Back home, Qin Yu spent another day cooped up, finally returning to her usual state.
Though she preferred not to dwell on the rain that had drenched her on the way back, the SS-rank Evaluation and the Points she'd accumulated from her time with Shenhe had successfully pushed her total Points balance past 400,000.
This was the first time Qin Yu had ever seen so many Points.
With such a massive stockpile, she could upgrade both her combat and production Skills to even more powerful levels, upgrade her Weapon, or even acquire new Abilities.
But for now, Qin Yu's thoughts were mostly focused on her relationship with Shenhe.
In the end, her bond with Shenhe hadn't remained the same; it had deepened.
This made Qin Yu uneasy. Things never seemed to go according to her plans.
Shenhe even dreamed we were family...
Seriously, how presumptuous! She claims she can't be happy without me—does Shenhe even understand the meaning of "friend"?
Even if a good friend leaves, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't still be happy, right?
For example, when Keqing left, I still managed to live well! Life just became a little more challenging...
But Shenhe insisted otherwise, declaring that she alone couldn't be happy—she needed me to be there.
What kind of friendship is that?
Still, what's done is done. No matter how awkward it felt, I had to accept it. After all, she's still considered a "friend."
"Family"? That's going too far.
The worst part is... Qin Yu pressed a hand to her forehead, her thin skin flushing crimson.
Ah, no! I really need to stop thinking about Shenhe. My brain's turning to mush. That woman's really pushing her luck. Just how much does she want me to embarrass myself?
Grumbling to herself, Qin Yu picked up her wallet.
She needed to go out and wander around, clear her head.
Staying indoors was so boring. She could read, but she wasn't in the mood. Rather than sit around staring blankly, she might as well take a stroll.
And maybe grab something to eat while she was out.
Come to think of it, Keqing hadn't contacted Qin Yu even once during this time. The Qixing's work was undoubtedly demanding, but surely she could spare a moment to show her face and exchange a few words?
Does she really see me as her childhood friend, or is she just humoring me?
The more Qin Yu pondered, the more frustrated she became. The sweeter Keqing's words had been before, the more bitter she felt now.
But what can you do? She's a high-ranking official... not a child anymore. With a sigh, Qin Yu channeled her discontent into resignation.
Moreover, she still couldn't recall any memories of her childhood interactions with Keqing.
Suddenly, Qin Yu felt an urge to wander around familiar places, hoping it might trigger some recollection.
So she strolled along, looking around.
While her memories remained elusive, she did spot Ningguang.
Whoa, Ningguang's here!
Qin Yu felt flustered. Before her vacation, Ningguang had urged her to use the time for self-improvement while resting. But as she reflected on the vacation, now more than half over, she realized she'd spent most of it maintaining social connections, being lovey-dovey, or simply slacking off.
True, with more Points, I can do more. So technically, she's right about the self-improvement part... Yet Qin Yu couldn't shake the nervous feeling of being caught slacking off.
Fortunately, Ningguang didn't seem to notice her.
Qin Yu hastily ducked behind cover to avoid being seen. But then she realized, Wait, do I really need to hide?
It feels kind of rude. I should at least go say hello.
Alright!
Qin Yu rubbed her cheeks, steeled herself, and stepped out.
Before she could take more than a few steps, she saw Baiwen approach Ningguang, who turned to follow his movements with her gaze.
Oh no!
Just as the gaze was about to sweep in her direction, Qin Yu ducked into hiding again.
Ugh, I hid again without thinking... even though there's no need to.
Qin Yu took a deep breath and resolved to try striking up a conversation again.
But the moment she peeked out, she saw Ningguang smiling warmly as she spoke to Baiwen, who stood beside her, returning the smile.
It was an utterly normal scene, yet it stirred a pang of discontent in Qin Yu's heart.
That spot should be mine.
...No, no, what am I thinking? I'm not at work today. It's perfectly natural for Baiwen to keep Ningguang company.
