Ningguang had three secretaries: Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao.
Facing these three experienced seniors, it was impossible not to feel nervous. But since Qin Yu had agreed to become Ningguang's personal maid, showing even a hint of unease might make her look incompetent.
So Qin Yu did her best to remain calm.
"Baiwen, Baishi, Baixiao, this is Qin Yu. Starting today, she will be my personal maid. I've already told you about her. As my trusted staff, I expect you to get along well and work together harmoniously."
The three secretaries scrutinized Qin Yu.
Now that I've been promoted so quickly, could they be jealous and try to make things difficult for me? Qin Yu couldn't help but worry about her workplace life for the next two weeks.
However, after their assessment, they smiled.
"Since Lady Ningguang has chosen you, I have no objections. But as your senior, I must warn you: this job isn't easy. I hope you can endure it," Baiwen said.
"Lady Ningguang's personal maid... Hmm, not bad. After all, an extra pair of hands is always welcome," Baishi nodded.
"Though you're still new, even we can see you have a certain talent," Baixiao said. "Keep working hard. Only through diligence and perseverance can you unlock the invaluable secrets Lady Ningguang holds."
That's great. Their attitude isn't too bad, Qin Yu thought.
But what was this mysterious sense of pity, this "heartfelt welcome to a new fellow prisoner"? Everyone seemed to hint at the difficulties of working for Lady Ningguang.
Even as a personal maid to one of the Liyue Qixing, surely it can't be that bad, right? Qin Yu wondered, smiling politely at the three secretaries. "Understood. I'm fortunate to have such reliable seniors to learn from, and I'll do my best to meet your expectations."
The secretaries nodded slightly, as if to say, "The newcomer has a good attitude!" They seemed quite pleased.
Seeing this, Ningguang said with satisfaction, "Excellent. Just like that."
Seizing the opportunity, she decided to clarify Qin Yu's responsibilities immediately. "While Qin Yu's duties may overlap with Baishi's, Baishi will continue to manage my schedule. Qin Yu will handle non-professional tasks such as meal preparation, waking me up each morning, and tidying the residence."
"Baishi will also continue to oversee my clothing and perfume selections."
Secretaries have to do that too? Qin Yu wondered.
Baishi raised no objections. "Understood."
"At other times, Qin Yu, you must remain by my side and be available at a moment's notice. Especially when we go out—unless I specifically tell you not to, you should follow me. Baishi will train you in the basic preparations for outings."
This sounds even more complicated than I thought.
Is this what a personal maid is supposed to be like? Qin Yu wasn't entirely sure.
Regardless, she couldn't refuse Lady Ningguang's requests.
"Baixiao and Baiwen specialize in more technical tasks," Ningguang explained. "However, if you have questions, you can ask them for guidance when they're free."
Of course, if they were too busy, Ningguang would teach her herself. It wouldn't be difficult to explain things while working, especially since Qin Yu was a quick learner.
Baixiao and Baiwen nodded at Qin Yu.
Since Lady Ningguang had personally introduced her, she clearly intended to groom Qin Yu into one of her trusted confidantes, just like them. For the sake of future efficiency, they should make time to teach her when they could.
Ningguang then outlined several important points to keep in mind, which Qin Yu diligently noted.
She couldn't afford to disappoint Lady Ningguang, because...
...that would mean losing her bonus. And her Points. It would be a complete disaster.
"Very well, it seems you've memorized everything. Let's begin. I'll be leaving in half an hour. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the Jade Chamber and your assigned duties. I look forward to seeing your performance."
Qin Yu replied earnestly, "I won't let you down, Lady Ningguang!"
"Hmm... then prove it with your actions."
[Evaluation: D]
If Qin Yu discovered the benefits of continuing as Lady Ningguang's personal maid during her brief trial period, she might reconsider her decision and choose to stay. Ningguang pondered this, though she herself doubted the likelihood.
Over the next half hour, Qin Yu diligently interacted with Baishi, familiarizing herself with her duties and the Jade Chamber.
"This is Lady Ningguang's schedule for the day. Make sure you memorize it."
So much to do! Qin Yu thought. Business dinners, meetings with merchants, rendezvous with informants... How does she manage such a hectic schedule?
Wait, that name sounds familiar...
Qin Yu's gaze fell on the third item on the itinerary. The name mentioned there struck a chord, though whether it was her former neighbor would only be confirmed upon meeting them.
