Ningguang planned to host a grand banquet on the Jade Chamber that evening, celebrating both the successful reconstruction of the chamber and the end of Liyue Harbor's recent crisis, marking a return to peace.
"How are you feeling? Any discomfort?" Ningguang asked with genuine concern.
Suppressing a yawn, Qin Yu replied with a hint of resignation, "Just a bit tired."
"That's understandable. Even though you've been sleeping for quite some time, the physical strain from such intense combat can't be recovered so easily."
After Beisht's defeat, Qin Yu and Shenhe had been arranged by Ningguang to rest temporarily on the Jade Chamber.
Even after sleeping until evening, Qin Yu still felt sore and exhausted.
As Ningguang had said, the exhaustion from such intense combat couldn't be simply shaken off with a brief rest.
But the banquet was about to begin. She couldn't possibly keep sleeping, could she?
So Qin Yu rubbed her face, forcing herself to wake up.
"Is there anything you need me to do?" Qin Yu asked casually.
"Yes."
Whoa, really?
Ningguang, you're completely...
"I want you to fully enjoy this banquet and get a proper mental rest."
Evaluation: D
She's just too kind! Qin Yu's mood shifted faster than a Sichuan opera face-changing performance, turning from gloomy to cheerful in an instant. A smile blossomed on her face.
"Thank you," she said.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Don't be so polite. It's only natural."
"Besides, if anyone should be thanking someone, it should be me. I saw how you fought with all your might for us, and I've kept it in my heart. I must thank you."
Evaluation: C-
Qin Yu smoothed a stray strand of hair by her cheek. "It was nothing."
Ningguang didn't comment on Qin Yu's response, knowing it wasn't humility but shyness.
Instead of calling her out, she smoothly changed the subject.
"Is there anything you desire?" she asked.
"Anything I desire?"
Ningguang nodded slightly. "Anything at all. I'd like to give it to you as a reward. Of course, let me make it clear beforehand—I don't want to hear your usual answer."
"I know, I know," Qin Yu said awkwardly.
Though she wanted Ningguang to love her more, now that she had shed her public persona—her carefully constructed mask of respectability—the words that had once come so easily now felt difficult to utter.
Among these was the simple phrase, "I want Lady Ningguang to like me more."
Even if Ningguang hadn't asked, Qin Yu would never have wanted to answer that question.
But when it came to what she truly desired... Qin Yu found herself at a loss.
If she asked for money, Ningguang would undoubtedly refuse, insisting that her bonuses were already generous enough and that there was no need to make a special request.
"Can't think of anything?"
"Mm..." Qin Yu nodded slowly.
"Really nothing?"
I already said I can't think of anything right now!
As Qin Yu thought this, Ningguang stepped closer, her fingertip brushing lightly across Qin Yu's lips. A faint smile played on her face as she leaned in a little closer.
"Really nothing?"
Evaluation: C+
Hearing the veiled implication in Ningguang's tone, Qin Yu's heart began to race, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
Yet Qin Yu refused to simply follow Ningguang's lead.
"No."
"But I do."
Ha?
Before Qin Yu could voice her confusion, Ningguang silenced her with a kiss, sealing off any further words.
Evaluation: B
Ningguang recalled the image of Shenhe and Qin Yu embracing. Though logic told her there was nothing wrong with it, she still couldn't shake the feeling.
"What I truly desire is you, Qin Yu," Ningguang murmured softly.
Evaluation: A-
W-want me? Does she mean... that kind of thing?
No, no, no! At least consider the time and place! Qin Yu's face flushed crimson as she shook her head frantically.
"Unwilling?" Ningguang asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Seeing her expression, Qin Yu wavered slightly.
"I-it's too soon," she stammered.
"So that's what you think? You're not unwilling, then?" Ningguang inquired softly.
"I'm unwilling now."
Ningguang couldn't help but smile. Teasing Qin Yu was always such an amusing pastime.
Though she longed to continue flirting, she knew the occasion called for restraint.
"It's almost time," she said. "I need to freshen up. Qin Yu, you should prepare as well."
