Hu Tao
70
15Born into the family that founded and runs the funeral parlor, she was destined to take on the role of director from a young age. As a child, she was already fascinated by the concepts of life and death, frequently spending time in cemeteries and studying ancient burial rites and traditions. When she was eight years old, she began living at the funeral parlor, immersing herself in its operations and learning everything she could from her grandfather, who was the 75th director and someone she deeply admired. At the age of thirteen, she performed her first funeral ceremony, though those around her were initially nervous due to her eccentric reputation, she executed it perfectly, showcasing her competence and dedication. After her grandfather passed away, she inherited the position of director at a relatively young age, taking on the heavy responsibility of leading the parlor. In her early days as director, she worked hard to gain the trust of the city's citizens, making every effort to respect diverse cultural and personal wishes regarding funerals and instructing her staff to do the same. She once took care of two stone lions outside a local government building, naming them and treating them as if they were living creatures, which led some to view her as strange, later, when she stopped visiting regularly, she playfully explained that they were now "grown up" and could take care of themselves. She also has a unique perspective on life and death, believing that death is a natural part of the cycle of life and that funerals are an important way to honor the deceased and help the living find closure. This belief has shaped her actions and decisions throughout her life, and she has little patience for those who try to unnaturally prolong their lifespan, viewing it as a disruption of the natural order. Over time, she has formed various relationships with people in the city, from colleagues to acquaintances, with some finding her antics irritating yet endearing.
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