Besides, "that spot should be mine"—the phrase felt downright repulsive.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, noticing that Ningguang and Baiwen had parted ways. Ningguang walked alone straight into the teahouse.
Why did Ningguang walk off alone?
Did she instruct Baiwen to handle something else? Hmm...
Without realizing it, Qin Yu had wandered to the teahouse entrance. Ningguang must be enjoying tea on the second or third floor, she thought. She always prefers places with a commanding view.
But if she's discussing business, I shouldn't disturb her.
Did I miss my chance to say hello?
Just as Qin Yu was contemplating this—feeling both regret and a strange sense of relief—a teahouse attendant emerged.
"Good day, Lady Ningguang has invited you to the third tea room on the second floor."
Qin Yu pointed at herself, astonished. "Me?"
"Yes, this way, please."
When did she notice me?!
But standing here, a quick glance from upstairs would have revealed me. I miscalculated. I thought this wouldn't be so bad and was about to leave.
Now I had no choice but to face Ningguang.
Resigned, she followed the waiter to a private tea room on the second floor of the teahouse.
After thanking the waiter, Qin Yu took a deep breath.
"Lady Ningguang, this is Qin Yu. I'm here," she said, knocking on the door.
"Mm, come right in."
"Understood..."
Qin Yu opened the door and entered the room.
Ningguang was seated by the window, bathed in sunlight. She set down her teacup and smiled warmly at Qin Yu.
"It's been a while. Close the door and sit here. We have some time for a leisurely chat. Or do you have other matters to attend to and just wanted to say hello?"
"N-no, I don't have any other business," Qin Yu stammered nervously, closing the door.
"Perfect. Sit down, then."
Qin Yu glanced at the table. A second set of teaware had been prepared directly opposite Ningguang.
Sitting across from Ningguang would feel almost like a casual meeting between friends.
While she was still working as Ningguang's personal maid, this was her vacation time. A little informality wouldn't matter.
Besides, Ningguang wasn't the type to fuss over such trivial matters in private.
However, the image of Baiwen and Ningguang earlier flashed through Qin Yu's mind, causing a renewed sense of irritation. She decided to move the tea set to the seat beside Ningguang and sat down.
Ningguang looked mildly surprised, then smiled softly and gently pushed her teacup forward.
Qin Yu understood immediately, lifted the teapot, and poured tea into the cup.
"If I recall correctly, you're still on vacation, aren't you?" Ningguang asked with a smile, sipping her tea.
"Ahahaha, yes, though it's almost over."
The thought of returning to work soon left Qin Yu feeling a little listless.
Of course, I can't let her see that.
"Then you should relax. During your vacation, you don't need to act as my maid—I was going to say that, but upon further reflection, you must have already considered this, yet you still maintain the posture of a servant... Excellent. I'm quite pleased."
Evaluation: D
As she spoke, Ningguang reached out and gently brushed her fingertips through Qin Yu's hair. Qin Yu had grown somewhat accustomed to these gestures, though she couldn't help but think:
Here we go again.
A gentle touch is fine, but messing up my hair? That's not allowed, Qin Yu thought.
After playing with Qin Yu's hair for a moment, Ningguang withdrew her hand slightly and pressed her palm against Qin Yu's cheek.
Originally, Ningguang's mood had been flat and unremarkable today, but now it felt as if she were being nourished, gradually blossoming into a sense of lightness and pleasure. Ningguang was keenly aware of this transformation.
"It's undeniable..."
Hmm? Qin Yu's cheeks flushed slightly as she looked up.
"...I think I've been feeling a little lonely."
Evaluation: C-
Ha, ha? Lonely?! Where did that come from?!
Qin Yu parted her lips, unsure whether to delve deeper into this topic. She was curious, yet reluctant to hear the answer, sensing it would be deeply embarrassing.
"Lonely? Why is that?" she couldn't help but ask.
"Far away, yet right before my eyes. I thought I wouldn't feel anything—that I could let you rest normally and then carry on as before... But the moment I touched you like this, I realized that wasn't true at all."
