Keqing was exceptionally irritated, as anyone familiar with her could tell from the nervous tapping of her fingers against her arm.
The reason for her frustration was simple.
Wouldn't anyone feel this way if they saw their childhood friend being flustered by a colleague, their face flushed crimson in broad daylight?
What exactly is going on here?
"Oh, it's you," Ningguang said, her tone sharp. "Judging by your expression, you seem to have misunderstood. We were simply discussing Qin Yu's future prospects."
Keqing raised an eyebrow. "Future prospects? Fine, even if that's true—even if we give you the benefit of a ten thousand mile doubt—did you really need to be practically nose-to-nose to discuss it?"
Their faces were almost touching. This hardly looked like a serious conversation; it seemed more like Ningguang was teasing Qin Yu.
Qin Yu was naturally naive, while Ningguang moved through social situations with the effortless grace of a fish in water.
How dare this seasoned socialite brazenly flirt with such an innocent young girl?
Keqing found it utterly unacceptable, both morally and practically.
Having regained her composure, Qin Yu took a step or two back. She understood Keqing's displeasure perfectly.
They must think we're neglecting our duties, Qin Yu thought, feeling somewhat implicated. However, she knew better than to interrupt two figures of such stature.
"Of course it's worth investigating," Ningguang replied, "but I doubt even the Yuheng should be overly concerned with this matter."
Keqing unconsciously retorted, "Of course I'd get involved. After all, she's my—"
Huh?
"Your...?" Ningguang pressed.
Keqing snapped back to reality, narrowly avoiding a slip-up. Her irritation with Ningguang grew; the woman clearly knew everything but still feigned ignorance.
"My acquaintance!" Keqing declared.
Qin Yu felt a pang of disappointment. Not even a friend? she thought. No, she's just being stubborn...
Hmph, tsundere.
"That's absurd," Ningguang countered. "An acquaintance? Do you involve yourself in every matter concerning your acquaintances? Especially those who aren't even friends?"
"Ugh..."
What else could she say? "Friends"? That would give Qin Yu and the others the impression they were too close.
If Ningguang got any closer, she might very well recall that memory she shouldn't revisit. What would she do then? Keqing took a deep breath, shook her head, and decided to drop the subject.
What exactly is Ningguang trying to achieve?
Keqing pressed, "I'm asking why you're standing so close. As one of the Liyue Qixing, isn't this inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate about it? We're both women, and I'm her mistress. What harm is there in being close? It violates no ethics, nor does it offend public morals. Anyone who sees us would simply admire our close relationship..."
Ningguang gave a serene smile, cutting to the heart of the matter with a final blow: "Or... do you have other ideas?"
Keqing had no rebuttal.
Indeed, an ordinary person witnessing such closeness between the two would simply remark on their good relationship.
If one were to object to such behavior, what grounds could they possibly cite? Unable to pinpoint any actual fault, the objection would inevitably backfire, turning the blame inward: the problem lay with those who perceived a problem where none existed.
No, I can't just let Ningguang continue acting so recklessly.
Keqing shook her head inwardly. "Fine, let's tentatively accept that there's no issue. But what about the way out? And come to think of it, wasn't she a maid at your estate? How did she end up here at the Jade Chamber?"
"You certainly seem concerned about an 'acquaintance.'"
That same old trick again. Can't she ever try something new?
This was undeniably tricky. Keqing couldn't reveal her friendly relationship with Qin Yu, needed to keep her at arm's length, yet still had to get to the bottom of this personal matter. She furrowed her brow deeply.
Just then, Qin Yu spoke up, unable to contain herself. "Lady Keqing must be worried about me. If that's the case, I want to tell you everything."
It wasn't something that needed to be hidden anyway. They'd find out sooner or later.
Ningguang and Keqing were both surprised.
Keqing was already at a severe disadvantage, with seemingly no chance of turning the tables. But then Qin Yu stepped forward and dismissed the matter with a single sentence, instantly nullifying their previous exchange.
A miscalculation, Ningguang thought. I should have anticipated Keqing would react this way.
Keqing's eyes flickered with delight. So Qin Yu still cares about me after all... No, no, I must suppress these feelings before they betray me.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Hmph, just as I predicted. I knew you'd be pleased, you tsundere.
Qin Yu then briefly explained Ningguang's proposal to Keqing.
