Chapter 110: Hu Tao Wants a Car, Keqing Comes to Visit
"This… what's written here… is it all true?" Hu Tao's head snapped up, her gaze fixed on the clerk across the desk. Her face was a mask of disbelief, a wonder usually reserved for discovering an entirely new continent.
The clerk nodded, his expression grave. "Absolutely true, Director Hu. Multiple witnesses, including our own Millelith soldiers, saw it with their own eyes."
After a moment of stunned silence, an exceptionally bright light ignited within Hu Tao's lively, crimson eyes.
"Liyue's automaton technology has advanced this far already?! Master Xianyun's work is simply… it's simply astonishing!"
For a moment, she completely forgot where she was and what she was doing. Her mind was consumed by the image of that miraculous flying motorcycle, and a single thought began to sprout and grow with the untamed fervor of weeds in spring.
'No way! I have to go find Master Xianyun! I'll beg her to make one for me! I'll even name it the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Express: Hu Tao's Ride! And if that doesn't work… I'll get Consultant Zhongli to sell his old face and put in a good word for me. His reputation is definitely better than mine, right?'
'If it could fly… I could pull a massive Wangsheng Funeral Parlor banner behind it for advertising… The promotional effect would be unimaginable!'
"Ahem! Director Hu! Director Hu!" The clerk watched as Hu Tao's thoughts clearly drifted into another dimension, her eyes beginning to glow with a fervent, almost manic light. A vein pulsed at his temple. He coughed heavily, trying to drag the notoriously quick-witted director back to reality.
"Director Hu, we are currently handling the case of Consultant Daiyuan disturbing the public order," he reminded her, his tone laced with helplessness.
"Ah? Oh! Right, right, right! The case! The case is important!" Hu Tao awoke as if from a dream, hastily reining in her wild ambitions. She composed her features into a serious expression, though the longing for a "flying vehicle" still sparkled irrepressibly in her eyes.
The clerk sighed in relief and continued in a business-like manner. "Based on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's reputational guarantee, and the fact that Consultant Daiyuan is indeed a first-time offender who caused no substantial casualties or property damage, the General Affairs Department has decided not to pursue administrative penalties. No additional compensation will be required."
A surge of joy washed over Hu Tao, and she was just about to offer her thanks when the clerk's tone shifted, becoming more solemn.
"However, regarding that special automaton vehicle involved…" The clerk's gaze sharpened, turning inquisitive. "Could Director Hu please provide more detailed information? For instance, where did this item come from? Who modified it? What is its power core, and what principle allows it to fly?"
He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping. "If such a powerful tool could be popularized, it would bring incalculable improvements to the mobile deployment of Liyue's Millelith, our commercial transport, and even disaster relief! This is a matter of great benefit to the nation and its people, so we hope Director Hu will not hesitate to inform us!"
The clerk's intention was clear; they saw the immense strategic value of the flying machine.
Popularize it? The very idea seemed impossibly advanced.
Hu Tao was about to say, "It was modified by Master Xianyun," but before she could elaborate, a clear and crisp voice cut in from the doorway, interrupting their conversation.
"Regarding that automaton vehicle, I will personally handle the matter."
The door was pushed open, and the Yuheng, Keqing, strode in. Dressed in a practical yet elegant violet ensemble that spoke of her readiness for action, she exuded an aura of sharp competence. Her steps were steady, her amethyst eyes calm, carrying an authority that could not be denied.
Upon seeing her, the clerk shot to his feet and bowed respectfully. "Lady Keqing!"
Keqing gave a slight nod, her gaze sweeping over Hu Tao before settling back on the clerk. "I have already taken over this case from Uncle Tian. All subsequent matters will be handled directly between myself and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Just provide me with a copy of the relevant report, and you may return to your duties."
"Yes, Lady Keqing!" Looking as though he had been granted a great pardon, the clerk quickly handed a copy of the report to Keqing, gathered his belongings, and swiftly exited the room. Involving what seemed to be an adeptal creation and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was a hot potato he was more than happy to pass to the high-ranking Lady Yuheng.
Keqing walked to the seat opposite Hu Tao and sat down, placing the report on the table. She didn't open it immediately, instead looking directly at the funeral parlor director.
"Director Hu, I've learned the general outline of the situation from Uncle Tian. Now, I would like to hear a more detailed account from your side—especially regarding this Consultant Daiyuan, and… the origin of that vehicle."
Her gaze was clear and direct, a reflection of the Qixing's famously pragmatic style.
Facing Keqing, Hu Tao's own demeanor became much more serious.
She reiterated the information she had: Daiyuan was a consultant introduced by Zhongli, and his unusual behavior last night was due to the "accidental ingestion of mushrooms"—though the contents of the report now made her waver on that explanation.
When Keqing asked about the vehicle's origin and its modifier, Hu Tao answered truthfully.
"That vehicle was a prototype that Consultant Zhongli acquired from who-knows-where. Then… it seems he asked Master Xianyun, who is currently living in seclusion in Liyue Harbor, to help modify it. I'm not clear on the specific modification process or the technical details."
"Master Xianyun…" Keqing repeated the name softly, a flicker of understanding in her violet eyes. As one of the Qixing, she was naturally aware of the adeptus, Cloud Retainer, who used the alias "Xianyun" while living among mortals.
If it was an adeptal creation, then everything made sense. The mechanisms of adeptal arts were unfathomably deep; it was no wonder the vehicle could fly.
At the same time, Keqing immediately realized that popularizing such technology would be next to impossible. Setting aside whether Master Xianyun would even be willing to teach such core, secret methods, the levels of power and the materials involved were certainly not something mortals could easily master and replicate.
The clerk's idea, while patriotic, was far too idealistic.
Keqing quickly made a decision. She didn't press for technical details, simply nodding to show she understood.
"I see. Since it is an item connected to adeptal power, it is not appropriate to explore too deeply into its principles, nor to attempt to popularize it."
She skillfully shifted the topic back to the main issue. "Since responsibility has been clearly identified and no serious consequences resulted, Consultant Daiyuan may leave with you shortly. However…"
Her tone subtly shifted, taking on a hint of admonishment. "Please convey to Consultant Daiyuan that the tranquility of Liyue Harbor is hard-won. The rule of law and order must be maintained by all. Regardless of the reason, disturbing the public and causing panic late at night must not happen again."
"Lady Keqing, rest assured! I will definitely 'educate' him thoroughly when I get back!" Hu Tao thumped her chest in assurance, practically swearing an oath to the heavens.
"That would be excellent." Keqing rose from her seat. "Let's go. Take me to see this 'newly arrived' and 'disoriented' Consultant Daiyuan… and Mister Zhongli."
She deliberately put a slight emphasis on a few of the words, a barely perceptible flicker of inquiry in her eyes. She was intensely curious: who exactly was this "Daiyuan," a person who could be personally introduced by the Geo Archon, have his household registration handled for him, and possibly even have adeptal connections used to modify his vehicle? Could he be related to the Geo Archon's recent activities?
Hu Tao quickly agreed, leading Keqing toward the room where Daiyuan was being held—or rather, temporarily accommodated. She also felt a deep sense of relief; with Lady Keqing's word, this matter could finally be put behind them.
However, that flying vehicle… well, it seemed she would have to get to work on Consultant Zhongli after all.
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