"I don't think... that's the case at all," Qin Yu said, shaking her head in denial.
She dressed modestly, currently wearing clothes that revealed very little skin. Her figure was nowhere near as striking as Shenhe's. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't see any way she could be considered alluring.
But as the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Could it be that Hu Tao saw "seductive charm" where others didn't? The thought made Qin Yu even more uneasy.
"Of course it is."
"...Where exactly?" Qin Yu couldn't help but ask.
Tell me, and I'll change it.
Even if it meant sacrificing some of her own charm, she couldn't let others perceive her that way.
Hu Tao, taken aback by the question, struggled to pinpoint the exact quality. It had only been a fleeting impression from that one moment.
But perhaps I should think about this in reverse.
If she couldn't pinpoint a specific source, did that mean every aspect contributed? Hu Tao found this logic perfectly fitting for the situation, and her mind cleared.
"Everything!"
All... everything? What am I supposed to do? Qin Yu's mind froze.
Would wearing full armor be better? But what if they mistake my voice for something else? Then I'd have to stay silent forever! How would I earn any Points like that?
Wait, I could write on a board to communicate!
...No way that's possible.
Qin Yu managed to stammer, "Everything...?"
"Are you really that concerned?"
Isn't that obvious?
Forcing a smile despite her annoyance, Qin Yu said, "How could I not be concerned? Like, if I said you were also... like that, wouldn't you feel awkward?"
"'Wow, you're really weird'—that's what I'd think. Look, I'm even younger than you. Compared to someone like Shenhe, it's like heaven and earth."
"Shenhe's case is a bit different..."
Ganyu's figure is also stunning. In fact, to pull off clothes like Shenhe's and Ganyu's, one needs to have a great figure.
If I were to wear that outfit, the effect wouldn't be much better.
Qin Yu pondered, increasingly baffled about what exactly about her could be considered... seductive?
Seriously, when is Hu Tao going to get off?
Despite Hu Tao's constant barrage of shocking words and actions, Qin Yu felt no numbness whatsoever. She remained deeply disturbed and perplexed by Hu Tao's tendencies.
"My leg is starting to feel a bit numb," Qin Yu said delicately, hoping to convey her meaning.
Just get off already!
"Numb leg? That's just poor circulation. A little massage should help. Let me help you with that," Hu Tao said, reaching down with both hands toward Qin Yu's thigh.
Qin Yu immediately grabbed Hu Tao's hands, exclaiming in a panic, "No need!"
Who asked you to massage me? Just get off already!
Hu Tao couldn't possibly have misunderstood, yet she persisted, leaving Qin Yu once again overwhelmed by her irrationality.
Especially since Hu Tao wore that mischievous grin.
"We're best friends, aren't we? What's wrong with touching each other a little? Here, you can touch mine too," Hu Tao patted her own thigh.
"Huh? Really? No, wait, who wants to touch you anyway?"
If Hu Tao had shown any embarrassment or shyness, Qin Yu might have retaliated by doing exactly that.
But Hu Tao didn't react that way; instead, she found it rather amusing.
So Qin Yu wouldn't do it.
Faced with Hu Tao's utterly carefree attitude, Qin Yu felt even more drained, like a leaf caught in a whirlpool, forced to follow Hu Tao's relentless rhythm.
This wasn't good. Very bad. And deeply irritating.
Qin Yu needed to regain control of the tempo. Otherwise, the rest of their agreed-upon time together would likely become unbearable.
To break this rhythm, she might have to do something Hu Tao wouldn't expect.
Something unexpected? Given the current situation... Ah! Qin Yu suddenly thought of a good idea.
Good? Really? Well, it's the only thing I can think of right now.
Taking a gamble, Qin Yu raised her left leg.
"Ooh?!" Hu Tao exclaimed, surprised as her thigh was nudged upward.
Qin Yu lowered her left leg and raised her right leg.
"Oh?" Hu Tao exclaimed, her surprise tinged with confusion.
Then, she began to shake her legs, causing Qin Yu's entire body to tremble slightly.
