week."

"Phew, you wish. I'm going to make the best out of the experience, just you wait!" The consultant smiles at her, and Hu Tao, giddy and excited, takes some of her tea. "It's a crying shame I'm on my own for now, though… do you think I could ask Yun Jin to help? She has the loveliest smile, and I bet her singing would attract a lot of customers."

Zhongli chuckles, places his cup aside, and stands up. "I doubt Miss Yun Jin will be free. The Sailors' Welcoming is nigh, so she will surely be booked. I doubt you want to add to that workload."

Shame, he's absolutely right. She rubs the back of her head. "What am I gonna do, then? I want to help Xiangling out, but it's not like I can magically appear tomorrow with a helper, can I? And if the establishment is so high-class, I can't up and ask Meng to help… he can barely carry an urn from one room to the next, let alone a tray full of drinks!"

Zhongli hums to himself, seeming deep in thought. Whenever his mind leaves this world, his face turns a peculiar shade of pensiveness that's just fascinating to see. It's like he's gazing into the deepest corners of the world for the solution to her problem – Celestia, isn't he hardworking!

His lips upturn with a confident, kind smile. "I may have someone in mind to help you and Xiangling."

Hu Tao gasps. "No way! I should have known all that Osmanthus wine tasting would pay off somehow! You must know all waiters and hostesses in town!"

"Oh, not at all. He's… an old friend of mine. I don't think he has the professional accolades needed from a waiter, but his quick reflexes and manners should help." He takes a moment of reflection, rubbing the base of his chin. "Hm… yes. You told me you would spend tomorrow morning at the café, correct? I will send my friend there. Xiangling can test his skills for herself."

"That'd be great! Thanks, Zhongli. I'll make sure to save a nice seat for you at the café if you manage your time well." She places her finished cup on the table. "Make sure to manage your Mora well, too, or someone I know will be getting his salary cut again…"

Under Hu Tao's unflinching stare, Zhongli's voice comes out in a shaky laugh. "I'm certain that won't be necessary."

She snickers. "Perfect. Now, c'mon, bring the Qixing's letters here! There is no time to waste."

Hu Tao hurriedly grabs the teacups and teapot and takes them to the kitchen at the back. She manages to get them there in one piece – good. Xiangling will surely be impressed tomorrow.

Zhongli doesn't seem to feel elated at all, though. "We reviewed them twice this evening, director."

"Better safe than sorry! If we put our heads to it, I bet we can strategize to make this a lot more efficient." Her eyes become narrow, sly. "Maybe we can use different colors, a sticker system… goodness, that tea really put some life back into me! Brew some more, quick!"

She disappears into her office, and her consultant follows her with a defeated smile on his lips.

Hu Tao is a mortal, and like a mortal, Hu Tao acts foolishly sometimes.

Once upon a time, Hu Tao fell in love with Adeptus Xiao.

This isn't a matter she talks about with anyone – Archons, she barely talks about the topic with herself; but when the night is cold and the bed is empty, she wonders what it'd be like if Xiao was there, with her, comforting her with his rare presence and his blunt, somber, and elegant words. There is no other man in this world that speaks like him, and that alone is fascinating to her.

In a way, maybe it started with that, fascination. They met in a night of fighting demons on his side and purifying the remains on her end. It had been an encounter written by fate: two lonely souls, meeting in the dead of the night, under the bleak mantle of a starless sky and a lifeless forest.

Aiya, how much she's written about that night, trying to evoke that feeling, but she's always failed. Only meeting his gaze makes that spike surface within her heart, and they've met quite a lot of times since then.

This isn't some small crush, and it makes sense that it wouldn't be. Hu Tao loves the mortal realm, but she spends far too much time with spirits and ghosts to ever settle for something below the paranormal, and Xiao's existence is an enigma, a scarcely documented one at that. A man who walks in the darkness of his adeptus world, dancing on the edge of death and trailing every shadow that threatens Liyue.

Hu Tao always knew being friends with a murderous yaksha wasn't exactly her brightest idea – he said so himself, but it's unlike her to care about these sorts of things, and so she allowed herself to fall, perfectly aware of the consequences, and perfectly fine with watching from afar.

