Chapter Text
I saw a ghost.
I’ve been seeing her for weeks now.
One day she just appeared.
I was going through my normal routine. I woke up early like I usually do. Then I walked over to my office, nothing new. On some days, there would be a line of “clients” already waiting for me. It’s not too frequent, but it happens enough to the point that I prepare for it every day. That day was a lucky one where I didn’t have to deal with any extra nuisances. I made my way to the door, unlocked it, and waltzed right through the doorway. But, strangely enough, an unfamiliar face greeted me. It was a girl. About my height, and also fond of hats (based on the fact she was wearing a very peculiar looking hat with pride). Long, hazelnut-colored hair. And, based on her demeanor, she was a bit of a troublemaker. Honestly, I was surprised I haven’t already met her. She seemed so outgoing that surely, she would’ve made herself known to me prior to this. But alas, back then, she was a new face. A stranger. And, somehow, her face seemed like one I knew.
I suppose if it were a normal human, it wouldn’t be so extraordinary to meet someone in my office as I did. Of course, new clients are always welcome, but I’d always prefer if they didn’t break into my office. Surprisingly enough, it’s happened enough times to encourage me to install extra security. The girl standing in my room was physical proof of my need for better security, clearly.
“How’d you get in here?”
“I was just hopin’ to talk to you, so I let myself in~” The girl winked playfully as if she didn’t just commit several crimes by being here.
“I understand that you might require my assistance, but please do not break into my office. You trespassed. I will have to consult the Millelith about your actions.”
The girl walked closer to me before she spoke, “There’s no need for that~!”
I raised my brow in confusion, “What do you mean…?”
Abruptly, the girl threw her hand towards my chest. It went right through my body completely. The girl’s hand stuck out from the other side, “You can’t arrest a ghost!”
In shock, I took several steps back. I’ve had her fair share of encounters with non-human beings- but the fact that this one was so closely human made me feel a bit unsettled.
I took a deep breath, “Alright… if you’re a ghost, then why are you here? Surely, ghosts do not need legal advice?”
The “ghost” laughed a bit, “I’ve just taken an interest in you, nothing more. I was hoping we could get along, Miss…?”
I was quick to respond, “Yanfei. My name is Yanfei. How should I refer to you?”
The girl put her hands on her hips proudly, “I’m Hu tao, the one and only!” She smiled brightly.
Hu tao? That sounds familiar…?
~✧~
Ever since then, Hu tao has stuck around. I’d consider us friends. Though, being her friend can be hard at times. She likes to pull pranks on anyone and everyone…
Just a couple of days ago, I was dining at Wanmin Restaurant. I had ordered two dishes, tofu for me and grilled fish for Hu tao. Of course, she couldn’t eat the food in public. It would look very weird if I had a two-person meal set up for just me. I have it take it to-go, which I don’t mind.
While I was digging my food out of my to-go bag, Hu tao had wandered off. I couldn’t make a scene because I’m the only one who can see her. The people of Liyue would think I’d gone mad if I ever try interacting with her in public. It’s a blessing and a curse. It gives me a reason to ignore her if she ever gets on my nerves, but it also makes me seem completely mute in public most of the time and prevents me from stopping her if she tries to do anything stupid. She does stupid things often.
All I could do was subtly watch as Hu tao made her way to the cook’s daughter, Xiangling. She then poked her on the shoulder and watched as the young chef turned around in confusion. And once Xiangling dismissed the first poke, Hu tao did it again, but on the other shoulder. She laughed to herself as the young chef turned around again, this time irritated. I found myself laughing a bit, too. Although Hu Tao’s antics were, most of the time, morally wrong- I do find them enjoyable to watch at times.
Hu Tao kept repeating the same steps again and again until Xiangling finally snapped. She yelled asking who was messing with her, and after receiving no answer, she stormed inside the kitchen where she could no longer be seen.
