Qin Yu remained undecided about seeking out Hu Tao, neither accepting nor rejecting her proposal from that day.
Whenever she thought about it, she felt restless, irritable, and uneasy, but her attention was usually quickly diverted by various tasks.
Thus, the second month passed.
Now in the third month, the Rite of Descension was rapidly approaching.
Once this month concluded, Liyue would enter its most significant period.
The ancient deity who had protected Liyue for millennia—known as Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon...would make his grand appearance.
Qin Yu recalled how Yujing Terrace used to be packed with people, all gazing up at the familiar and reassuring deity. As the personal maid of the renowned Tianquan, Ningguang, she probably wouldn't have to squeeze through the crowds anymore, would she?
Lost in casual thoughts about the upcoming month, Qin Yu waited for her meal to arrive.
She was currently dining with some acquaintances from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Earlier that morning, while running errands at the Ministry, some acquaintances invited her to join their meal. Qin Yu had initially planned to tactfully decline, but they said, "There'll be excellent food!"
Adhering to her newly formed principle of "If there's food, I'll go," Qin Yu immediately accepted.
But now she was starting to regret her decision.
The dishes were taking forever to arrive.
"Little Yu, why don't you have some wine too?"
"Thank you, but I have work to do later."
People kept trying to persuade her to drink.
As she sighed inwardly, snippets of conversation drifted her way.
"It seems the Stormterror incident in Mondstadt has been resolved."
"Ah, I heard about that. A friend of mine in Mondstadt mentioned a golden-haired girl making quite a splash over there..."
"Thank goodness we have Rex Lapis here. No need to worry about anything."
Qin Yu was well aware of the Stormterror incident in Mondstadt.
After all, Ningguang had excellent intelligence networks and maintained regular correspondence with the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
The golden-haired girl was an honorary knight of Mondstadt's Knights of Favonius, accompanied by a small, flying companion. They were said to be traveling in search of family and might even visit Liyue someday.
Just as she was pondering these things, the dishes finally arrived.
Hmm, they look and smell delicious! Qin Yu finally felt like it had been worth the wait.
"Sorry I'm late," a familiar voice suddenly announced.
Qin Yu looked up and her eyes met Ganyu's by chance.
"Eh?" "Ah..."
Qin Yu had absolutely not expected Ganyu to appear in this kind of setting.
"Miss Ganyu, please don't be so reserved. You're right on time," one of the guests said with a smile.
"Phew, that's a relief," Ganyu exhaled, then walked over to Qin Yu's side.
"May I sit here?" she asked.
Qin Yu snapped out of her thoughts. For some reason, the seat next to her was empty, but it didn't seem to be reserved for anyone, judging by the others' casual demeanor.
So she smiled and gestured, "Of course, Ganyu... Sister Ganyu."
"Hehe, thank you," Ganyu replied with a faint smile. After she sat down, the group formally began their meal.
Qin Yu had no interest in engaging with the endless stream of conversation topics, but with her wealth of experience and superb acting skills, she effortlessly steered the conversation along while focusing on savoring the various delicacies.
Ganyu, seated beside her, was occasionally asked questions but never initiated any conversation herself. Most of the time, she ate her vegetarian dishes in silence, quietly observing everything at and around the table, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Could she be here just to freeload? Qin Yu couldn't help but wonder.
But she said she wanted to control her eating, and that I was her 'body management companion'... Qin Yu understood, though. How could anyone resist such fragrant, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes?
"Excuse me, I'll be right back," Qin Yu said, excusing herself from the table.
Qin Yu stood up and headed to the restroom.
Before she even reached the door, she could faintly hear voices inside.
"Why did they invite someone like Qin Yu?"
Ha? What's that about?
"Exactly! That woman is always grinning, it's so annoying. How did she even become Tianquan's secretary?"
Ah, so that's it.
Qin Yu understood now. No wonder the atmosphere at the gathering felt off—there was a clique that disliked her, and the empty seat beside her was probably because of them.
How utterly pointless.
With practiced nonchalance, Qin Yu pushed open the restroom door and casually smiled at the two women inside:
"I seem to have overheard you talking about me. Is there something wrong?"
The two women startled, their faces paling as they frantically shook their heads.
"No, no!"