Xiao is a strange mystery that never satiates her curiosity. He never says enough to dispel all interrogants around his identity, and he gives just enough information for a mortal to be scared and intimidated.

Unfortunately for him, Hu Tao has seen mangled bodies and heedless assassins. An immortal with a pretty face isn't that much scarier, truly.

For a man who lives with his doors only slightly ajar, she knows plenty about him. Most of it comes from legends, but most of it also comes from how he behaves: the small chuckles to her jokes, the distant gaze in his eyes when he watches the peaks of Liyue with her, or the fierce devotion to the protection of the land. He's secretive, an enigma without clues, a kind-hearted man with words of stone.

And gosh, how she longs for him, in secret. They're great friends, they get along swimmingly, and if their lifespans weren't so drastically different, things would be different. Surely, that's how he feels, because that's how books say it must be.

Books say quite a lot about Xiao. There aren't many books on his story in particular, but they all say the same: do not expect a yaksha to be your beau, lest life hits you with the truth.

This, however, is not what the books said at all.

"What are you doing here?"

Xiao turns to her, arms folded. "I am waiting for the chef of Wanmin to open the door."

"That wasn't my point!" Well, it was, but it also wasn't! "Unbelievable. Are you that old friend Zhongli told me about?"

The yaksha's eyes go wide at her words. "Old… friend? That's what he said?"

"Don't act dumb with me, o mighty yaksha, of course he did!" Hu Tao giggles. "I assume Zhongli didn't bribe you, did he? I already warned him against spending too much Mora, and I can't even begin to imagine how much your time would cost…"

Xiao seems displeased by this. "Do you truly believe I would do this solely for money?"

"Oh? Does that mean you wouldn't work for us, even if we paid you?"

Hu Tao stares at him, expectant, and to her surprise, the yaksha turns away. "That– you– forget it. I am not here for money." He looks at her like that is her case, though. Hu Tao pouts. "Am I right in assuming Wanmin's chef convinced you with money?"

"Aiya, you just had to go ahead and assume the absolute worst of me, hm?" Xiao arches an eyebrow. "Well, maybe Mora did have a role in this, but Xiangling is my friend, and I wanted to help her out."

"I thought the funerary parlor would be quite busy after all that happened at the Chasm."

His words are neither chiding nor pitying, and while she expects such staleness from the resident yaksha, she knows it's a little misplaced. He'd often pepper it with a snide remark about mortality – or worse, he'd insinuate she's not apt for the job. It wouldn't be the first time he's done it, and given the tension on his shoulders, she wouldn't put it past him.

These weeks must have been harsh on him. She can't begin to fathom how Zhongli, of all people, thought this was a good idea, and Hu Tao has a fervent need to ask him – but now is really not the time.

Hu Tao decides the only way she has to help is using her ace: idle chatter!

"Well, Zhongli can manage the parlor in my absence. He's as dusty and ancient as souls come, but so long as he can read, he'll do the job right. I hope so, at least." She blows out a sigh. "Honestly, I don't like leaving something so sensitive to the hands of a colleague, but my grandpa always said that it was good to know when to relegate your duties to someone else. He was a really wise man."

"And also quite stubborn with his ways. Reminds me of a certain someone I know."

"Hey, I'm not stubborn, I just know when my endeavors will have results! No use in doing things only halfway. Imagine the travesty of half-burying a person because you think they're still alive! You can't let insecurities get the best of you." Xiao sighs, exasperated, and Hu Tao laughs. "But none of that matters now. What brings you here then, if not money?"

Xiao's eyes are fixated on the door leading into the café. It's a very charming and elegant place, located in a crook of the boulevard, and clearly nobody without an invite or knowledge of this place would come here unprompted. It's not a place a yaksha would simply come to, either. He doesn't quite match with the faraway chatter behind them.

When he speaks, however, he sounds awfully honest. "Like you said, Zhongli requested my help." He goes quiet for a second, tilts his head with contemplation. "He… said it would be good for me."

Hu Tao grins. "Well, he's not wrong. It's always nice to try something new."

