Flowers are the Language of Love - Kokomi x Hu Tao

Chapter Eleven - 𝔸𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕒

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Sorry if this chapter is a bit shorter than usual, I have tried extending it however I've been pretty sick as of late, (I've caught the virus if you catch my drift) and I keep having on and off headaches but I still wanted a chapter out so please enjoy~

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The comfort of her own bed had brought great amenity to Hu Tao's life as of late, despite that she left her house even before Zhongli could arrive to nag her. The sky was filled with plenty of mist and fog, and very few people were awake. Most humans hate it when it begins to become clouded but Hu Tao quite enjoys it, fog always gave a fun, horror like element.

After working for extreme hours yesterday then going home, watering her gardens, eating something light then going straight back to bed had seemed to stop the unpleasant dreams from sweeping through Hu Tao's unconscious mind. Since Hu Tao didn't live too far away from the parlour, the walk was rather swift, and she soon arrived at another thick wooden door.

"Oh, Mr Zhongli you're quite early today," as soon as Hu Tao closed the door Zhongli came in right after.

"Oh, you showed up early today? You worked pretty late last night," Zhongli looked somewhat perplexed.

"I figured since I was awake I might as well go to work!" Hu Tao beamed, and Zhongli's attention peaked at the bouquet the younger woman was holding.

"Pink, purple and white Hydrangeas? That's a fairly odd colour combination for a funeral parlour," Zhongli's judgement was evident, Hu Tao simply brushed him off.

"Pssssh, these ones are for personal use, don't worry I made sure to bring some chrysanthemums, these are simply for my office!" Hu Tao slightly flushes, Zhongli is way too nosy.

"I see, you do seemed to like to grown them quite a bit but it's rather odd to see you decorate with hydrangeas rather than chrysanthemums," at this rate, Hu Tao knew he was just pulling at straws.

"I just felt like a change in scenery, nothing more nothing less, you need to stop worrying so much!" Hu Tao was quickly growing impatient.

Before Hu Tao could just continue into her office, The Ferrylady walks in her voice filled with pants, she takes her hat off in the process. Ferrylady's hair was ruffled and in knots, it was clear she overslept.

"Sorry for being late, I overslept," unlike her usual neat self she'd become a puddle of sweat and gasps.

"I can't have my employees dying now,"
Hu Tao hands Ferrylady bottled water, she thanks Hu Tao, and quickly gulps the cold substance.

"You also made it right on time," Zhongli's monotone reply made the woman feel relief.

"Thank goodness, I'm going to quickly go to the bathroom to fix myself up," Zhongli and Hu Tao simultaneously nod.

"I'm going to work on more paperwork-" Ferrylady raises an eyebrow, but soon leaves.

"Don't you dislike typical paperwork? And what about business advertising?" The man questions.

"I just want the business to thrive, it would also be a much better idea if you ask around in my place since you're rather popular, and in exchange I'll take over your work," an excuse to stay in her office, and potentially grow the business was a win-win.

"Business-wise it may seem efficient however all work and no play is a rather simple life for our beloved funeral director," Hu Tao wasn't quite willing to back down just yet.

"At this rate, we aren't going to be getting more deals with bigger businesses, as the 77th Funeral Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour I must work more efficiently!" Zhongli nods, but a flicker of something else appeared on the man's face.

"If that is what you desire Miss Tao," Zhongli sits down his gaze finally softening, Hu Tao can feel herself breathe out the tension.

"Well if you require my presence for anything you know where to find me," Hu Tao sets on into her office.

The beige pieces of paper were spread out on the dark oak desk, it was much neater than usual but still a tad unorganised. Several vases were scattered across the room with droopy chrysanthemums, Hu Tao removed the pure white plants and replaced them with the much more colourful hydrangeas. Soon the rather dull office was covered in an array of colours, the variety of cool pastels felt bitter-sweet, Hu Tao couldn't help but think about the pink haired woman. Hu Tao didn't want to think about her at work, otherwise she wouldn't be efficient. Hu Tao wondered if Kokomi thought about her often as well, a sigh leaves Hu Tao's lips, and a solemn feeling takes over her, she knew that was just wishful thinking, but instead of laying around and feeling pity for herself she decides to just get on with work.

The day felt like a repeat of the last, Hu Tao knew she wouldn't be doing any 'hands on' business until the weekend, however she didn't mind. Perhaps it was time to leave, coming in early and leaving late wouldn't allow much time to eat. Hu Tao left her desk, attempting to drag herself out the door, however she is greeted by Zhongli himself.

"Young one I thought you'd never leave that office," at this point Hu Tao shouldn't have been as surprised as she was.

"My, my, Mr Zhongli, perhaps I should give you a raise with all this overtime you're working," Hu Tao chuckles to herself, but Zhongli narrowed his eyes.

"Miss Tao, you looked malnourished perhaps we should eat out, a place is bound to be open," confusion washed over Hu Tao, she couldn't help but being upset about the suddenness of it all.

"I told you I'm fine Mr Zhongli, You should really stop fussing over me!" Hu Tao would much rather go home, however she did feel a tad hungry.

"Buuuuuut~ since I haven't eaten dinner yet I'll let you off the hook!" Zhongli simply nods.

The two walk off not many places were open, however Wanmin Restaurant was still lit. Zhongli simply walks over and greets chef Mao.

"Hello Zhongli, long time no talk!" A large smile coated Chef Mao's face.

"Hello Chef Mao please order two of your specialty dishes, and wine," Hu Tao plops down onto the closest table, she can feel her own eyes become hazy, but before she can sleep Zhongli walks hastily towards the table.

"I am currently not in possession of the correct sum of mora," how typical, what did Hu Tao even expect, she reaches into her pocket and hands the taller man a pouch, he swiftly snatches the bag and returns back to the small restaurant. He still carried himself with pride despite his shameful money-using behaviour.

"What a gold digger," was all Hu Tao could mutter, before drifting off into a lifeless black.

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