"Really~?" Qin Yu stepped closer, her tone sweet yet menacing.
The women's resolve crumbled further. "Absolutely nothing!"
"Is that so? A bit of a shame, actually. I'm quite fond of both of you... By the way, though this is a bit sudden, would you two like to be friends?" Qin Yu asked with a disarming smile.
"Uh... well..."
Qin Yu's smile widened. "Is there something wrong with that?"
"Not exactly..."
"Then why the hesitation? Could it be... you two actually don't like me?"
Qin Yu took another step forward. The women nervously retreated a step.
"If that's the case, I'll do my best to change your minds! 'Fix what's wrong' is one of my life's principles."
Qin Yu took another step closer. The two women retreated another step.
"We don't hate you!" they shrieked.
If Qin Yu were to tell everyone, "I think they dislike me," their future would be sealed.
"W-we're just not very familiar with you yet, that's why we didn't agree..."
Good, that's enough. Time to back off, Qin Yu thought, deliberately projecting an air of relief.
"That's a relief! I thought you disliked me. I'm so glad that's not the case. But since you said you hesitated because we're not well-acquainted... how about we chat more? The gathering will last quite a while, after all."
"No need!"
The two women hastily sidestepped Qin Yu and fled the restroom.
Qin Yu's mood brightened considerably.
Hmph, nothing special after all.
Come to think of it, even if I perfectly maintain this flawless facade, some people will still hate me—usually out of jealousy or some other ridiculous reason.
Oh well, it's irrelevant anyway.
Back at the table, Qin Yu occasionally cast "benevolent" glances at the two women. Watching them squirm uncomfortably and force strained smiles in response filled her with satisfaction.
Ganyu, however, remained her usual self, never actively participating in any conversation.
So she really just came for the free food?
After the banquet concluded, Qin Yu bid farewell and headed toward Yujing Terrace.
She still enjoyed dining with Baiwen and the others more.
Ganyu walked alongside her, taking the same route, and suddenly let out a soft sigh.
"Ah..."
"What's wrong?" Qin Yu asked, concerned.
"Ah, I... I actually came here with a specific goal in mind, but it doesn't seem to have gone very well. I'm a bit troubled," Ganyu said with a wry smile.
Qin Yu asked, puzzled, "Sister Ganyu, weren't you just here for the food?"
"No! I never had such a thought," Ganyu quickly protested.
So that wasn't it.
Qin Yu felt a pang of disappointment. She'd rather have a "food-and-drink companion" than a "figure-management partner."
"I'm sorry, I misunderstood. Then what was your reason for attending, Sister Ganyu?" Qin Yu asked.
After a moment's hesitation, Ganyu decided to be honest.
"I wanted to try..."
"Try what?"
"Just... try to integrate into human society," Ganyu said, looking embarrassed.
Qin Yu couldn't help but think of Shenhe.
Ganyu sighed. "Like Yanfei, I have both Adeptus and human blood. But unlike her, I still doubt whether I can truly integrate into human society, whether I've already done so..."
"Then, by chance, someone invited me to a dinner gathering today. I thought I'd give it a try and decided to attend."
"But once I was actually there, I realized there were many topics I couldn't keep up with. Liyue's history, the affairs of Liyue Port... I can speak about these things off the top of my head, but they weren't talking about any of that."
Ganyu said dejectedly, "If I casually jumped into those conversations, I'd probably be laughed at."
Such a realistic concern!
"So I really haven't integrated into human society after all..." Ganyu murmured.
What's the best thing to say in a situation like this? Qin Yu frantically searched her mind for comforting words. While she understood Ganyu's feelings and thoughts, she couldn't truly empathize.
After all, she had lived in Liyue since childhood, long since assimilated into its culture, and had never even considered such issues.
But perhaps Ganyu's feelings weren't uncommon?
Put another way, it was essentially "wondering if she'd integrated into society."
Ugh, that sounds like a shut-in being forced into the outside world... but Ganyu isn't a shut-in, is she?
Okay, let's try this.
Qin Yu clasped one of Ganyu's hands in both of hers and said, "Sister Ganyu, you've taught me so much about work, and you even helped me recover an important memory! I'm truly grateful to you!"
Evaluation: D
Ganyu, slightly startled by Qin Yu's sudden gesture, blushed and murmured, "There's no need to be so formal."