Xiao's eyes flicker towards her. It makes her stiffen the slightest bit. "Do you think so?"

His question surprises her. He's full of surprises today – it's strange. But not in a bad way.

She nods. "Ay-ay-ay, of course, silly! You can't exactly be happy if you do the same things over and over. You'll get tired of it eventually. Believe me, I love my job, but burying people gets a little tedious sometimes, and don't even get me started with coffin engraving! It's… a bury tiring job, you could say."

Hu Tao laughs into her hand. Xiao watches on with uncanny silence, and if she squints, she'd dare say he's smiling. With a gasp, she pounces on him, trying to meet his eyes.

Xiao yelps. "What in the world are you doing?"

"You laughed! I saw that!" When she tries to look him in the eye from the right, he turns to the left. When she does so from the left, he turns to the right. "C'mon, don't hide like that. Show me a full smile, o mighty yaksha – just one!"

Hu Tao gets a hold of his cheeks, cupping them and pulling them into a stretched, hauntingly tense smile. Xiao lets her be, folding his arms once more and watching her as she laughs herself silly.

The door opens. "Hello! I thought I heard some…"

Xiao and Hu Tao turn to the door, her hands still on his face. Xiangling blinks at them, standing hesitantly on the threshold of the café.

After a beat of silence, Hu Tao quickly withdraws her touch with a little squeak, and waves at her nervously. "Hello hello! Your two bestest helpers in the world are here to save the day – or rather, the week." She takes one step to the side. "And, and! I even got Adeptus Xiao to help us!"

Xiao, in turn, says absolutely nothing. Xiangling stares at him meekly, lips parted, and looks at Hu Tao hesitantly. "How did you get an adeptus to help us? What did you do?"

Hu Tao puts her arms on her hips. "Excuse me, are you suggesting I tried something suspicious? Your slushie yesterday wasn't that bad I'd send an adeptus to end your life, don't be ridiculous!"

"I– I didn't even suggest that!" Xiangling exclaims, nervously glancing at Xiao again. "Pardon my indiscretion, Conqueror of Demons, but what brings you here? I can whip some food for you in no time, you needn't bother yourself with this."

Xiao sighs. "No, I don't need food, and my presence today has little to do with Hu Tao."

The wording doesn't go amiss for her. She whips her head in his direction, smirking. "Little to do with me, you say? Are you here to save us from distress, o mighty yaksha? Did you heed my plea for help like a prince coming to save his–"

He tugs at her cheek, effectively shutting her up, regarding the chef blankly. "I was told by a friend of mine that you needed help here, so I thought I may offer my assistance."

The chef quietly takes in his words, but as though that wasn't enough, she subtly turns to Hu Tao, as though seeking her confirmation. The director nods, satisfied. "Had it been up to me, we would have come with matching uniforms, so trust me, I had nothing to do with this. If anything, I was just as surprised as you. It's quite mean of you not to tell a buddy of yours that you wanted to swing by, mighty yaksha. What a shame."

"If I had told you that, you would have, indeed, sprung matching uniforms on me. And we have had this conversation already – my clothes are fine as they are."

Hu Tao brings a hand to her chest. "Ouch, your words are so harsh… also, if I recall correctly, you liked the clothes I bought for last New Year, didn't you?"

"I said they weren't unpleasant."

Her grin crooks, and she cackles. "I saw them in your closet last week, you don't need to hide these things from me, silly."

Before Xiao can get another word in, Xiangling laughs. "Looks like you must be pretty close friends. I wasn't expecting that at all!" The chef bows her head to Xiao. "Any friend of Hu Tao's is a friend of mine. Come in, you two. Time for Xiangling's Crash Course on Client Services!"

That isn't the most profound or poetic name Hu Tao has ever heard, but she knows Xiangling will be her boss for this week. She'll have to stay on her best behavior – especially now that Xiao has joined the mission.

The Shade of the Qingxin is a beautiful, small café covered in the midday shadows of Liyue's boulevard. Hu Tao has a certain flair for the sophisticated in terms of decor, so she knows that most of the materials used for the furniture are quite pricey. The vases are made of precious porcelain, the flowers are freshly picked species from Sumeru and Fontaine, and– oooh, the paintings on the walls, the beautiful scent lingering in the air, so clean and fresh!

