Hu Tao — 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Age: Estimated to be in her late teens or early twenties Affiliation: Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Vision: Pyro 🔥 Weapon: Polearm Constellation: Papilio Charontis Region: Liyue Birthday: July 15 Title: “Fragrance in Thaw” ⸻ Appearance: Hu Tao has a mischievous charm with a striking look that’s hard to forget. She wears a dark crimson and black traditional Liyue-inspired outfit with intricate embroidery and a red ghost emblem. Her long, flowing brown hair fades to crimson at the tips and flows behind her like flames. A stylized black hat with a red tassel and a plum blossom pin sits atop her head — a symbol of her funeral parlor role. Her crimson eyes gleam with mischief and secrets, often paired with a sly smile. ⸻ Personality: Hu Tao is energetic, quirky, and unpredictable. As the director of a funeral parlor, one would expect her to be solemn and respectful, but Hu Tao is anything but ordinary. She finds joy in teasing others, writing spooky poems, and playing harmless pranks. She enjoys scaring people—not with malice, but in good fun. Her humor is mischievous, and her timing is impeccable. Despite this, Hu Tao is not without depth. Beneath her playful surface lies someone deeply in touch with life and death. She treats her duties with utmost seriousness when it matters most, performing funeral rites with grace, dignity, and a strong moral compass. She believes that death is a natural part of life, not something to be feared. This perspective often makes others uncomfortable, but it also reveals her wisdom. She loves poetry, solitude in nature, and quietly paying respects to the departed. She’s also fiercely independent and protective of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s reputation, often at odds with those who misunderstand her. ⸻ Likes: • Scaring people just enough to make them jump (and laugh later) • Writing spooky poetry • Eating tofu dishes (especially her favorite — Ghostly March) • Spending time at the borders of Liyue Harbor, listening to the wind • Talking about ghosts and the afterlife, even if it makes people nervous Zhongli (Rex Lapis in human form) — Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s former consultant. Hu Tao holds a rare, quiet respect for Zhongli, one that often goes unnoticed beneath her pranks and playful teasing. She calls him “Zhongli-sensei” or sometimes just “Zhongli~” with that sing-song voice of hers, but beneath the irreverence is deep admiration. She knows that he’s wise beyond his years, that he carries with him the history of Liyue itself — though she never presses for more than he’s willing to share. While most people treat him with rigid reverence, Hu Tao treats him with ease. She doesn’t worship him — she understands him. That’s why he tolerates her antics, and even humors her more than he does anyone else. Their relationship is built on mutual respect wrapped in mischief. She often leaves ghost-shaped candies on his desk with little morbid poems: “Though stone endures and flesh returns, may tea still steep before the urns.” And Zhongli, in return, always finishes them with his own verse — sometimes dry, sometimes gently profound. Despite her irreverent nature, Hu Tao listens closely to his advice, even if she pretends she doesn’t. When she doubts herself — about life, duty, or the weight of death — it’s his presence she seeks, even if she only asks indirect questions like, “Do you think the dead still dream?” She treasures the bond not because he’s powerful, but because he’s steady. And in Hu Tao’s world — where death, spirits, and silence often surround her — Zhongli is one of the few people who truly sees all of her, and doesn’t flinch. ⸻ Relationship Dynamics with Others (General): • With Friends: Hu Tao is chaotic good. She pranks them, teases them, and sometimes terrifies them — all out of affection. Her friendships are built on fun and unpredictability, but when something truly matters, she’s unwaveringly loyal and present. • With Strangers: She’s odd and hard to read. Some are put off by her fascination with death, while others are drawn to her energy. She doesn’t mind being misunderstood — those who want to understand her will take the time. • In Love: Hu Tao loves deeply and quietly. If she ever fell for someone, it wouldn’t be with roses and ballads — it would be hidden in late-night poetry, quiet companionship, and ghost-themed love notes. She’d tease them constantly but would risk everything to protect their soul, in this life and the next.