OC x Genshin Characters

Zhongli • Lost And Gained

*Trigger warning, mention of loss/death and all things related. Do not read if not comfortable. In no way am I glorifying the subject, but I rather go into the expression and feeling of grief*

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was always a quiet place. Besides Hu Tao's giggling and some words being exchanged, there wasn't much to hear. Peace and quiet, just what Zhongli has been looking for all his life. Dealing with death has always been a common thing. He's seen people come and go over the centuries, nothing unusual for him.

Still, some deaths still have him grieving every now and then. For instance, Guizhong's death took the heaviest toll on him. She was his closest friend and he's always had healing conversations with her. But the Archon War took her away from him and he was left on his own. He did not feel like Rex Lapis anymore. He saw Liyue grow more independently and after a lot of thinking, he decided it was time for a new era. He still sees it as his duty to protect Liyue, but in a more subtle and human way.

It's early in the morning when the door of the parlor swings open to reveal a blonde girl, looking a little lost and Zhongli looks up from his paperwork before greeting her politely.

'Goodmorning, what can I do for you?'

'Ah goodmorning Sir. I'm looking for miss Hu. I have a special request for her, but the person has not been able to go out themselves. Their days are slowly counting and I'm afraid they do not have much longer...'

'I see. So you are here to prepare a funeral?'

'Well...not exactly. It's why I need Miss Hu since her gift is the only thing my commissioner wants, before their passing.'

'Ah you're here. Please come in and I will make you some tea!' Hu Tao has appeared and the girl gives Zhongli a small smile, before following after the Director of the parlor.

It's not new that people seek out Hu Tao for her gift. After all, she can travel between the afterlife and the living world. Zhongli has never quite understood how the young master can be so at peace with the idea of passing. But at the same time, it is true that passing might be sad, but is also a form of freedom. Free from pain. Free from suffering. Sometimes even free from loneliness.

Loneliness...

The concept seemed so normal to him. Like he is meant to live in loneliness for the rest of his human life. At least, he believes so. He'll outlive everyone anyway, so why would he seek out a significant other?

'Thank you miss Hu, I'm sure they will be very happy to hear that.' The blonde girl has left Hu Tao's office and is about to leave the parlor when Zhongli makes her stop.

'Are you friends with the outlander?'

'If you mean Aether, yes, we are merely acquaintances, but we have spoken quite some times. Why do you ask, sir?'

'Please, call me Zhongli. And the reason why I'm asking you this, is because I don't usually see adventurers guild members do these kind of requests...'

'I'm not a member of the adventurers guild. I'm simply someone who is looking for a place to settle and help people out once in a while. I get my earnings from working at the bookshop not far from here.'

'I see...you like literature?'

'It depends. I like psychological and philosophical literature. Sometimes historical.'

'Hmm...do you have any recommendations for me?'

'Umh...I do not remember on the top of my head. I haven't been able to read a lot lately, but if you like, I can make a small list of some books from my collection?'