Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [43]

Even the answer Zhongli had given her back then was full of personal conjecture.

She recalled his words:

“It is most likely a ley line anchor, embedded within the land. As for its exact function, I do not know.”

When she pressed him further about what ley lines were, he had explained:

“The ley lines are a conceptual network that connects everything in Teyvat. Different elemental energies flow within them, and every event that transpires on the land is recorded within.”

Hu Tao repeated Zhongli’s words.

Back then, she had found his explanation difficult to grasp, but after hearing Jiang Bai’s description just now, it suddenly became much easier to understand.

Just as the human body has meridians and blood vessels that transport nutrients and life energy, the ley lines were akin to the lifeblood of the land itself.

“If what you sensed really is the ley lines, then maybe they really do form a kind of web.”

She wasn’t sure what the difference between a “web” and a “network” was, but since both words contained ‘net’, they were probably similar, right?

“But why can you sense the ley lines when I can’t feel anything at all?” Hu Tao asked again, her curiosity unsatisfied.

Jiang Bai recalled something Zhongli had once told him—he was an outsider, not bound by the natural laws of Teyvat.

Perhaps being able to sense the ley lines was another result of that.

“No idea… Maybe I just have a sharper sense of perception?”

Since Jiang Bai himself couldn’t explain it properly, Hu Tao decided not to dwell on it.

After all, what could she really expect from someone with amnesia?

“There are ley line anchors in Liyue Harbor too? How come I’ve never seen them?”

“How many times have you even left Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? You’d have to be a ghost to have seen them.” Hu Tao shot him a look of disdain for his homebody tendencies.

At the mention of ghost, the little spirit floating inside her popped out, looking around blankly. Not seeing any actual ghosts, it stared at Hu Tao in confusion.

Hu Tao sighed and pinched its tail. The little spirit stuck out its tongue like a deflating balloon, drifting off before vanishing.

“I’m just not familiar with the roads,” Jiang Bai muttered, trying to justify his lack of exploration.

He reached into his pocket and pulled it open—completely empty. “Besides, without Mora, I wouldn’t be able to do anything even if I went out.”

The currency here was called Mora, named after the first two syllables of the Geo Archon’s divine name: Morax.

That was basic knowledge he had learned from Zhongli.

“Tsk, as if you even need Mora. What would you use it for?” Hu Tao huffed, deliberately looking away from his empty pocket.

He hadn’t contributed a single thing to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor yet, had already stolen her copy of the [Debate Club], and now he expected her to give him Mora?

Not happening!

“I just wanted to buy a gift for you, Director Hu…” Jiang Bai scooted closer, grinning mischievously. “You’ve taken such good care of me—I should at least show my appreciation, right?”

Hu Tao wasn’t falling for his act. She pressed a finger against his forehead and pushed his head back.

“Don’t get so close to me!”

Seeing that his charm strategy had failed, Jiang Bai pouted.

“Alright, alright…”

He let out a dramatic sniffle, his voice filled with mock grievance.

“I’m just a poor, penniless newcomer, rejected by society… My life is so tragic…”

A vein twitched on Hu Tao’s forehead. Without a sound, [Staff of Homa] appeared in her hands.

“Uh—Director Hu, I’ll go scout ahead!”

Jiang Bai’s entire demeanor flipped in an instant. His feet seemed to sprout wheels as he bolted forward, vanishing down the road at full speed.

Hu Tao rolled her eyes in exasperation.

She prided herself on being able to handle all sorts of people, and there was no customer she couldn’t deal with.

But somehow, Jiang Bai always managed to get under her skin.

Why is this guy so shameless?!

…

As the main trade route between Liyue and Mondstadt, the road through Guili Plains was wide and well-maintained. Lanterns lined the path for nighttime travelers, and Millelith checkpoints were stationed at regular intervals, with patrolling guards ensuring the safety of merchants and travelers alike.

The surrounding scenery was breathtaking, a picturesque landscape straight out of a painting.

Jiang Bai strolled leisurely, treating the journey like a scenic outing—wandering here, looking there, occasionally plucking some Mint or picking Sweet Flowers to nibble on.

Before long, the faint blue glow of a Statue of The Seven came into view.

“Huh, there are actually a lot of houses around here.” Standing on a hillside, Jiang Bai looked down at the neatly arranged homes surrounding the statue, his voice tinged with surprise.

Hu Tao placed her hands on her hips, unimpressed by his reaction.

“Why wouldn’t there be houses? It’s close to Liyue Harbor, quieter than the city, and there’s a Geo Archon statue right next door—living here is great.”

Wangsheng Funeral Parlor even owned some property here.
Once land prices went up in the future, they might be able to sell it for a decent profit.

“That’s true…”

City life had its conveniences, but the countryside had its own charm. This area seemed like a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat or a summer getaway.

And with the Millelith constantly patrolling, it was certainly a safe place to live.

The houses were built along the road, with pavilions offering shade and rest stops for travelers and merchants passing through.

Jiang Bai wandered over to one of the pavilions to take a break, while Hu Tao walked to a nearby well, drew a bucket of water, and started drinking straight from the ladle.

After finishing, she wiped her lips and let out a satisfied sigh.

“The water here always tastes better~”

The well water came from the springs flowing down from Mt. Tianheng—far fresher than the water in Liyue Harbor.

“…Drinking unboiled water can give you stomach problems, you know.”

Jiang Bai’s comment was utterly out of place.

“Who told you that?”

“No one. Isn’t it just common knowledge?”

“Is it? Why have I never heard of it?” Hu Tao tilted her head.

“…I’m not sure either.”

It was just something Jiang Bai knew, buried deep in his subconscious.

Though whether it applied in this world was another matter entirely.

But seeing how Hu Tao drank without a second thought, it probably wasn’t a big deal here.

—

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!