Qin Yu patted her chest, relief washing over her.
"Or... you could help me put on my dress?"
Qin Yu froze again, then hastily turned away. "I-I'll just go then!"
If Ningguang were actually to get dressed, who knows what might happen!
Ningguang wasn't surprised by Qin Yu's reaction; it was exactly as she had anticipated.
If Qin Yu had accepted, Ningguang might have felt slightly disoriented. After all, such an occasion would require meticulous preparation, especially setting the mood...
Fleeing Ningguang's bedroom as if escaping, Qin Yu glanced back at the room one last time.
How nostalgic.
Though it hadn't been that long, returning to the Jade Chamber felt wonderful.
But I won't be living here anymore...
Instead, she would be living with Shenhe.
Living in that room, living... at home.
A natural smile spread across Qin Yu's face at the thought.
As night fell, numerous tables and chairs were arranged on the platforms outside the Jade Chamber's pavilions. Guests invited by Ningguang gradually arrived, filling the seats within moments.
Qin Yu was naturally among them.
Seated with her were Shenhe, Keqing, Ganyu, and Lumine. Paimon declared she'd rather float around to quickly grab food and drinks than sit down.
Keqing asked with concern, "Qin Yu, Shenhe, are you both feeling alright?"
"I'm fine now," Shenhe said calmly. "I wasn't injured back then, just exhausted. I recovered after resting for a while."
"I'm still a bit sleepy, but I'm fine," Qin Yu smiled.
Keqing finally felt completely relieved.
Ganyu also sighed in relief. "That's wonderful! When I saw Beisht drag you underwater, Qin Yu, and then Shenhe jump in after you, I was so worried..."
"But if you're still feeling sleepy, your body probably hasn't fully recovered yet. You should take it easy to avoid getting sick," Ganyu added.
"Indeed. Don't push yourself. Just let us know if you need to take time off," Keqing said with a gentle smile.
Their concern warmed Qin Yu's heart like a gentle breeze.
"Mm, I will," she replied.
Just then, Ningguang emerged from the pavilion, dressed in formal attire.
The moment everyone noticed her, the crowd fell silent, awaiting the Jade Chamber's mistress to speak.
Ningguang offered a warm, polite smile. "You are all my esteemed guests. There's no need to be nervous. With the Jade Chamber's reconstruction complete, I wish to share this joy with you all. Please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
"Tonight, the Yun-Han Opera Troupe will perform their new play on this very stage. May you all savor this splendid evening with fine wine, refreshments, and the beauty of the performance."
Her words were met with thunderous applause.
Ningguang then took a seat at Qin Yu's table.
"Would you like some wine?" Ningguang asked with a smile.
"I—"
Qin Yu had barely opened her mouth when Keqing's gaze fixed on her.
Remembering her drunken state from earlier, Qin Yu hastily added, "Just a little!"
"I wasn't planning to stop you. Just don't overdo it. As for me, I'll have some too. Consider it a long-overdue relaxation," Keqing said.
Ningguang was slightly surprised by Keqing's decision but said nothing.
She turned to Shenhe. "What about you, Shenhe?"
"Wine... I've never tasted it. I don't know what it's like," Shenhe replied slowly.
Paimon piped up curiously, "I'm curious too!"
"Little kids shouldn't drink wine," Ganyu cautioned, shaking her head.
"I-I'm not a little kid anymore!"
Shenhe looked at Qin Yu beside her. "Is wine good?"
"Hmm~ That's hard to say. Some wines are delicious, like Mondstadt's Dandelion Wine, while others are terrible—just watered-down alcohol. Each kind is different, but you could try it."
Shenhe pondered for a moment, then nodded.
"Then I'll try it."
Taking the wine bottle, she poured some into her glass, took a small sip, and frowned slightly.
"How is it?"
"...It's hard to describe, but it's not bad," Shenhe said frankly.
Ningguang smiled to herself, then thought, Now that the crisis has passed, Shenhe should finally be able to ask her question.
I'll ask her later.
Just then, amidst the cheers and applause, Yun Jin stepped onto the stage.