When the appointed time arrived, Ningguang led Qin Yu from the Jade Chamber to the Liuli Pavilion.
Qin Yu was no longer wearing her usual casual clothes, nor the maid uniform she had worn at the estate. Instead, she wore a new outfit gifted by Ningguang, similar in style to Baishi's attire and made of remarkably fine fabric.
But why the black stockings? Qin Yu glanced down at the stockings beneath her skirt and sighed inwardly.
Qin Yu really didn't want to wear this outfit, but when Ningguang noticed she wasn't wearing it, she asked, "Are you dissatisfied?" Qin Yu had no choice but to put it back on.
"Speaking of restaurants," Ningguang suddenly asked, "which do you prefer, Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk?"
"Wanmin Restaurant," Qin Yu replied. After all, Wanmin Restaurant was much more affordable.
Ningguang hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but held back.
Why the silence? Qin Yu wondered. Does she look down on Wanmin Restaurant? As a loyal customer, I can't let that slide!
Ningguang spoke softly, her tone slightly reproachful. "You always do this. When given two choices, you always pick a third. This time, and last time... Do you realize you made me lose face in front of Lady Yuheng?"
Qin Yu felt a pang of guilt. Now that Ningguang mentioned it, it did seem that way.
But what else could I have said? she reasoned. Reject Keqing first, then privately reject Ningguang? That would only make Ningguang more displeased.
Ningguang continued, her tone bordering on a complaint: "Even though you're my maid—and you diligently fulfill every task I give you without protest—it seems that loyalty only extends to trivial matters."
What else could she expect? Qin Yu thought. We only have an employer-employee relationship, not a true master-servant bond.
Still, Qin Yu smiled and said, "I don't think that's true... If Lady Ningguang truly wishes it, I'll do my utmost to assist you."
Ningguang's expression softened slightly; Qin Yu's words were pleasing to her ear.
"About your resignation..."
"I'm sorry..." Qin Yu lowered her head.
Ningguang sighed inwardly, thinking, "Just as I suspected."
This situation truly left her at a loss. Whether it was Baishi, Baiwen, Baixiao, or anyone else who approached her, they all had their own agendas. Baixiao, for example, clearly sought to extract more knowledge and skills from her.
But Qin Yu was different. She seemed genuinely interested in improving their relationship.
Perhaps she, too, had ulterior motives, but what exactly she hoped to gain remained a mystery.
Without understanding her true intentions, Ningguang felt powerless to influence her decision. To think I'm fretting over a mere maid, she mused, a hint of self-reproach coloring her thoughts.
Yet this very ambiguity was part of what Ningguang valued in Qin Yu. If the girl were obsessed with Mora, she wouldn't have held her attention for long.
Those driven solely by self-interest cannot be trusted, Ningguang knew this principle well.
Perhaps I simply don't understand her well enough yet, she mused, shaking her head lightly. She pushed these thoughts aside for now, as business awaited.
Qin Yu, I want her; Mora, I want that too. How delightfully insatiable, Ningguang thought as she led Qin Yu to the Liuli Pavilion.
Ningguang entered the pre-booked private room to find an elderly man already seated, carefully sipping his tea.
This was Mr. Ye, her business partner for this deal, a man widely known and respected in the commercial world. The fabrics produced by his workshops were considered among the finest available.
Ningguang believed that securing a contract with him would yield substantial profits, earning her more Mora and granting her access to the exquisite fabrics she coveted.
However, there was a problem: Mr. Ye harbored a prejudice against her.
No matter how lucrative the terms, he would stall, evade, and ultimately derail any meaningful negotiation, just as he had done before. Out of respect for the Liyue Qixing, he wouldn't outright refuse, but neither would he accept—a stubborn man through and through.
Communicating with him was a nightmare, but with the potential for greater wealth, Ningguang had no intention of backing down.
In truth, she had already devised a strategy to sway the old gentleman. She knew his weaknesses, his vulnerabilities, and his bottom line. While he loathed her calculating nature, that very quality would ensure he took the bait.
This was also an excellent opportunity for Qin Yu to observe her methods firsthand.
Ningguang took her seat and greeted him politely, "Good afternoon, Mr. Ye."
"Long time no see, Lady Tianquan. And this young lady is...?"
