"If you accept me, I'll be your sanctuary—a place where you can rest. I can even lend you a hand in your daily life, helping you maintain your disguise more effectively," Hu Tao had said.
She had seen through my facade and chosen to tear it down.
Fortunately, she hadn't revealed the truth yet. Everything remained as it was... at least on the surface.
But Qin Yu still hesitated about accepting Hu Tao's "deal."
If she refused, even though the situation had changed, it would remain within her control. Hu Tao had only discovered that she was acting, not her true self.
If she accepted, the situation would spiral out of control, galloping down an unpredictable path.
There was a chance Hu Tao might like her, but also a chance she might despise her.
The probabilities... wouldn't be evenly split. Qin Yu estimated it was closer to a three-to-seven ratio.
Three being the chance of Hu Tao liking her, and seven being the chance of hatred.
But Hu Tao seemed to want to kiss me, so maybe I could push the liking probability up to forty percent... No, no, I won't sell my body!
Logically speaking, maintaining the status quo was the safest course.
But was it the right thing to do? Would Teacher be happy seeing her daughter constantly deceiving those around her?
Having already decided to reveal the truth to Keqing, could she really go back on her word now? If she didn't, and Keqing asked, "Then show me your true self!" what would she do? Qin Yu wasn't even sure what her true self was anymore.
Would she strip down and act like an idiot, saying, "Here's your chance to see all you want!"? That was too foolish, and besides, she had no such fetish. The less skin exposed, the better.
Speaking of which, was Hu Tao really gay? Thinking back, weren't all those kisses yesterday just tricks to fool her? It made sense logically, but...
Ugh, my brain is turning to mush. Qin Yu pressed her throbbing head and sighed involuntarily.
Beside her, Shenhe reached out and touched her forehead.
"Ugh... ah!? Wh-what's wrong?"
She nearly let out a "wuh-ergh!" That was no sound a young girl should make. But "wuh-ah" sounded just as strange, like six of one, half a dozen of the other.
Shenhe said expressionlessly, "I was worried you might not be feeling well."
"No, I'm perfectly healthy!" Qin Yu replied.
"Then why did you sigh?"
I'm mentally exhausted, Qin Yu thought, locking eyes with Shenhe for a moment before saying, "I'm trying to figure out what to do today, but I can't seem to get started."
It was the second day of her rest day.
After meeting Shenhe in the city as planned, Qin Yu couldn't stop dwelling on the events of yesterday.
The more she dwelled on it, the more drained she felt. Maybe it's best to put this aside for now. After all, there's plenty of time.
With that thought, Qin Yu let out a soft breath, mentally shifting gears. She rested her chin on her folded hands, her usual smile returning, and asked Shenhe, "Shenhe, what do you want to do?"
"Anything is fine as long as I'm with you," Shenhe replied, her answer as predictable as ever.
Evaluation: D
I should have seen that coming!
"T-that's wonderful, I'm so glad. But... do you have any specific ideas, Shenhe?" Qin Yu asked, flustered.
"No, do you?"
If I did, I wouldn't be asking you, Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
"Let's just go wander around first and see what catches our eye... How about that?" Qin Yu proposed, resorting to her go-to solution: whatever the plan, a stroll through the streets was always a good start.
A bit of casual chatting, some snacks, maybe a few purchases—that would easily fill half the day.
They could figure out the rest later.
"Whatever you decide is fine," Shenhe replied.
"Then let's go." Qin Yu naturally took Shenhe's hand.
"Mm."
Being with Keqing made Qin Yu think about that kiss. With Hu Tao, yesterday's conversation kept replaying in her mind. And spending time with Ningguang always left her feeling like her heart was about to give out—these were stark reminders of how their relationships had shifted.
As things stood, Yanfei, Ganyu, and Shenhe were the only ones Qin Yu felt truly comfortable around.
Yanfei seemed busy today, and Ganyu was perpetually swamped. If not for that, Qin Yu would have loved to drag them along for a day out.
Too bad, Qin Yu thought regretfully.
"I'm a bit thirsty. What about you, Shenhe?"
"Not thirsty. But if you want something to drink, you don't need to ask me."
Qin Yu shook her head. "That won't do. We came here to have fun together, right? It's better for both of us to enjoy ourselves than for just me to have all the fun."
"I understand," Shenhe replied.
Good, Qin Yu thought.
After a moment's hesitation, Shenhe said, "I'm thirsty."
Didn't she just say she wasn't thirsty a few seconds ago? Honestly!
Qin Yu laughed. "Ahahaha, in that case, let's go get some drinks over there!"
"Alright."
At the beverage shop, Shenhe said, "You sit here. I'll go order."