Hu Tao lets out a content sigh. She could burst into a verse at any given moment. "Goodness, this is such an enchanting little corner to have a quick coffee at. The owner must have an exquisite taste!"

"That's what I thought too! And you haven't seen the equipment or some of the food the boss ordered for me, they're amazing!" With one look at the silent yaksha, she clears her throat. "That is to say, I love everything here. I even got a menu set up for tomorrow already – there are some Mondstadt drinks included, just in case some big shots from Mondstadt come over. Take a look!"

She hands them a little pamphlet written in beautiful lettering. The list of drinks is pretty expansive, listing coffees, milkshakes, juices, teas, and then a slightly smaller menu with scrumptious-looking side dishes. Some of them are making Hu Tao salivate, and Xiao looks no less interested. She'll poke some fun later.

Gosh, leave it up to Xiangling to have everything ready. Hu Tao turns to her. "This is gonna be a smashing success, I can tell! And with us helping you out, it will only get better."

She had expected a round of applause from Xiangling, perhaps a little group cheer before getting to the training, but Xiangling doesn't seem quite convinced. "Well… there's still something else I'd like to try before we get to official business."

Xiao cocks his head. "What else?"

His voice commands a spark of hesitation in the chef. "Um, I would never doubt the abilities of Liyue's Vigilant Yaksha or a funerary director, but I'd like to see you two in action first. The boss is putting a lot of faith in me, and I can't employ just anyone now."

"That's fine. We don't plan on ruining this business, do we?" Xiao shakes his head solemnly. "What do we have to do?"

"Well…" Xiangling pads over behind the bar, and gestures at a table not too far. "What about we do some roleplay? One of you can be the customer, and the other will be the waiter. I want to see how you'd behave under normal circumstances."

That's such a good and fun idea that Hu Tao instantly rushes to the table, sitting neatly on a chair. Xiao shakes his head. "Your eagerness is suspicious."

Hu Tao giggles into her hand. "Why, don't you want to serve a drink to one of your bestest friends in the world? You can always take a seat first. I'll bring you a very, very good dish for you to try as compensation for being a patient client."

Xiao immediately turns heel. "Never mind. Wait right here."

With that, Xiangling and Xiao scurry to the back of the café. She can catch a small glimpse of him from here. He's so enchanting when he's listening to people, focused on them. It's a shame that someone as pretty as him doesn't let himself be seen often – he'd probably have many ladies groveling at his feet for a date.

The image alone makes her laugh. He'd look so uncomfortable, but she knows he's kind enough to not be cruel. Maybe that's the reason he's here, too – he's never been cruel enough to deny a friend.

… Or maybe it has something to do with whatever happened at the Chasm. She doesn't have much information on what happened to him, in specific, but she's just glad he isn't dead. Xiao perishing in some dark corner of a cave wouldn't be right.

He's so quiet, now, taking orders from Xiangling with attentive eyes. This is going to be one curious week with him working here.

Eventually, Xiangling and Xiao come out of the back room. Xiangling takes the bar while Xiao, clad in an unfairly cute apron, approaches her with a notepad, a pen, and a frighteningly professional expression.

"Good morning. What can I get for you?"

Hu Tao tries to fight back a giggle. Rex Lapis forbid, he sounds so unnatural. "Good morning. It's a very nice day out, isn't it? Almost makes me wanna take my glider out and bask in the sunshine…" She spies the little paper tucked in his apron. "What do you have on the menu?"

Xiao takes the paper out and hands it to her. "Here. Take your time choosing. All of our beverages are of the best quality."

Well, he doesn't have to tell her twice – if Xiangling is at the helm of this, everything will taste good if it's nothing too out of the box. At least there aren't slime drinks, and none of the meals have Regisvine residue. It's all butter, spice, and everything nice.

Still… Hu Tao looks at Xiao for a moment. He's so stiff, but his eyes are so intense she can tell he'll be ready for whatever she throws at him. Maybe he's anticipating some trouble – he knows her pretty well.

