Morax the Geo Archon: Billionaire in the Chat Group

"The total for these eleven items is approximately 4 million Mora. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor will issue a direct transfer through the Northland Bank to settle the payment," said the young attendant, nodding slightly toward the young master at the door as she finished speaking. Then, she turned and hurried after Zhongli.

The misty spring rain had not let up; instead, it had become finer and more persistent. The scenery ahead was obscured by a veil of rain, leaving only faint, blurred silhouettes visible in the distance.

Shadows of people appeared delicate and ethereal in the mist.

Under an oil-paper umbrella painted with Glaze Lilies, a girl as graceful as the flower herself followed closely behind a man whose striking beauty seemed otherworldly.

Suddenly, the quiet atmosphere was broken by a voice ahead.

"Mr. Qing, why did you ultimately choose to entrust these items to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

Beside the attendant, in the seemingly empty space, a faint and ethereal reply emerged.

"All my life, I've loved antiques the most. I poured the vast profits of Xianglin Hall into buying them and locking them away in the treasure room, where they've stayed hidden for decades."

"It's only when a person is near death that they truly realize certain truths. I am no exception."

"After coming to terms with those truths, I finally understood that lifeless objects pale in comparison to the living."

"My son—raised under my constant berating—grew distant as I focused solely on revenue and collecting treasures, neglecting him in the process. As he grew up, he naturally became opposed to me."

"At the brink of death, I understood my mistakes, but it was too late to make amends. So, I thought I could sell some items to help him with his expenses."

"He's thoughtful and meticulous. I hope he won't follow in my footsteps."

"Hmm." Zhongli gave a small nod after listening. "That is a reasonable perspective."

The fleeting conversation ended there.

---

Before long, Zhongli and the attendant returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. After submitting the names, serial numbers, and requested prices for the artifacts, Zhongli bid farewell to her.

Walking through the mist, his gilded attire began to glow softly, repelling the rain.

The attendant stood within the funeral parlor, staring blankly at his receding figure until his silhouette and the shimmering light disappeared entirely. Only then did a quiet sigh escape her lips amidst the rain.

"Ah, as expected, even now, Mr. Zhongli refuses to remember my name."

---

With the rain as his companion, Zhongli ambled toward Wanmin Restaurant.

It was nearing noon, and if his memory served him correctly, Xiangling was on duty today.

He had always enjoyed Xiangling's culinary creations. A hearty meal before returning home to rest seemed a fitting plan.

Upon entering the restaurant's hall, he selected an empty table by the window. Soon, the restaurant's chef-cum-waitress, Xiangling, came bounding over to him.

"Mr. Zhongli! You're here again! What would you like today? I recommend the new dishes I've been experimenting with—Qingxin Jelly and Five-Flavor Peppers. One's sweet, the other spicy; they complement each other perfectly!"

"Hmm, I'll take one of each. And please add a portion of aged rice from Qingce Village from last year," Zhongli said calmly, ordering with practiced ease.

"Got it! You really know your stuff, Mr. Zhongli. The aged rice from Qingce Village last year was a bit damp, so its flavor wasn't as rich at first. But after a year of storage and a few days of sun-drying, the taste has become exquisite."

Praising her own ingredients, Xiangling quickly jotted down the order and dashed back to the kitchen.

In no time, the dishes and rice were served. Just as Zhongli was about to begin eating, he suddenly felt the faint sensation of being watched.

Lifting his gaze calmly, he looked toward the restaurant's entrance.

A man dressed in a gray suit stood there, his sharp features exuding elegance. Around his neck was a red scarf, draped like a cape. Noticing Zhongli's attention, the man smiled warmly and began walking toward him.

"Hello. You must be the esteemed consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, renowned for never being deceived—Mr. Zhongli, am I correct?"

"I hold no such title. However, I am indeed Zhongli, consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor," Zhongli replied placidly. "May I ask who you are?"

"Ahaha~~!" The man chuckled softly, his laughter imbued with cheer. "As long as you're the one I've been looking for, that's enough."

"Oh, I nearly forgot to introduce myself. My name is Tartaglia, though I'm better known as Childe. I'm the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui, tasked with handling diplomatic relations with Liyue."

"Greetings, Mr. Childe," Zhongli said, sitting up straighter and adjusting his posture. "I am Zhongli, consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Mr. Zhongli, I've long admired your reputation." Childe's ever-present smile widened slightly. "I have a small favor to ask of you."

"Please, go ahead," Zhongli said, setting down his chopsticks.

"The Northland Bank of Snezhnaya is seeking to expand into Liyue's market, but we lack a proper opportunity. I was hoping you could introduce us to the parlor's owner. Rest assured, you'll be well-compensated for your efforts."

"Very well," Zhongli nodded lightly. "I can assist you."

Childe blinked in surprise before breaking into a satisfied grin. "Thank you! If there's anything you need, I'll do my best to help."

"I don't have money for this meal," Zhongli stated calmly.

"…What?" Childe froze.

"You simply need to pay for my meal today. That will suffice," Zhongli repeated.

"…That's it?" Childe quickly responded. "You could ask for more! The Northland Bank is not known for being stingy."

"There's no need. This much is sufficient," Zhongli said serenely. "As part of the contract, introducing you to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor requires no more than a meal as compensation."

"Ahahaha! You're truly a devout follower of the Geo Archon," Childe laughed heartily.

After a bit more small talk, Childe left the restaurant, naturally settling Zhongli's bill as he departed.

---

Inside the Northland Bank

"Sir," a Mirror Maiden addressed Childe, her expression tinged with puzzlement. "You seem… unusually pleased."

"Of course I'm pleased," Childe replied, his grin widening, his eyes alight with delight.

He looked like a dragon that had stumbled upon a long-lost treasure, his excitement barely contained.

"That man… what an intriguing individual. I expected Liyue's merchants to be a cowardly bunch, but I never thought I'd meet someone so fascinating."

"He truly gets my heart racing!"

---

T/N: ZHONGLI X CHILDE?? YESSSSSSSSSSSSS