"Eh? Oh, okay. Do you have money?" Qin Yu asked, a little worried.
"I do."
Good.
Qin Yu nodded in relief. As for what to order, she'd leave it up to Shenhe. As long as it was sweet and preferably large, Qin Yu would enjoy it.
Shenhe returned with the order and sat down across from Qin Yu.
Qin Yu didn't want Shenhe to see her while she was eating and drinking—it made her feel awkward—so she prepared to move to the seat next to Shenhe. Just as she was about to shift, the server brought their drinks.
"Here are your drinks."
That was fast!
"One order of 'Freshly Made Special Fruit Tea', please enjoy."
Wow, that's huge!
The fruit tea was served in a massive cup, practically a small bucket.
Wait, just one order?
Qin Yu hurriedly asked, "Shenhe, aren't you going to have any?"
"I am."
Huh?
"But there's only one order here," Qin Yu pointed out.
"This is for two people."
For two people? Could it be...? Just as the thought crossed her mind, a waiter hurried back and inserted two straws into the fruit tea, facing opposite directions.
Two straws, two directions, two people.
And both were women.
Qin Yu's face flushed. "Shenhe, why did you order this?"
Couldn't you have ordered something more normal? Not that this was abnormal, exactly, but it seemed unnecessary. With so many options on the menu, why choose this one?
Could it be that Shenhe...? No, please no.
"The staff said it was this month's special, so it was cheaper. You always say we should save money, so I ordered this. Do you not like it? Perhaps I misjudged..."
"No! I love it! Thank you, Shenhe, I'm so happy!" Qin Yu quickly assured her, forcing a smile.
Seeing this, Shenhe's expression softened slightly, and she gave a small nod.
"As long as you're happy."
Qin Yu would have been perfectly content drinking it alone.
But with two people?
No, no, it's fine since we're both girls, right? It would be a waste not to finish it... Well, there's no helping it. Qin Yu reassured herself.
"Besides," Shenhe added, "I heard this drink is meant to be shared by two people. I wanted to experience the taste with you."
Couldn't you just leave out that last sentence?
Evaluation: C-
Get lost.
"I see..."
Better just drink it quickly.
Qin Yu decided to shut up and lowered her head to take a sip of the juice through the straw. The overflowing sweetness and refreshing coolness in her mouth instantly washed away the mental fatigue that had accumulated from overthinking.
Shenhe began drinking too, her eyes fixed on Qin Yu.
Qin Yu nearly choked.
Don't stare! she thought, subtly turning her face away to avoid eye contact.
But the moment she remembered that Shenhe was also drinking the same beverage, the cool, refreshing sensation made her think of Shenhe, and a heat utterly contrary to the coolness spread across her cheeks.
Does Shenhe want to kiss me too? The absurd thought flashed through Qin Yu's mind, and she quickly shook her head. What am I thinking?!
It's all Hu Tao and Keqing's fault.
Amidst her jumbled thoughts, Shenhe suddenly said, "Someone's coming."
"Who?"
Qin Yu turned her head and met Keqing's eyes as she hurried over.
Oh no! Without thinking, Qin Yu instantly pulled the straw out of the cup, clutched it in her hand, and let it dangle beside her leg, trying her best to keep it hidden from Keqing.
She didn't want anyone to see her sharing a drink with Shenhe like this... But then she thought, Wouldn't this secretive behavior make things even stranger? We're both women, so what's the big deal?
Qin Yu tried to reinsert the straw, but Keqing had already reached the table.
"Good morning, Qin Yu, Shenhe," Keqing said with a warm smile.
"Good morning!" "Good morning."
Keqing nodded approvingly. "You both look quite energetic. Excellent."
"Ahahaha, are you on your way to work, Keqing?"
"No, I came to find you, Qin Yu."
Eh? Me?
While Qin Yu was still stunned, Keqing noticed the large cup of fruit tea on the table. "What a huge cup! But there's only one straw... Shenhe, are you drinking all of that?"
"Not alone," Shenhe replied honestly. "Qin Yu is sharing it with me."
I knew Shenhe would say that.
I need to put the straw back in. Right, I'll just say:
"Ding-dong-ding! Here's the straw! Scared you?"
Qin Yu had made up her mind and was about to whip the straw back with lightning speed when Keqing suddenly grew thoughtful.
"But there's only one straw here. If you say you're drinking together, does that mean... sharing the same straw?"
No way!
Unaware of Qin Yu's silent denial, Keqing felt a sudden, almost burning anxiety. She pressed one hand against the table and the other against her chest, leaning forward to close the distance between them.
"Qin Yu!"