Upon hearing this, Keqing immediately turned to Ningguang. "A trusted aide? Are you serious?"
"She falls far short of my ideal trusted aide," Ningguang replied calmly, unfazed by Keqing's questioning gaze. "But she has the potential to become one."
Qin Yu, Ningguang's trusted aide? This... this is actually quite a good thing. With Ningguang's backing and a substantial salary to support her, she'd be set for life...
In terms of the offer alone, it was practically perfect.
But!
Keqing harbored some doubts about Ningguang's character, or rather, about Ningguang's feelings for Qin Yu. She had always found their master-servant relationship peculiar, and after witnessing that scene earlier...
How could she possibly accept it so easily?
She needed to confirm her suspicions.
"You've only known her for about two weeks, haven't you? Isn't this all happening a bit too fast?" Keqing asked.
"That's a fair point, but I've always believed in trusting those I employ and dismissing those I doubt. Now that I've made up my mind to make her one of my trusted aides, I naturally trust her completely. Trust has no fixed timeline; it doesn't require a certain number of days to develop," Ningguang replied casually.
She trusts me? Qin Yu's heart fluttered with warmth. That actually feels pretty good...
An impeccable answer. Keqing paused, then pressed further. "I'm curious—what exactly drew you to her?"
"She's simply very likable."
What kind of answer is that? Ah, I see now.
Is she trying to use Qin Yu? Keqing thought she understood everything now. Ningguang simply wanted to exploit Qin Yu to amass more Mora for herself.
The offer seemed perfect, but Keqing knew it was doomed to fail.
Arms crossed, she narrowed her eyes slightly. "You certainly don't lack for personnel, do you? On the other hand, I'm desperately short-handed."
"Oh? Are you implying...?"
Keqing flicked her ponytail and stepped closer to Qin Yu, speaking earnestly. "I can match any offer Ningguang has made you. Would you consider joining my team instead?"
Of course, she couldn't force Qin Yu to reject Ningguang's proposal. Whether they were childhood friends, family, or simply colleagues, such coercion would be wrong.
But if the Tianquan could provide something, couldn't the Yuheng match it?
There is one thing I can't provide, Ningguang thought, having long anticipated Keqing's move.
Even if Qin Yu did end up working for Keqing, the Yuheng's sense of duty would compel her to keep Qin Yu at arm's length, even if she made her a trusted aide.
Ningguang was different. If Qin Yu agreed, she would keep her by her side indefinitely.
If Qin Yu proved capable enough, her remarkable ability to charm others could easily make her an indispensable aide, never leaving Ningguang's side.
Even if Qin Yu expressed no desire for personal advancement beyond the essential skills required of a confidante, Ningguang would still impart knowledge and techniques that ordinary people could only dream of acquiring—purely out of her own volition.
On the surface, both Qixing offered similar opportunities, but their underlying intentions were worlds apart. Any discerning person would know which path to choose.
Ningguang was supremely confident. She wagered that Qin Yu would undoubtedly choose her.
Yet, for Qin Yu in that moment, the day's events had been utterly bewildering.
Ningguang was somewhat understandable. She seemed to... perhaps harbor certain tendencies? No, the crucial point was her explicit reasons for wanting Qin Yu. Ningguang had made her intentions crystal clear: loyalty—though Qin Yu didn't truly possess it—and her exceptional social skills, which proved invaluable in negotiations and social gatherings.
But Keqing... Qin Yu found her motivations utterly perplexing.
Why would the person in charge of land management and construction want her? It made no sense!
She knew Keqing didn't dislike her, but what did she possess that would warrant such an offer? It was simply too bizarre.
And civil engineering... that was really...
Seeing the tense atmosphere between the two, Qin Yu wondered if it was some kind of childish rivalry. Did Keqing want to snatch her away just because she'd caught Ningguang's eye? No, no, that couldn't be...
Noticing Qin Yu's continued hesitation, Ningguang asked, "Have you made up your mind? Who will you choose?"
Ugh, why did this have to happen to me?
Choosing one might avoid offending the other, but it could damage her reputation...
"I want both!" Saying that would likely earn her a death glare from both of them.
Besides, this was a serious occasion. She couldn't afford to joke.
Hmm... never mind.
Qin Yu calmed herself, quickly clarifying her desires and the answer she would give.
"I'm sorry... Lady Keqing."
