Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [126]

“We want to know what consequences there might be if we pull it out.”

Hu Tao spoke. This was the real reason she had come to find Zhongli.

If removing that spike caused the snow on the mountain to melt rapidly, it could trigger a massive flood in both Mondstadt and Liyue.

The sheer volume of water from melting snow far exceeded what the current river systems could handle. While the mountain bordered the sea—allowing some of the runoff to pour directly into the ocean—the rest would still pose a severe threat to the populations living along the rivers.

This wasn’t something they could afford to take lightly.

Hu Tao voiced her concerns, drawing Zhongli and Jiang Bai into thoughtful silence.

Jiang Bai looked at her with newfound respect. In such a short time, she had already considered so much—even things that hadn’t occurred to him at all.

He could only think: As expected of the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!

Such foresight! Such awareness of potential disaster! Such big-picture thinking!

Wuwuwu, my Director is amazing!

Zhongli made his way to the pavilion in the courtyard and sat down. Jiang Bai and Hu Tao followed.

He poured himself a cup of tea, then served one each to Jiang Bai and Hu Tao before finally speaking at an unhurried pace.

“I haven’t seen the spike you’re referring to, but anything that can fall from the heavens and destroy the ancient silver tree must be extraordinary.”

“Your concerns are valid, Director. But if you want answers, it may help to consider it from another angle.”

“How did that spike cause the mountain to become what it is now?”

Rather than giving a direct answer, Zhongli chose to guide them in thinking through it themselves—just as he had taught Hu Tao all these years.

“It destroyed the silver-leafed tree that once stood on the mountain, which destabilized the ley lines and turned the area into a snow-covered peak.” Jiang Bai rested his chin on his hand, his thoughts growing clearer.

“In other words, the snow mountain was created by disrupted ley lines. The ancient tree that once stabilized them has already been destroyed. So removing the spike wouldn’t suddenly make the ley lines go back to normal—and that means the snow wouldn’t just melt and cause flooding.”

“Exactly. The spike isn’t what determines the outcome—the ley lines are,” Zhongli nodded approvingly. A teachable student indeed.

Both Jiang Bai and Hu Tao let out a sigh of relief.

Jiang Bai had genuinely feared that agreeing to help might lead to disaster because he hadn’t thought it through carefully enough—and that he would become a sinner because of it.

Hu Tao, too, had worried that if disaster struck due to Jiang Bai’s actions, she, as the Director, wouldn’t be able to dodge responsibility.

“Since pulling out the spike won’t cause a flood, I can finally relax.” Jiang Bai patted his chest, heart still pounding.

Next time, he swore he’d never agree to something so easily again.

But just as he was letting out a breath of relief, Zhongli shook his head.

Jiang Bai tensed up, only to hear him say:

“That’s not quite right.

“Without any precedent, we can’t be certain that pulling out the spike won’t cause any problems. It might not cause flooding—but that doesn’t mean it won’t trigger something else.”

Jiang Bai blinked, then reluctantly nodded. Zhongli had a point.

Zhongli set down his teacup and looked at him intently.

“To this world, you are… special. No one can predict what your actions might change. You’ll have to evaluate and weigh those consequences yourself.”

“You can do anything you believe is right. And I support your decision to remove that spike.”

“But before you act, think carefully. Observe more. Make sure that what you want to do is truly the right choice.”

That Jiang Bai was special—there was no doubt about that.

And precisely because of that, he needed to tread even more carefully.

Jiang Bai nodded, equally serious.

After this experience, he’d become painfully aware of his own shortcomings—especially how careless he could be.

He was deeply grateful to have someone like Zhongli to guide him, preventing him from making a disastrous mistake through lack of forethought.

And he was just as thankful that after waking up, the first people he met were Hu Tao and Zhongli. If it had been anyone else… he likely wouldn’t be who he was now.

Hu Tao didn’t press him about why he was “special.” Just the fact that he had died and come back to life was already special enough—what’s a bit more?

Besides, he’s already part of the Wangsheng Parlor now, she thought. I’ll take care of him.

Imitating Zhongli’s stately manner, she patted Jiang Bai’s shoulder with exaggerated gravitas:

“Next time you run into something like this, and you’re not sure what to do—come ask me or Zhongli. It’s only natural for the little brother to check with the boss first!”

She was just trying to ease his burden. If he started second-guessing himself all the time because of this, that would be no good.

Young people should have the fire of youth. They should move boldly forward, doing what they believe is right!

“Yes, Director! Got it, Director!” Jiang Bai immediately took position behind her, massaging her shoulders and fawning like a loyal henchman.

Hu Tao placed her hands on her hips, chin tilted high as she directed him, “A bit more to the left—no, now a tiny bit to the right. That’s it, right there.”

Watching Jiang Bai’s hands on Hu Tao’s shoulders, Zhongli narrowed his eyes slightly.

Jiang Bai suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, goosebumps prickling across his skin—as if something dangerous had just locked onto him.

He turned around to see Zhongli staring at him, expressionless.

In a flash, Jiang Bai changed targets and scrambled over to Zhongli, hands already at work.

“Mr. Zhongli, let me give you a massage too! How’s this pressure? Want it a bit harder?”

Zhongli: “…Acceptable.”

As Jiang Bai kneaded his shoulders, he asked, “By the way, Mr. Zhongli—do you know how to remove that spike?”

“That, I do not. You’ll have to find a way yourselves.”

“Would using explosives work?”

“Only testing will tell. I can’t offer you any definite advice.”

“…Alright then.”

Seeing that he wouldn’t get anything more out of Zhongli, Jiang Bai finally stopped, a little deflated.

Looks like we really do have to figure it out ourselves.

If even bombs don’t work… then what will?

Oh well—there’s always Albedo. He can handle this kind of problem.

“Mr. Zhongli, would you like to come with us to the mountain? Another person means another potential solution.”

“No. I’ll be heading out later to listen to some storytelling.” Zhongli declined the invitation.

“…Alright, alright.”

If Zhongli didn’t want to go, there was nothing Jiang Bai could do about it.

Now that he had the answer he needed, he was ready to set out for Mondstadt.

Since Hu Tao couldn’t use teleportation, she naturally couldn’t travel with him.

“Director, I need to borrow your storage space. I don’t think my Sanqing Bell can hold all the explosives.”

Hu Tao nodded. “Sure. Hand me your bell and I’ll take out the daily essentials I packed. Wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared on the road.”

Of course she was going too. No way she was letting her junior run off and stir up trouble alone. Since Jiang Bai was heading for Mondstadt, she was making her way to the snow mountain.

—

This is a fan translation of 胡桃拿我冲业绩 by 余溯. 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!