"Here!" Qin Yu reflexively responded, startled.
After calling out, Keqing froze, unsure how to continue.
What is this sudden, inexplicable anxiety anyway?
"Let me see your bracelet," Keqing said softly, her assertive demeanor fading.
Just for this? Don't scare me like that, Qin Yu thought helplessly, raising her arm to display the bracelet she always wore.
Seeing it, Keqing finally relaxed.
Now, no matter what, they were "bound" to each other—a unique bond no one could ever replace. As long as Qin Yu still wore the bracelet—a symbol of their connection—Keqing could feel reassured.
"Still wearing it, huh?" Keqing murmured.
Qin Yu's eyebrow twitched imperceptibly. What's that supposed to mean? Of course I'd still be wearing it.
"Of course, I'll keep wearing it."
"I know," Keqing said, unable to resist gently stroking Qin Yu's hair.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Wait, hands off! Don't tell me she's going to try to... kiss me again? Not in public, that's for sure.
No, even if we weren't in public, that wouldn't be okay.
Shenhe watched as Keqing's figure blocked Qin Yu from her view. An indescribable, subtle, and confusing emotion welled up within her.
Shenhe stood up, walked around the table, and sat beside Qin Yu. Without a word, she took Qin Yu's hand in hers.
Her cool palm pushed aside Qin Yu's grip on the straw, claiming the entire hand for herself. The displaced straw fell to the ground, leaving behind only its lonely shadow.
Why is she suddenly holding my hand? Qin Yu was both surprised and bewildered, completely unprepared for Shenhe's sudden move.
Keqing was equally taken aback. The moment she saw Shenhe's action, that inexplicable restlessness surged back into her heart. Before she realized it, she had also grabbed Qin Yu's other hand.
Qin Yu was in utter chaos.
"Excuse me..."
Why is everyone suddenly holding my hands?
Feeling Qin Yu's warmth, Shenhe calmed down.
"It's nothing," she said.
Evaluation: C (Shenhe)
Yeah, right.
Keqing didn't offer an explanation either, merely held onto Qin Yu's hand and asked, "Are you free today?"
"Huh? Ah... What's wrong?"
"I want to visit Teacher's grave with you."
So that's why she came to find me. Qin Yu suddenly understood, feeling moved by the thought.
Keqing pulled another chair over with one hand and sat beside Qin Yu, her grip unwavering as she lowered her gaze.
"I'm ashamed to admit, though I've visited the grave, I always... deliberately avoided going at the same time as you. But things are different now." Keqing gently scratched Qin Yu's bracelet.
Shenhe, meanwhile, stroked the back of Qin Yu's hand.
Don't be mischievous, Qin Yu glanced at Shenhe, conveying her meaning with a look.
Shenhe didn't notice, lost in thought about whether she could also wear a matching accessory with Qin Yu. Would Qin Yu even agree?
Keqing continued, "After you told me about Teacher last time, I knew I wanted to visit the grave with you. Coincidentally, I have some free time today. It just depends if you do too."
Visiting Teacher's grave with Keqing...
We really should go together sometime, but I've already promised Shenhe I'd spend the day with her. What should I do? Even though it hadn't been long since her last visit, Qin Yu still longed to go again.
Maybe I'll even see her again... she thought, clinging to a near-impossible hope.
After a moment's consideration, Qin Yu turned to Shenhe.
"Shenhe."
Shenhe lifted her face, her gaze fixed steadily on Qin Yu.
"Want to come along?" Qin Yu asked.
"If you don't mind," Shenhe replied softly.
"I don't mind at all. After all, you showed me your hometown," Qin Yu smiled.
Shenhe murmured, "I simply wanted you to understand my past, not to use it as a bargaining chip. But if you don't mind, I'd like to learn more about you too."
Stop saying such strange things! Qin Yu's ears burned. Aren't you embarrassed?
Evaluation: B- (Shenhe)
Keqing felt a strange pang. It was good that her childhood friend and Shenhe were getting along... That's how it should be. She suddenly wanted to kiss Qin Yu right then and there, but quickly realized it was wrong and inappropriate.
"What do you think, Keqing?" Qin Yu asked.
"It's fine. The more people you bring, the happier Teacher will be."
Qin Yu nodded slowly. "Mm."
She had a point.
As for the drink, Qin Yu really didn't want to keep sharing it with Shenhe in front of Keqing, so Shenhe finished it herself.
Qin Yu felt a pang of regret for not getting to savor it properly.
"That was a fascinating experience, Qin Yu. Let's come again sometime," Shenhe said.
"Ah, um..."
Qin Yu absentmindedly agreed.
Keqing froze, startled.
"Eh?"