She looks at him sweetly. "I would like to have a Fluorescent Shore, please."

Xiao's eyes narrow. "That drink isn't on the menu."

Hu Tao shrugs matter-o-factly. "I would still like to have one. I heard from a friend that this establishment only serves the best of the best, so how could a delicacy from Inazuma not be on the menu?" She peers into his eyes. Irritated as he may be, he isn't any more nervous. Hm. "You know how to prepare it, do you not?"

This is a bit mean of her to ask, because Inazuma was closed until not too long ago, but the instructor within her just can't help herself. After all, there's no way Xiao would–

"Brew a crisp cup of coffee, pour it into a glass with mint-infused ice cubes and slowly stir in fizzy water. Then, add a flower of mint, and we can add some drops of lemon juice, if you wish." Her eyes widen. Xiao leans towards her, voice a little lower. "Am I correct?"

Her heart skips a beat. "Um, yes."

Xiao nods. "Very well. Will that be all?"

The way he's writing it down like that, completely unfazed by her little trick…! Hu Tao crosses her legs. "I would like to have something else to go with it. I have heard wonders about a drink named Berry Jammy, and I believe you have it on the menu, but I have no idea what it's made of. Do you happen to know its ingredients?"

The yaksha, pen in hand, glances at the menu right in front of Hu Tao, and then at her. She quickly flips it upside down.

"Freshly squeezed apple juice mixed with milk, lemon zest, and fizzy water." Darn it, darn him! "We can serve it with some ice if you so desire. Would you like anything else?"

Hu Tao eyes him up and down. "No, that will be all. Thanks!"

Xiangling has been watching the show all along with quiet eyes, and only perks up when Xiao approaches her. After a short exchange between them, Xiangling ushers Xiao to the bar and, to Hu Tao's shock, allows Xiao to prepare her drinks himself.

Aiya, what is this hypocrisy? Xiangling never let her near her kitchen, they're gonna have to talk about this later!

Hu Tao, knowing that Xiao might get too nervous with two pairs of eyes watching him, entertains herself with the menu. The rhythmic clicks of the ice, the gentle flow of the juice, the crips cracks of coffee hitting the ice… she shudders. It's a pleasure to the senses, all of this. She should go to fancy quiet cafés more often.

Xiao brings her the drinks in no time at all. He gently places them on the table. "Here you go. Would you like anything else?"

She grasps the little spoon and swirls the ice cubes in the glass. The drink isn't quite cold yet. "Hm… I don't think so, thank you!"

When his shoulders slump and he turns around, she clears her throat.

"Wait, wait!" Xiao swiftly turns to her, jaw locked tight. "I would also like one serving of Foamy Reef, please." He quickly writes it down and turns to leave – but she's not done. "Hold on, I also want… hmm…"

Hu Tao can physically feel Xiao twitching with irritation. He truly isn't shaped for catering, is he?

Ay, she shouldn't indulge this much, but… "May I also have a Moonlit Alley? I greatly appreciate alleys and their symbolism, so… I can't let such a drink pass!"

Xiao's left eye twitches. "That one isn't on the menu either."

"Aw, does that mean you cannot prepare it? I would be willing to pay a very pretty Mora for it, too… unless you cannot prepare it. What a shame that would be."

Right as Xiao's shoulders rise and his hands ball into fists, Xiangling claps from the back. "Okay, you two, lay off! I think that's enough practice for Xiao. No need to get into an argument in front of my other patrons." She says, gesturing at the empty café. She laughs. "That was fun, wasn't it?"

Xiao, finally unleashing his true emotions, whips his head towards Xiangling. "How was her badgering fun? I have never seen such an entitled client before."

Hu Tao gasps. "Ay-ay-ay, your waiter just called me entitled… I think I might want a refund."

Much to her pleasure, Xiao turns to her next, hands on his hips. "Do you think playing with my patience is entertaining? You look very pleased with yourself."

