"Your total stakes were 300 million Mora, while mine were 250 million. You've won. Congratulations," Ningguang said with a serene smile.
"Huh?" Qin Yu exclaimed, startled by Ningguang's announcement of the game's outcome.
I won just like that?
Qin Yu found it hard to believe. It wasn't that she disliked winning, but she had expected Ningguang to give her a fierce challenge, crushing her completely. Instead, it felt like she had been given an entire ocean.
While luck certainly played a role in Millennial Liyue, with the right strategy, one could still turn the tide and secure victory. As the game's creator, Ningguang naturally knew which strategies would maximize her chances of success.
The difference in their experience meant that Qin Yu had no chance of winning if Ningguang took the game seriously.
Yet Qin Yu had still won.
More than joy, Qin Yu felt suspicion and confusion.
It seemed like Ningguang had deliberately thrown the game... as if she hadn't been serious at all.
But why? Losing meant she had to fulfill the loser's demand.
And wouldn't this prevent them from returning to their previous state? Didn't she say she wanted to touch me like before? Was it all just talk?
Was she toying with me?
The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more she struggled to accept it. She couldn't help but ask, "Lady Ningguang, were you really serious about this game?"
"You doubt me?"
Qin Yu shrank back. "N-no, it's just... I find this result very strange. Lady Ningguang shouldn't have lost."
"Victory and defeat are commonplace in war, and the same holds true in games. If there's a chance to win, there's also a chance to lose. Besides, this particular game inherently relies somewhat on luck," Ningguang said with a nonchalant smile.
That's true, but...
Qin Yu couldn't shake the feeling that Ningguang had something else in mind, something she wasn't saying outright.
Seeing Qin Yu's continued reluctance, Ningguang continued, "If you want to reduce the reliance on luck, why don't you familiarize yourself with the latest rule set? We could play another round."
Qin Yu glanced at the eighth edition rulebook lying beside the chessboard.
At that thickness? No way.
Even if she used a Brain-Machine Connection to upload the rules directly into her brain, she'd be too mentally exhausted to play properly afterward.
Moreover, Qin Yu was convinced she'd lose if they played with the new rules.
Though she suspected foul play in her victory, she couldn't bear to relinquish it. It wasn't about wanting anything from Ningguang; she simply wanted to win.
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu gently shook her head, smiling. "No need."
"Hmm, embrace your victory with grace," Ningguang said.
"Ahahaha, but what about the wager?" Qin Yu asked.
Winning purely felt... good.
Ningguang looked surprised. "The wager? Just as originally agreed upon. Have you forgotten?"
"I haven't forgotten! But..."
"If you win, you may make a request of Ningguang. If you lose, you will return to your original state, allowing Ningguang to touch you again"—that was the agreed-upon wager.
Qin Yu had never believed she would win, so she hadn't considered what request she might make.
Besides, making a request of Ningguang? She had no idea what to ask for.
"You're struggling to think of a request, aren't you?" Ningguang asked, as if reading Qin Yu's mind.
She sees right through me.
Qin Yu nodded slowly. "Yes, after all, I never imagined I could defeat Lady Ningguang."
"I see. But you did win. So, start thinking now—what do you want me to do?"
"Of course, let me clarify beforehand: I cannot fulfill extravagant requests—for example, asking me to pluck the stars from the sky," Ningguang said jokingly.
Who would even make such a request? I'm not a child, Qin Yu thought indignantly. Still, she resolved to make a request that wouldn't inconvenience Ningguang too much.
For example...
A raise!
"Also, I hope you'll come up with a more unique request. If it's something as mundane as a raise, I won't grant it."
Huh?
Qin Yu asked, puzzled, "Why?"
Who asks someone to make a request, then proactively urges them to come up with something more unusual?
In this scenario, who's actually making the request?
Ningguang replied matter-of-factly, "As I've told you many times, the capable deserve greater rewards. If you satisfy me, I'll grant you even more. Even if you hadn't made this request, I would have given you a raise anyway, given your hard work and achievements these past few days. There's no need to turn something obvious into a formal request."
