A short while later, Qin Yu, her hair still damp from her bath, stood at the entrance to Ningguang's bedroom.
Even if Ningguang hadn't told her to bathe, she would have done so anyway. After running around all day with the three Seniors, sweating profusely, she couldn't stand the thought of not showering.
Honestly, why did she insist I bathe first? Qin Yu thought, her face flushing. It's probably not what I'm thinking, but then... does that mean...?
Her face paled, and she instinctively raised her arm to sniff herself.
No odor... good. Wait, did I smell earlier? Is that why Ningguang told me to bathe?
She couldn't deny there was a faint sweaty scent, but it couldn't have been that strong...
Tch, I'm so worried about this.
Qin Yu shook her head, deciding to dismiss her anxious thoughts. The important thing was what came next.
If Ningguang had asked her to apply fragrant balm after bathing and then come to her room, Qin Yu felt she would flee the Jade Chamber—or even Liyue itself—that very night.
Thankfully, that hadn't happened... but she still couldn't let her guard down.
Qin Yu curled her fingers and knocked lightly on the door.
"Lady Ningguang, it's me."
"Ah, you're here. Come in."
"Okay..."
Opening the door, Qin Yu cautiously entered Ningguang's bedroom and closed it behind her. She noticed Ningguang sitting in a chair, casually playing with a gemstone in her hand.
Qin Yu was used to Ningguang's extravagant displays of wealth.
"What did you want to discuss?" Qin Yu asked bluntly.
She wanted to finish quickly so she could go back to sleep.
Her question wasn't answered immediately. Ningguang simply gestured, "Please, sit down first."
I thought this would just be a quick chat, but it looks like it'll take a while, Qin Yu thought with an inward sigh, though she maintained a polite smile and nodded.
As Qin Yu sat down beside Ningguang, the latter noticed the bracelet on Qin Yu's wrist.
This bracelet wasn't there the last time we met, Ningguang thought.
Initially, she assumed it was just a simple accessory, but when she saw Qin Yu unconsciously touching the bracelet with her fingers, she dismissed that idea.
This bracelet... it's special.
"Was this bracelet a gift from someone?" Ningguang asked.
"Mm-hmm," Qin Yu replied.
"May I take a closer look?"
Qin Yu was puzzled. The bracelet wasn't particularly exquisite; she doubted it would catch Ningguang's eye.
What's so interesting about it? But there was no need to refuse.
As long as she doesn't touch it.
Qin Yu disliked having anyone else touch it.
"Of course, if Lady Ningguang desires it." Qin Yu raised her hand.
Ningguang gently took Qin Yu's hand, carefully examining the bracelet.
Couldn't she just hold my arm? Qin Yu felt a twinge of embarrassment, but showing it would seem strange, so she maintained an impassive expression.
Evaluation: B-
It's just a handshake. Why is it popping up?
"Hmm... it's a lovely gift."
Right? Right? Qin Yu's mood brightened.
"Who gave it to you?"
"Keqing. Ah, or should I say Lady Keqing?" Qin Yu sounded a little confused.
Ningguang smiled. "There's no need for formality in private. I've told you this before, but... so it was her gift. Seeing how much you cherish it, you must truly adore it."
It's alright, I guess.
Qin Yu twirled a strand of hair around her finger and smiled. "Yes! I've been reminiscing about my past with Keqing lately. We were childhood friends, but we always seemed to miss each other due to various circumstances..."
"But thanks to Lady Ningguang, our relationship has improved significantly."
Hearing this, an inexplicable emotion stirred deep within Ningguang. Because of me?
"And this bracelet... it's kind of proof, isn't it? I'm truly grateful to Lady Ningguang for granting me this month-long leave!" Qin Yu smiled sincerely.
If Ningguang hadn't been so considerate and given her such a long break, Qin Yu might never have recalled these precious memories.
So much has happened with Shenhe too.
Overall, it's been quite fulfilling.
Looking back, it seems like most of my time was spent... cuddling.
Wait, that's actually a crucial method for getting stronger!
For example, today, precisely because I've been cuddling so much, I used a massive amount of Points to acquire the "Mechanical Companion" Skill, allowing me to quickly gain Baiwen and the others' approval.
And Ningguang is also satisfied with this. Perfect.
Hmph, with this, I've finally managed to catch up a little, haven't I?
Come on, praise me some more! Qin Yu was about to bask in Ningguang's praise and earn more Points when Ningguang suddenly wore a peculiar expression.
"I was the one who gave you the vacation..."
Who else could it have been?
Why is she saying this? Could Ningguang be having a fever again? Qin Yu grew worried. She had been away from Ningguang for a month and naturally had no idea about her current health condition.
Don't make me have to take care of you again so soon after my return.
"Lady Ningguang, are you feeling unwell?"
"Unwell? You could say that."
Whoa, is she serious?
Qin Yu grew even more concerned. "Could you tell me where it hurts?"
"My chest."
Chest tightness?
Qin Yu wasn't a doctor and couldn't diagnose the issue. All she could say was, "Lady Ningguang, since you're feeling unwell, please rest for now!"
Ningguang let Qin Yu's words pass through one ear and out the other, her mind occupied with the thought that it was only because she had given Qin Yu time off that she and Keqing had been able to mend their relationship.
Not that this was a bad thing; she was genuinely pleased to see Keqing finally letting go of her stubbornness. Yet, at the same time, an even greater sense of unease and oppression settled in her chest.
"Oh, by the way, Keqing—"
Unable to bear it any longer, Ningguang pressed a slender finger against Qin Yu's lips.
"Let's save that topic for later," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Qin Yu nodded slightly.
She's right. Ruminating on this won't do any good.
"I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu murmured, unconsciously touching her bracelet.
Ningguang nodded in response, but her heart remained heavy.
Every time she saw Qin Yu touch that bracelet, the oppressive feeling in her chest intensified.
Perhaps... the reason is... Ningguang began to understand. It's like my own maid being chained up by a colleague.
Deeply unpleasant.
Extremely unpleasant. And this feeling lingered, refusing to dissipate.
Ningguang exhaled softly, careful not to let her distress show on her face.
But Qin Yu instinctively sensed the shift in the atmosphere.
Is Lady Ningguang in a bad mood? Did I do something wrong? Qin Yu wondered, utterly bewildered.
We can't just let this continue. I need to change the subject first and then try to lift her spirits.
"Speaking of which, Lady Ningguang, I'm still unclear on what you wanted to discuss with me," Qin Yu said with a gentle smile.
Ningguang had intended to praise Qin Yu's loyalty, noting how naturally she now referred to her as "Master"—though she still felt a bit awkward about it in front of others.
But given her current mood, bringing up this topic would likely only remind her of Keqing and Qin Yu's relationship.
So she chose to ignore it and instead presented Qin Yu with something she had planned to give her in a few days.
"I have something for you."
Could it be a bonus? I worked so hard today; I deserve a bonus... Qin Yu's excitement surged.
However, Ningguang pulled out a strikingly familiar garment from her wardrobe: a white qipao trimmed with black.
"From now on, you don't need to wear that uniform anymore. This will do."
Qin Yu's enthusiasm instantly deflated.
Why?