Hearing Shenhe's response, Qin Yu tried to remain calm, but her thoughts often differed from her actions.
No, I need to calm down. This is ridiculous!
"Aaaah, ooh, uh, bleh..."
It sounded like she was speaking an alien language. Where was the calm she was aiming for?
Shenhe asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"
How could you ask me what's wrong? Qin Yu's mood soured instantly upon hearing those words. She blurted out her thoughts without considering me, as always, her expression completely impassive.
Feeling stifled and unhappy, Qin Yu could only mumble, "N-nothing."
So Shenhe really thinks that way...
Cohabitation? Between two women who are close, it wouldn't be an issue. But Qin Yu had reasons why she couldn't live with anyone.
"Ahaha, so that's what Shenhe thinks..." Qin Yu chuckled awkwardly, struggling to find a suitable response.
"Mm," Shenhe replied softly.
"I see..."
The two walked a few more steps in silence.
Suddenly, Shenhe spoke up, "But this is just my opinion. If it bothers you, don't worry about it."
If only it were that simple to ignore.
"Bothered? Not really. It's just that I'm currently living in the Jade Chamber, which is also my workplace. Even if you wanted to live with me, it wouldn't be possible," Qin Yu offered a plausible excuse.
Unless you moved into the Jade Chamber...
Ningguang definitely wouldn't refuse, but I still hope you don't get that idea. Qin Yu muttered inwardly, a faint pang of regret stirring within her.
I've grown so used to living alone. I wonder what it would be like to share a space with someone else...
It was merely a fleeting regret born of curiosity.
"I understand. Actually... although I want to do this, I have some concerns," Shenhe said.
Hmm? Concerns?
Qin Yu couldn't quite grasp it. Compared to her own troubles, what could Shenhe possibly be worried about?
"What is it?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"I'm not sure if I can truly integrate into human society."
Ah— Qin Yu finally understood. That was indeed a valid concern.
"But hasn't Shenhe already started integrating a little?" Qin Yu said with a smile.
"Really? I don't quite understand why you say that," Shenhe replied, her gaze fixed intently on Qin Yu.
Don't look at me, look at the road.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, lifting their intertwined hands and smiling gently. "See? We've already strolled through the city together several times, and now we're even planning to go try some street food together."
Shenhe remained somewhat perplexed. "Does that count as integrating into human society?"
"Then let me ask you this, Shenhe: would you ever have imagined yourself having a day like this before?" Qin Yu coaxed gently.
Shenhe thought for a moment. No, I never would have imagined it.
Whether it was forming such an important connection with someone, or strolling through the streets and enjoying themselves like ordinary people with Qin Yu, Yanfei, and Hu Tao, or giving her most precious gift to Qin Yu, taking Qin Yu to meet her Master and learn about her past, or sleeping together in a tent...
All these experiences were things the former Shenhe could never have imagined.
To put it more accurately, she simply never would have considered them.
She had always believed such things were beyond her reach, yet here she was, fully immersed in them. A sense of sudden clarity washed over Shenhe, and she replied softly,
"Mm, I never thought about it."
Qin Yu smiled. "And you probably never imagined we'd be preparing to stroll through the night market together, right?"
"No."
"Exactly! You've even made friends with Hu Tao and Yanfei. Having friends means you've formed connections with the mortal world. Even if you haven't fully integrated, you've definitely taken at least a step into it."
Qin Yu declared confidently, "Going from zero to one is the hardest part. Now that you've done that, you'll definitely be able to fully integrate eventually."
Probably.
"But..." Shenhe gently parted her lips again.
Ha? What 'but' now?
Qin Yu's eyebrow twitched imperceptibly for a split second before smoothing back into its usual expression.
Unaware of Qin Yu's reaction, Shenhe continued, "It's all thanks to you. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today."
"M-me?"
What's with this sudden compliment?
Evaluation: S
Feeling a little flustered, Qin Yu demurred, "I didn't really do anything."
"No, you changed my life. I'm very grateful to you... If you hadn't come looking for me back then, I wouldn't have had so many unforgettable moments."