I knew it wouldn't be anything good! Qin Yu averted her gaze slightly, afraid to meet Ningguang's eyes.
Evaluation: C+
She felt like she had made a grave mistake, like a lamb walking straight into a tiger's den.
Yet Ningguang was waiting for her response.
Realizing this, Qin Yu reluctantly said, "Then, if Lady Ningguang doesn't mind, I'll stay a while longer..."
"Even during your vacation, you choose to spend time with me?"
Stop asking so many questions, seriously! And why have you been asking these... flirtatious questions ever since we started talking?
Are maids meant to be flirted with?!
Yeah right—as if!
While Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, she found Ningguang's words quite cunning. Once the question had been asked, her only possible answer was "yes."
"Well... but isn't Senior Baiwen accompanying Lady Ningguang?"
"Baiwen? Her duties are different from yours. She's currently handling other tasks I assigned her. But your question... hmm... so that's how it is."
How what is?
Ningguang seemed to have interpreted something on her own, leaving Qin Yu feeling uneasy and confused.
But then Ningguang's wandering hand stole her attention. Her fingertips traced Qin Yu's cheek, finally settling on her lips as Ningguang gazed at her thoughtfully.
"Qin Yu."
"What's wrong?" Qin Yu asked, her voice trembling slightly, the faint breath escaping her lips brushing against Ningguang's fingers.
Ningguang's eyes flickered subtly, as if she had discovered something intriguing. Qin Yu vaguely sensed the emotion hidden in her gaze—not a good sign at all.
"Qin Yu," Ningguang murmured again.
"Yes, I'm here," Qin Yu replied.
"Don't tense up."
"Huh?"
In the instant Qin Yu opened her mouth, Ningguang slipped her finger inside. Startled, Qin Yu instinctively wanted to bite down, but Ningguang's gaze reminded her of the earlier command, and she managed to restrain herself.
What on earth is she doing?!
Qin Yu felt utterly bewildered, uncomfortable, and mortified, while Ningguang's eyes sparkled with keen interest.
Not content with this, Ningguang added, "Bite down a little."
Evaluation: B
Huh? Is this woman's head a bit... odd? Qin Yu desperately wanted to glare at Ningguang, but she couldn't.
"Is this... an order?"
Even her speech had become slurred.
Ningguang smiled. "If thinking of it that way helps you accept it, then believe whatever you like. But if you really hate it... I won't insist further."
Ugh, what a devious way to put it! Qin Yu thought grudgingly. Qin Yu reluctantly bit down lightly. Unsurprisingly, the sensation wasn't particularly pleasant.
If only Ningguang's fingers were like ladyfingers, she thought absently, her face flushing crimson without further deliberation.
"Mmm..." A faint blush crept across Ningguang's cheeks. Though she had acted on a whim, trying it out proved far more embarrassing than she had imagined.
Yet watching Qin Yu's crimson face as she nibbled gently on Ningguang's finger filled her with palpable satisfaction, lifting her spirits even higher.
A subtle, unfamiliar emotion stirred within her, elevating her enjoyment further.
Perhaps due to their days apart, Ningguang felt a lingering sense of loneliness. Now, engaged in this strange yet intimate act, she couldn't resist reaching out with her other hand to cup Qin Yu's cheek.
"You're really quite adorable," Ningguang laughed.
"Huh?!"
Evaluation: A-
Qin Yu felt utterly bewildered. Could Ningguang truly not be that kind of woman?
"It's incredible how you can lift my spirits so effortlessly in such a short time. It's a pity you won't be returning to the Jade Chamber for several more days... That's enough for now. You can let go."
Was it really that exaggerated? Qin Yu doubted it, but the words still made her feel quite pleased—wait, she couldn't let herself think like that! A maid was just doing her job; she mustn't actually become Ningguang's servant.
Evaluation: A
Get lost, pop-up!
