After a brief silence, Ningguang stood and walked over to Yi Chen's desk.
She looked down at him from above—where he seemed to be buried deep in thought (likely planning his next confession strategy).
"Yi Chen, starting tomorrow, you will no longer be working at the Jade Chamber."
Yi Chen shot upright, panic flickering across his face.
"Lady Ningguang? Did I do something wrong?"
He instinctively began reviewing his work performance.
Ningguang raised a hand to stop him, lips curving into a meaningful smile.
"Don't overthink it. I simply believe that since you're so enthusiastic about working with the Yuheng Star…"
She paused deliberately, watching his reaction.
"…it would be more appropriate for you to assist Yuehai Pavilion directly—handling documentation related to infrastructure and urban planning."
"It will also allow you to… experience things at a closer range."
Her words were perfectly polished—an impeccable professional reassignment.
But inside, Ningguang's calculations were rattling like abacus beads.
In her view, Keqing—obsessed with efficiency, serious to the point of rigidity, and practically a workaholic—had zero chance of being interested in someone as occasionally absurd, blunt, and neurologically unconventional as Yi Chen.
By throwing him directly into Keqing's daily workspace—forcing him to face her cold professionalism, her no-nonsense attitude, maybe even her reprimands—
He would suffer.
Only after being completely crushed would he realize that path was impossible.
Only then would he understand who truly appreciated him, tolerated him, and could offer him a warm harbor.
And at that moment… she would appear.
With comfort.
With understanding.
With gentle encouragement.
Guiding him—slowly—back onto the correct path.
Until finally…
When Yi Chen completed his hundredth confession to her—
She would reluctantly accept.
And he would absolutely marry into the Jade Chamber.
Yi Chen, of course, grasped none of this hidden strategy.
All he heard was: working at Yuehai Pavilion and being closer to Keqing.
This was—
Amazing!
A divine opportunity for the system quest!
His hesitation vanished instantly. He beamed, stood up sharply, and nearly bowed.
"Really?! That's fantastic! Thank you, Lady Ningguang!"
"I'll work hard at Yuehai Pavilion and learn diligently from Lady Keqing!"
His unrestrained joy—like he wanted to sprint there immediately—pricked Ningguang's heart just a little.
Grateful? Learning?
She maintained her flawless smile and nodded gently, sneering inwardly.
Go ahead.
Be happy now.
The higher you soar, the harder you'll fall.
I'm looking forward to the day you come back crying.
After work, Yi Chen strolled through the brightly lit streets of Liyue.
Bustling noise surrounded him, but his mind was elsewhere.
"Flowers? Liyue flowers are expensive… and Lady Keqing seems like she'd prefer something practical…"
"Breakfast? What if she's already eaten? Or doesn't like it?"
"Tsk… this is harder than drafting a business plan."
He scratched his head, thinking this was ten times more complex than writing a thesis.
Then—smack!—he slapped his palm.
"Decided! I'll do both!"
Flowers and breakfast—maximum completeness!
At that moment, a gentle yet hesitant voice called out behind him.
"Yi Chen…"
He turned.
Under the warm glow of a streetlamp stood Ganyu.
She had just finished work, several documents still held in her arms—but her usual calm expression was clouded with conflicted emotion.
Yi Chen smiled and hurried over.
"Hey! That's rare—no overtime today?"
Only then did he notice she looked… unusually tense.
The edges of her documents were slightly crumpled from her grip.
Caught off guard, Ganyu glanced at them and spoke softly.
"Ah… there's still some work left… I just… happened to see you…"
Her voice trailed off.
How could she say I saw you confess to Keqing and I don't want you to do that?
Her heart raced.
Looking into Yi Chen's pure, unclouded eyes, all her prepared speeches about young qilin development and the dangers of early romance vanished.
She just knew—
She couldn't let him go to Keqing.
"At least… not now."
"Still working? I can help!"
Yi Chen immediately volunteered, enthusiasm blazing.
"I'll be working at Yuehai Pavilion starting tomorrow anyway—perfect chance to get familiar!"
He stepped forward naturally, ready to take the documents.
"Where should we work? Back to your office?"
Ganyu froze.
"Yuehai Pavilion… work? Why?"
"You were doing great at the Jade Chamber. Did Lady Ningguang…"
Concern rose in her eyes.
Yi Chen waved it off, excited.
"No, no! Lady Ningguang's been great to me!"
"She said it'd be better for me to help with infrastructure documents—and to learn more closely from Lady Keqing!"
"…Learn from Lady Keqing."
Ganyu repeated quietly.
So not punishment—but an opportunity.
Even encouragement.
Was Lady Ningguang… supporting this?
Her heart sank.
"…I see…"
Yi Chen noticed her mood drop and asked gently.
"Ganyu? Are you okay?"
That sincere concern felt warm—and painfully sharp.
She inhaled, forced a small smile.
"I'm fine… Let's go. Thank you."
She still couldn't bring herself to say—
Can you please not go?
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