Stop saying such things, it's so annoying.
Qin Yu's gaze flickered away, reluctant to respond, but she finally replied, "There's no need to be so polite. I just did what I wanted to do."
It was only natural.
But... did I really change Shenhe's life?
That meant their relationship had grown much closer than it was at the beginning.
Qin Yu had initially wanted to leave a good impression on Shenhe, but she never imagined it would develop into what it was now. What will happen next? I want to maintain our current distance, but that's not something I can decide alone.
The future... I can't even imagine what it will be like.
"Qin Yu."
"Hmm?" Qin Yu snapped out of her thoughts and responded.
"...Nothing, I just suddenly wanted to call your name."
Ha? I thought something was wrong.
Well, it's good that nothing's wrong, but Qin Yu was still a bit annoyed.
With a hint of mock complaint, Qin Yu called out, "Shenhe."
"Mm-hmm."
"Shen~he," Qin Yu drawled out, stretching the syllables.
"What is it?"
That's exactly the reaction I wanted.
Qin Yu smirked playfully. "Just calling your name, that's all."
What's with that?!
"Mm, I'm right here. I won't leave you," Shenhe replied calmly, nodding slightly.
I didn't tell you to say that!
Qin Yu's face flushed crimson, a mix of embarrassment and indignation rising within her. This quickly morphed into helpless resignation and a stifled urge to complain.
Enough! It's like I've been kicked in the head to act like this, knowing Shenhe is the way she is... Tsk. It's still so infuriating. How can I ever teach this woman a lesson?
Lately, Qin Yu felt increasingly passive and vulnerable.
She was helpless against Ningguang, helpless against Shenhe, and could only regain her footing with Yanfei.
But Yanfei's easygoing nature... it was merely a consolation prize for Qin Yu's wounded pride.
Evaluation: S+
Yeah, yeah, always popping up out of nowhere, you idiotic System.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, using her free hand to touch her still-flushed cheek. Still hot. She felt utterly humiliated.
Thankfully, they finally reached the night market street.
The crowds were bustling.
Qin Yu tightened her grip on Shenhe's hand and asked, "What do you want to eat?"
"You choose. I'll have whatever you're having."
She always says that.
Qin Yu was used to this. Her gaze swept over the various stalls, the fragrant aromas filling the air, and she was already torn before she'd even taken a good look.
I want to try everything.
But even setting aside the question of whether her stomach could handle it all, the mere thought of gaining weight already filled Qin Yu with annoyance.
Humans are such troublesome creatures, she sighed inwardly, her gaze settling on one particular stall selling steamed dumplings.
"Let's eat those," she suggested.
Shenhe nodded.
After strolling through the night market street, Qin Yu realized it was getting late. She decided to escort Shenhe to the city gates before returning to the Jade Chamber to sleep.
"What did you think of the dumplings earlier?" Qin Yu asked.
"They were good, but... I'd rather eat the ones you make," Shenhe murmured softly.
Qin Yu smiled. "Alright, I'll make them for you next time."
It wouldn't be much trouble anyway. She could buy the dumpling wrappers and make the filling herself, making as many as they wanted.
As Qin Yu was thinking this, the city gates came into view.
Time to say goodbye, she thought. But the day after tomorrow is a rest day, so it's not a big deal. Suppressing the inexplicable pang of reluctance in her heart, she reassured herself.
"Shall we walk a little further?" Shenhe suddenly asked.
"Hmm? Sure, why not?"
As long as we don't go too far from the city gate.
After leaving the brightly lit Liyue Port and walking a short distance along the dimly lit main road, Shenhe stopped.
"I remember you have a day off the day after tomorrow, right?" Shenhe asked.
Isn't her memory remarkably sharp? If she waited until my day off to come find me, she wouldn't have to wait so long, Qin Yu thought to herself, nodding in agreement.
"I'd like to take you somewhere. I'm wondering... would you be willing to go?"
Not again?
This time, it probably isn't to visit her master, since we've already met her once.
So, what could she want this time?
"Where?"
"My past."