"Moreover, if you were to make such a request, it would imply that I've been shortchanging you... So please consider a different request," Ningguang said methodically.
What other requests could I possibly make?
Wait, that's right! Points are the most important thing!
"Then..."
"And requests like 'I want to improve my relationship with Lady Ningguang' are unnecessary as well."
"Our relationship is already vastly different from what it once was. I need you, and you've chosen to stay by my side. If you were to say something like that, wouldn't you be denying everything we've built?"
"'My relationship with Lady Ningguang isn't good enough, so I want to deepen it'—do you really think that?" Ningguang smiled serenely.
Faced with Ningguang's relentless, almost torturous questioning, Qin Yu could only stammer awkwardly, "N-no, absolutely not!"
Our relationship is different now? Well, yes, considering my neck was nearly... Ah! Don't think about that!
Evaluation: A-
Stop popping up!
Qin Yu smoothed her hair, exhaled deeply, and fell into contemplation.
A raise is out, and improving our relationship is also off the table. So what else can I ask for? She couldn't think of anything. Qin Yu felt a headache coming on, never imagining she would struggle so much to come up with a request for the Tianquan.
"Can't think of anything?" Ningguang asked, sounding strangely pleased.
What are you smiling at? Is it amusing to see me so flustered? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, but nodded honestly.
"No, I can't."
"Hmm, good."
Good? How is that good?!
"Good? I don't quite understand..." Qin Yu said.
Ningguang smiled. "It means you don't harbor excessive thoughts about me, does it? I appreciate such purity."
You're the one who seems to have ulterior motives toward me... Qin Yu grumbled inwardly.
"If you can't think of anything, why not abandon your thoughts for now and simply observe me? If you harbor any hidden feelings toward me, they should surface naturally. Then, you need only voice them."
Indeed, abandoning her thoughts might be a good idea.
In truth, Qin Yu had already been planning to do just that. Ningguang's suggestion only confirmed her intentions.
"Mm!"
Qin Yu took a deep breath and cleared her mind.
She raised her gaze, her eyes drifting past the chessboard and pieces, and quietly fixed her attention on Ningguang sitting opposite her.
Ningguang was also watching her intently.
Can't you stop staring at me? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, growing increasingly uncomfortable. This was the first time she had maintained eye contact with someone for so long, and she felt an overwhelming urge to look away.
But Ningguang's gaze remained fixed on her.
If I break eye contact, it'll feel like I've lost.
Lost? This isn't a staring contest, but looking away would still feel like defeat. So I can't look away.
Yet being stared at for so long made her uneasy.
No, uneasy isn't the right word. It's... strange. Inexpressible.
If she averted her gaze, Ningguang might sense this subtle emotion.
Not that it would matter if she did. It's perfectly normal to feel this way. But it would be a weakness. I can't show any weaknesses.
So I can't look away. I can't lose.
Clinging to this childish resolve, Qin Yu stubbornly returned Ningguang's gaze.
Slightly shimmering eyes, porcelain-smooth skin, and vibrantly colored lips... Even though Qin Yu saw this beauty almost daily, she couldn't help but silently marvel at Ningguang's striking features.
She had once experienced this beauty up close.
As Qin Yu recalled that moment, her fingertips faintly tingled with the memory of Ningguang's hand gripping hers, drawing it to touch her lips...
Ugh, what am I thinking about?
As Qin Yu's heart pounded faster, she couldn't help but think her brain was malfunctioning, always dwelling on such matters.
I'm clearly not that kind of woman, she thought.
"Have you thought of anything?" Ningguang asked casually, her eyes narrowing slightly, her tone light and airy.
"Eh? Ah... n-not yet," Qin Yu stammered.
"No need to rush. Take your time."
Even if she said to take her time, Qin Yu couldn't possibly keep staring at Ningguang forever, could she?
