Recalling the fragmented memories that flashed through her mind during the final battle against the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel puzzled.
To perform this ritual and save your life, you must pay a price... Whether you accept or not, you should discuss it thoroughly with your friends.
That's what she remembered hearing.
The voice sounded familiar, as if she'd heard it somewhere before. But the specific circumstances remained shrouded in mist, difficult to discern.
Based on these fragments alone, had she sustained a fatal injury in the past?
About three years ago, she had indeed sustained a severe injury, her life hanging by a thread. But Qin Yu clearly remembered that it was due to a monster attack, not any so-called "ritual."
Over the past three years, while not every detail remained vivid, she retained a general recollection of significant events.
If she had truly suffered a fatal injury, she would never have forgotten it.
Could it have happened even earlier?
Keqing had previously mentioned not wanting her to recall painful memories. Could this be what she meant? My friend... Back then, Keqing was her only friend; there was no mistake about that.
The real question was: what kind of ritual had she undergone? And why would she need it to save her life?
As Qin Yu pondered this, a sharp pain suddenly shot through her head.
...I shouldn't force myself to remember. If the right trigger arises, the memories will likely surface on their own. That's how it's been before, and that's how it should be again.
If she could remember everything, Keqing would be so happy, Qin Yu thought as she plastered another missing person notice on the wall.
And I would be too, since these are important memories.
She was currently helping a friend at the Ministry of Civil Affairs post missing person notices throughout Liyue.
Earlier, to reward Lumine for her bravery in the battle against Osial and her fight with Childe, Ningguang had personally asked her what reward she desired.
After much deliberation, Lumine had replied, "Help me post these missing person notices."
How truly selfless, Qin Yu thought.
"But if I were in her place, I wouldn't know what to ask for either," Qin Yu muttered, moving to the next location and continuing to affix notices to the wall.
The original notices had been torn down by some annoying jerks, requiring them to be replaced.
Qin Yu had accepted this task not only because it fit her character, but also because she saw it as a chance to earn some Points.
Maybe Lumine will say, "Thank you for being so kind to help me post these!" Qin Yu imagined. And then I'll get Points. Though their relationship wasn't yet close enough for a large reward, she couldn't afford to miss out on any opportunity.
Since the intense battles she'd recently endured, Qin Yu had once again been deeply reminded that Teyvat was far from safe.
Gods, the Fatui, monsters... Even staying safely in the city, you might inadvertently get caught up in dangerous incidents.
That's why I need more Points to strengthen myself.
SSS-level Points offer the most, but... Qin Yu blushed at the thought of the "intimate" actions required for such high-level Points, shaking her head repeatedly.
No way! I can't sell my body just for Points!
"Ah, it's the Invincible Maid!"
What a peculiar title... Qin Yu turned to see Paimon and Lumine approaching.
They're here!
Qin Yu smiled. "Hello, you two! It's been a while since we last met."
"Long time no see! We've been super busy lately, running around doing all sorts of things, like mining, gathering materials, cooking, fishing..." Paimon ticked off the activities on her fingers.
"And helping people," Lumine added.
"Exactly, exactly!"
"That sounds wonderful. I think that's a great way to live," Qin Yu said.
Lumine invited, "Want to join us?"
Ha? Sounds exhausting and tiring. No thanks.
Qin Yu chuckled awkwardly. "Ahahaha, I'm sorry, I still have a lot of work to handle. Traveling around like you two is impossible for me right now."
"But if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to come to me! I'll help you however I can!" Qin Yu said, leaning closer to Lumine with a warm, friendly smile.
Lumine returned a faint smile. "Then I might just have to trouble you later."
Evaluation: D-
Alright, I got a little something, even if it's just a tiny bit.
Paimon noticed the paper and glue box in Qin Yu's hand and asked curiously, "Hey, what are you working on?"
Perfect timing.
"I'm putting up missing person posters, hoping it'll help Lumine find her family. Of course, I can only do this in my spare time," Qin Yu sighed.
First, express goodwill, then mention I'm doing this in my spare time. That should really improve Lumine's impression of me, right? Such a flawless response—as expected of me.
Lost in her self-congratulatory thoughts, Qin Yu heard Lumine say gratefully, "No, this is already more than enough. Thank you."
Evaluation: D
Ugh, progress is so slow.