"Aw, don't take it personally! You must be prepared for the worst of the worst and the ugliest of the ugliest if you want to succeed – that's the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor guarantee." Xiao blinks at her. She's seen him train with Ganyu – he most likely sees it this way, too. "Not gonna lie, though, your temper was delightful. I didn't even get to try my drinks yet, I was completely captivated!"

She gently takes her glass and tries the coffee. Being completely honest, she has never tried the drink, but oh isn't this a kick of energy! It has a mild herbal undertone, and he added the smallest amounts of lemon, too…

"Xiangling, you might have a competitor right before you. This is wonderful, you need to try this."

The young chef, more excited than troubled, takes Hu Tao's drink and has a quick sip. She grins widely. "Woah, she's right! Did Diona from Mondstadt teach you some tricks?"

Xiao shakes his head. "I knew someone with an affinity for drink making. I picked up a thing or two, I suppose." A thing or two, the devil says. "I trust this was enough. I believe it's my turn now."

It's a little endearing, how he sounds like a child asking for his turn with the toys. Hu Tao relents, extending her hand and committing the sight of him with the silly apron on. Zhongli will have fun with this one. "Give that here, then. Can't risk getting my clothes dirty, now can I?"

After Xiao hastily takes the apron off and sits down, Xiangling grabs Hu Tao's arm and leads her towards the back room. Hu Tao would be working on putting the apron on her way there, if it weren't for Xiao's stare burning on her back. It's awfully noticeable, and while she'd be elated that the guy she's head over heels for is being so attentive, it's messing with her head!

By the time they're in the backroom, her face is beet red. Xiangling clicks the door shut. "Is this the guy you told me you were sobbing your eyes for last week?"

Hu Tao clasps a hand over Xiangling's mouth. "Sh! He has very sharp ears! It only happened once, and I had had a very tiring day. Promise you won't tell anyone, okay? Or next time I'll send my plum blossoms in the spookiest coffin we have on stock!"

"Okay, okay, I'll keep your secret! Gosh, to think you'd be crushing on an adeptus… but we can talk about that later." Xiangling gestures for her to turn around. "Now, all you gotta do is ask him what he wants, put on a smile, and bring him what he asks for. I have seen what this guy eats, so it shouldn't be too hard." The chef turns Hu Tao around and lifts a finger. "Don't get carried away, don't get distracted – and no business development either!"

Hu Tao lifts her chin. "So you think I am so good I'd sell him a deal of my own? That's very high praise, Xiangling."

Xiangling giggles, grabs a notepad and a pen, and hands it to her. "Here. The trays are right behind the bar. I'll be handling the drinks this time, so make sure to write down the right number of the table and his order."

With a nod, the director marches to the door. "Got it, leave it to me!"

With a professional saunter and an even more professional flip of the small notebook, she approaches Xiao. She bows her head. "Good morning, dear customer of ours. I hope I didn't keep you waiting – as you can see, we have a lot of clients today."

Xiao glances at the empty tables around them. If it were any other occasion, she'd sneak a theory or two, something about spirits taking chairs, but she swallows it down firmly – focus, Hu Tao!

He nods his head. "It's fine."

"Good, good! May I take your order, then?"

The yaksha takes the menu on the table and looks through it. Knowing him, he'd have his orders thought up already, and he clearly knows the menu back to back already, so what's all this stalling for? Good thing she's patient to a fault – he's not going to get under her skin.

Xiao clears his throat. "I would like some Almond Tofu."

His blank stare meets her wide eyes, but her stare narrows. So this is what he's gonna do, huh. "I'm afraid we don't ha–"

"I want some Almond Tofu." Hu Tao jolts. "Are you saying that you don't have something that easy to create? Your menu lacks structure and care for detail. Your business will fail without dishes this simple."

The worst part is that she wouldn't put it past him to say this kind of thing on a bad day, but she knows very well he wouldn't say it to her, because this isn't a bad day – or so it seems – and he just wants to get a reaction out of her, but joke's on him: she buries bodies on the daily, so she knows what a dead-faced client is like!

Hu Tao, smile getting thin, snaps her notebook shut. "I see, I see! Your suggestions are always welcome, dear customer, so I shall talk to our chef. We wouldn't want someone with such a clear understanding of the industry to leave our business with a frown – not if it's within our cupacities."

