Stellar Train: I Open a Small Shop on the Train-Chapter 68

Hu Tao handed her phone to Hanya, who didn't speak right away. Instead, she switched it to video mode.

Soon, Jing Yuan's image appeared on the screen.

Seeing it was Jing Yuan himself, Hanya finally spoke to confirm Hu Tao's identity.

"General, do you know this young lady?"

Jing Yuan smiled and replied, "Yes, I know her. It's fine to let Huohuo go with her. I often meet with Master Hu."

Hanya responded, "Understood. Then I'll let Huohuo go with her."

Jing Yuan said, "Go ahead. Don't worry."

With that, Jing Yuan ended the video call.

Hanya looked at Hu Tao. "I'll be counting on you to look after Huohuo for the time being, Master Hu."

Hu Tao chuckled as she put her phone away. "No problem at all. So, I'll take Huohuo with me now?"

Hanya nodded in agreement.

The two then returned to the group with Stelle and the others. Hanya called Huohuo over.

Huohuo stood at attention.

Hanya said, "Huohuo, I've discussed things with Master Hu. For a while, you'll be practicing exorcism techniques with her."

Huohuo's eyes lit up with joy. "Really?"

Hanya nodded slightly. "Really. Make sure to listen to Master Hu and learn as much as you can."

Hu Tao walked over and patted Huohuo on the shoulder. "Go pack a few clothes and come with me. I've got bedding and everything ready."

Huohuo happily ran off to pack.

Stelle and the others chatted with Hanya and Xueyi for a while.

From their conversation, Stelle learned that Jing Yuan had ordered the Cloud Knights to search for treasure chests—something Stelle deeply regretted missing out on, having come to Fyxestroll Garden too late.

Soon, Huohuo came running back with a small suitcase adorned with fox paw prints.

"Sister Hu Tao, Lord Hanya, I've finished packing!"

Stelle took the suitcase from her. "Let's go. Time to head back."

Hu Tao, Stelle, and the others bid farewell to Hanya and Xueyi, then left Fyxestroll Garden and boarded the Star Rail train for their return.

The whole way back, Huohuo was in high spirits—finally leaving Fyxestroll Garden.

Beside her, Mr. Tail looked on, his mouth curling up into a smile.

It had been so long since he'd seen the girl this happy. Maybe not since her last birthday?

Back on the train, Hu Tao and the others returned.

Stelle and March 7th tiptoed into Himeko's room to rest.

Everyone else went their separate ways.

Outside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—

Unlike before, the entrance was now lively with many small vendors.

They had targeted the overnight net café customers, setting up food stalls near the entrance.

Late at night, hungry gamers would come out to buy food.

Surprisingly, business was pretty good.

Seeing this, Hu Tao turned to Huohuo. "Huohuo, are you hungry?"

Just as Huohuo was about to say no, her stomach let out a loud rumble.

Hu Tao chuckled and pulled Huohuo over to a grilled fish stall.

The vendor immediately recognized her. "Hey, isn't this Master Hu? Still up so late?"

Hu Tao was pleasantly surprised to see the vendor. "Old Liu? You're selling fish now? Weren't you working down at the docks before?"

Old Liu grinned. "Yeah, made a bit of money and thought I'd try my hand at business."

He noticed Huohuo standing behind Hu Tao—beastfolk?

"Master Hu, this is?"

"She's like a little sister of mine. Huohuo, this is Uncle Liu. Call him Uncle."

Huohuo obediently greeted him. "Uncle Liu~"

Hearing her call him that brought a smile to his face.

"Master Hu, looking for something to eat? Eat here! I'll grill you two fish. If it weren't for you saving me last year at Wangshu Inn, who knows where I'd be now."

Hu Tao smiled. "Alright, we'll eat here. Two grilled Thorn-Tiger Fish. Spicy for me, not spicy for Huohuo."

Old Liu seated them. "Coming right up. Just wait a bit."

To his credit, Old Liu had business sense. The location was great—overlooking the harbor and sea.

Huohuo sat on a small stool, staring at the lit-up streets in awe.

She couldn't believe it—Sister Hu Tao was from another world, and now she had followed her into that world.

Just then, a familiar voice called out—

"Hu Tao! You're here too?"

Hu Tao looked toward the voice and saw Lumine and Paimon approaching with Aether.

A little over an hour ago, Aether had regained consciousness.

