After returning home from work, Qin Yu remained preoccupied with the impending crisis.
A wife who ran away after hitting her husband... Judging by the preparations Ningguang had made, everything seemed well in hand. Yet Qin Yu couldn't shake off her lingering unease.
She didn't believe Liyue Harbor would face any real threat, after all, it had the Adepti to protect it.
However, Ningguang had mentioned that if the worst came to pass, she wouldn't hesitate to smash another Jade Chamber. Qin Yu desperately wanted to avoid such a "worst-case scenario."
Ningguang cherished the Jade Chamber deeply. After finally rebuilding a new one, the thought of having to destroy it again was unbearable, not just for Ningguang, but for Qin Yu herself.
Qin Yu still vividly remembered Ningguang's reaction in the aftermath of losing the original Jade Chamber.
We can't let that happen again.
Otherwise, I'll have to take care of her all over again, Qin Yu thought, feeling she needed to contribute her own efforts.
Thus, it was time to level up.
"Current Points... W-wow, five million?!"
So many!
But considering she'd earned two SSS-Rank evaluations and consistently achieved SS-Rank or higher, accumulating this many points was actually quite reasonable.
Qin Yu's face flushed. Having kissed so much these past few days, achieving an SSS-Rank Evaluation would be effortless.
But this isn't about selling my body, Qin Yu thought.
The kisses with Ningguang and Keqing were simply a result of the atmosphere.
Not that it didn't feel good... of course it did. I wouldn't resist it now, not at this point.Uh, wait, no! Thinking like that makes me sound like... one of those women.
Am I really one of them?
Qin Yu shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside for now.
"Considering our upcoming enemy is Osial's wife, I should enhance my firepower," Qin Yu mused.
As the wife of a God, she'd undoubtedly be a colossal entity.
The only skills Qin Yu had that could damage such a massive foe were "Armament Platform" and "Overclock."
However, the former lacked sufficient firepower, especially compared to the Guizhong Ballista's anti-aircraft artillery-like rate of fire and destructive power. The latter, meanwhile, required close-range combat to maximize its damage and effects.
This meant engaging in close-quarters battle.
But that was far too dangerous, and the limited melee range would make fighting extremely difficult.
We need firepower, and a lot of it—at least as strong as the Guizhong Ballista.
Fortunately, I've already unlocked a fairly advanced stage of the Skill Tree, and I have plenty of Points to spend freely.
Qin Yu scrolled through the Skill Tree, her gaze settling on a particular Skill:
Dimensional Armor—Requires Human Transformation (MAX) and Apex Trooper. When activated, it summons a special armored mech with full energy and ammunition. Upon entering the mech, you can use its equipped weapons: Divine Gun (Particle Cannon), Meteor Swarm (Missile Barrage), Flash Storm (High-Rate Explosive Rounds), and Peacemaker (Self-Destruct).
The mech is unaffected by buff effects but can utilize Skills such as Celestial System and Causality Calculation.
Grants the subordinate Skill Dimensional Armament.
Extremely energy-intensive; energy cannot be replenished. The Skill must be reactivated for reuse.
Dimensional Armament—A subordinate Skill of Dimensional Armor. Can be activated independently or activates automatically when Dimensional Armor is deployed. When activated, it encases your body in a special enhancement suit. Though essentially the control suit required to pilot the Dimensional Armor, it still provides excellent damage reduction and enhancement effects.
This skill alone cost four million points, a clear indication of its extraordinary power.
Qin Yu glanced at the detailed description.
"Flight-capable, heavily armored, low maneuverability, but with a massive ammunition capacity and devastating firepower. It sounds like a heavily armed, mobile turret—exactly what I need right now."
Qin Yu noted that there were also secondary skills associated with it. After a moment's hesitation, she activated the primary skill.
While she couldn't test the Dimensional Armor yet, she could try out the Dimensional Armament.
Activating the skill, a glowing halo materialized in mid-air, sweeping upward to encase everything it touched in a layer of armor. As the halo vanished, the faceplate emitted a bright light.
Standing before the mirror, Qin Yu gazed at her reflection and exclaimed, "Whoa..."
Kind of cool.
She tapped the faceplate. With a mental command, it automatically retracted, revealing her face.
Very convenient too.
Not bad, not bad at all. Qin Yu nodded in satisfaction. Then she pulled out her Machine Companion, struck a series of poses she thought looked cool, and had it take a few photos.
Just then, Shenhe pushed the door open.
"Qin Yu, dinner's ready."
"Uwah!?"
Qin Yu jumped in surprise. Caught off guard by Shenhe's unwavering gaze, she felt both embarrassed and flustered.
Couldn't you knock first?! Qin Yu grumbled inwardly before disarming and forcing a smile.
"You startled me! Shenhe, why didn't you knock?"
"I did knock, but you didn't seem to hear me."