After the young chef stormed off, Hu tao came back to me, nearly in tears from laughing. Like I always do, I told her that she shouldn’t pull such pranks. And like she always does, she reminded me that I, too, was laughing- and that I shouldn’t be such a “party pooper.”
We’d always get in trouble like this, neither of us ever got caught, nor even noticed.
It was fun.
~✧~
I do not have friends aside from Hu tao. It’s always been that way. My work schedule prevents me from having time for other people, and in all my years of living, my failed attempts at friendship deterred me from trying to make friends at all anymore. I’ve tried with Yelan, an unpredictable woman I met through my work. She went on an extremely dangerous mission into the Chasm many years ago, and I haven’t seen her since. I’ve tried with Kuki Shinobu, a law student and a young lady with a bright future. I heard she tried to make it back to Liyue by ship to study law, but a terrible storm prevented her from leaving. She hasn’t written back to me in months. I assumed that whatever storm is going on is stopping any mail from coming through as well, and it must be powered by the Shogun herself, thus explaining its lingering through time.
The recurrence is that I’ve completely lost contact with both of them. I gave up trying at some point down the line. The same goes for my parents, they left for a long trip when I was little. Granny says they won’t be back for a while, my dad’s Adeptus blood means he has no time limit to his life. But even then, it would be nice if he was around to see me grow into the woman I am today. Alas, it’s too late for wishing. I’m already all grown up.
“What’s with the long face, Yanyan~?” Hu tao put on a smug look, but I could tell she was genuinely concerned. She even used her favorite nickname for me. At least, I assumed it was since she used it the most out of all.
“Oh, nothing too important… just thinking of old friends…”
Hu tao inched closer upon hearing this, and put her elbow on my desk in an attempt to get comfy, “Still haven’t heard from any of them?”
I pursed my lips without noticing and nodded, “Mhm… It’s weird though. They used to be so persistent about writing to me no matter their schedule.”
“snap out of it”
“I’m sure they’ll reply soon!” The ghost smiled with hopefulness as she made her way to the seat next to mine. She sat down and scooted as close to me as possible not seeming aware of personal boundaries. It’s okay, though. I don’t really mind, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of my work. Even then, I’m sure she’ll find a way to make sitting obnoxious.
“Whatcha workin’ on?” Hu tao brought her head closer to my papers and tried reading the fine print but quickly got bored of it.
“It’s just some official documents for a case a took up recently. Thankfully, it isn’t a divorce, it’s something much more interesting; my client has been accused of stealing from a merchant that’s known for being somewhat sketchy. I’m confident that my client is innocent, all I have to do is prove it.”
“Aiya- doesn’t this get boring? I don’t know how you manage to stay in your office for so long… how about we take a walk~?” Hu tao quickly got up from her seat beside me and practically dragged me outside by the wrist.
I giggled a little under my breath, “I don’t know why you suggest we take walks so much; you don’t even use your legs! You just float half the time!”
The ghost perked her shoulders up nonchalantly, “What~? Even a ghost likes to move around a bit…! A couple minutes of fresh air every day won’t hurt!”
I rolled my eyes with fake sarcasm as we continued trotting down the familiar streets. The scenery was nice, as always. It was a little cold though despite the sun being out, which I thought was unusual. As we walked, I looked around at the people going on with their day. Merchants were shouting all kinds of things, dogs were barking, and people were talking. I took a moment to look down at the docks to see if Captain Beidou was back from her most recent trip to Inazuma. But alas, she hasn’t returned yet. It’s definitely been months… or maybe I’m just overexaggerating. Either way, I’m excited for her arrival. When she comes back, I can ask her about Shinobu, or, at the very least, if she can help me get some time with Ningguang. If anyone knows where Yelan is it would be Ningguang! But as of lately, the Tianquan has been so busy I haven’t been able to get in contact with her. I suppose it makes sense due to Morax’s recent departure.
It seems like I’m the only one who’s not busy for once. Oh, how the tables have turned.
~✧~