Many of the guests were opera enthusiasts who had eagerly awaited Yun Jin's new performance. Their excitement surged the moment they saw her.
As Yun Jin's expression shifted, as if entering a trance, the crowd fell silent.
Here it comes, Qin Yu thought, shoving food into her mouth, her anticipation growing.
Then Yun Jin began to sing.
She sang the very opera she had mentioned earlier, Divine Damsel of Devastation. Qin Yu instinctively glanced at Shenhe, who was watching intently, before turning her gaze back to the stage.
The plot unfolded exactly as Yun Jin had described, but just when Qin Yu expected the performance to end, Yun Jin continued singing.
"But today, I add another verse—"
"The Crane returns at last. Lost in a vast, indifferent world, she departs alone."
Truly, it must have been so difficult, Qin Yu thought, sighing inwardly.
"Yet today, we meet again. A family waits with lanterns aglow, destined to share a lifetime together."
Eh?
Is this about...?
Paimon whispered, "Is she talking about Qin Yu?"
Lumine nodded, certain there could be no one else.
Realizing the song was about her, Qin Yu was suddenly overwhelmed with confusion.
What's this song even about?! 'Together for life'? It's so embarrassing!
Shenhe's words...
Qin Yu noticed Shenhe was looking at her with a gentle expression.
But this only made Qin Yu even more irritated.
How can Shenhe, the one this song is about, not be embarrassed?! In the end, it's always the same—I'm the only one flustered. It's all this stupid Red String's fault...
As Qin Yu was still muttering inwardly, Shenhe spoke.
"Qin Yu."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you," Shenhe said with a smile.
Qin Yu blinked in surprise, then smiled back.
"No need."
Paimon grinned. "That's wonderful, Shenhe! In Liyue terms, it's like 'after bitterness comes sweetness'! Right, everyone... huh?"
Paimon turned to see Ganyu, Keqing, and Ningguang with distinctly different expressions.
Ganyu's gaze held a hint of envy, Keqing's expression was complex, and Ningguang's demeanor was subtly inscrutable.
What's going on? Paimon scratched her head, clueless. But before she could dwell on it, the trio's expressions had already returned to normal, leaving her even more confused.
Could it have been my imagination?
As the banquet concluded and guests began to depart, Qin Yu, having bid farewell to Keqing and Ganyu, was utterly exhausted.
"Shenhe, let's go home?" she yawned. "Time for bed."
Shenhe was about to agree when Ningguang called out to her.
"Shenhe, you previously said you were facing a critical battle and couldn't afford any distractions. Now that the crisis has passed, you can ask me your question, and I'd like to answer it as soon as possible."
Ningguang thought to herself that Shenhe's question likely concerned Qin Yu. This made her intensely curious.
Now was the perfect opportunity.
Qin Yu perked up at the mention, but Shenhe clearly had no intention of revealing the question's content to her just yet, saying only, "Let's discuss it over there."
Just as I suspected! Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, but she relaxed when she remembered Shenhe's promise to tell her later.
She knew Shenhe would never break their agreement.
"I'll be back soon," Shenhe said.
"Mm-hmm."
Qin Yu watched Shenhe and Ningguang walk to a more secluded spot before settling back into her chair to wait.
Once they were out of earshot, Ningguang asked with genuine interest, "No one can hear us here. You can speak freely. I'll answer anything I know."
"I want to know something," Shenhe said.
"What is it?"
Shenhe replied, "How can I make someone confess their feelings to me? That's what I want to know."
Ningguang looked genuinely surprised.
Shenhe is actually asking this? Ningguang mused, then asked, "Are you hoping someone will confess to you?"
"Yes."
Ningguang paused, meeting Shenhe's gaze directly.
"Who is it? Can you tell me?"
Shenhe considered this. Qin Yu had been working closely with Ningguang, so Ningguang must know a great deal about her. If she wanted an accurate answer, it would be best to be completely honest with Ningguang.
Returning Ningguang's gaze, she wove the most familiar name into her response:
"Qin Yu."