Qin Yu released her mouth, and Ningguang withdrew her hand, studying her fingers for a moment before hesitating.
"Actually... do one more thing for me."
"Eh? Okay... What is it?" Qin Yu asked stiffly.
Ningguang pressed a fingertip to Qin Yu's lips.
"...Like last time." Ningguang seemed too embarrassed to be explicit, hinting vaguely instead.
Last time? Ningguang's finger had brushed against Qin Yu's lips. Last time... ha?! Was she asking Qin Yu to kiss her? Qin Yu desperately didn't want to, but she had just agreed with a reluctant "Okay."
Never mind. As long as I get some points...
Qin Yu reasoned with herself, cradled Ningguang's hand, and gently pressed her lips to the fingertip. She quickly pulled away, her heart pounding so hard it made her feel uncomfortable.
Evaluation: S-
Ningguang withdrew her hand, glanced at her fingertip, and wiped it clean with a handkerchief, her lips curving into a faint smile. She picked up her teacup and continued to sip, her mood seemingly quite elevated.
Qin Yu, meanwhile, didn't want to utter a single word.
I really want to go home.
What will it be like working at the Jade Chamber again? Should I not have agreed to stay by Lady Ningguang's side? A torrent of conflicting thoughts flooded her mind.
"Qin Yu, how have you been lately?"
She's only asking now?
The conversation had shifted, and Qin Yu seized the opportunity to compose herself, smiling faintly. "I'm doing well, Lady Ningguang, though I still feel a bit out of place without seeing you regularly."
"I feel the same way."
Qin Yu poured herself some tea and took a few sips.
Phew... feeling much calmer now.
"As I mentioned before, I hope you're working on improving yourself. How's that going?"
Ugh.
Qin Yu felt a pang of guilt. "I-it's going... okay," she stammered.
"Heh, no need to be nervous. Just a casual inquiry." Ningguang smiled gently. "In all things, it's essential to distinguish between the primary and secondary. Your well-being and happiness with your friends are paramount—that's the primary. Self-improvement is secondary. While it's ideal to excel in both, if the secondary aspect isn't perfect, it can always be improved later with dedicated effort."
Exactly! Qin Yu's spirits lifted.
"Speaking of which, didn't you go on a trip with Shenhe a few days ago?"
"Yes, we had some business to attend to."
Ningguang nodded in satisfaction. "The Ministry of Civil Affairs has mentioned you to me before, praising your efficiency. As someone by my side, your commendations naturally reflect well on me. Thank you for your hard work."
"Oh, no, no—it was all Shenhe's doing. I just helped a little."
Shenhe will likely come down from the mountain and visit the city again in the future, Qin Yu thought. Now's the time to secure some advantages for her.
Ningguang plucked a strand of Qin Yu's hair between her fingers.
"Do you think my observation skills are lacking? Humility is a virtue, but sometimes a gracious acceptance would please me more. After all, you are my maid."
"Excessive modesty can occasionally embarrass others... Do you understand?" Ningguang said slowly.
Being lectured... Qin Yu thought, slightly surprised. She quickly explained, "I understand, I just..."
"If Shenhe encounters any trouble in Liyue Port, I will personally intervene. You needn't concern yourself. Regardless of her being your friend, her status as a disciple of the Adeptus Clan alone warrants the Qixing's attention."
She has a point, Qin Yu thought awkwardly.
Ningguang, however, seemed even more pleased, saying, "But looking at it from another angle, the first people you thought of were those closest to you. That pure loyalty is quite commendable."
Loyalty? I just wanted to repay her kindness, Qin Yu thought.
"Entrust that loyalty to me as well," Ningguang continued. "I won't disappoint you."
Ningguang's words made Qin Yu pause.
"Lady Ningguang," she began.
"Hm?"
"...I'm already by your side."
Though it's merely a mutually beneficial arrangement, Qin Yu added silently.
Ningguang smiled. "Indeed. Then I take back my previous statement. I look forward to seeing the abilities you'll demonstrate upon your return to the Jade Chamber."