Keqing closed her eyes, unsurprised. After all, her attitude toward Qin Yu had always been cold and distant. Yet she couldn't help but sigh deeply in her heart.
Our childhood friendship is drifting further and further away... I only have myself to blame.
She could only hope Ningguang would take good care of Qin Yu for her.
Meanwhile, Ningguang tilted her chin upward, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Excellent. My gamble paid off.
"And Lady Ningguang... I'm sorry..."
"Hmm?"
Keqing's eyes snapped open in surprise, while Ningguang's expression momentarily froze.
Qin Yu forced herself to continue, "I deeply appreciate both your kindness, but... even without this arrangement, if either of you ever needs my help, I will do everything in my power to assist you."
Recovering her composure, Ningguang uncharacteristically voiced her displeasure. "Qin Yu, aren't you my maid?"
"Yes."
"Then why refuse? Wouldn't it be better for you to become my trusted confidante?"
Why does this feel like a childish tantrum?
Before Qin Yu could speak, Keqing chuckled. "So that's how it is. You have your own plans. Excellent! I admire that. Having personal goals is admirable!"
She abruptly changed the subject, turning to Ningguang. "Don't you agree, Ningguang?"
Finally, an opportunity to retort!
Ningguang, realizing she had momentarily lost her composure, quickly regained it. "I believe the terms are quite reasonable," she said. "After all, being my 'trusted confidante' would simply entail a few extra duties beyond those of a personal maid."
"Wait a minute—personal maid? You already have those three secretaries. Isn't that enough?" Keqing pounced on the phrase that bothered her most.
"It is enough, but wouldn't it be advantageous to have another trustworthy ally? Besides, she's already agreed. No matter what you say, she's now my personal maid."
If only I had arrived sooner! Keqing thought, regretting her tardiness.
Why is Keqing always so focused on such trivial matters? Qin Yu wondered.
Ah, she must be concerned about me. What a kind woman.
With no other choice, Qin Yu resolved to reveal her own plans. A determined smile spread across her face.
"Actually, I was planning to resign at the end of this month."
"Resign?" Ningguang asked in disbelief.
Keqing's smile widened. "Mhm, that's great! If you have something you want to pursue, you need the spirit to let go of everything else!"
"Ahaha..."
Ningguang frowned. She'd never heard such a thing before. While the contract did state that Qin Yu could resign after the first month, why was she in such a hurry?
My newly acquired personal maid, someone I envisioned as a future confidante, is already planning to pack up and leave in just two weeks?
Ningguang couldn't accept it. "Are you facing any difficulties? If so—"
"I can help you," Keqing interrupted.
Ningguang narrowed her eyes at Keqing. Give her an inch, and she'll take a mile...
"No difficulties at all. Thank you both for your kindness."
"Then why are you planning to resign after just one month?" Ningguang pressed.
Didn't I already tell you? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, forcing a smile. "Because I want to spend more time with my friends."
Ningguang immediately recalled Qin Yu's earlier words. This is quite the twist, she thought. Her friend gifted me this adorable maid, only to snatch her back again...
Even Ningguang felt a headache coming on.
Qin Yu was a woman who always managed to surprise her.
Considering Qin Yu's past experiences, however, Ningguang couldn't bring herself to say anything further.
Keqing, on the other hand, looked genuinely surprised. After a moment, a wistful expression crept across her face.
"I don't want to do my homework! I want to play with Keqing longer~" Qin Yu used to say that all the time as a child, half-heartedly tackling her teacher's assignments while managing to be endearing despite her constant whining.
Some things never change, Keqing mused inwardly.
Sadly, such words won't be directed at me again... Keqing shook her head, banishing the sentimental thoughts.
Seeing the two women fall silent, Qin Yu grew anxious.
W-why aren't they saying anything?
Do they think my excuse is ridiculous? It did sound absurd, but how could she possibly admit, I just want to snuggle with them both!
Fortunately, Ningguang sighed, breaking the silence.
"We'll discuss this later. Keqing, let's finish our chat and get down to business. Qin Yu, you don't need to leave. Just stay by my side."
"Ah, okay."
Weren't you supposed to start being my personal maid tomorrow?
What a promise-breaking woman... Hmph.
Whatever. She's running away as soon as the first month is up anyway.
Ningguang gestured for Keqing to sit in the chair by the coffee table, but her mind was already preoccupied with another matter.
I need to figure out how to keep Qin Yu here.