Mr. Ye quickly noticed Qin Yu standing beside Ningguang.
"This is Qin Yu, my new secretary."
Huh? I thought I was supposed to be her personal maid...
Oh, right. If I were introduced as a maid, it would imply I'm just a servant, and servants aren't allowed at events like this. Qin Yu understood Ningguang's reasoning, but she still felt a little resentful.
Speaking of this elderly gentleman... could he be...?
Mr. Ye's demeanor suddenly shifted. His stern face softened into a warm, grandfatherly smile. "Little Yu! Do you still remember me?"
"Grandpa Ye?"
"Yes, yes, that's right! Hahaha, you've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you. My granddaughter always asks when you'll come play with her again."
"Ahahaha..."
Ningguang asked in surprise, "You two know each other?"
"Yes, we met before I moved. Grandpa Ye used to take his granddaughter out to play all the time. I never imagined he was such an important figure..."
Mr. Ye nodded with a chuckle. "She helped my granddaughter fly kites and made her so happy. She's such a kind and warmhearted girl—a truly good person. But why would someone like her become Lady Tianquan's secretary?"
As he finished speaking, his tone grew noticeably colder.
Is this a sign she disapproves of Ningguang? Qin Yu quickly grasped the situation—this was the perfect opportunity to earn some Points! After all, reversing a negative impression shouldn't be too difficult.
Time to use my silver tongue and turn the tide.
Heh heh, don't forget to reward me later.
Standing behind Ningguang, Qin Yu smiled and said, "Because I greatly admire Lady Ningguang."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow. Admiration? That's unexpected.
From her observations, Qin Yu blushed at the slightest provocation, sometimes without even realizing it. She certainly wasn't the type to openly express such sentiments.
Still, it's pleasant to hear. But what kind of admiration...? Given her personality, it was likely pure, platonic admiration. Certainly not romantic affection.
While Ningguang did find Qin Yu endearing and charming, she had absolutely no romantic feelings for her.
[Evaluation: D+]
Mr. Ye exclaimed in surprise, "Why?"
"Because she's always been kind and gentle to me, and to everyone else. She's a good person."
"Are you aware of her cunning? Perhaps your impression is exactly what she intended," Mr. Ye countered bluntly.
Ningguang remained silent, curious to see how Qin Yu would respond.
"I suspect Lady Ningguang indeed has her reasons for doing things. But to be honest, Grandpa Ye, I also had my reasons for approaching you and your granddaughter."
"What..." Mr. Ye exclaimed in shock.
The girl, who seemed utterly incapable of scheming and as pure as springwater, was claiming she had deliberately approached them with ulterior motives? Mr. Ye was momentarily speechless, unable to believe it was true.
"Because I wanted to build good relationships with everyone," Qin Yu explained.
Mr. Ye's eyes flickered. "Build good relationships?"
"Yes, that was precisely my intention when I approached you all."
"And I believe Lady Ningguang feels the same way about me. When I'm by her side, I can sense her genuine care and heartfelt kindness... That alone is enough for me to admire her," Qin Yu said with a gentle smile, her words tinged with genuine emotion.
Admiration is too strong a word, Ningguang thought. There's a slight fondness, but that's all.
Ningguang twirled a strand of hair around her finger. Upon closer inspection, a faint blush could be detected on her cheeks.
This is almost like a confession... She doesn't actually harbor such feelings, does she? No, if she did, why would she insist on resigning no matter what?
Ningguang exhaled softly, glancing sideways at Qin Yu.
Oh? She noticed Qin Yu's cheeks were flushed as well, and a flicker of amusement crossed her face. So, you're even more bashful than I am, she mused, feeling a sudden lightness in her heart.
[Evaluation: C-]
Good! Even though saying that makes me cringe, as long as it works.
Qin Yu took a breath and continued, "Even if the initial motive was ulterior, as long as the reason is good, the process is right, and the outcome is positive, isn't that something to celebrate?"
It's completely different from what I'm doing now.
Qin Yu suppressed the pang of guilt rising within her and said earnestly, "Please believe me. Lady Ningguang is a good person..."
Mr. Ye remained silent for a long time.
"To be honest, I still find it hard to believe. She's probably already identified my weaknesses and is just waiting for the right moment to exploit them during this conversation. How can I trust such a calculating woman?" Mr. Ye said calmly, crossing his arms.