"But I still want to thank you, truly. That memory is incredibly important to me. And because of that, the memory of Sister Ganyu helping me is equally etched in my heart," Qin Yu replied with a smile.
Ganyu lowered her gaze, whispering shyly, "I-Is that so? I'm... I'm glad to hear you say that."
Evaluation: C-
Seeing the pop-up evaluation, Qin Yu felt even more confident. This must be the right approach.
She continued with a bright smile, "I'm also thrilled to see you again, Sister Ganyu! I'll never forget your kindness."
"Never is such an exaggeration," Ganyu countered.
"Not at all! This is proof that you've left a mark on my life, Sister Ganyu. And that mark proves you've formed a connection with someone in this world."
Ganyu looked up in surprise. "Connected...?"
"Exactly! Doesn't this mean you're finally starting to integrate into human society? After all, connection is essential for integration. In other words, Sister Ganyu, if you're willing, I can be one of the proofs that you're beginning to integrate into the world!"
Perfectly spoken. As expected of myself, Qin Yu thought.
As these thoughts ran through her mind, Ganyu felt a warmth spread across her chest. It was the first time anyone had ever said such a thing to her, and a wellspring of joy and gratitude surged within her.
Evaluation: C+
Ganyu beamed, her smile radiant. "Thank you... This is the first time anyone's ever said something like that to me. Of course... I'm willing. In fact, please, by all means."
After saying those words, Ganyu felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Though she still felt somewhat detached from the world, Qin Yu's words seemed to offer a glimmer of hope.
Qin Yu really knows how to care for others, Ganyu mused, recalling their earlier chance encounters. Even as she grew older, Qin Yu had retained so many of her precious qualities.
Ganyu's expression softened as she said, "I'm so glad I was able to save you back then."
"Huh? Save me?" Qin Yu tilted her head in confusion. "When did that happen? I should remember something so important."
Realizing she had inadvertently let slip her secret, Ganyu stammered, "Ah, no, no, I must have misremembered. I'm sorry."
"Even Sister Ganyu makes mistakes sometimes?" Qin Yu teased.
"Well, I never get things wrong at work..."
But did I really misremember? Or is it just that I can't recall? Qin Yu couldn't suppress her doubts, a sharp pain slicing through her mind, causing her brow to furrow momentarily.
Never mind that for now.
Qin Yu decided to set the matter aside for the moment. Looking at Ganyu's face, an inexplicable sense of familiarity bloomed within her.
"Speaking of which, Sister Ganyu, would you like to try joining our group meals sometime?" Qin Yu suggested.
"By 'our group,' you mean...?"
Qin Yu patted her chest and grinned. "Actually, the atmosphere at the meal earlier wasn't very good. It's understandable why you felt out of place."
"Now that you mention it, there was a certain awkwardness," Ganyu belatedly realized.
"Then you should try a lively gathering! I often have late-night meals with Ningguang's three secretaries—Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi. They're incredibly knowledgeable. As the secretary assisting the entire Qixing, Sister Ganyu, you'd have plenty in common with them."
Ganyu understood Qin Yu's meaning. "You want me to join you?"
"Mm-hmm."
"This... Since you're so close, wouldn't it be strange for me to intrude? I've only interacted with them professionally. Outside of work, we're essentially strangers," Ganyu hesitated.
Under normal circumstances, that would be true.
But this time, I'm here!
Hmph, even if the atmosphere is tense, I can still break the ice, Qin Yu thought smugly. This was one of the skills she had honed over years of wearing the "persona" mask.
As for why she hadn't done it earlier? It was simply a matter of mood. And there hadn't been any need.
"Don't worry, Sister Ganyu. With me here, you can relax completely."
Ganyu reassured her, "Qin Yu, you're truly skilled at interacting with people."
"Ahaha, I'm just used to it..."
Ganyu hesitated for a moment, rubbed her cheeks, and finally made up her mind.
"Alright, I'll accept," she declared firmly. "But have you asked them what they think? Communication is very important, you know."
"I only just thought of it, so no, not yet! But I'll go ask them right away!" Qin Yu grinned.
"Hmm... Thank you for your trouble. It's a bit embarrassing that I, as the elder, am always relying on your help," Ganyu said, looking slightly awkward.