"Ha ha, stop wiggling! I'll get down, okay?" Hu Tao said with a laugh, sliding off Qin Yu's lap.
Tsk, she really did understand what I meant, Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, relieved that Hu Tao had finally moved.
But the way Hu Tao gave up so easily made it seem like she was satisfied with the result, which left Qin Yu feeling uneasy.
Well, at least she's down.
To prevent Hu Tao from changing her mind, Qin Yu quickly added, "The food's getting cold! It won't taste as good if it's cold."
"Mm, I'll eat now. But... can you open your legs a little?"
Huh?!
Qin Yu immediately squeezed her thighs together. "W-why?"
"It's this spot!"
"Eh?"
"Fishy Treasure, this spot between your legs... it feels so provocative."
Incomprehensible.
Isn't this a normal reaction? Especially considering the person standing in front of me was just inviting me to kiss them moments ago! Isn't it natural to feel nervous, uneasy, and wary?
"I just wanted to sit here and eat," Hu Tao said.
Ah—is she talking about that kind of sitting? You're not a child anymore! But this wasn't so bad. As long as Hu Tao didn't do anything excessive, Qin Yu could barely tolerate it.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly and gave a slight nod.
"Alright," Qin Yu agreed.
At least it's better than groping thighs or kissing.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Hu Tao squeezed between Qin Yu's legs, holding a lunchbox and chopsticks, and leaned her full weight against her.
It was like a ball of heat had materialized into a physical form. Rather than warmth, it was more like scorching heat.
Moreover, Hu Tao's hair was tied into twin ponytails at the back of her head. When she leaned back, her ponytails inevitably bumped into Qin Yu's face.
This wouldn't have been an issue if Hu Tao were a child, but she wasn't.
Having such a large body leaning against her was genuinely uncomfortable.
I should have refused earlier.
But even if she wanted to, refusing would be awkward... Sigh, this is so troublesome. Qin Yu couldn't help but inwardly grumble about Hu Tao's brazen attitude and thick skin, while simultaneously reflecting on her own behavior.
Have I been too indulgent? Should I make my boundaries clearer? Would it be appropriate to give her a light tap on the head? Qin Yu silently "examined herself thrice daily" while bracing herself with her hands to withstand Hu Tao's antics.
Could it be that Hu Tao's name—meaning "reckless and mischievous"—perfectly captures her impulsive and playful nature?
"Mmm~ Delicious!" Hu Tao exclaimed, praising Qin Yu's homemade lunch.
Hmph, of course it is. How could something made with such care not be delicious?
Qin Yu didn't reveal that she had meticulously prepared this meal, fearing Hu Tao would start making up nonsense again.
"It's perfect for my taste! Fishy Treasure, have you figured out my stomach completely?" Hu Tao tilted her head and said with a smile.
"We've known each other for quite a while, after all."
Actually, I made a point to remember. But she wouldn't say that out loud.
Whether it was Shenhe, Yanfei, Ningguang, or Keqing... Qin Yu had made it a point to remember their favorite flavors and dishes.
This was one of the fundamental efforts required to earn "Points" through affectionate interactions.
Over time, this had become a habit, though she occasionally experimented with other flavors. As for which ones, that depended on her mood.
"True," Hu Tao agreed. She picked up a small piece of meat. "Want a bite?"
"I've already had lunch."
"Too bad, it's so delicious."
Don't make it sound like someone else made it.I made it.
I. Made. It.
Because they were sitting so close, Qin Yu could clearly smell the delicate fragrance of Hu Tao's hair. This brought back the conversation they'd just had, and she couldn't help but touch her lips.
Hu Tao had said she wanted to kiss out of curiosity, adding that she didn't feel that curiosity toward just anyone... The thought still made Qin Yu a little annoyed. How could mere curiosity have thrown her into such turmoil?
Yet at the same time, Qin Yu couldn't help but wonder what Hu Tao truly thought.
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu tentatively asked, "Hu Tao, do you have someone you like?"
"You, Fishy Treasure!" Hu Tao replied instantly.
"I-I meant in a romantic way," Qin Yu quickly clarified.
