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Chapter 177 - Chapter 177: Explicit Invitation

Shortly after leaving Yuehai Pavilion, Qin Yu spotted Hu Tao wandering around Yujing Terrace.

Wangsheng Funeral Parlor often had little business during the day. After assigning tasks, Hu Tao would usually sneak off to explore and play outside.

Qin Yu used to disapprove of this, but after realizing how genuinely dedicated Hu Tao was to her work at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she had come to terms with it.

Still, even with her changed perception of Hu Tao, being pestered by her remained a headache.

Just as Qin Yu was thinking this, Hu Tao spotted her.

"I was just looking for you, Fishy Treasure! What a coincidence—I found you the moment I arrived at Yujing Terrace!" Hu Tao hurried over.

"Ahaha, good afternoon! What's up?" Qin Yu replied with a smile.

Hu Tao paused, unusually hesitant.

"Fishy Treasure, are you free later?"

"Later? When exactly do you mean?" Qin Yu asked, confused.

Hu Tao seemed to be planning something. Could she be inviting me back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, to her room again? No, no, no.

Qin Yu shook her head inwardly. Hu Tao had wanted to kiss her, even if it was just out of curiosity about what kissing felt like.

Hu Tao crossed her arms, her hands on her hips. "It's up to you! I'm game for anything!"

So, any time works?

Qin Yu asked cautiously, "What do you have in mind?"

"Sort of. I just want to hang out with you."

Hmm... hang out? If it's on my day off, that could work.

"Sure! Let's invite Shenhe and Yanfei too," Qin Yu suggested, realizing it had been a while since they'd all hung out together.

"Then we could also invite my friend Yun Jin—uh, actually, this time I just want it to be us two."

Just the two of us? Qin Yu asked, surprised. "Why?"

"Because I want to!"

An unassailable reason.

Qin Yu felt a slight unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that Hu Tao was plotting something. But maybe I'm just being paranoid. Hu Tao can be caring too... Does she think I haven't moved on yet?

Either way, there was no harm in agreeing. Probably.

"Then let's wait until my day off. I'm only free in the evenings on weekdays."

"Evenings are too late! Okay, then come find me at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor when you're free. I'll be waiting!"

Hu Tao waved goodbye with a beaming smile and sauntered off.

Hu Tao had already claimed the first day of Qin Yu's rest days, leaving her uncertain about how much time it would take. On the second day, Qin Yu planned to visit Shenhe, and the following evening, she was going out with Keqing.

My entire schedule's booked up by other people! she thought.

Naturally, if she wanted to deepen her relationships and earn "Points" with her targets, she had to accept various invitations. Besides, staying alone would be rather dull; spending some time with others would be just right.

Back at the Jade Chamber, Baishi approached her.

"Want some?" Baishi asked.

"Tonight?"

"Yeah. Same as usual."

"I'll see how it goes."

"Sounds good."

After this cryptic exchange, Qin Yu returned to Ningguang and handed her the documents she had obtained from Ganyu.

Ningguang glanced through the papers while taking a sip of tea.

As Qin Yu watched her, a sudden curiosity arose, and she wanted to ask a question. But since Ningguang was still working, she restrained herself.

"Is there something you want to ask?" Ningguang smiled, setting down the documents.

"H-how did you know?" Qin Yu stammered, flustered.

Ningguang smiled faintly. "I could sense it faintly. After all, you've been by my side for quite some time. I can feel the difference in your usual demeanor."

That's a little terrifying, isn't it? Qin Yu thought to herself.

Leaning back in her chair, Ningguang asked with amusement, "So, what do you want to ask? Keep it brief."

Since the topic had already been broached, Qin Yu decided to press on.

"Today's workload is lighter than usual, leaving me free tonight. Senior Baishi and the others were planning to go out for late-night snacks and invited me along. I wanted to ask if you, Lady Ningguang, would like to join us..."

"Hmm, that's a rather tempting invitation," Ningguang mused.

"Then—" Qin Yu's heart brightened.

Ningguang continued, "But you all should go ahead."

This answer didn't surprise Qin Yu; she could guess the reason behind it.

Still, she asked, "May I ask why...?"

"You're all colleagues, and though there's a senior-junior dynamic, they clearly adore you. When you gather, you're probably mostly talking about personal matters, right?"

Qin Yu chuckled. "And venting about particularly difficult clients... things like that."

"Do I ever come up in those conversations?" Ningguang teased.

"No, no! Never! Senior Baishi and the others all deeply admire and respect you, Lady Ningguang. And of course, I also greatly admire you."

Evaluation: B

Perfect.

Ningguang smiled gently. "Is that so? I'm glad to hear it. Don't be nervous; I was only teasing. I know you're not that kind of person."

Qin Yu felt a twinge of guilt.

Though she never voiced it aloud, Qin Yu often complained about Ningguang in her heart—mostly because Ningguang frequently put her in embarrassing situations.

Her respect for Ningguang was genuine, and her affection... well, as a friend and subordinate, perhaps.

A master—no, a mistress—who so generously distributed bonuses and raises was a rare find!

"I'm very pleased with Baiwen and the others," Ningguang said. "They're my trusted confidantes, and I trust them implicitly. We have a good rapport."

Ningguang added, "However, I'm still their superior. If I joined you, they would inevitably feel constrained."

Was that really the case?

Baishi probably would, Baiwen less so, and Baixiao, being the most proper, definitely would. Considering this, Ningguang's assessment seemed accurate.

But Qin Yu couldn't voice this aloud.

"I don't think so," Qin Yu countered.

"I disagree. Since you're taking a break, focus on relaxing. Don't worry about me."

With that, Ningguang resumed reviewing documents, signaling the end of the conversation. Qin Yu had no choice but to abandon the topic and wait beside Ningguang for further instructions.

That evening, after work had wrapped up, Baishi and the others found Qin Yu.

"Let's go?"

Qin Yu stole a glance at Ningguang beside her, suddenly curious about what her mistress planned to do next.

"Go ahead," Ningguang said casually.

"What will you be doing next, Lady Ningguang?" Qin Yu asked.

Ningguang was puzzled by Qin Yu's question. If she said she had nothing planned, Qin Yu would likely invite her along again. Qin Yu always liked to look after others.

But that would force Ningguang to decline directly.

To ensure her four trusted subordinates—she had secretly already recognized Qin Yu as one, even though Qin Yu had declined before—could relax completely without worrying, Ningguang nodded.

"I need to attend to some personal matters and meet someone. You don't need to come with me."

Meet someone? Who?

Qin Yu suddenly became intensely curious but hesitated to ask.

-

Baiwen nodded. "I understand. Qin Yu, are you coming?"

After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I need to handle some personal affairs too. Maybe next time?"

"Is that so? So busy. Then we'll head out. Want us to bring you back anything to eat?"

"Dumplings would be great," Qin Yu replied with a smile.

Baishi waved. "Alright—"

After the trio left, Ningguang asked calmly, "Why didn't you go?"

"Um..."

Qin Yu's mumbled, noncommittal reply reached Ningguang's ears. She sighed softly and walked toward the bedroom.

"I need to stay in the bedroom for a while," Ningguang said.

"Huh? Oh, all right."

"No need to bring tea or snacks," Ningguang emphasized.

Isn't she supposed to be meeting someone? Qin Yu wondered, perplexed. Or does she need to prepare before going out? Who would she need to prepare to see? Her thoughts tangled, but she nodded in agreement.

"Qin Yu."

"What is it?"

Ningguang shook her head. "...Nothing."

Huh?

Evaluation: B+

Ah? Why did my score go up for this too?

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