When Ningguang saw Qin Yu with her ponytail tied back with a white ribbon, she smiled sincerely. "Very good."
Hmph, of course it is.
"Thank you!"
Evaluation: D+
Ningguang murmured, "You've already obtained your schedule from Baishi, haven't you?"
"I have."
"Then let's head out. As you know, we've officially entered the preparation phase for the Rite of Descension. Combined with my personal affairs, the workload will only increase. No problem, right?" Ningguang confirmed again.
Qin Yu had known this all along.
It was too late to back out now. As long as Ningguang didn't... didn't do that thing again, Qin Yu wouldn't mind.
"No problem," Qin Yu replied.
As long as you don't do that sort of thing again.
Ningguang was satisfied with Qin Yu's answer and continued, "About last night..."
Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat.
"I must apologize. I'm sorry."
You should be sorry for suddenly doing that.
But don't think an apology will earn your forgiveness. Qin Yu thought. She wouldn't lower her guard against Ningguang just because of a few words.
Qin Yu averted her gaze. "I-It's okay... it's already in the past."
Even if she says that, Qin Yu likely won't let it go so easily. Ningguang knew this, but it was better than saying nothing at all.
The rest, for now, I'll leave to time. Let's observe how things unfold.
Thus began Qin Yu's first day back in her role as Lady Ningguang's personal maid.
Ningguang quickly noticed the changes in Qin Yu.
Her learning ability and computational skills far surpassed those of ordinary people. Her computational ability was particularly remarkable, allowing her to obtain accurate results in mere seconds.
A human abacus? No, even that doesn't do her justice.
Moreover, the black cube at her side possessed various functions, including photography capabilities similar to Fontaine's Kamera and the ability to record everything it saw.
What surprised Ningguang most about Qin Yu was her extraordinary memory.
After reading a document just once, she could recite its entire contents flawlessly.
Intrigued, Ningguang tested Qin Yu further. She had her read a book, then asked her what was written on specific pages and paragraphs. Qin Yu answered perfectly every time.
Perhaps due to overexerting her mind, she often needed rest afterward.
In fact, Ningguang had noticed Qin Yu zoning out several times today during her downtime, as if emptying her mind while resisting the urge to doze off.
It seemed that despite her extraordinary abilities, the energy cost was considerable.
Qin Yu seemed eager to prove her capabilities, but Ningguang believed there was no need for such haste. Even if she performed flawlessly, Ningguang would never rely solely on her for everything.
Excessive reliance would only expose her own incompetence. After all, "even the most meticulous plans can fail," and some tasks required personal oversight.
Yet seeing Qin Yu's dedication brought Ningguang great satisfaction.
While Ningguang believed Qin Yu didn't need to rush to prove herself, she found this very aspect of her character deeply appealing.
A pure desire to prove oneself—Ningguang admired such people.
Moreover, what Qin Yu truly sought was Ningguang's approval.
Now, Qin Yu was drowsily gazing out the window.
Ugh, my head is spinning and throbbing... I just want to sleep... Qin Yu sighed inwardly. This is what happens when you stay connected to the Brain-Machine Connection for too long.
Originally, she only needed to demonstrate her current abilities a few times, but alas...
"Well done, Qin Yu."
Evaluation: C
"An outstanding performance. I'm very pleased. Keep up the good work."
Evaluation: B-
The more Ningguang praised her, the more motivated Qin Yu became. Before she knew it, she had lost herself in the constant stream of compliments, only to snap back to reality in her current exhausted state.
I let it go to my head... I'm such an idiot.
Fortunately, her work for the day was nearly finished. In just a little while, she could return to the Jade Chamber, tell Ningguang she needed to rest, and take a nap.
But before that, she needed to pull herself together.
No choice then. I'll just chat with Ningguang casually to distract myself... Qin Yu shook her head, trying to clear her mind, and then asked Ningguang a question that had been weighing on her mind.
"I wanted to ask, Lady Ningguang, do you really think I'm doing well?" Qin Yu asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
"You should know I have no reason to lie. If your performance is outstanding, I will praise and reward you accordingly. If it falls short, I will express my dissatisfaction."
Ningguang gazed at Qin Yu and continued, "As for you, since you asked this question, it suggests you doubt your own performance. You could stand to be more confident."
"As I've said before, excessive humility can sometimes make others feel awkward..."
"Since I've praised you multiple times, it means you truly excel. Your lack of confidence makes it sound like you doubt my judgment. Do you really think I'd mistake something so obvious?" A hint of amusement played at the corner of Ningguang's lips.
Hearing Ningguang's words, Qin Yu let out a sigh of relief.
"No, I trust Lady Ningguang's judgment completely. It's just that... the reason I can accomplish so much is because of this," Qin Yu said, nudging the Machine Companion hovering beside her.
Ningguang rested her cheek on her hand, smiling faintly. "I see. And what of it?"