Qin Yu forced a dry laugh. "Ah ha ha, you say take my time, but I can't just keep staring at Lady Ningguang all day, can I?"
"And why not?"
Huh? Clearly there was a reason she couldn't!
"Does Lady Ningguang find it... agreeable? Being stared at like this?"
"It's not entirely disagreeable. It might sound childish, but I find it rather amusing," Ningguang replied with a smile.
Amusing? In what way?
While it was good that Ningguang didn't find it unpleasant, the fact that she found it "amusing" was still troubling.
It meant she was unlikely to avert her gaze.
Coupled with her habit of maintaining direct eye contact during conversations, Qin Yu feared she might be locked in this staring contest for an entire day.
But Qin Yu couldn't reach that level.
I can't lose!
Now's the time to disrupt her, to force her to reveal a weakness.
"Lady Ningguang is so beautiful," Qin Yu thought. She'll probably take that compliment well. After all, she's used to hearing such praise all the time.
Wait, she might accept it if I say it just once. But if I repeat it several times, the effect could be completely different.
Perfect. That's what I'll do.
When it comes to flattering people, I'm practically an expert! Qin Yu braced herself, giving it her all.
"Lady Ningguang is so beautiful."
"Hmm? That's sudden. But thank you. You're quite lovely yourself," Ningguang replied, accepting the compliment with her usual grace.
"Really? Thank you, but I'm not that special."
Wait, why am I getting so excited?!
Evaluation: A
Don't think this is over yet.
"You're truly stunning!"
"Is that so? Thank you. But you only need to say it once," Ningguang responded calmly.
You think I want to say it that many times? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly. But it seems such mild flattery is too weak for Ningguang.
Complimenting her cuteness... I doubt that would work either.
I need to say something others wouldn't dare. Ah, this should do the trick.
Hmph, fall to me, Ningguang.
Qin Yu, brimming with confidence and a wide smile, declared, "I truly mean it! Even as another woman, I find myself a little... drawn in. Ah, of course, I don't mean anything by it."
Ningguang paused, slightly taken aback.
Even as another woman, she finds herself drawn in? What does that mean...? No, that can't be it. But I must commend Qin Yu for being so utterly fearless in saying such things.
Slightly embarrassed, Ningguang momentarily averted her gaze.
Evaluation: A+
I won!
Qin Yu was ecstatic. Even for a split second, that averted gaze was all the confirmation she needed.
A resounding victory—but does any of this even matter?
Does it? Maybe it does.
Is it that meaningful? Probably not.
Then what am I even doing? I feel a bit silly.
Just as Qin Yu was inwardly sighing at her own childish antics, Ningguang's lips parted slightly.
"Then... shall we try touching?"
"Huh?"
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Ningguang continued, "If you find yourself drawn in, then would you like to touch me? Don't worry, you have the right to do so."
Touching Ningguang? Qin Yu's ears flushed involuntarily.
Why had the conversation suddenly taken such a turn?
Unable to contain herself, Qin Yu blurted out, "Lady Ningguang, do you truly harbor no... ulterior motives?"
"None whatsoever," Ningguang replied instantly.
Really?
"We've already discussed this before. What makes you doubt me now?" Ningguang maintained her composure.
"That night..."
Ningguang fell silent.
"I don't believe... that's something friends would do. Especially given our master-servant relationship, even if it's purely contractual," Qin Yu murmured.
"I admit I went too far that night. It was my mistake. But I assure you, I harbor no... ulterior motives towards you."
This is so infuriating.
Qin Yu subtly raised an eyebrow. This is the best-case scenario, but hearing it stated so bluntly still stings.
It felt like a denial of her own allure.
Ulterior motives? Absolutely not.
No ulterior motives? Does she find me unattractive?
What if she did have ulterior motives? Absolutely not!
But if she didn't? What does that even mean? Were her earlier words about being fond of me all lies?
No matter what, she was bound to step on a landmine.
Qin Yu inhaled sharply, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "Then why... did you do that? Please tell me the reason."