Lumine had taken him to see Calestia, who asked if he remembered when he first encountered the "Sinner."

Aether told her about meeting Alberich, founder of the Abyss Order, in Sumeru.

Calestia understood then—he must've been marked by the "Sinner" at that time.

After questioning him, Calestia let Aether go, but still kept an eye on him, worried the black mist might possess him again.

Not wanting a hard-won enemy to return, she kept him nearby.

Right after they left Calestia, Paimon said she was hungry, so the trio came looking for food.

That's how they bumped into Hu Tao.

Lumine, Paimon, and Aether joined Hu Tao.

Paimon waved. "Hu Tao, you're eating here too?"

Hu Tao nodded. "Yeah, just got back from Ye Yun's place. I brought Huohuo to grab a bite.

Let me introduce you—this is Huohuo, an intern judge from the Ten Lords Commission in Luofu. She'll be training in exorcism with me for a while."

Huohuo greeted them sweetly. "Hello~ I'm Huohuo."

Lumine and Paimon waved back.

At that moment, Old Liu brought over two hefty grilled Thorn-Tiger Fish.

"Here you go, Master Hu—yours and your sister's fish."

Hu Tao quickly took them. "Thanks, Old Liu. How much?"

Old Liu waved her off. "Forget the money! You saved my life, and my business is thriving thanks to your internet café.

Eat here anytime—it's on the house."

Seeing how earnest he was, Hu Tao had no choice but to accept.

Lumine, Paimon, and Aether ordered three more fish and sat down to chat with Hu Tao.

Aether sat on a stool, looking gloomy.

Hu Tao asked Lumine, "What's up with your brother?"

Lumine replied, "He was under a spell before. He's back to normal now, just sulking. Don't worry, he just needs time. Come on, let's eat—I'm starving. I haven't had dinner yet."

Hu Tao didn't press further. She picked out a large piece of fish for Huo Huo and began eating.

She had to admit—Old Liu's cooking was top-notch. Crispy on the outside, tender inside. Delicious.

***

After dinner.

Hu Tao brought Huohuo back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and arranged for her to stay in the room that used to belong to Asmode.

Ever since the new internet café opened, Calestia had moved directly into the esports room on the third floor of the new café.

Hu Tao led Huo Huo into the room.

"You'll be staying here from now on. I'm right next door. It's getting late, so rest up first. Tomorrow I'll take you around Liyue and introduce you to a few people."

Huohuo obediently agreed.

Hu Tao said goodnight and left Huohuo's room.

Huohuo looked around the spacious room; many of the furnishings were modern.

Back when Calestia lived here, Hu Tao had mentioned wanting to renovate it a bit, and just as it was finished, Calestia moved out.

Huohuo opened her suitcase and began hanging her clothes in the wardrobe.

Mr. Tail was flying around the room.

"Holy moly, I actually got blasted into another world? Damn, that's wild! I never imagined this would happen!"

After hanging her clothes, Huohuo went to the bathroom to wash up.

Every time she freshened up, she would let Mr. Tail out.

Mr. Tail flew out the window and looked over the traditionally styled courtyard.

"This other world doesn't feel too different from Luofu... the architecture style's pretty similar."

After sighing, he didn't think more of it and flew back inside, flopped on the sofa—time to sleep!

The next day arrived.

Hu Tao and Huohuo had a simple breakfast at home.

The food culture in Liyue wasn't much different from that in Luofu, so Huohuo found it easy to get used to.

After eating, Hu Tao took Huohuo toward Chihu Rock.

Along the way, Huohuo was full of curiosity, looking around here and there.

Eventually, they arrived at Wanmin Restaurant.

At the door, Master Mao was cleaning. Seeing Hu Tao, he greeted her.

"Hey there, Hu Tao! Here to see Xiangling?"

Hu Tao nodded.

"Yup yup! Is she home?"

Master Mao pointed to the kitchen.

"She's in there working on a new dish. Go on in."

Hu Tao nodded and introduced him to Huo Huo.

"Huohuo, this is Uncle Mao, the owner of this place. If you ever want something tasty, come here."

Huohuo nodded in a daze. Hu Tao then spoke to Master Mao:

"Uncle Mao, this is my little sister, Huo Huo. Remember her face. If she comes to eat, put it on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's tab."

Master Mao laughed heartily.