What of it? Does she not understand? Qin Yu thought, feeling a surge of frustration. But her curiosity about Ningguang's true thoughts compelled her to press on.
"In other words, the truly remarkable one is it... Don't you agree, Lady Ningguang?" Qin Yu asked nervously.
"If an ordinary kitchen knife fell into the hands of a highly skilled martial artist, they could defeat all the other martial artists in the city. Would you say the knife is powerful, or the martial artist?"
Qin Yu found the analogy flawed. A Machine Companion wasn't just a kitchen knife; it had far more functions.
Still, she understood Ningguang's point.
"I understand what Lady Ningguang means, but a kitchen knife wouldn't allow me to accomplish so much," Qin Yu replied diplomatically.
Ningguang pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Let me ask you this: Can anyone else use it?"
"No."
"Can you unlock its full capabilities?"
"Yes..."
After guiding her gently, Ningguang smiled softly. "Then why worry about this? Perfecting the use of a tool is a skill in itself. Rest assured, you're doing splendidly."
As for how Qin Yu had obtained the Machine Companion, Ningguang was curious, but everyone had their secrets. There was no need to pry as long as Qin Yu remained loyal to her.
Qin Yu had shown such remarkable growth in just a month. If she were given a few more months, wouldn't she...? No, that wouldn't do. Qin Yu still lacked essential experience. Ningguang shook her head inwardly.
Ningguang's words finally put Qin Yu at ease.
"Mastering a tool to perfection is also a form of strength"—indeed, that was true! She hadn't realized she was getting so caught up in trivialities. Ningguang really knew how to choose her words.
If only she always spoke like this.
No matter how much Qin Yu tried to resist, the scenes from last night kept flashing through her mind.
The delicate fragrance of Ningguang's hair, the faint warmth of her breath, her voice sounding slightly different and more intimate than usual... What are you thinking?Better not dwell on yesterday. That won't do.
Such impure thoughts were not what she desired.
Just then, Ningguang spoke up, "Actually, there's only one thing that truly concerns me."
"Huh?"
Qin Yu asked in surprise, "Where exactly?"
"Your efforts."
Ha? Are you saying I haven't been working hard enough? Don't think I won't run off to Keqing's side... Ah, but Keqing's work seems even more terrifying.
Before Qin Yu could fully dwell on her discontent, Ningguang smiled. "It makes you even more endearing to me."
Endearing? What does that have to do with hard work? Does she think I'm trying to curry favor?
Impossible. I'm just taking my work seriously. Qin Yu twisted a strand of hair, muttering to herself.
Evaluation: B+
"I-is that so?" Qin Yu asked, confused.
"Precisely. I admire the pure and radiant way you work for me. Naturally, I find you even more charming."
Evaluation: A
Qin Yu blushed, fidgeting with her bracelet. "I'm just doing my best."
"That's precisely why I find you even more appealing."
As Ningguang spoke, she reached out her hand.
Wait, don't touch me! Qin Yu immediately tensed up, unconsciously radiating an aura of resistance.
Sensing her resistance, Ningguang's loneliness intensified, becoming unbearable. I shouldn't have acted like that last night... she sighed softly.
What had once been within reach was now separated by multiple walls, and what had been obtained was now lost again. Ningguang had intended to observe the situation quietly, but she hadn't expected to feel the discomfort first.
"Finger."
"Huh?"
"Can I touch it?"
"...Hmm."
A finger shouldn't be too bad, Qin Yu thought.
As Qin Yu pondered this, Ningguang gently touched Qin Yu's index finger with her own, then began to caress it. Her fingertip slid across Qin Yu's nail and knuckle, sending waves of ticklish warmth through her.
Qin Yu tensed instantly, but relaxed slightly when Ningguang made no further moves.
Glancing at Ningguang, she saw her head bowed, her gaze fixed on Qin Yu's hand.
Then, Ningguang's index finger slid sideways, gently hooking around Qin Yu's fingertip.
Qin Yu's heart seemed to stop for a split second, her fingertip turning momentarily cold before warmth flooded back as her heart resumed its rhythm.
Qin Yu wanted to withdraw her hand, but Ningguang said quickly, "I won't do anything else."
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu nodded in agreement.
Ningguang smiled faintly, applied slight pressure, and pressed their fingertips together. It felt as if she could vaguely sense Qin Yu's heartbeat... Qin Yu's ears flushed hot, unsure if this counted as "something else."
Evaluation: S-
After a while, Ningguang withdrew her hand.
"Let's go. It's almost time."
"Ah, okay," Qin Yu replied, snapping out of her thoughts and standing up.
As they walked, Ningguang glanced at Qin Yu beside her.
The ponytail beneath her white ribbon swayed gently with each step, occasionally brushing against her smooth neck in the breeze.
"Is something the matter?" Qin Yu asked, noticing the lingering gaze.
Stop staring at me.
"I was just thinking how perfectly that suits you."
Once is enough for such remarks, Qin Yu thought irritably, but she still smiled. "Thank you."