He anticipated my reaction perfectly, Ningguang thought, nodding inwardly.
But that's the beauty of a calculated scheme—even when the opponent sees the trap, they have no choice but to walk right into it...
"Well, since you insist, Little Yu, I'll listen earnestly for now. Just promise me you won't be tainted by this."
"You know, women full of scheming and lies are rarely accepted by others."
"If you become one of them, who would ever accept you?"
Too late. I've already become that kind of woman.
Qin Yu smiled faintly. "Understood. I'll keep that in mind."
"Good. That's how it should be. Only a sincere heart can win another sincere heart."
Qin Yu's smile carried a hint of complexity. "Indeed, that's true."
So, there's no hope for me.
Ningguang was surprised that Mr. Ye had genuinely changed his attitude. This time, the meeting progressed smoothly, unlike their previous encounter.
The old man no longer evaded the issue or offered half-hearted responses. Instead, he listened intently to Ningguang's proposal and considered it carefully.
Their discussion lasted for a full hour.
In the end, Mr. Ye accepted Ningguang's proposal, the contract was signed, and the transaction was successfully completed.
Mr. Ye didn't linger in the private room. After a brief chat with Qin Yu, he asked her to spend time with his granddaughter again when she had the chance and then departed.
Only Ningguang and Qin Yu remained in the room.
Whew, finally settled... Qin Yu sighed in relief. This one task alone had left her feeling exhausted, and now she had to accompany Ningguang on her rounds.
Is Ningguang's health really okay?
Qin Yu felt a pang of concern, but then she reasoned that with the other three secretaries present, there was no need for her to worry. Surely they would have noticed if Ningguang's condition was deteriorating?
Better not to overthink it.
Hmm, now that I've been such a good assistant, what kind of reward will I get? Qin Yu looked at Ningguang with expectant eyes.
"Qin Yu."
"Yes?"
After a moment of silence, Ningguang said, "This went so smoothly largely thanks to you. Thank you. You've proven invaluable to me, and I'm very pleased."
A little happy... wait, no.
Huh? Is that all the reward I get? Well, I guess it makes sense. I'm just an employee now, and whether I get a bonus depends entirely on my boss's mood...
No, I need to at least grind some Points.
With that thought, Qin Yu said, "As long as I was able to help Lady Ningguang, that's enough!"
She paused, then couldn't resist adding, "But... I think Lady Ningguang could have handled it even without my help, right?"
Honestly, I only said all that nonsense to get Points. It probably wouldn't have made much difference if I hadn't been there.
"So, there's no need to thank me," Qin Yu concluded.
Please don't. It would be so awkward.
Ningguang stood up, shaking her head slightly. "No, it's a fact that you helped me. And..."
"And?"
Ningguang smiled brightly. "I really enjoyed what you said. Consider this my thanks for that... confession."
[Evaluation: C]
Confession?! What nonsense! Who confessed to you? Stop being delusional! Ugh, just thinking about it makes me cringe... I'm not that kind of woman!
Qin Yu didn't even realize her face was flushed as she frantically waved her hands in denial.
"T-that wasn't a confession, Lady Ningguang. Please don't misunderstand."
Ningguang seemed not to hear, continuing as if Qin Yu hadn't spoken. "As for a material expression of my gratitude... let me see. Once our work settles down, I'll take you to my favorite dessert shop."
She's completely ignoring me!
"Lady Ningguang... um..."
Ningguang raised a slender finger and pressed it against Qin Yu's lips.
"Regardless of your intentions, allow me to interpret it this way. Of course, I understand you meant nothing more by it... but this pure goodwill delights me even more. So, let's end this topic here, shall we?"
[Evaluation: C+]
Qin Yu's gaze drifted away as she nodded stiffly.
"Excellent. Then let's move on to the next location. Don't tire out now—we're just getting started," Ningguang said, withdrawing her finger with a gentle smile.
Qin Yu exhaled a deep sigh of relief.
That nearly scared me to death... Ugh, the more I think about it, the more annoyed I get. Ningguang is just as unreasonable as any other woman. I can't stand this... Qin Yu thought, involuntarily touching her lips.
"Ha! What am I doing?" Qin Yu snapped out of her daze to see Ningguang already leaving the private room. She hurried after her.
I can't take this anymore! I'm definitely quitting after this month!