"Romantically? Hmm~ I don't think so. Why the sudden question?"
"Just curious," Qin Yu replied.
"Ah, I see! This must be the love gossip everyone's always talking about. Well then, I'm going to ask you the same question! Do you have anyone you like?"
"No."
And probably never will.
"Then there's nothing to talk about," Hu Tao said, munching on her food.
That was usually the case, but Qin Yu's main goal was to understand Hu Tao's feelings.
"There's still plenty to talk about! Like... what kind of person do you like, Hu Tao?" Qin Yu asked casually, carefully concealing her nervousness.
"What kind? Let me think... definitely someone interesting! To me, being bored is scarier than death itself! So if I were to like someone, they'd have to be someone I find genuinely fascinating. What about you, Fishy Treasure?"
Qin Yu was prepared with a standard answer.
"Someone gentle and understanding."
Hu Tao's eyes lit up in realization.
"Isn't that me? Hehe, thanks for the compliment!" she declared shamelessly, claiming the description for herself.
You're hardly... Qin Yu sighed inwardly. But the most crucial question was yet to come.
Though she wanted to phrase the question delicately, it was simply too direct to avoid. Besides, Hu Tao had just tried to kiss her—asking this now seemed perfectly reasonable.
With that thought in mind, Qin Yu asked, "If it's someone you find interesting, does gender matter?"
"Hmm?"
Hu Tao stopped eating, turned to face Qin Yu, and tilted her head. "Why are you asking such a question?"
"Well, you were trying to... you know, that earlier," Qin Yu mumbled, still unable to bring herself to say the word "kiss."
Hu Tao nodded. "Ah, I see."
Understanding dawned on her face, and she turned back, leaning her full weight against Qin Yu again.
"Hmm, it doesn't matter if they're a man or a woman. Ultimately, love is about what's inside, right? 'I want to spend my life with this person!' If that feeling is genuine and unwavering, why should we worry about anything else?"
Hu Tao traced invisible words in the air with her chopsticks.
"'Love? Love. Love!'—that's kind of how it feels, I guess."
I can actually understand what Hu Tao is trying to say, Qin Yu thought, her emotions a tangled mess.
"After all, life is quite short and unpredictable. Today we might be laughing together, and tomorrow we could be separated by the veil between life and death."
"Don't say such ominous things!" Qin Yu blurted out. "I don't think you should talk like that..."
"But isn't it true? That's precisely why we need to cherish every moment," Hu Tao replied with a gentle smile, yet her tone remained serious. "'Because I'll die, I want to live each day to the fullest, without regrets!'... That's not a bad way to think, is it? Death is something everyone must face; there's no need to fear it."
"In fact, it's precisely because our time is limited that our actions have value."
Hu Tao had just uttered a string of profound truths.
No, wait—she's always speaking facts, but she usually presents them in such a subtle way. If she could always be so direct, it would be wonderful. But this isn't a topic you can just bring up casually.
Hu Tao should know this too.
Yet she still chose to speak this way. Could it be that... Qin Yu pondered for a moment before asking, "So, Hu Tao, when you're always promoting Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services, is it because...?"
Hu Tao stared intently at Qin Yu, her eyes unwavering.
Why are you staring at me like that? Qin Yu felt uncomfortable under such intense scrutiny, but with a blush creeping across her cheeks, she continued.
"Is it because you wish people wouldn't fear death?"
"...Wow."
What kind of reaction is that? Qin Yu wondered. What does "wow" even mean? Is she surprised? Surprised I guessed right? Or surprised I got it wrong and completely misunderstood her? Is she just teasing me?
Qin Yu felt her mood sour. "Wow?"
"Ha ha!"
She seems to be in an unusually good mood, Qin Yu thought, her mood souring. But I feel terrible.
"Aiya, I'm so happy!"
This was the happiest Hu Tao had been in recent memory.
Grinning, she added, "People fear life's separations and the pain of death—the regrets and all that. Then they imagine ghosts and vengeful spirits, turning death into a taboo topic."
