Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Keqing: “Zhongli, Can’t You Be a Bit More Ambitious?”

“Hall Master… we’re just going to find out the truth, not investigate a crime scene.

Isn’t this a bit… too professional?”

Zhongli stared at Hu Tao, who had changed out of her usual clothes and into a full Fontaine-style detective outfit, his heart filled with silent complaints.

They were only going to clarify what was going on—not perform in a stage play.

Wasn’t this outfit a little too eye-catching?

“Consultant Zhongli, doesn’t this make me look more professional?”

Hu Tao justified herself without hesitation.

“If I showed up wearing my usual clothes and knocked on Keqing’s door, what if people thought she resigned because something happened to her family? Wouldn’t that cause unnecessary trouble?”

Hu Tao had clearly prepared her excuse in advance.

That said, Zhongli felt that this was probably just because she wanted to wear the outfit.

Still… on second thought, it wasn’t completely unreasonable.

After all, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor showing up at someone’s door was never a good sign— especially when it was the Hall Master herself.

“All right, let’s head out!”

It was Hu Tao’s first time playing detective, and she was genuinely excited.

Thinking of the dramas she’d seen from Fontaine, she nearly blurted out the classic line—

There is only one truth!

They clearly had serious business to attend to, yet Hu Tao’s behavior was far too lively.

But Zhongli really had no way to deal with her and could only let her have her fun.

Fortunately, Hu Tao knew her limits.

She might be mischievous, but she wouldn’t actually cause trouble.

With Hu Tao dressed like that, walking through Yujing Terrace was far too conspicuous.

Normally, someone like her would never be allowed to wander around such a critical area of Liyue.

But seeing Zhongli at her side eased many people’s concerns.

At the very least, Zhongli would keep an eye on her— and she wouldn’t start advertising Wangsheng Funeral Parlor services here.

The guards at the entrance initially intended to stop Hu Tao.

But the moment they saw Zhongli with her, they abandoned the idea.

After all, this was the next Yuheng Star personally appointed by the current Yuheng, Keqing.

And Zhongli was already a highly respected figure at Yujing Terrace.

Every one of the Seven Stars held him in high regard.

As a result, most of the staff here already considered Zhongli’s appointment as a foregone conclusion.

“You’re here to see Lady Keqing, right?

Mr. Zhongli, Miss Hu Tao—please, go right in.”

Before Zhongli could even speak, the guards waved them through.

The speed of it made him swallow the words he had been about to say.

“Wow, you’re not even officially in office yet and you already have this much prestige.

Consultant, I’ve got high hopes for you~”

Hu Tao patted Zhongli on the shoulder, full of confidence in his future.

Sure, he wasn’t as young as Keqing—but his prospects still looked bright!

“Hall Master… whether I can truly take on the role of one of the Seven Stars is still too early to conclude…”

The more Zhongli heard, the more distressed he became.

He had already ruled Liyue for six thousand years and personally governed it for nearly four thousand.

He had long exceeded Liyue’s retirement age.

And now they wanted to hire him again?

That was excessive.

He was an overage worker.

Continuing to occupy public resources like this didn’t seem right at all.

When they arrived at Keqing’s office, they found her packing her belongings.

Her personal items were already neatly packed away.

“You’re here… and Hall Master Hu Tao as well?”

Seeing Hu Tao present as well, Keqing was slightly puzzled.

The handover of the Yuheng Star position shouldn’t have anything to do with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

“Well, your resignation was so sudden that we felt something was off,” Hu Tao said frankly.

Off?

Keqing understood Hu Tao’s concern.

“Please rest assured—this was not forced by anyone.

It was my own decision.”

She handed her earlier speech manuscript to Zhongli.

Hu Tao leaned over and took a look as well.

“I see. In that case, I can understand why Miss Keqing chose to resign,” Zhongli said calmly.

“But choosing me as your successor—wasn’t that a bit too hasty?”

Zhongli wasn’t opposing Keqing’s resignation.

He was opposing being chosen as her replacement.

And truth be told, he greatly admired Keqing’s future path.

Civilizations beyond the sky were as numerous as the stars.

Compared to Liyue’s six-thousand-year history, those civilizations—some developed over hundreds of thousands of years—were simply beyond reach.

Keqing was heading out into the wider universe to fight for a future.

It made sense that she would resign.

A bird chooses the best tree to roost in.

And more importantly, her decision wasn’t just for herself—it was also for Liyue.

How could Zhongli, seeing such devotion to Liyue, possibly stop her from pursuing her ideals?

“Time is tight. There is no one in Liyue who could earn public trust as quickly as you, Mr. Zhongli.

This was a decision made out of necessity.”

Keqing tactfully avoided mentioning that Su Ran simply couldn’t stand Zhongli freeloading at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

She was at least leaving him some dignity.

Otherwise, his image would have completely collapsed— even if it was common knowledge.

“But—”

“Could you really stand by and watch this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip through my fingers?

This concerns Liyue’s future!”

Seeing Zhongli still hesitate, Keqing could only resort to moral pressure.

For Liyue’s future, she was willing to give up her familiar position as Yuheng Star and venture into the unknown.

But Zhongli?

A man with vast knowledge, yet nowhere to apply it— idle day after day.

Couldn’t he show some ambition?

He had lived most of his life already, spending his days drinking tea, watching operas, and listening to storytellers.

If this continued, he’d rot away!

She was giving him a chance to leave his name in history.

If he did well, he could become the greatest Yuheng Star Liyue had ever known— instead of a useless loafer drifting through life!

“I think Keqing’s right, Consultant.

We’re doing this for Liyue’s future!”

Hu Tao was very clear on matters of principle.

After understanding the contents of the speech manuscript, she decisively took Keqing’s side.

Zhongli wore a deeply troubled expression.

“But… I’m really very tired…”

“Tired? You spend your days drinking tea, watching operas, listening to books, or eating at Wanmin Restaurant.

Where exactly are you tired?”

As Zhongli’s financial lifeline, Hu Tao remembered his daily expenses very clearly.

Zhongli:

Can I say that I’ve already worked as the Geo Archon for several thousand years?

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