After lingering a while longer at Guyun Stone Forest, conducting another thorough on-site inspection with Ganyu and Keqing, Ganyu and Qin Yu returned to Liyue Harbor.
Following their report to Ningguang, Ganyu suddenly became concerned about the progress of the Jade Chamber's reconstruction.
To lure Beisht out, they needed the Jade Chamber. In other words, the official start of their operation hinged on the Jade Chamber's completion date.
Seizing the opportunity during their downtime, she suggested taking a detour to check on the construction site.
Qin Yu readily agreed, eager to see the progress on the Jade Chamber. With Shenhe and Lumine assisting, she figured they must have made some headway by now.
As soon as they arrived at the site, Qin Yu spotted a massive floating stone in motion. Looking down, she recognized the familiar figure of Shenhe effortlessly maneuvering the boulder.
"That girl has unbelievable strength!" the workers murmured.
"Could she be an Adeptus too?"
Despite having witnessed it countless times, Qin Yu still found Shenhe's strength utterly absurd. Though she'd never tested it, she suspected she'd have no chance of resisting if Shenhe tried to pin her down—thankfully, Shenhe would never do such a thing.
Just as Qin Yu felt a mix of relief and admiration, Shenhe seemed to sense her gaze and turned to look at her.
"Qin Yu?"
I was spotted right away! Qin Yu had no choice but to approach Shenhe with Ganyu.
"Ahaha, caught in the act!"
Shenhe replied calmly, "I've memorized your aura. I'll never forget it, so I can always sense you, no matter where you are."
Whoa, that sounds terrifying!
...But also a little flattering.
Evaluation: D (Shenhe)
Qin Yu nervously twirled a strand of her hair. Shenhe's attention immediately shifted to Ganyu.
"Ganyu, you're here too. Is there any work you need me to do?" Shenhe asked.
Ganyu said, "Ah, no, we were just curious about the Jade Chamber's reconstruction and decided to take a look. Judging by the Plaustrite you found, Shenhe, I'd say you're guaranteed a top-three spot. Congratulations!"
Shenhe shook her head.
"I only helped carry it... Someone else actually found it."
As she spoke, two figures appeared behind her: Paimon, with her intelligent eyes and adorable face, and her companion and caretaker, Lumine.
"Why do I feel like someone's talking about me behind my back?" Paimon scratched her head, looking puzzled.
But when she glanced around and saw everyone around her looking calm and normal, she dismissed it as her imagination and lost interest. Instead, she put her hands on her hips and declared, "Don't be like that! Shenhe, you found this Plaustrite with us!"
Lumine nodded. "Without Shenhe, even if we knew where the Plaustrite was, we couldn't have dispelled the Adepti Sigil guarding the entrance."
"Is that so... Thank you."
Paimon grinned. "You're welcome, you're welcome! By the way, how long are you going to hold that rock? Aren't you tired?"
"Not tired. It's very light."
It seemed Shenhe had encountered Lumine and Paimon while searching for the Plaustrite. Since they knew its location, they had collaborated to obtain this massive piece together.
Qin Yu looked up at the Plaustrite several times.
To call it large would be an understatement. I wonder if I can even lift it now, she thought.
"Shenhe, let me try!" Qin Yu exclaimed, eager to test her strength.
"Alright, but be careful. Don't hurt yourself."
Paimon tilted her head in confusion. "Try what? Lifting the rock? Shenhe, sure, but Qin Yu, you don't exactly look like someone who could lift... that?"
Qin Yu took the Plaustrite and effortlessly hoisted it into the air.
Paimon stared, dumbfounded.
Lumine exclaimed in astonishment, "A maid with superhuman strength... are all maids like this?"
Ganyu, unfazed, simply remarked, "Qin Yu is just particularly special."
I wonder who would win in a strength contest between Qin Yu and Shenhe, Ganyu mused.
Just as she was thinking this, Baiwen came sprinting over, shouting, "Stop!"
"Qin Yu, don't play around with that! A Plaustrite slab this big is incredibly rare!" Baiwen gasped, out of breath.
"I-I wasn't playing around," Qin Yu stammered awkwardly. "Where should I put the Plaustrite? I'll place it properly for them."
"Over here."
After setting the Plaustrite in its designated spot, Qin Yu dusted off her hands and thought to herself: Shenhe carried this effortlessly, but it's still a bit of a struggle for me. At least in terms of physical strength, I'm definitely no match for Shenhe.
...Ha! What am I even thinking? Qin Yu quickly banished the stray thoughts from her mind and rejoined the group.
She immediately noticed two newcomers.
One was Yun Jin, whom she had met before. The other wore an eye patch, had lustrous black hair, and possessed a striking and dignified presence.
"Miss Beidou and Miss Yun Jin?"
The two women noticed Qin Yu and greeted her with warm smiles.
"Qin Yu, it's been a while! How have you been?" Yun Jin asked.
"Ah, it's you! I heard you became Secretary to Yuheng Keqing. Congratulations," Beidou said with a laugh.