"I just wish they wouldn't overthink things. Sooner or later, everyone gets burned to ashes anyway. And as the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, someone who handles funerals, I definitely can't afford to be superstitious!"
"You don't have to keep saying it like that," Qin Yu couldn't help but remark.
"I just want them to understand it's all in good fun," Hu Tao replied. "If they can just laugh it off, they might stop dwelling on death so much."
Qin Yu finally understood Hu Tao's intentions, but she still felt uncomfortable in this setting.
Even if she voiced her concerns, Hu Tao would undoubtedly remain unrepentant, knowing full well she was being mischievous.
"Ahahaha, I see."
So Qin Yu just let out a few awkward chuckles and changed the subject.
Speaking of ghosts...
"Do they actually exist?" Qin Yu asked.
"What do you mean?" Hu Tao replied.
"Ghosts and stuff."
"Hmm... yes, they do. Like, right near you."
Qin Yu instantly drew her Combat Pistol, panic rising in her voice. "Where?!"
"Just kidding! Please don't shoot through the wall of my room."
If a ghost were to actually appear before Qin Yu, Hu Tao thought, the ghost should be the one worried, not Qin Yu.
Qin Yu would probably scream her head off while riddling the ghost with bullets.
Upon hearing Hu Tao's words, Qin Yu felt relieved for a moment, only to quickly grow furious.
She tricked me! How awful! But remembering Hu Tao's mischievous nature, Qin Yu could only sigh softly, her resentment finding no outlet.
"So... there aren't any ghosts?" Qin Yu asked again.
"Who knows~? At least there won't be any around you. With me here, you can swim without worry."
I'm not a real fish, you know.
Ghosts might actually exist, Qin Yu mused, inferring from Hu Tao's words. If they do, could I see my teacher again...?
...No, better not dwell on that.
What had started as a casual attempt to gauge Hu Tao's preferences had gradually morphed into a conversation about death, and then into a discussion about ghosts.
Let's get back on track.
So, Hu Tao is the type who's fine with either men or women? No, rather than being indifferent to gender, it was more like once she fell for someone, she wouldn't care about such details.
Uwaah, if that's the case, could she actually be a lesbian?
It wasn't that Qin Yu had any objection to it. It's just that she considered herself straight. While she had no desire or possibility of dating men, she felt the same way about women.
Hu Tao claimed it was mere curiosity driving her, yet she also said this curiosity wasn't something she felt towards everyone.
The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more uneasy she became.
Hugging is nice, but... excessive hugging? That's too much!
What should she do? She couldn't exactly flee Liyue in the middle of the night... Besides, Hu Tao only seemed to have such tendencies; it wasn't yet clear if she was truly lesbian.
After all, her actions were supposedly based solely on curiosity.
Still, this was deeply concerning. Qin Yu's thoughts were in complete disarray, impossible to sort out.
The only certainty was that she would likely avoid contact with Hu Tao for the foreseeable future.
"Oh, right, Fishy Treasure, have you ever been in love?" Hu Tao suddenly asked.
"No."
"Hmm... I was hoping to hear your thoughts on love if you had. Too bad."
Qin Yu asked, "Hu Tao, don't you know what love feels like?"
"Do you?"
Caught off guard by the question, Qin Yu mumbled awkwardly, "Not really... I mean, books do..."
"You don't understand it either, huh?"
Is it even necessary to understand? Qin Yu thought irritably.
"I'm actually quite curious about what it feels like," Hu Tao mused, then shook her head and muttered, "No clue, no clue."
For the next few days, Qin Yu deliberately avoided Hu Tao.
She knew this wasn't right, but she had no idea how else to handle the situation. It was the first time she'd ever faced something like this, so she could only resort to this approach.
However, if Hu Tao were to express her feelings directly, like Shenhe had done before, Qin Yu felt she would inevitably return to Hu Tao's side and interact with her again.
So she hoped Hu Tao wouldn't do that.
But fate had other plans.
Hu Tao was the type who, if you avoided her, would simply turn around and pursue you instead.
And so, on the evening before the rest day, Hu Tao found Qin Yu.
"Are you free on the rest day?"
Ugh...