Qin Yu's embarrassment deepened.
Ugh, I was so engrossed in taking photos that I didn't hear her!
"Ahaha, is that so? Sorry to trouble you. I'll be right there." Qin Yu decided to act as if nothing had happened and followed Shenhe out of the bedroom.
"It's very beautiful," Shenhe suddenly commented, "though I don't quite understand it."
Qin Yu couldn't resist pinching her cheek.
I didn't ask for your opinion.
Evaluation: C
I didn't ask for yours either.
When they first moved into the house, Qin Yu had mostly cooked dinner, while Shenhe observed and learned new recipes. Soon, Shenhe volunteered to take over dinner duties completely.
After finishing their meal, the two sat on the sofa.
Looking at Shenhe beside her, Qin Yu suddenly felt like she had completely adjusted to their cohabitation.
"I heard Lady Ningguang is gathering materials to rebuild the Jade Chamber," Qin Yu said casually.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Qin Yu responded casually, "Ah, right. Wonder Cores, Plaustrite, and Adepti Sigils. Are you interested in this, Shenhe?"
"A little."
She actually is?! Qin Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Really? Why?"
"I heard that Lady Ningguang pays a considerable sum of Mora for these materials. I thought we could use the money to supplement our household expenses and prepare for future plans."
"Is that why? What are you planning to prepare for?"
Qin Yu sighed helplessly but felt a warmth in her heart. She chuckled, "Don't worry about that. We both have jobs, we've already bought a house, and there's no mortgage or anything. We're not short on money."
"What's a mortgage?"
"A torturous contract."
Shenhe murmured, "Such contracts exist here... But people believe that the more Mora, the better."
"More is indeed better, but you don't need to push yourself, Shenhe."
"I'm not pushing myself. I have leads on both the Plaustrite and the Adepti Sigil. The former might be in Sea Gazer's Abode."
Qin Yu was surprised. "You're going to get it? Are you sure that's okay?"
"It's fine. Sea Gazer and Mountain Shaper were close friends. Though Sea Gazer has passed on, Mountain Shaper told me that the Adeptus was broad-minded and wouldn't mind such a thing."
Shenhe added, "As for the Adepti Sigil, I received guidance from an Adeptus, so I have some knowledge of talisman crafting. There's no need to worry about that either."
"So Shenhe's a seeded player, then."
"Seeded player?"
Qin Yu smiled slightly. "It means someone with great potential."
Shenhe nodded in understanding.
"Since you want to participate, Shenhe, then go for it!" Qin Yu said. "As long as you don't push yourself too hard, I'll support you."
Shenhe nodded gently. "Mm, I understand."
Evaluation: B-
But Shenhe was planning to gather both materials alone! If anyone else found out, they'd be utterly astonished. Qin Yu chuckled to herself, finding the idea amusing.
"I thought you wanted to ask Ningguang a question," Qin Yu teased.
Ningguang's reward was: Mora and a chance to ask her a question.
Earlier, when Shenhe mentioned her interest in the competition, Qin Yu had assumed she wanted to seize this opportunity to question Ningguang.
"Ningguang?" Shenhe glanced at Qin Yu, noticing the unusual informality. She always addressed Ningguang as "Lady Ningguang," not by her given name.
But Shenhe didn't dwell on it, continuing, "Actually, I do want to ask her a question."
"Eh?"
Intrigued, Qin Yu leaned closer. "What is it?"
"...I can't say."
Ha?
"Not even to me?" Qin Yu asked, a hint of displeasure in her voice.
"Mm... not yet, at least."
What's this about? The more Qin Yu pondered it, the more annoyed and curious she grew.
What could it possibly be that she has to keep it a secret from me?
Unable to contain herself, Qin Yu leaned against Shenhe's shoulder, trying to pry information out of her. "Shenhe, have you run into some trouble?"
"No."
"Could it be... because of me?" Qin Yu asked hesitantly, the question bordering on self-importance, but she saw no other way to phrase it.
Shenhe didn't reply.
Silence!
Qin Yu grew even more puzzled. Shenhe's reaction seemed like an unspoken confirmation.
But how could this possibly involve me? Hearing that Shenhe was acting for her sake, Qin Yu's irritation vanished, replaced by pure curiosity.
"Since it involves me, you can't keep it from me! Tell me, Shenhe—" Qin Yu decided to relentlessly press her.
Shenhe wavered, but remembering the truth was impossible to reveal at this moment, she shook her head.
"Not yet."
Huh? Qin Yu's curiosity morphed into annoyance.
Her temperament, as fickle as a cat's, led her to do something Shenhe never expected: she gently bit Shenhe's neck.
Feeling the slight prickle on her neck, Shenhe realized she'd been bitten again.
Evaluation: B+
"Tell me now," Qin Yu demanded, her breath warming Shenhe's neck.
