Genshin Oneshots

Hu tao's Final Coffin

It was an average day in liyue, bustling with life like it always was. The sun was shining bright with no cloud to be seen what so-ever. The harbor filled to the brim with stalls alike, travelers exploring the city and locals shouting out offers on whatever goods they have been selling.

Hu tao was walking around the harbor enjoying the summer heat with Zhongli, passing by fish stalls and generally having a nice time conversing with one another.

"My, my, my, Zhongli... That reminds me, it's been a few years now and you still look as young as ever! How do you keep your face so young like that?"

"Director Hu, the youth of one's physical appearance doesn't matter, but the state of their heart. You may look old but inside you're still the same young hearted person you were."

Hu tao giggled bit. "I suppose you are correct. Should we go off to eat lunch? I heard a new restaurant just opened!"

Zhongli nods his head in approval and slowly reached for his pockets before pausing. Hu tao turned her old fragile head to face Zhongli. He froze for a good while before saying.

"Director Hu, it is apparent to me that I don't have my wallet."

"Yep, I know! You're always like this Zhongli. Tsk tsk tsk."

Although calm and unnerved, a slight blush on his face could be seen, indicating some sort of embarrassment towards her statement.

"Don't worry I'll pay!" Hu tao exclaims while grinning at Zhongli.

They arrive at the new restaurant which occupied with a large amount of locals and travellers. It seems to be everyone wanted to try out the new restaurant food. Loud chatter could but heard from a pretty good distance. Even if they didn't want to wait in line, they still waited and finally ate till their hearts content.

"Ah, osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember.-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Mmm the food was great though. Shall we head back?"

Hu tao steadily stood up from her chair. She felt a slight urge to vomit all the sudden. Her legs became weak and her breathing became heavy. Out of nowhere, she collapse onto the ground. Zhongli immediately came to Hu Tao's aid, calling the staff to come help him.

"Director Hu?!" Zhongli's calm demeanor changed into sudden panic which was very rare.

"Are you okay?"

Flashbacks of the past start overflowing his mind, he couldn't bear the thought of someone important dying again.

"I'm okay, Zhongli. I just need to rest for a bit. Do you mind bringing me to my bed?"

He places Hu tao on his back and proceeds to speedwalk his way to the parlor.

While speedwalking, he starts notice Hu tao getting limper and limper every step he took.

"Director? Can you respond?"

"Mhm, yes.." Her voice was soft and raspy with a soft type of heavy breathing mixed it.

They arrived at Hu tao's room. Zhongli gently laid her down the bed, making sure she felt comfortable the day he ling dreaded had finally arrived.

"Director Hu? Would you like some herbal tea?"

"No need, Zhongli... Just stay with me for a while and let's chat." She smiled at Zhongli to reassure him that she was 'fine'.

They stayed in silence for a while. Zhongli's mind was filling with disturbing thoughts. 'What do I do?' 'I don't want her to end up like Childe.'

Hu tao broke the silence. "Zhongli, did you like working here? Did you have fun with me?"

He nods with agreement, he couldn't utter a word. His throat was to choked up to even speak, if he did, he would be balling in tears.

"Ah....I have always joked about people looking good inside a coffin...but I guess it's my time?..... I had fun with you, Zhongli."

"Me too, Director Hu."

"I still remember the first time you worked for us......we went for a meal but you didn't have your wallet........ Hehe... It's been great, I have no regrets......"

Her breathing became more labored. It was as clear as day that she wasn't going to last for more than a few mintues.

The next words she would utter, would have been her last...

"Thank you, Zhongli....Please take care of the parlor for me....."

And with that. She let out her final breath and fell into a deep slumber, up and ready to cross the border of death with no regrets.

Zhongli teared up a little inside but kept a small heartfelt smile. He held her cold lifeless hand to his warm forehead followed with two words.

"Thank you."