"Sure thing, Hu Tao. Didn't know you had a fox girl for a sister."

Hu Tao waved her hand.

"Someone asked me to take care of her. Please look after her for me."

Master Mao wiped his hands on a towel.

"No problem."

He looked at Huohuo.

"Huohuo, if you ever get hungry, come eat here. Don't be shy. When your Hu Tao sister was little, she used to come here all the time.

I remember once, during her teething period, I made a pot of braised lamb leg. Your sister bit into it so hard, one of her baby teeth fell out—she couldn't even speak properly afterward, haha!"

Hu Tao puffed up her cheeks.

"Uncle Mao! Stop digging up my black history!"

Master Mao laughed heartily.

"Alright, alright, I'll get back to cleaning. Customers will be arriving soon. Go find Xiangling inside."

Hu Tao nodded and led Huo Huo into the kitchen.

As they passed by, Huohuo waved shyly at Master Mao. She felt that this uncle was very kind and easy to get along with.

Master Mao waved back and smiled warmly.

Inside the kitchen—

As soon as they entered, they saw Xiangling working on a new dish at the stove.

"Xiangling, working on another new recipe?" Hu Tao walked up and asked.

Xiangling replied,

"I'm making a marinated dish called 'Hundred-Flavored Chicken.' I'll call you to taste it once it's ready."

Hearing "taste-test," Hu Tao's face twitched a little.

"Uh... I'm busy! I have plans with Stelle later!"

Xiangling rolled her eyes.

"I didn't even say when, and you're already dodging. Fine, don't eat then, humph!"

Hu Tao quickly apologized and started massaging Xiangling's shoulders.

"Aw, don't be mad, Xiangling~ Just call me when it's ready, I promise I'll come!

Oh right, let me introduce someone to you."

She pulled Huo Huo forward.

"Xiangling, this is Huohuo. She'll be staying with me at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and helping out."

Xiangling looked at Huohuo and greeted her with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Huohuo. I'm Xiangling. I love cooking—if you ever want something delicious, come find me."

Huo Huo smiled gently and nodded.

Then Xiangling asked,

"Huohuo, are you from Luofu?"

Hu Tao looked confused.

"Wait, Xiangling, how did you know?"

Xiangling answered matter-of-factly,

"Do we even have fox people in Liyue? I've only seen them in Luofu."

Hu Tao thought about it—true enough.

"Alright then, you keep busy. I'll take Huohuo to explore."

Xiangling nodded.

"Sure. Tonight, remember to bring Huohuo to Ye Yun's place for dinner. We're having a seafood feast."

Hu Tao was a little surprised.

"What's the occasion? Why the big meal?"

Xiangling smiled mysteriously.

"Nothing special. Klee and the others went fishing—with bombs—in the Chasm and brought back a bunch."

Hu Tao suddenly remembered—right, Klee and the others had gone to the Chasm yesterday.

"See you tonight then~"

Then Hu Tao took Huohuo out to stroll around Liyue Harbor.

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Along the way, she introduced the nearby shops and buildings to Huohuo, helping her get familiar with the city.

As they were walking, they ran into Ningguang, who was inspecting the harbor.

Hu Tao excitedly waved and called out from a distance.

"Ningguang! Ningguang!"

Ningguang vaguely heard someone calling her. She turned around.

There on a sloped walkway stood Hu Tao, leaning on the railing and waving.

Ningguang turned to Baimao beside her.

"You handle the inspection. I've got something to take care of."

Baimao nodded.

Ningguang walked toward Hu Tao.

As she approached, she smiled and asked,

"Hu Tao, aren't you usually hanging out at Ye Yun's?"

Hu Tao pointed at Huo Huo beside her.

"I'm showing Huohuo around Liyue, helping her get familiar with work at the parlor."

Ningguang looked at Huohuo and noticed her fox ears and tail, which piqued her interest.

Is she a disciple of some adeptus?

Ningguang had never been to Luofu, so she hadn't seen any fox people before.

To her, Huohuo's appearance resembled that of an adeptus' follower.

After all, many adepti in Liyue had beastly forms—or were half-beast, half-human.

Ganyu and Yanfei were two such examples.

Ningguang smiled and said to Huohuo,

"Nice to meet you, Huohuo. I'm Ningguang, the Tianquan Star of Liyue. May I ask which adeptus you serve under?"