Flowers are the Language of Love - Kokomi x Hu Tao

Chapter Fifteen - 𝔸𝕝𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒

┈ ✁✃✁✃✁✃✁✃✁ ┈

It's been a couple of days since Hu Tao's encounter with her grandfather's old friend and the whole experience feels somewhat surreal and wistful. In all honesty, despite being told so bluntly that she isn't as mature as she thinks she is, Hu Tao stayed stubborn. The day of the welcome back party rapidly approached and the group just settled for getting take-out from Wanmin restaurant and some costly liquor; the day itself went smoothly not many problems occurred besides the long hold in food.

"When is the food going to get here I'm hungryyy!" Meng whined but Ferrylady shot him a fierce glare.

"I must admit the alcohol is pretty tempting, they look of high quality too~" Ferrylady spoke out unknowingly, once she realised her expression she wiped the saliva dripping from her lips.

"Hmm, they are taking a while-"

*Knock*

*Knock*

*Knock*

Three unbroken knocks followed by a typical hospitable greeting rung throughout the corridor, Hu Tao sprung up rushing towards the door, swinging it open at such an alarming rate that it was a surprise it didn't come right off its hinges.

"Hu Tao! Here's the food sorry for the delay~!" There stood Xiangling.

"Hello, Xiangling! Is this our food, thanks! Here's the change!" Hu Tao practically slammed the door shut and scurried back into the room of ravenous wolves, leaving Xiangling with a much, MUCH heavier bill than intended.

"Oh well, maybe she's practising Fontaine and Mondstadt customs!" Xiangling skipped off happy with the extra tip.

Hu Tao placed the food onto the table she didnt even know what they ordered it was all gone within minutes, everyone ate less than gracefully all except Zhongli who kept up his air of elegance. All that was left was a couple of salads and some bones of unknown animals but that didn't matter, at least the food tasted good.

"Let us open some booze and wine~!" Meng popped open a bottle some of the contents fizzling out. Everyone began to pour the liquor except Zhongli who continued to eat away at the salad, savouring it like it was the best thing he's eaten in years.

"Hey Zhongli, would you like me to pour you some wine?" Zhongli looked up and nodded he looked like a tired grandpa babysitting his grandkids.

"Young one, before you drink can we discuss something?" Zhongli placed his chopsticks down.

"I wasn't planning on drinking too much anyway," After pouring herself and Zhongli wine Hu Tao sat adjacent to the well-dressed man.

"Well, I've gotten a letter requesting business from Watatsumi Island..." Hu Tao raised an eyebrow she never really studied geography besides the basics.

Zhongli released a peeved sigh, "Watatsumi island in Inazuma," Hu Tao could swear her heart stammered why would someone from Inazuma want their services...unless they've heard of Wangsheng funeral parlour?

"Well Inazuma is currently going through a war at the moment and because of that Watatsumi island has grown vigilant with their money, your coffins being half-priced must have caught their attention..." Hu Tao stood up, startling the other members.