With Shenhe's escort, Qin Yu finally returned to the main path in peace.
"Thank you for bringing me here. I could never have done it alone."
"You seem to be terrified of the dark," Shenhe remarked.
Though reluctant to admit it, this was indeed a major weakness.
However, once I accumulate enough points in the future, there must be a solution! For example, wearing a night-vision device or directly acquiring a Night Vision skill.
In short, please look forward to it instead of focusing on the present.
Qin Yu scratched her face awkwardly and said, "Yes, I wasn't afraid when I was younger. I'm sorry for causing you trouble!"
"No, I also want to talk with you more."
"Huh..."
Tsk, this woman... Qin Yu cleared her throat, trying to hide her inner turmoil.
Don't make it seem like I'm the one who's easiest to conquer!
It's all Shenhe's fault, and that Hu Tao too... None of them are easy to handle, always disrupting my rhythm.
Can't there be one who lets me take the lead, someone completely passive?
Ideally, a woman who would be happy for a whole day after just a few words; one who would come close at a wave of my hand, extend her chin when scratched, and purr in satisfaction...
Wait, that's dog training.
"Really? I want that too! Unfortunately, we have to part now, but I'll visit again later."
"Hmm..." Shenhe murmured thoughtfully.
This time, Qin Yu didn't seem to be waiting long, but next time might be different.
If something unexpected happened and she couldn't return to her room immediately, and Shenhe happened to visit during that time, making her wait for hours, Shenhe would feel deeply apologetic.
"Should we set a specific time... or..." Shenhe hesitated before asking, "Would you prefer I come visit you instead?"
"Ah—"
Right, that's another option. Instead of me going to her, she could come to me.
But then Shenhe would have to descend the mountain. Is that permissible?
Qin Yu, caught in this dilemma, blurted out, "Is that possible? Won't your master object?"
"Master wouldn't forbid me, but I must still inform her."
Her master's surprisingly lenient, Qin Yu mused. Shenhe lives like an ascetic monk normally. I expected immortals to have rigid rules.
So Shenhe will come down to meet me...Excellent! My preparations will finally pay off. This is my chance to deepen her favorable impression of me. She can't refuse now.
Even if she stays overnight, I can manage a day or two without revealing any slip-ups.
Qin Yu felt a surge of anticipation, eager to witness Shenhe's reaction upon hearing urban legends about her. But don't misunderstand—this was simply the natural excitement of seeing if her plan would unfold perfectly as anticipated.
"Since that's the case, there shouldn't be any problems. I'm very much looking forward to it! Oh, and if you can't find me once you're in the city, just ask around for my name. Don't let my appearance fool you—I'm actually quite well-known."
Better to give her a nudge first. She'd probably try to search everywhere herself instead of asking others.
"I understand," Shenhe said calmly. "You've always treated me so well. If you're this kind to someone like me, I can only imagine how you treat others. You must be very popular."
"That's true..."
There's a reason I'm so good to you and others—she couldn't voice this thought. For her own sake, she had to maintain the lie.
Qin Yu pushed aside the fleeting pang of guilt, her smile radiant. "No, Shenhe, you're special to me."
"Special... what does that mean?" Shenhe murmured, as if testing the word.
"Shenhe, don't you understand? Let me put it another way—does Qin Yu hold a special place in your heart?" Qin Yu placed her hands on her hips, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Without hesitation, Shenhe answered, "Yes, you do hold a special place."
"What makes me special?"
"You knew I was different from others, yet you still chose to be my friend."
So that's what it means! Though her response revealed she did care about this matter.
"That's not what I meant to say... But I'm glad to hear you feel that way!"
Let's give her an answer.
Qin Yu smiled slightly. "Hmm... How should I put this? Never mind, I'll just say it outright. To put it simply, compared to others, I care more about Shenhe and want to spend more time with you. What about you, Shenhe?"
"I feel the same. Being with you isn't unpleasant."
"That's good! I treat others decently enough too, but compared to how I feel about Shenhe, it's like the difference between earth and sky."
Shenhe pondered. "So emotions can have varying degrees of intensity?"
"Exactly. Shenhe, you hold considerable weight in my heart."
Ugh, this is so sickeningly sweet! Why must I say these things? But seizing the opportunity to deepen their connection, she pushed through the awkwardness. This is a chance to boost Shenhe's affection. No matter how embarrassing, I have to say it.
Whew... Alright, let's press our advantage!
Qin Yu reached out, taking Shenhe's right hand in hers. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and nervousness. "What about you, Shenhe?"
Shenhe pressed a hand to her chest, as if feeling the fluttering of her heart. Though she could guess what Qin Yu might say, Shenhe still found herself swallowing nervously, tension coiling in her stomach.
If she were to say "I don't know," Qin Yu thought she might jump into the sea to cool off.
But then her clothes would get soaked, revealing every curve of her body. That would be too shameful—she'd rather stay curled up in bed.
"When I heard you say that earlier, I found myself struggling to breathe. I've never experienced this feeling before..." Shenhe gazed into Qin Yu's eyes. "I think your weight in my heart is considerable."
Huh? What's this? Why does it sound so... suggestive? Could she actually have those kinds of feelings?
No, impossible! There's no way—right?
Qin Yu decided to ignore this ridiculous feeling.
Shenhe's emotions had been dulled by the red string soul-binding technique. The fact that they could become good friends was already pushing the limits—how could there possibly be more to it?
If there were, that would be truly terrifying.
In any case, don't think about it! She's just speaking so bluntly, that's all.
"Ah, that's wonderful. We're the same then," Qin Yu replied. Of course, she couldn't help but feel her face burning up - it must have turned red by now.
Fortunately, the lighting wasn't particularly bright, and from this distance, it was hard to see changes in complexion. The feared darkness had become a foundation for concealing her blush.
Alright, that's enough for now. Let her night's memory end here, Qin Yu thought, calculating her moves. She released her grip.
Shenhe couldn't help but look at her right hand, which had been held moments ago. The lingering warmth sparked a peculiar feeling within her, though she remained uncertain of its nature.
"Well, I'll be off. Goodnight!"
"Goodnight. Stay safe on your way."
Qin Yu smiled. "Okay~"
But she couldn't leave so casually. She needed to turn back and pretend to be reluctant to part.
Let's see!
Shenhe stood frozen in place, silently watching her go.
Qin Yu waved her hand. Shenhe seemed to blink, her movements hard to discern in the dim light. But Qin Yu caught sight of her raised hand, mimicking the farewell gesture with uncanny accuracy.
[Evaluation: A+]
A bountiful harvest. Though much had happened today, it had been a journey well worth taking.
Alright, alright, time to clock out~
Qin Yu returned to Liyue Port in high spirits. The journey was long, but with the Millelith accompanying her, she felt safe. Along the way, she reported to the Millelith how she had intercepted stolen money from a bank with the help of others.
She followed the Millelith to the Ministry of Civil Affairs for a formal statement. After confirming the corpse was indeed the culprit and that not a single Mora was missing, the Millelith solemnly thanked her and her so-called "companion."
Naturally, the companion was entirely fabricated, but inventing one had its advantages.
"May I ask your companion's name?"
"Shenhe."
This way, if any issues arose, the Millelith might remember this favor and show some leniency. Of course, this was merely a precaution.
The fact that they hadn't captured the culprit alive meant they'd missed out on a significant amount of Mora. Had they taken the criminal alive, they could have received an additional third of the reward. However, they simply hadn't had the energy for that at the time - truly a shame.