So she's finally asked the question, Ningguang thought.
The reason was simple enough.
But it was difficult to articulate.
Seeing Ningguang's silence, Qin Yu grew more agitated. She stood up, moved closer to Ningguang, braced one hand on the table, leaned in, and brought her face close.
With their faces now mere inches apart, Qin Yu urged softly, "Tell me, Lady Ningguang."
"Is this your demand?"
"No, it's my rightful entitlement."
Rightful entitlement. Yes, she had the right to know.
Ningguang studied Qin Yu for a moment before extending her hand.
Wait, is she going to touch me again? Qin Yu instinctively recoiled, but Ningguang said, "I'll tell you, if you give me permission."
"Permission?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"Permission to touch you."
Ha? You have a duty to answer me, yet you're trying to make a bargain? Qin Yu felt deeply indignant.
"Lady Ningguang, this bargain..."
"It's a request."
A request? Lady Ningguang, the Tianquan, is making a request of me? Qin Yu didn't know how to react.
No, this hardly qualifies as a request.
"This isn't really a request, is it?" Qin Yu blurted out.
"It is. You're free to refuse, but I hope you'll accept. You can touch me like this anytime, and I'll grant you the same permission."
Who would want such permission?
As long as nothing else happens...
What happened last time was absolutely out of the question. I had actually planned to accept before, but I never expected to win the game.
It still feels a little awkward, though, since it wasn't part of a wager.
So Qin Yu remained silent.
Ningguang hesitated for a moment before gently pressing her palm against Qin Yu's cheek. Qin Yu didn't flinch away, and Ningguang's pent-up frustration instantly vanished.
"Thank you for agreeing."
Evaluation: S-
Qin Yu's face flushed as she murmured, "Like last time..."
"I won't do that again."
I don't trust you.
But what choice do I have? Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
"Then please tell me why you did it in the first place."
It was embarrassing to say, but since Qin Yu had already expressed her acceptance, Ningguang had no choice but to explain.
Her palm slid across Qin Yu's cheek, her fingers playfully twirling a strand of her hair.
Feeling deeply satisfied, Ningguang slowly said, "Because back then, even though you were right in front of me, you kept talking about Keqing."
Ha?
"...That's all," Ningguang concluded, as if reluctant to continue the conversation.
What do you mean?
Does Ningguang mean... is she jealous? Qin Yu realized the truth with a sudden clarity, feeling both enlightened and strangely conflicted. Her heart began to race a little faster.
Does this mean Lady Ningguang... was jealous?
To avoid revealing her true feelings, Ningguang admitted frankly, "Just as you suspect. You're my maid, aren't you?"
She did that to me just because of that?!
That's completely unreasonable!
Qin Yu's frustration deepened. Had Ningguang ever considered how much chaos that incident had caused her?
"I see," Qin Yu managed to say, though that was all she could muster.
Does Ningguang really not have... that kind of inclination? She got jealous over this? I mean, friends can get jealous too, but to actually do that? She almost touched my neck!
"Lady Ningguang, you really aren't..."
"No. What about you? You're always jealous of Baishi."
"I am not!"
Ningguang smiled slightly. "Then we're both the same."
Really?
Qin Yu grew even more suspicious of Ningguang. Might as well ask directly.
"Lady Ningguang, I have a question for you," Qin Yu said earnestly. "Please answer truthfully."
"A request?"
"Yes."
Ningguang nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, ask your question."
Qin Yu hesitated, just as she was about to speak.
Should I really ask? What if the answer is... No, I have to ask!
Firming her resolve, Qin Yu finally asked, "Lady Ningguang, do you... want... this?"
As she spoke, she tilted her head slightly, stretched her neck, and tugged at her collar to reveal her smooth throat.
Ningguang quickly understood her meaning but found herself unable to answer.
"Lady Ningguang, please don't be silent," Qin Yu pleaded, her eyes shining with nervous anticipation as she awaited Ningguang's true feelings.