She doesn't miss the slight break in his demeanor, and snickers when he shifts on his seat. "Fine. Do not waste my time."

Fully into her play, Hu Tao marches towards Xiangling, who has long given up on pretending to be a bartender and is just fully watching them. Hu Tao points at Xiao with her thumb. "You're not gonna believe this guy, what he's asking for!"

"I heard him loud and clear," Xiangling replies with a grin. "What do you think we should do?"

"Well, there is a saying in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for these occasions: if you can't handle the burial, pass the shovel to someone else. I wanted to tell him to go elsewhere, but I needed a minute to find the right words, so I'm here." Xiangling blinks at her as she hums to herself. "Hm… a client requesting a new dish isn't the same as someone asking for a different flower crown, is it?"

"You can tell him to go elsewhere," Xiangling says. "But if possible, tell him to pick another dish or drink."

Hu Tao's head illuminates with a brilliant idea. "Oh, you're the smartest, Xiangling! I will be right back!"

Before the chef can stop her, Hu Tao rushes back to Xiao. The adeptus seems surprised by her haste, but he merely raises his eyebrows at her. "Where is my Almond Tofu?"

She puts on her best businesswoman smile. "My chef has regrettably confirmed that we don't have Almond Tofu on the menu – but, but!" She circles the table and leans over his shoulder, pointing at the menu in his hand. "We have a specially rich drink with the same sort of sweetness of Almond Tofu, but if you want, we can make it even thicker!"

Xiao's voice comes out weirdly strangled. "Um, how so?"

"My oh my, you want me to reveal our industry secrets so quickly!" She tries to catch his eyes. "We froth the milk with a special blend of sugars until it's creamy, and then we pour it on a chilled glass with a layer of sweet, delicious caramel. It will warm up your stomach and lighten the burdens of a troubled heart, so if you…"

Hu Tao's voice trails off as she realizes that she's leaning right over his shoulder, with her face not too far from his. It's obvious that he has noticed her proximity, because he's also staring at her and he's deliciously tense, the same way she'd sometimes be when he lands a bit close to her upon call.

He's so pretty, his eyes are so enchanting, and his gaze… his lips…

The director swiftly remembers her place and swings back into her role, straightening her back. "So! Will that do?"

Xiao stammers, "Yes. That should be fine. Thanks."

Hu Tao sweeps the menu from his grasp and hurriedly walks towards Xiangling, who is already working on the drink behind the bar. "Quick thinking, Hu Tao! You must know Xiao pretty well to make that kind of guess."

The sole mention of his name makes her cheeks redden. "It– it was kind of a wild guess. You can't successfully run a business without some sharp thinking." And some customer skills, but she'd wager her bond with Xiao and her stupid feelings played a higher role here. She has her back deliberately turned to him for a reason. "Anyway, do you think he'll like it? Make it as sweet as humanly possible. That'll keep him energized for the rest of the training."

Xiangling giggles while pouring the caramel into the glass. "Don't worry, this is super yummy already. Just add a bit more of this – oh, and maybe…" She reaches into a cupboard and sprinkles something white and fancy-looking on the caramel glass. "Bam, some almond shavings! They're so thin they'll melt into the milk. Give me a moment!"

The milk pours into the glass and makes the cold caramel swirl beautifully. As promised, the almond melts almost immediately, and to top it off, Xiangling places trickles of caramel on the rim of the glass.

Hu Tao takes the drink gingerly and places it on a tray. Like she's seen hostesses and tavern waitresses do, she holds the tray up with one hand, lifts her chin, and slowly makes her way to him.

She isn't the most balanced individual, sometimes stumbling from stone to stone in Wuwang Hill. Xiao has commented on this several times, and he's not helping right now. His gaze is so intense, so unmoving, that Hu Tao feels like she can't move a muscle without being watched. Eyes that would usually make her feel nervous now make her feel… hot, in a way she can't quite explain.