Ningguang and Beidou often collaborated, so Qin Yu naturally came into contact with the captain of the fleet.
However, their meetings were infrequent, making them only acquaintances.
Though Beidou exuded a "Big Sister" aura, her striking beauty and figure led the System to recognize her as a potential "closeness target."
"Get close" and earn Points.
Yet Qin Yu felt nothing toward this.
It wasn't that she disliked Beidou herself... No, using the word "feelings" was odd; disinterested? Even interest sounded peculiar.
In short, Qin Yu found Beidou beautiful and kind-hearted, worthy of clinging to.
But she already had Shenhe and the others.
From a Point-earning efficiency perspective, staying with Shenhe and the others was far more efficient.
Emotionally, Qin Yu simply wanted to be with them.
Her inner world wasn't vast; it could only accommodate Shenhe and the others, each occupying a corner of it. But that was enough to satisfy her.
As long as she could continue spending time with them, maintain their close bonds, and keep developing their relationships, she would be content.
"Thank you! I'm surprised to see you both here. Are you also here for the competition?"
Yun Jin nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, to be honest, I really need the opportunity to ask Miss Ningguang some questions."
"My father happens to have some connections. The Plaustrite he procured may be small, but it should be enough to qualify."
"As for me," Beidou chimed in, "I stumbled upon a piece during my seafaring adventures and decided to come along."
Qin Yu's eyes widened in realization. So, Shenhe has competitors after all?
She glanced at Shenhe, who wore a thoughtful expression. At least Shenhe can create Adepti Sigils. She's practically guaranteed a top-three spot.
"Qin Yu, are you participating as well?" Yun Jin asked curiously.
"Oh, no, no. Sister Ganyu and I just happened to be passing by the construction site," Qin Yu replied quickly.
Yun Jin pondered for a moment. "That means there are four of us competing: myself, Miss Beidou, Miss Lumine, and Miss Shenhe."
"...If you need this opportunity more, I'll withdraw," Shenhe suddenly declared.
Her words stunned everyone, not just Qin Yu.
"Shenhe, didn't you have something you wanted to ask Ningguang about?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"Hmm, I think I could figure it out myself eventually, it would just take some time and effort. If someone else needs this opportunity more, I don't mind giving it up."
Hearing Shenhe's words, Qin Yu could only smile helplessly.
Since Shenhe herself didn't mind, there was nothing more she could say.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder what question Shenhe had wanted to ask Ningguang that she would give up the opportunity so easily. It couldn't have been that important, could it?
Yun Jin panicked, "No need! Let's compete fairly, and whoever wins the opportunity through their own merits deserves it!"
"I'll pass on my question as well," Beidou added.
Why are they passing the opportunity around like this?
Beidou shrugged. "I don't need to ask Ningguang anything. All she has to do is buy my Plaustrite at a fair price. So, Shenhe, there's no need for you to give up your chance."
"Is that so?"
"Yep."
After a moment's hesitation, Shenhe nodded. "I understand."
Yun Jin proposed, "In that case, I have a good suggestion—let's split the three question slots evenly among us. We can all secure the top three spots together!"
"If Miss Beidou doesn't mind, I'd like to use the money from selling my Plaustrite to purchase her relinquished question slot," Yun Jin added.
"Ha ha, no need, no need! Don't worry about such a small sum. Just treat me to a free performance of your opera sometime!"
"Then... thank you very much," Yun Jin said with a smile.
If it came to a competition, she felt her chances of winning were slim. Beidou was the renowned captain of the Crux Fleet, Shenhe exuded an extraordinary aura, and Lumine was a celebrated adventurer of the Adventurer's Guild.
Yet she desperately needed this opportunity to ask her question.
Therefore, a solution that satisfied everyone would be ideal.
They're forming a team?! Qin Yu thought.
But the competition rules don't explicitly forbid teamwork, so I guess it's allowed...
As she listened to the group's discussion, Qin Yu gazed up at the Jade Chamber's base.
According to Baiwen, the Jade Chamber's reconstruction was divided into two major phases.
The first phase involved building the foundation. Once the Plaustrite was ready, iron cables would hoist the Jade Chamber to the same height as the mountain peak.
The remaining construction would then be completed in the air.
Judging by the current progress, the project was proceeding efficiently. Perhaps before long, the Jade Chamber would once again grace the skies.
"Speaking of which, Yun Jin, what question do you want to ask Miss Ningguang?" Paimon's voice snapped Qin Yu out of her thoughts.
Yun Jin replied, "I'm searching for a suitable venue for our new play. Miss Ningguang has exceptional insight and extensive knowledge, and she often attends our troupe's performances. Perhaps she could offer some guidance."
A new play? Qin Yu asked, intrigued. "What kind of play is it?"
"It's a legendary tale of gods, demons, and immortal maidens, painstakingly crafted by my father based on popular folklore," Yun Jin explained with a smile. "It's titled Divine Damsel of Devastation."
Yun Jin proceeded to outline the plot:
"Legend has it that a prosperous village once thrived near Tianheng Mountain. Among its residents was a devoted couple who lived in harmony and happiness."