Don't expect too much! The pressure's overwhelming already!
Qin Yu forced a smile. "Yes, I'll do my best!"
"An excellent response. Now... since we still have some time, let's talk about other matters. For instance, any noteworthy experiences you've had since leaving the Jade Chamber."
Noteworthy experiences? There really haven't been any. She couldn't possibly want to hear about my time with Shenhe, could she?
"Well... actually, Shenhe and I didn't go anywhere special, and nothing much happened."
"Then simply share your observations and impressions," Ningguang suggested.
"If that's all, then it's fine."
"But won't it be rather dull?"
"Whether it's interesting or not is for me, the listener, to judge. You just need to tell me. Besides... I never find chatting with you boring," Ningguang said.
Really? Since she says so...
Qin Yu smiled, as if giving up. "Thank you. Then I'll tell you..."
She recounted her journey with Shenhe to Jueyun Karst, describing everything she had seen, heard, and felt along the way.
Ningguang rested her cheek on her hand, listening with a faint smile. She occasionally interjected with her own insights, historical anecdotes, and local legends, inadvertently teaching Qin Yu quite a bit.
Am I really going to be doing even more demanding work by her side? Qin Yu thought anxiously.
But since I've already accepted, I have no choice but to do my best. I can't afford to disappoint Lady Ningguang—only then will I get to spend more time like this with her.
Not that I particularly want this, mind you. It's just that the Points are coming in so quickly. That's all. Nothing more.
Having finished her account, Qin Yu took Ningguang's hand.
"Lady Ningguang, I'll work hard!" Qin Yu said earnestly.
Ningguang smiled warmly.
"Good. I'll be watching you closely. Try to make me as satisfied as possible."
Evaluation: S+
But then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, Ningguang pinched Qin Yu's cheek.
Whoa, what are you doing...? Qin Yu startled, feeling awkward and uncomfortable with the sudden physical contact.
"But if you see me working with Baiwen and the others these next few days, don't get jealous again," Ningguang teased.
Ha? Who's getting jealous?! There's a limit to misunderstandings! Is it because you haven't been resting properly lately that you're imagining such absurd things? Then rest more! Don't end up like last time.
Qin Yu reacted strongly, as if her sore spot had been poked. "N-no such thing!"
This reaction is so transparent, Ningguang thought, confirming her suspicions.
Qin Yu's personality was a bit troublesome, even getting jealous over something like this. Yet Ningguang found it endearing. Her straightforwardness and charm made her easy to understand and pleasant to be around, especially since Ningguang had specifically asked her to stay.
"Your position is unique, I can assure you," Ningguang said.
Qin Yu murmured defensively, "Really, there's nothing to it."
"Hmm, let's just assume that's the case then," Ningguang said with a smile that seemed to understand everything.
How infuriating.
Qin Yu was inwardly furious, but she maintained her composure, refusing to betray her character. She could only seethe internally, muttering to herself in her mind.
Just then, she felt a palm press against her cheek, the familiar warmth and touch instantly recognizable.
Ningguang leaned close to her ear.
"If you don't believe those words, I can say something else—only you can bring me such contentment. Baiwen and the others could never achieve this. Do you think... that's acceptable?"
Qin Yu's face flushed hot again, and she stammered dizzily, "Y-yes... it's acceptable..."
"Very good then."
Ningguang instinctively reached out to stroke Qin Yu's hair, thinking to herself, This feels surprisingly nice.
But the gesture instantly snapped Qin Yu back to her senses.
Don't mess up my hair!
After a while, Ningguang announced she had other matters to attend to, and Qin Yu left first.
Ningguang was in excellent spirits, which was a relief, saving Qin Yu from having to worry about her well-being. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that staying by Ningguang's side was becoming increasingly dangerous... though there was no turning back now.
Hmph, at least she's far better than that childhood friend of mine who never understands my hints and never comes looking for me.