No big deal, Qin Yu thought. In fact, it's better if I'm the one helping. This way, I can earn some Points and make myself feel a little better.
But now, this "Sister Ganyu" title really felt quite hollow.
Qin Yu joked, "Then should I call you 'Little Sister Ganyu' instead?"
"T-This won't do at all. I'm the elder here. Who calls their elder 'Little'? Ah, it was just a joke... You startled me!" Ganyu pressed a hand to her chest and let out a breath.
The awkwardness was indeed palpable.
Returning to Yujing Terrace, Qin Yu thought about taking a rest before grasping Ganyu's hand again.
"Then I'll be heading back now. I really enjoyed talking with you, Sister Ganyu! Work is important, but please remember to rest as well," Qin Yu said softly, her face lit with a smile.
Ganyu returned the smile. "You too."
Evaluation: B
A B rating... Not bad, considering she was just grinding it out. Good enough. With that thought, Qin Yu waved goodbye to Ganyu and returned to the Jade Chamber.
Shortly after entering, Baishi hurried over.
"I heard you went out for dinner. How was it?"
"Well... it's still better to go with the three seniors," Qin Yu replied diplomatically.
"Exactly! We should have another chance tomorrow night. Let's go somewhere delicious."
Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and she smiled brightly. "Okay!"
"Oh, right! I was actually thinking of inviting Ganyu to join us. What do you think, Senior Baishi?" Qin Yu asked earnestly.
"Miss Ganyu? Hmm... I don't mind, though I've never interacted with her personally outside of work. She's always patient and kind on the job. It's just a bit..."
"A bit... what?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
Baishi said awkwardly, "We're not ones to back down easily. If we could take over Miss Ganyu's work, we could prove our abilities. Don't you think so, Qin Yu?"
"Ahahaha, I haven't really thought about it that way. As long as I can help Lady Ningguang, I'm satisfied."
So please don't drag me into this!
Qin Yu had no desire to make herself even busier.
Later, Qin Yu asked Baiwen and Baixiao for their thoughts. They both readily agreed, adding that it would be a chance to discuss things they wouldn't normally cover in their daily work.
It seemed they were planning to use this opportunity to learn more from Ganyu and gain deeper insights into her work.
Could the entire dinner conversation revolve around work? Qin Yu thought anxiously.
But then she recalled the topics she and her three seniors typically discussed during their late-night snack sessions, and her worries seemed trivial by comparison.
After all...
"That merchant from Snezhnaya is infuriating! His attitude is atrocious!"
There were complaints about difficult clients.
"I thought I had it all figured out back in school, but real life turned out to be completely different from what I imagined. Living with family, you don't have to worry about food or rent, but living alone... it's just one problem after another..."
Some reminisced about their entry into the workforce, sighing deeply.
"Ah, life is so damn tiring..."
Others had simply resigned themselves to being "salted fish"—utterly drained and listless.
The whole gathering felt like a mutual venting session.
The next evening, the five friends gathered again.
Initially, Ganyu's presence made the atmosphere a bit stiff, but under Qin Yu's lead, as more food was eaten, more wine was drunk, and the conversation flowed, the familiar warmth gradually returned.
Ganyu, watching this transformation unfold, looked genuinely surprised.
Qin Yu chuckled awkwardly. "Ahaha, are you surprised, Sister Ganyu? This is how we usually get together."
"Ah... I am a little surprised, but mostly I find it fascinating. This is my first time at a gathering like this," Ganyu replied.
She paused, then added, "At the same time, I'm not really sure how I should act."
"Don't overthink it! Just relax and be yourself."
"Just relax..."
The conversation inexplicably shifted to marriage.
"My family suddenly started pressuring me to go on blind dates. It's not like I can't find someone myself—what's the rush?"
"A partner... Ah, now that you mention it, if I went back, I'd probably get asked the same thing," Ganyu chimed in.
Baishi sighed helplessly. "Even Miss Ganyu?"
"Yes, and they'll suddenly bring up things from my past out of nowhere..."
"Exactly! Especially when there are outsiders present," Baixiao lamented.
Baiwen slumped over the table. "It's even worse when relatives visit. All the aunts and uncles sit in the living room, cracking melon seeds and eating peanuts, bragging about their own kids while grilling you about yours."
