After exploring the depths of the mine for some time, Qin Yu discovered several yellowed sheets of paper inside a chest. Glancing at them briefly, she immediately called out to Ganyu.
"Sister Ganyu, are these the important documents you mentioned?"
"This is... hmm. Yes, that's them. Let me see... Excellent! All the missing documents are here."
Ganyu carefully placed the documents into a file pouch, sealed it, and exhaled in relief.
"The task is complete. Thank you. Let's head out now?"
"Mm."
Emerging from the mine, Qin Yu took a deep breath of the fresh air and stretched luxuriously.
Ah, it's so much better outside. The mine was so stuffy.
"What's that you're wearing around your neck?"
As Qin Yu stretched, Ganyu noticed the thin cord around her neck.
Oh, she noticed it. No big deal.
Qin Yu thought, pulling the toy ring she always carried from beneath her collar to show Ganyu.
"It's this."
Ganyu's memories stirred. She recalled how, after being rescued as a child, Qin Yu had always clutched the toy ring Keqing had given her.
"My childhood playmate gave it to me when we were young."
"Keqing, huh..."
Qin Yu was surprised that Ganyu knew about this, but she vaguely remembered mentioning Keqing when she gave Ganyu flowers as a child. She couldn't quite recall the details back then, but now her memories were complete.
So it wasn't really strange at all.
"Mm-hmm."
"Keqing told me recently that you two have reconciled... That is, congratulations," Ganyu said with a gentle smile.
How embarrassing! Why would Keqing tell other people? But it feels kind of nice too.
Qin Yu twirled a strand of her hair, a smile spreading across her face. "Thank you! Sister Ganyu, are you close to Keqing?"
Close? A subtle expression flickered across Ganyu's face as she replied evasively, "We're... alright."
It's just that we both know the truth.
Whoa, that's such a nuanced expression.
Does that mean they're not actually close? If not, why would Keqing even bring up this topic?
Or is Keqing actually bragging? "Ha ha! Qin Yu and I are back to being besties!"? No, no, that's impossible. Keqing isn't the type to do that.
Speaking of which, Keqing hasn't contacted me today either... Oh well, she's probably just busy. I shouldn't bother her.
I'll see her all the time once I'm back working at the Jade Chamber anyway.
Just then, Ganyu asked with genuine interest, "May I see it?"
"You mean this ring?"
"Yes."
Though there was nothing particularly wrong with it...
Qin Yu figured Ganyu was just curious and had made the request out of curiosity. After a moment's hesitation, she agreed and leaned closer to Ganyu.
"No problem at all, if it's for Sister Ganyu." And earned another point in the process.
Ganyu looked slightly flustered. "Ah, thank you for your trust. I'll just take a quick look... Then, please excuse me."
Ganyu reached out, picked up the toy ring hanging from Qin Yu's chest, and leaned in, squinting to examine it closely.
Qin Yu caught a faint floral scent from Ganyu's hair and felt her breath. Instinctively, she held her breath and turned her slightly flushed face away.
Evaluation: B-
Go away, go away.
No, no, there's nothing to be nervous about... Qin Yu carefully took a breath, calmed herself slightly, and continued to watch Ganyu, who was still bent over, examining the ring.
When Qin Yu noticed Ganyu's fingers touching the toy ring, an inexplicable sense of resistance welled up inside her.
She didn't want anyone else touching it.
But of course, she couldn't express this feeling, whether for character maintenance or in a normal situation.
"It's a very thoughtfully crafted piece," Ganyu remarked.
Qin Yu smiled sincerely. "Mm."
But...
"I... don't remember how I got it," Qin Yu said, sighing inwardly.
Even though she knew Keqing had given it to her and could tell it was handmade, she instinctively regarded it as an irreplaceable treasure.
But why had Keqing made it? Why a ring specifically? She couldn't recall any of the reasons.
Could it be that Keqing hasn't sought me out because I can't remember these crucial memories? Does she harbor resentment toward me? The thought brought a wave of intense disappointment.
Ganyu closed her eyes, trying to remember.
"I... think I overheard her casually mention where it was made."
"Eh?! Really?" Qin Yu exclaimed, a flicker of excitement rising within her.
If I could go there, maybe it would trigger my memories.
Without hesitation, Qin Yu grabbed Ganyu's hand and pleaded, "Please tell me! I'll repay you later!"
Ganyu panicked. "N-no need for repayment! I can just tell you. And... my hand..."
"Then please tell me!"
As Qin Yu eagerly pressed closer, Ganyu's eyes wavered even more.
Awooo...
So close! Ganyu had never been this close to anyone before. The nearness of their breath made her feel deeply uncomfortable, yet strangely, she didn't dislike it.
Alongside her discomfort came a novel sensation—a sense of curiosity.
Perhaps it's because she's someone I owe a debt to? Ganyu mused, pursing her lips. Ignoring the frantic pounding of her heart, she gently parted her lips.
"I can take you there."
Qin Yu nodded happily.
Wait, no!
She suddenly shook her head vigorously, her shoulder-length black hair swaying like a rattling drum.
Ganyu found her reaction quite amusing.
"No need, Sister Ganyu! You must have so much work to do. This is just a personal matter—I couldn't possibly trouble you with it. Just tell me the location, and I'll find my way!"
"Ah, about that... Don't worry. After I finish this task, I'll actually have some free time... So, if you don't mind, I'd be happy to guide you myself," Ganyu murmured softly.
This should be fine, Qin Yu thought.
Just as she was thinking this, Ganyu gathered her slightly curled hair on both sides and said with a hint of shyness, "Also, I'd like to... chat with you more."
They hadn't had much time for idle conversation before, so this chance encounter felt like the perfect opportunity.
Qin Yu felt her heart rate quicken.
Ha? Are you Shenhe? You really didn't need to add that last part.
While internally grumbling, she couldn't help but give a proper response, no matter how much she wanted to brush it off.
"I-I do too..."
Even if it's just a tiny bit.
Evaluation: B+
A tiny bit! Shouldn't it have only gone up one rank to "B"? Why did it jump to B+? Still, more points are always welcome... Qin Yu's emotions grew conflicted.
Quickly regaining her composure, she smiled and asked, "Would you like to get something to eat on the way?"
"Ah... then—I guess I don't need anything," Ganyu said, abruptly changing her mind like a car slamming on its brakes.
"Just a little bite won't hurt, right?"
Ganyu was tempted, thinking, That's true!
But then reason kicked in, slamming on the brakes.
"No... no, thank you. You go ahead and eat. As Secretary of the Qixing, I have a responsibility to manage my diet and maintain my health so I can continue working properly. I already had lunch, so it's best not to eat anymore..."
Qin Yu, determined to tease Ganyu and salvage her own pride, decided to strike back. After Ganyu had unsettled her earlier, she wanted to return the favor.
"Just one bite won't hurt! Let's share?" Qin Yu coaxed.
"Mmm, but... Qin Yu, aren't you worried about gaining weight?"
Ganyu's words pierced Qin Yu's heart like a dagger.
Of course I am!
But what's wrong with wanting to enjoy delicious food? Humans are such a hassle—getting fat from overeating and exhausted from lack of sleep, Qin Yu mused distractedly.
"I do..."
Ganyu's eyes lit up, as if she'd found a kindred spirit.
"So Qin Yu worries about that too," Ganyu said, sounding relieved.
"Aha ha..."
After all, if my figure goes out of shape, I won't be considered a pretty young girl anymore, Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
"Then... we're comrades now."
Huh? Comrades? What comrades?
"Comrades?" Qin Yu asked.
Ganyu nodded earnestly. "Comrades for physique management."
So tacky. Pass.