"I can't."
Ugh, this is infuriating! Qin Yu channeled her frustration into her teeth, hoping to convey her annoyance directly into Shenhe's heart.
The bite wasn't particularly hard, but it conveyed her meaning perfectly to Shenhe.
"I'm sorry."
"...Forget it."
Shenhe's apology instantly defused Qin Yu's anger.
There must be a reason anyway. I should at least try to understand.
"Does it hurt?" Qin Yu asked, touching the bite mark.
"No, it doesn't hurt."
Good. Qin Yu's brow relaxed.
"Will you tell me later?" Qin Yu pressed.
"Yes, I will."
"Then I'll wait."
We live together every day anyway.
Qin Yu leaned back against the sofa. Shenhe studied her for a moment, then turned slightly, bringing her face closer to Qin Yu's.
Qin Yu's mind went into a flurry of confusion. What is she doing?
Could it be...? A fleeting suspicion formed, and after a moment of hesitation, she closed her eyes and gently tilted her flushed face upward.
Then came the familiar sensation and scent.
Except this time, it landed on her cheek.
Evaluation: A
Realizing this, Qin Yu's eyes snapped open in dissatisfaction. "Shenhe, what are you doing?"
"Expressing myself."
"I-I haven't done anything that deserves your gratitude," Qin Yu stammered, touching her burning cheek and averting her gaze in a fluster.
I thought she was going to kiss me on the lips... Qin Yu felt a pang of disappointment.
Oblivious to Qin Yu's thoughts, Shenhe continued, "It's a different kind of expression—expressing affection."
"Then—"
"Then?"
Qin Yu retracted the words that had instinctively slipped out, nonchalantly saying, "It's nothing."
Evaluation: S-
I said it's nothing!
"I'll explain later," Shenhe added.
"...Okay, I get it."
But what could Shenhe possibly want to ask Ningguang? Qin Yu couldn't help but wonder.
She quickly gave up trying to figure it out.
Compared to that, there was something else she wanted to know more.
"Tonight... shall we sleep together?"
Shenhe nodded. "Mm, I was just about to ask you the same thing."
Qin Yu's expression relaxed into relief.
But then it shifted again, and she playfully pinched Shenhe's cheek, a hint of dissatisfaction in her eyes.
It's always me who has to ask lately. Can't you ever take the initiative? Honestly, you used to make these absurdly selfish requests all the time. Why do I have to be the one now...?
Muttering inwardly, Qin Yu admired Shenhe's face, now slightly distorted from her tugging and pinching.
Then she burst out laughing.
"Shenhe, your face looks so weird!"
Evaluation: S+
"Speaking of which, Shenhe, have you noticed anything strange in the sea?" Qin Yu asked.
"I've sensed it—a deep, lingering resentment."
"Actually, it's like this..."
Qin Yu explained the intelligence about Beisht and Ningguang's arrangements to Shenhe.
Shenhe listened without a change in expression.
"I see," she said after a pause. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."
Evaluation: SS
Though Qin Yu was pleased by Shenhe's words, she insisted, "There's no need. I can protect myself. Besides, I want to protect you, Shenhe."
"Because I'm important to you?" Shenhe asked.
".... Mhm, very important," Qin Yu finally admitted.
Qin Yu didn't want to say it aloud, but Shenhe's direct question left her no choice but to answer honestly.
"You are to me as well," Shenhe replied.
Evaluation: SS+
Qin Yu blushed crimson, waving her hand dismissively. "I've heard that so many times already. I know."
Was she tired of these words? Shenhe wondered. After a moment's thought, she decided to express herself through actions. She pressed her lips to Qin Yu's cheek again. Qin Yu started to protest but stopped, ultimately choosing to accept the gesture.
"It's always just my cheek..." Qin Yu muttered.
"What's wrong?"
"N-nothing!"
Feeling the weight of Shenhe's affection pressing against her cheek, Qin Yu felt strangely comforted and at ease.
To me, Qin Yu is undeniably the most important person, Shenhe thought. That's why I want to help her, to ease her worries and solve her problems.
Though Qin Yu hadn't voiced it, she was likely still troubled by the so-called "romance" problem.
If understanding romance is the key to helping her, then I must understand it.
To achieve this, perhaps I need Qin Yu to confess to me. Only then can I truly feel it and understand it clearly... This was Shenhe's simple and direct line of reasoning.
Shenhe had no idea how to make Qin Yu confess to her.
But Lady Ningguang might know. When Shenhe had previously asked her about romance, she had confidently given an answer, though Shenhe hadn't understood a word of it.
I'll use the question opportunity I won in the competition to ask Lady Ningguang, Shenhe resolved.
Shenhe thought to herself, knowing she couldn't tell Qin Yu about this yet. If she did, Qin Yu would only worry, adding to her burdens.
I'll tell her once this is resolved.