She took a sip of her wine and added, "And they still do this even after you're an adult!"
Baishi waved her hand dismissively. "At least that's manageable. The real problem is getting those kids to listen."
"Now that the Rite of Descension is over, the Lantern Rite isn't far off..."
Qin Yu suddenly remembered that she had biological parents, and therefore should also have relatives. Yet she had never met any of them.
Might as well pretend they don't exist.
Having grown up in an unconventional family, Qin Yu placed little importance on blood relations. Since no relatives had ever visited, she had no experience to contribute to the conversation.
She had met many of her Teacher's friends, but her Teacher never discussed Qin Yu in their presence, nor would she ever offer evaluations of their children.
Whenever her friends visited, the atmosphere was always harmonious. Qin Yu mused that this felt quite different from the "relatives visiting" experiences she had heard others describe.
"I have faith in you. Even if you stray off course sometimes, you'll always find your way back to the right path," she recalled her Teacher saying.
Stray off course...?Am I straying off course now? As she thought about the role she was playing, Qin Yu fell into deep contemplation, mindlessly snacking while her thoughts wandered endlessly.
After the group meal, Qin Yu became fixated on one of Ganyu's ideas. Using the pretext of "walking you home," she accompanied Ganyu to Yuehai Pavilion.
On the way home, Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "Sister Ganyu, I have a question I'd like to ask you."
"Please do," Ganyu replied with a gentle smile. "I had a wonderful time tonight, all thanks to you. If there's anything I can answer, I'd be happy to help."
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu spoke.
"Why did you decide to try?"
Ganyu quickly understood that Qin Yu was referring to her attempt to integrate into human society.
"Hmm... I think the reason I've struggled to fit in might be because I've spent so many years burying myself in data, reports, and various tasks as a way to escape," Ganyu explained.
She continued, "But my heart told me to hold onto hope. When the opportunity arose, I wanted to give it a try..."
Qin Yu glanced at Ganyu's horns.
Ganyu was a half-adeptus, with a lifespan far exceeding that of humans. Qin Yu tried to imagine herself in Ganyu's position. If she were a half-adeptus, she likely wouldn't want to integrate into human society.
Human relationships, though not inherently fragile, inevitably end in separation.
Choosing to integrate into human society meant forming connections with all sorts of people. Once separated by the veil between the living and the dead, the pain would be unbearable. Qin Yu had no desire to experience such anguish.
Moreover, if the integration failed, the suffering would likely be even worse.
"Sister Ganyu, have you considered the potential outcomes of your attempt?"
Ganyu responded softly, "Yes, I have. But... it's just a trial."
"Just a trial?"
"Yes, 'just a trial'—adopting that mindset, I think, is best. Many tasks, once attempted, turn out to be less daunting than they seem. I often tell my juniors the same, urging them not to worry too much."
Trial. Qin Yu savored the word.
Ganyu shifted uncomfortably. "But... well, outside of work, I haven't fared so well."
"No, I think you've done wonderfully, Sister Ganyu! Every step you've taken is important," Qin Yu said, clasping Ganyu's hand and smiling warmly.
Evaluation: A
Ganyu smiled with genuine relief. "Thank you."
She sincerely believed Qin Yu had a remarkable gift for caring for others. With a touch of maternal pride, she gently stroked Qin Yu's hair.
"Qin Yu, you're doing so well now. I'm truly relieved."
The gentle touch and the warmth radiating from her palm felt exactly the same as the last time Ganyu had stroked her hair. Yet this soft demeanor, gentle voice, and the words themselves inexplicably reminded Qin Yu of her Teacher.
"It's not good at all," she blurted out before she could stop herself, her eyes still stinging slightly.
Ganyu froze, stunned by Qin Yu's sudden remark.
Seeing this, Qin Yu hurriedly stammered, "Ah, what I meant was..."
"What's wrong?" Ganyu asked softly.
"...It's nothing."
Sensing Qin Yu's resistance, Ganyu wondered if she had touched a raw nerve. After a brief hesitation, she said, "That didn't sound like nothing just now."
"It's nothing," Qin Yu insisted stiffly.
Ganyu gently smoothed the stray strands of hair at the top of Qin Yu's head and said, "I see... I don't mind, you know. If you ever want to talk about it, you can come to me."