Qin Yu has certainly asked an extremely difficult question, Ningguang thought. And this is exactly what the wager hinges on.
She could refuse to answer, but that would only make things worse.
Therefore, Ningguang had no choice but to respond directly.
Instead of replying verbally, Ningguang placed her hand on Qin Yu's neck and gently stroked it.
Uwa... Uwa... This woman... Qin Yu understood perfectly, her face flushing crimson and her gaze wavering. She actually has such thoughts!
So she really does have those... tendencies, doesn't she?
I... what should I do? At this point, I can only run away, right? Qin Yu's mind spun into utter chaos.
"I harbor no inappropriate intentions towards you," Ningguang said calmly. "You have nothing to worry about."
Nothing to worry about?! Like hell I can!
Qin Yu was utterly flustered. "Lady Ningguang, I... I truly don't like women... Ah, no, I mean I don't have those kinds of feelings—"
"Neither do I," Ningguang replied evenly.
Who would believe that?!
"I simply find you endearing, that's all."
That's already a huge problem!
Evaluation: S
"If you don't believe me, then observe me closely. See if I am the kind of person you imagine," Ningguang said calmly, showing no signs of anything amiss.
Qin Yu grew increasingly confused.
Could it really be that simple? She just thinks I'm cute...?
Wait a minute.
That's practically treating me like a pet!
"Lady Ningguang, I'm not a pet."
"Of course not, not suddenly. You're someone who will be by my side now and in the future. Haven't I told you before? Catch up to me, and I'll need you even more," Ningguang said softly.
Need me... Qin Yu's chest warmed slightly.
After a moment of hesitation, Qin Yu nodded.
"I understand. I believe you, Lady Ningguang."
"Thank you," Ningguang smiled with genuine relief.
But!
Qin Yu said with a hint of resentment, "I want to do something."
"What is it? You can tell me directly. If necessary, I'll help you."
"Then please don't move."
"Hmm?"
Ningguang's eyes showed utter confusion, likely because she didn't understand how this concerned her.
But Qin Yu had no intention of explaining.
Trust Ningguang? She did, but only to a certain extent.
Ningguang always acted so recklessly, undoubtedly because she had never been subjected to such treatment herself. It was precisely because she didn't understand the feeling that she could act so arbitrarily.
Therefore, Qin Yu would make her understand the consequences of such actions.
Only then could Qin Yu find peace of mind.
Qin Yu cautiously reached out and pressed her palm against Ningguang's cheek, holding her breath to feel the warmth radiating through. Then, she leaned in and lightly bit Ningguang's neck.
"Qin Yu?"
Instead of a response, she was bitten twice more.
As Ningguang savored this strange yet comfortable sensation, she placed her hand behind Qin Yu's head and gently played with her hair.
Evaluation: SS-
But this gesture only served to provoke Qin Yu, causing her to quickly pull away.
"Lady Ningguang, I... I hope you can understand how it felt when you did that to me earlier. It was strange. So, I really hope you won't do that again in the future." Qin Yu didn't dare look at Ningguang.
"Ah, I see..."
Phew, she seems to understand. Good!
That settles everything.
Qin Yu sighed in relief but found it difficult to remain alone with Ningguang. She quickly bid farewell, "Th-then I'll go prepare dinner now. I was very happy to play games with you, Lady Ningguang."
"Mm... go ahead."
Qin Yu fled the room as if escaping.
Ningguang watched Qin Yu leave. After the door closed, her gaze drifted past the game board and pieces to linger on Qin Yu's empty seat.
She gently reached out, her fingertips touching the spot where Qin Yu had lightly bitten her earlier, and walked over to the vanity to examine it closely. There seemed to be a faint mark, but it should fade quickly.
"Such a peculiar sensation..."
Was this how Qin Yu felt back then too? Ningguang pondered for a moment, then couldn't help but marvel.
It's fine if I touch her willingly, but being touched in return is... not quite right. That's the impression Qin Yu's reaction gave me.
Truly capricious.