There's something there, something in his posture and his amber stare; it's making her buckle inside, it's making her hands shake the slightest bit. If only he wasn't so good-looking, if only she didn't have feelings for this absurd anomaly of a man…

Hu Tao can hear the glass rattling. Can he hear it, too? He has sharp ears, so she'd be surprised if he couldn't.

Then, tragedy strikes: her loafer catches with the leg of a chair.

Hu Tao screams, toppling over with the tray in hand – but wind swirls around her and strong hands catch her right before she can touch the ground, and with all remaining focus she has, she extends the tray and catches the drink with a clean reach.

The drink topples and dances before settling. She and Xiao let out a relieved sigh.

Knees shaky, she places the drink on the table as Xiao straightens her. "What happened? You seemed quite confident before."

Ay-ay-ay, like he has the right to ask! Hu Tao grins at him, proud, although a bit embarrassed. "Ju– Just like I said, you can be the best of gentlemen sometimes. You should consider trading the spear for a tray, or… maybe a shovel? We have very sturdy ones at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

Xiao pinches the bridge of his nose. Xiangling approaches them, head tilted. "Thank you for the catch, Adeptus Xiao. To think that yummy drink was almost ruined…"

Hu Tao dusts off her apron. "Hey, I could have snapped my neck on the floor!"

"I know, I know – don't look at me like that, I'm just worried about the produce!" The chef focuses on her two testees next, eyeing them up and down. "I didn't expect you two to work so differently, but I think I have a pretty idea of how we can make this work."

Wait, so they can make it work? The director gasps. "Oh my, so we're good enough? But I almost broke a glass!"

"A good manager needs to work around things like these, and it's not something that can't be fixed." She smiles knowingly at Hu Tao. "I'm sure it won't happen with other clients, too – it's fine!"

Xiao looks at Hu Tao briefly, and Hu Tao quickly averts their eyes. Xiangling is scheming something. She can smell the blood in the air.

"Anyway, you fell because of the way you were holding the tray!" The chef grabs the tray and mechanically makes Hu Tao hold it at her chest's height, with her two hands. "Our clients will be seated, so holding it like this will suffice. You can place the tray on the table and give them their drinks. It gives you a very classy touch!"

That certainly solves the problem of her balance, and while other clients may distract her, they'll never be quite as bad as Xiao. Hu Tao exhales. "Good, good! It's not as flashy, but…"

"Yup, but it's okay." The chef regards Xiao next. "About you, Adeptus Xi–"

"Xiao is fine," he assures her. "The fewer people I know of my adept standing, the better."

Xiangling nods. "Well, you're not bad with dealing with the customer, but I was more surprised by how you knew the drinks from top to bottom – and you prepared Hu Tao's drinks very well! I knew Hu Tao would memorize them in a second, but you…"

The yaksha shakes his head. "I only knew Hu Tao's picks and a few more, but the drinks weren't difficult to memorize. I would need to practice to manage that confidently."

"No no, it's okay! I actually thought it may be a good idea to put you in charge of the bar while I cook. There won't be nearly as many people sitting there, and you'd only be in charge of drinks and maybe serving a dish or two. You'd mostly have to talk with Hu Tao." Hu Tao, in turn, beams at him. "I think that'd be a good arrangement, yeah?"

After a moment of consideration, Xiao nods. Hu Tao's heart soars with anticipation – what would a bartending Xiao look like? Aiya, she can't wait to find out.

Hu Tao bows her head respectfully. "We're glad we'll be able to help you despite our shortcomings. We'll make sure you don't regret it!" Hu Tao waves at her. "I need to get back to the parlor, and I'm sure our local yaksha has yaksha things to do, hm?"

The man nods once more, but before the two can turn heel and leave, Xiangling yanks them back by the back of their shirts.

"We still need some training to get done, so sit down!" She sits both Hu Tao and Xiao down. "I'll get you two some drinks, okay? Anything I can get you?"

The two hirees trade looks. Beginnings of irritated regret are forming in Xiao's eyes, and honestly, Hu Tao can't blame him – this is going to be a long, long day.

Xiao settles on his seat. "One glass of Boreal Watch for me."

Hu Tao groans, "Make it two, please."