Qin Yu glanced at the calendar.
Today was the last day of her vacation. Tomorrow, she would officially return to work.
The thought sent a wave of anxiety crashing over her.
"I don't want to work! I don't want to work! Aaaah, I don't want to work!" Qin Yu rolled around on her bed, clutching her blanket and muttering to herself.
She felt like a pig being dragged off to slaughter, its limbs bound.
But whether she liked it or not, since she had already made an agreement with Ningguang, there was no turning back.
"Then chase after me with all your might, fulfill my expectations of you to the best of your ability. Only then will I never let you go. No matter who else wants you, I won't allow it."
"Because I'll need you even more."
For some reason, Qin Yu suddenly recalled the day Ningguang had persuaded her to stay, and the words she had spoken then.
Why am I thinking about this...? Qin Yu's face gradually flushed. When she said she'd never let me go, she was just flattering me.
Still, I'll treat her properly.
Not because of what she said, of course! Just because I take my work seriously!
After all, working hard means bonuses.
I'll stick around for a few more months and see.
Then I'll save up enough for a down payment on a house, get a place of my own, earn Points from Stickers, gradually grow stronger, protect myself, improve myself, and live a peaceful life from now on.
Perfect!
With her future neatly planned, Qin Yu felt much lighter.
But while her mind agreed with the plan, her heart whispered something different.
It kept murmuring, I want more rest... I want to slack off... This made Qin Yu realize she couldn't do nothing on the last day of her vacation.
Otherwise, tomorrow will be unbearable.
Considering she had to return to work early tomorrow morning, she decided to pack her things and head back to the Jade Chamber right away.
Being at the Jade Chamber should help shift my mindset. Then I can do some light work to clear my head and prevent vacation burnout from getting worse.
"Sigh, no choice..."
If you're going to do it, do it now.
Never think, "I'll do it later." It will never end.
Qin Yu got out of bed and went to wash up.
"Oh, right..."
Seeing the bracelet on her wrist in the mirror, Qin Yu finally noticed it.
Though she'd only worn it for a few days, it already felt like an extension of herself. She couldn't help but stroke the smooth, icy-cold surface.
"Hehe- wait, why am I laughing? How gross."
Qin Yu shook her head, but her fingers continued to trace the bracelet.
Keqing and I are handcuffed to each other again, Qin Yu thought, feeling a deep sense of peace... but then she buried her face in her hands in frustration.
Ugh, how can I find comfort in something like this? Am I going crazy?
Besides, it wasn't a literal shackle.
Whether it was the toy ring or the bracelet, they merely symbolized the connection between her and Keqing.
Just as Keqing had said:
As long as we're together, whether it's a ring, a bracelet, or any piece of jewelry, we can handcuff ourselves to each other once more.
The key lies in people, and what makes things special also lies in people.
Special...
Qin Yu raised her hand, gazing at the bracelet shimmering faintly in the sunlight, and exhaled.
Should I... tell Keqing everything?
About her playing a role. If it were Keqing, she wouldn't hate her for it, right?
Probably... But even if she didn't hate her, she'd still harbor resentment, wouldn't she?
Her childhood friend had been lying to her all along.
Accepting that truth would definitely take time. But the longer she kept it hidden, the more guilt gnawed at Qin Yu. The bracelet on her wrist seemed to silently interrogate her.
If she was truly special, why be afraid?
Or did she simply not value Keqing's feelings at all?
Absolutely not. It's just that...
Qin Yu questioned herself inwardly, then exhaled deeply.
If she continued like this, she'd inevitably crack under the pressure one day.
"...But I can't bring myself to tell her right now either."
She needed time.
Qin Yu stared at her reflection in the mirror and sighed helplessly, "You're such a coward."
After washing up and eating a simple breakfast, Qin Yu began methodically packing her belongings.
Personal items to take home, everything else could stay here.
Since Keqing had assured her that she could return to live here at any time, the apartment wouldn't be rented out if she wasn't staying, so there was no need to worry.
Of course, Qin Yu wouldn't accept Keqing's free generosity.
She would still pay rent, but it would be on an accrual basis: she only needed to pay after staying thirty days. How many days she had accrued? That was entirely up to Qin Yu's honesty.
After all, Keqing couldn't possibly monitor her every move.
In essence, the apartment was now at Qin Yu's disposal, but she didn't consider it her home.
Setting aside her uncertainty about what "home" meant for someone like her now, the mere fact that Keqing had purchased the apartment prevented Qin Yu from seeing it that way.
After packing her belongings, Qin Yu patted her cheeks.
"Alright!"
Time to head back.
Upon returning to the Jade Chamber, Qin Yu stowed her belongings and asked Baiwen, who was still on duty in the chamber.
"Lady Ningguang? She's out on business."
No wonder she hadn't seen her.
Could she be with Baishi again...? No, no, don't think about that. Otherwise, Ningguang will accuse me of being jealous again.
Qin Yu shook her head inwardly and asked when Ningguang was expected back.
"When? I'm afraid I don't know. Today's schedule is packed with pressing affairs requiring her personal attention. Even Lady Ningguang likely won't be back until late evening."
Qin Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Is she really that busy?"
"Exactly! Have you forgotten? Including this month, there are only three months left until the Rite of Descension begins."
The Rite of Descension... Come to think of it, that's right.
Baiwen continued, "This year's Rite of Descension is being organized by Lady Ningguang herself. As you know, she prefers to oversee every detail. With the official preparations now underway, she's naturally busier than ever."
"I see..." Qin Yu murmured.
"As Lady Ningguang's secretaries, we're also swamped. And you... well, your timing couldn't be better."
Ha? What's so perfect about this timing?
Qin Yu noticed the glint in Baiwen's eyes and instinctively took a step back.
"What exactly do you mean by that...?"
Baiwen took a step closer.
"We don't know why Lady Ningguang granted you a month's leave, but after such a long rest, you must be brimming with energy, right?"
Growing increasingly flustered, Qin Yu retreated another step. "Senior Baiwen, I only came back today to drop off my things..."
"Mm-hmm, I know."
If you know, why are you giving me that creepy smile?!
Baiwen smiled invitingly. "But since tomorrow's going to be busy, why not get a little work done today? Don't worry, it's just some small tasks. We'll treat you to a meal afterward."
"E-even if you put it that way..."
"Qin Yu!"
"Y-yes, yes!" Qin Yu startled, answering hurriedly.
Baiwen slumped against the railing, looking utterly defeated. "We're short-handed... please, help us out..."
Uwaa, that sounds awful.
Is it really that bad? After a month away, seeing Baiwen's reaction, Qin Yu felt this prison had become even more unbearable than before.
I don't want to do this either, Qin Yu sighed silently.
But I have no choice. I have to maintain my persona!
Besides, it's a quick way to get back into the swing of things. The actual tasks are all minor anyway.
Forcing another smile, Qin Yu said, "In that case, just tell me what needs doing. If it's for Lady Ningguang and the three Seniors, I'll do my best!"
"Good."
Baiwen straightened up instantly, the earlier look of utter despair vanishing completely.
Huh?
"Then change into these clothes and come with me. We need to go over here, and over here, and over here. You haven't forgotten what I taught you before, have you? Great, come on, hurry up!" Baiwen clapped his hands, brimming with energy.
Waaah, you tricked me! Qin Yu thought, feeling like she wanted to cry but couldn't.