These words truly came from Su Han's heart.
Back on Earth, everyone always joked that Zhongli was Liyue's "street wanderer" or a "retired old man."
But when you put yourself in his place, for thousands of years, year after year, Zhongli had dutifully guarded the land of Liyue.
Even if not all of it could be called great merit, wasn't it at least exhausting labor? Watching his old friends depart one by one, even personally suppressing Azhdaha, did anyone really think Zhongli wouldn't feel pain?!
Now he was simply tired and wanted to rest a while. What was wrong with that?
"Indeed, Brother Su's insight is impressive! You were able to point out Liyue's problems so precisely. But you mentioned that what lies between the immortals and mortals is a lack of a 'bridge.' By pure reason, you are right, what Liyue needs now is exactly such a figure: one who can lead humans, yet also communicate with the immortals!"
Zhongli pondered for a moment, then slowly turned his gaze toward him.
"Brother Su, I heard from an immortal at Yujing Terrace not long ago that you possess half the bloodline of a celestial beast, a qilin. Why don't you serve as that intermediary? I can be your recommender; I doubt the Liyue Qixing would oppose it."
Su Han's face froze. Wait, what was going on here?!
He had gotten too into his own speech just now and had nearly forgotten, the very person he'd described fit himself perfectly!
Able to contact immortals or those close to them.
Capable, creative, respected.
And most importantly, unlike the Traveler Lumine, who could leave any time, he would be staying long-term in Liyue!
Realizing this, Su Han began to sweat a little. He coughed and said awkwardly, "Zhongli, you know I'm the laid-back type. Plus, I've got my business to run… wouldn't it be a little unsuitable for me?"
"Mm, I understand." Zhongli nodded with a smile. "But that immortal at Yujing Terrace also said you wouldn't be helping for nothing. If you ever need the immortals' aid, she can act as a bridge. Besides, Brother Su, you're still single, aren't you? That immortal happens to know quite a few female disciples and friends…"
Snap!
Su Han immediately stood up, suddenly looking completely serious. "Now that's the kind of thing that should be handled by a professional like me! Come on, what are we even talking about between brothers? Your business is my business!"
And just like that, the matter was decided.
Not long after Su Han left the comic shop, a shadow appeared beside Zhongli.
The figure was hunched slightly, her wrinkled face bearing a kindly smile. She asked, "How did the talk go?"
"Brother Su is excellent in every regard, just a bit too lazy by nature. Luckily, he's very… enthusiastic about matters of romance. Otherwise, I truly wouldn't have known how to persuade him."
Only those who really knew Su Han understood his true capability.
In fact, Zhongli had been watching him for quite some time. He might not know everything about heaven and earth, but he seemed to know the affairs of all seven nations, even certain hidden truths, he could explain a little. Truly, heaven-sent talent for Liyue.
Honestly, without Su Han's advice, Zhongli might still have hesitated about retiring.
"If you acknowledge him, that alone proves his ability," said Granny Ping with a smile. "And his comics are remarkable too. Have you seen how all the young ones in the city have started taking an interest in martial arts because of them?
"I just love seeing such lively scenes. That boy Su Han said something quite right, being too comfortable makes one forget how to improve. Maybe the appearance of comics is exactly the change we needed!"
Having a passion for martial arts was a good thing. If everyone dreamed of becoming a hero, then naturally, more and more people in Liyue would start learning the arts of combat.
"Indeed," Zhongli agreed. "It's precisely the influence of his comics that made me decide. Liyue has reached the point where reform is inevitable. Once I withdraw, conflict between immortals and mortals will surely break out, and that's something I don't wish to see.
"I just hope Su Han won't disappoint me. By the way, should I have someone find you another shop?"
"Oh, heavens, no," Granny Ping chuckled. "It's just a little place for storing odds and ends. It's good enough that it can be put to use.
"To be honest, I too worry about how feminine this generation of Liyue has become. Not to mention Cloud Retainer's two disciples, even mine are all girls. And among this generation's Liyue Qixing, most are women too. If that boy Su Han happens to fancy one, this old lady wouldn't mind playing matchmaker!"
With Granny Ping's insight, she naturally saw clearly that both Keqing and Ningguang had extremely high standards, making it very difficult for them to find a partner. Su Han's arrival might indeed be a blessing.
Zhongli smiled, he was thinking the same thing.
"I'll send a message to Ganyu, then. She's closest to Su Han; with her as a liaison, things should go smoothly."
"That would be best."
After settling everything, Zhongli returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Since the Hall Master wasn't around, he had to stay on watch.
He might slack off by day, but he still had to return at night, otherwise, if old Meng and the others reported him, that would be troublesome.
At Yujing Terrace, Ganyu had just finished her work when she received a summons from Granny Ping. She hurried over at once.
"You wanted to see me, Granny Ping?"
"Yes," the old lady nodded. "I just spoke with the Lord of Geo. He feels the gap between immortals and mortals has grown too wide. We're all creatures of Liyue, after all, it's not right to be so estranged. So…"
Granny Ping recounted the discussion, carefully omitting Su Han's little "harem" ambitions.
Ganyu was surprised, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made.
"Even the Lord of Geo feels there's a problem? Then indeed, it should be addressed. You're right, Granny, Su Han is very capable. But I'm far too busy. How about I recommend someone?
"What do you think of Yuheng Xing Keqing? She'd be a great representative for humanity. Plus, during the Rite of Descension, she spoke some rather disrespectful words about the Lord. If she could change her views, that would already be a huge step forward. As for the immortals, I'll make time to communicate with them myself."
Hearing Granny Ping praise Su Han made Ganyu unexpectedly happy. Maybe this was what it felt like to have a family.
Still, she really was too busy. If she got involved in this project full-time, the administrative affairs of Liyue Harbor would collapse first.
"You really are thoughtful, child. You're right, if there's a mediator like Su Han, there should also be representatives for both immortals and humans. Very well, I'll write a letter. Take it to Ningguang and Keqing."
"Understood, thank you."
An hour later, the letter reached the Jade Chamber.
After reading it, Keqing's eyes widened. "Mr. Su has qilin blood? Then doesn't that make him similar to Yanfei? Wait, could it be that he and Ganyu are of the same lineage?"
"Highly possible," Ningguang replied with a teasing smile. "And you used to say Ganyu could never like a mortal, looks like we've found the reason."
Keqing blushed. "Hehe… I was just curious! Ganyu's always so cold to men. But Granny Ping sure is generous, she even gave away a shop on Yujing Terrace. Someone offered two billion mora for it before and got turned down!"
Ningguang shook her head. "Do you think an immortal would care about such worldly wealth? What interests me more is what the letter said, I had thought Su Han was merely a businessman, but to have earned both the Lord's and Granny Ping's trust… it seems his talents go far beyond that.
"Let's do this, tomorrow morning, you and I will bring some gifts and visit him personally. We'll see for ourselves."
"Mm, understood."
If the Lord of Geo had chosen someone else, Keqing might have doubted it. But Su Han? For some reason, she felt… pleasantly surprised.
After all, Keqing was a huge Wind and Cloud fan.
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