I won't, Qin Yu thought silently.
After Qin Yu muttered to herself, Ganyu blushed, looking embarrassed. "And... I also want to talk to you more."
Evaluation: S-
"Eh? W-why?"
"No particular reason... well, if I had to say, there is one." Ganyu fidgeted with her fingers, subtly observing Qin Yu's expression. "I want to train myself."
Ha? What kind of training is that?
"Ever since we met again, it feels like I've spoken more in the past few months than in the past decade. If I persevere and continue practicing, I think one day... I might be able to pursue a career other than being a secretary."
A decade? Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration? Qin Yu wondered, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
"Okay!"
I'll get some Points out of this anyway.
Ganyu sighed in relief. "I'm so glad you agreed."
"I also want to talk to Sister Ganyu more."
"Mm, thank you," Ganyu replied shyly.
After a moment of silence, Ganyu found herself dwelling on Qin Yu's earlier words. They stood in stark contrast to her current warm and friendly demeanor, filled with a fragile vulnerability.
But now clearly wasn't the time to press her about it.
"If anything's troubling you, you can always talk to me," Ganyu said, her voice gentle.
Qin Yu felt a pang of guilt at Ganyu's sincerity. I wish she wouldn't say that, she thought. Getting closer will only make things harder for me.
But life rarely goes as planned. Especially when it comes to human relationships.
In this uncontrollable situation, what was the best course of action? Qin Yu pondered the long-term implications while trying not to hurt Ganyu's feelings. Finally, she replied, "Mm, thank you."
It was neither a clear confirmation nor a rejection, but this ambiguous response was enough to satisfy Ganyu.
"You're welcome. Don't worry too much... just try."
Try.
Back in her room, Qin Yu couldn't stop thinking about how to handle her current situation. Human relationships wouldn't stay fixed in one place; any interaction, no matter how small, would inevitably bring change.
Qin Yu stroked the White Cat plushie and sighed deeply.
She glanced at her bracelet and thought of Keqing.
She had previously resolved to tell Keqing the truth, but now doubt crept in.
"This isn't right," Qin Yu muttered.
The more she pondered her relationships with those around her, the more agitated and restless she became. Even breathing became slightly labored, as if each inhale and exhale carried a palpable weight.
No wonder I feel this way, she thought. Even I know this isn't right.
Just as Hu Tao had said, she couldn't lie freely without feeling deeply uncomfortable. Yet she also feared that Keqing and the others would despise her if they ever discovered her true nature.
Qin Yu tossed and turned in bed, venting her inner turmoil.
Just try it, Ganyu's voice echoed in her mind.
Try it...
Qin Yu mused that Ganyu was probably right.
Only by trying could she know what would happen. But how should she try?
After all, she couldn't even figure out who her true self was anymore... Ah. Qin Yu remembered Hu Tao's words:
It's simple. Just hang out with me casually. Take off your Crystal shoes, interact naturally with people, and you'll find your true self again, right? That's what Hu Tao had said.
The restlessness in her heart began to shift in a different direction.
Accept. Try.
It sounded so simple. But what if she got...? No, no, no—she couldn't let herself think that way again. It would only leave her feeling even more anxious.
And what if...
"Wow, Fishy Treasure, your real self is way cuter!" Hu Tao might say something like that, right? Would she? And if she did, would the others react the same way? Qin Yu's mere fantasies made her feel excited and thrilled.
Yet whenever a positive thought arose, a "but" would inevitably follow.
However, that "but" was quickly dispelled by another:
But... there's no harm in trying, right?
If I sense any danger, I'll run.
Qin Yu found this approach acceptable.
She couldn't take three steps at once; she had to proceed one step at a time—no, sometimes even just half a step... But half a step was enough.
After all, it was just a trial.
With this mindset, Qin Yu drifted off to sleep peacefully. The next morning, on her day off, she dressed carefully and went straight to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"About what happened before... I'll accept it for now," Qin Yu said.
Hu Tao had expected Qin Yu to take several more months before broaching the subject, but she was surprised it happened so soon.
Perhaps it was just a spur-of-the-moment decision, Hu Tao thought. But even a rash move is better than no movement at all.
"Alright!" Hu Tao grinned.