Still, every little bit counts. It's better to add a drop to the bucket than nothing at all. Qin Yu was pondering how to get closer to the golden-haired girl when another person appeared.
"Qin Yu, so you're here." Keqing strode over.
Qin Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Keqing? What's wrong?"
Lately, Keqing had been brimming with energy, almost always at work whenever Qin Yu went to find her. The fact that Keqing had sought her out on her own made Qin Yu's heart flutter.
While Qin Yu understood and accepted Keqing's dedication, she occasionally grumbled inwardly, What's wrong with taking a break once in a while?
Seeing Keqing approach her unprompted, Qin Yu's heart fluttered with anticipation.
As Keqing approached, ready to speak, she noticed Lumine and Paimon, causing her to hesitate. She had wanted to continue their earlier conversation about "prospective family members," but this was hardly a topic for public discussion.
"Just passing by and thought I'd say hello. It's been a while for you two as well," Keqing said with a polite smile.
"Oh, long time no see!"
"It has been a while," Lumine replied softly.
After the pleasantries, Keqing turned her attention back to Qin Yu.
"What are you working on? I thought you were with Ningguang. Made me run all the way over for nothing."
Run all the way over for nothing?But you just said you were passing by. The contradiction piqued Qin Yu's curiosity. It seemed Keqing had deliberately sought her out, but Qin Yu decided to play along to avoid embarrassing her.
"But didn't you just say you were pas—" Paimon began, but Lumine quickly clapped a hand over her mouth.
Keqing's cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of awkwardness in her voice. "Don't worry about such trivial details."
"I'm posting these missing person posters," Qin Yu said with a gentle smile, "hoping they'll help Lumine find her family."
"Oh, I see... Are you free afterward?"
Qin Yu teased playfully, "Hmm, I don't know. Does Keqing want me to be free?"
"Eh? Well... ahem, yes, that's right. I wanted to discuss something with you. But if you're busy, we can talk later," Keqing replied, flustered.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Just talk? Not hang out? Qin Yu felt a slight pang of disappointment, but it was a weekday, so they couldn't really have fun anyway, unless she had no extra work that night.
She nodded in agreement. "Of course! I'd love to chat with you, Keqing."
"Me too," Keqing smiled.
As if I asked for your opinion.
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Nearby, Lumine and Paimon sensed the harmonious atmosphere between the two women, feeling a twinge of envy.
Their relationship is really good.
Or rather, Qin Yu seems to get along well with everyone, Lumine thought. It's probably because she's so kind, approachable, and genuinely warm.
"Hmm?" Lumine noticed the bracelets on their wrists—identical in style and color, practically a matching pair.
Paimon also chimed in, "Huh? I just noticed you're wearing the same bracelets! Could it be you two are—"
"No!" Keqing blurted out defensively.
"Ah? I was just going to ask if you're sisters. You're not?" Paimon scratched her head.
Keqing awkwardly repeated, "Definitely not."
A misunderstanding, Keqing sighed inwardly.
Qin Yu raised her hand, a hint of smugness in her smile. "We've been childhood playmates," she said. "We've been close since we were little, and we still are, right?"
Is our relationship even closer than yours with Shenhe? Keqing inexplicably wanted to ask Qin Yu.
But she held back the question, instead offering a gentle smile and declaring firmly:
"Exactly! Qin Yu and I share a bond so special, no one else could ever have anything like it!"
That's right, no one ever will, Keqing added proudly in her mind.
Evaluation: C+ (Keqing)
"Ugh, it's so dazzling—!" Paimon dramatically shielded her eyes.
Lumine asked curiously, "I heard Miss Keqing was born into a distinguished noble family. Was Qin Yu too?"
"Oh, no, not me. I'm just ordinary."
Keqing nodded. "Qin Yu and I come from different backgrounds, but no one can choose where they're born. It doesn't matter to me."
That's probably why Keqing became my friend when we were kids, Qin Yu thought.
"So, how did you two meet?" Paimon asked, her interest piqued.
Our first meeting?
Come to think of it, how did Qin Yu and Keqing actually meet? Qin Yu herself found herself pondering the question.
Deep within her memories, something stirred. Qin Yu allowed her consciousness to follow this instinctive pull, awakening the memory. Then, a flood of past moments surged through her mind.
She lowered her head, recalling her first encounter with Keqing.