"One day, while the wife was gathering medicinal herbs, she was captured by a monster. Overwhelmed with grief, the husband descended into madness."
Strange... this story sounds familiar, Qin Yu thought.
And Tianheng Mountain... wasn't that near Shenhe's hometown? Remembering their shared journey back to Shenhe's village, Qin Yu couldn't help but glance at Shenhe.
Shenhe returned her gaze without any discernible expression.
"The monster demanded the lives of children as its tribute. If its demands were not met, none of the remaining villagers would be spared."
"The monster possessed immense power, far beyond the capacity of ordinary humans to resist."
"Just as the villagers were debating whose child to sacrifice, a young girl volunteered. She secretly possessed a Demon-Slaying Sword, which she revealed upon entering the monster's lair. After a fierce battle, she emerged victorious."
Yun Jin continued, "Later, her exceptional talent caught the attention of an Adeptus, leading to a legendary tale. But alas, the divide between the Adeptus and mortal realms meant she could never return to the mortal world."
This is just a dramatized version of Shenhe's own story, Qin Yu thought.
The truth was far harsher.
"I really like this story," Shenhe suddenly said.
Ganyu knew something of Shenhe's past, having heard it from Cloud Retainer. She immediately recognized this Tianheng Mountain legend, whose protagonist was none other than Shenhe herself.
"Shenhe, you..." Ganyu trailed off, unsure how to proceed.
"Don't worry, it's all ancient history now," Shenhe assured her.
Come to think of it, Shenhe once hoped I would accept her completely—past and present, Qin Yu mused, smiling faintly. "Yes, it's all in the past now."
"Mm," Shenhe murmured, gazing at Qin Yu with a tenderness as soft as water.
Evaluation: C- (Shenhe)
The trio's exchange left the others completely bewildered.
Yun Jin glanced back and forth between Qin Yu, Shenhe, and Ganyu, sensing something unspoken but choosing not to press the matter.
"Oh right, Shenhe, what question did you want to ask Miss Ningguang?" Ganyu tactfully changed the subject.
"I'm curious too!" Paimon chimed in.
Good job, Sister Ganyu!
"I can't say."
Just as I thought!
Qin Yu felt deeply disappointed. Shenhe's lips were sealed tighter than a vault, impossible to pry open no matter what she tried.
"W-well, I guess everyone has their own little secrets, huh?" Paimon said regretfully.
Afterward, the group planned to prepare the Wonder Core and Adepti Sigils. Qin Yu couldn't shake her worry about Shenhe.
"Should Shenhe and I go with you?"
"...There's no need to worry about me," Shenhe said, instantly discerning Qin Yu's concern. Her heart warmed, but she shook her head.
"But—"
Shenhe murmured, "Trust me. Just wait for me at home."
"Alright," Qin Yu agreed reluctantly.
If she won't talk, she won't talk, Qin Yu thought glumly.
After bidding farewell to Shenhe and the others, Qin Yu followed Ganyu away at a leisurely pace.
Is she really going to be okay?
Qin Yu glanced back at Shenhe, hesitated, then ran back, grabbed Shenhe's hand, and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"Come back soon. We're going out to eat tonight."
"Mm."
Evaluation: C+ (Shenhe)
Only then did Qin Yu feel a sliver of relief. She waved goodbye to Shenhe and dashed back to Ganyu's side.
As she watched Qin Yu and Ganyu's retreating figures, Shenhe's expression softened slightly.
Yes, those are all ancient history now. I have my own home and family now...
At this thought, Shenhe recalled her father.
For some reason, she felt she could understand him a little better now. Of course, nothing could change what he had done, and she didn't believe it was right.
She just understood a little better why her father had become the way he did after her mother's death.
"What did Qin Yu say just now?" Paimon asked.
Why is Paimon so nosy? Lumine thought, sighing inwardly.
Qin Yu had whispered in Shenhe's ear, clearly not wanting others to hear. Shenhe probably wouldn't reveal it anyway...
"She told me to come back quickly."
"She actually said it!" Lumine exclaimed in surprise.
Shenhe tilted her head, confused. "Is that something that shouldn't be said?"
"Not really," Lumine replied.
Still, if Qin Yu found out, she wondered how she would react.
"I just think you and Qin Yu are so close! Just like me and Lumine, hehe!" Paimon said, beaming with inexplicable pride.
Shenhe nodded. "We are very close."
"Thank you for the compliment—"
"...I meant that Qin Yu and I are indeed very close."
Paimon covered her eyes. "Agh, it's too bright! Lumine, say something to prove our friendship is just as strong as theirs!"
"There's no need to compare," Lumine sighed.
Besides, if this could even be called friendship, the intensity was definitely off the charts.
"Exactly. There's no need for comparison. Having someone important by your side is an immense blessing. We should simply cherish this bond and relationship," Shenhe said calmly.
"Hearing you say that just makes me feel like we lost even worse," Paimon lamented.
Lumine chuckled, "Lost-mon."
"Hey!"