[ every time you ask me to ramble about something with this man a part of me dies inside

but for now i put it off, opting instead to focus on the introductions that are way more important. ]

You may call me Zhongli. [ said calmly with a dip of his head. ] Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

[ which maybe is a weird thing to consult for, but he doesn't look at all bothered by the admission. there's nothing wrong with soliciting a second opinion for nearly any activity and business venture. in fact, it's often more valuable to have a learned outside opinion than not. imagine walking into an antiques store and purchasing a fine jade pendant only to realize it's a forgery two days later.

but we digress.

he takes another sip of his wine, savoring the crisp taste, before answering again. ]

What do you know of mineral ores, Mr. Sylus? [ of the as-yet unnamed business ]