"Qin Yu?"
Qin Yu snapped out of her brief daze, meeting Ningguang's concerned gaze.
"Could it be that you're tired?" Ningguang asked softly.
"No, I'm full of energy! I was just thinking about something," Qin Yu replied with a forced smile.
"Hmm..."
Ningguang studied Qin Yu intently. Qin Yu instinctively wanted to look away, but that would betray her unease, so she maintained her smile.
Ningguang gently touched the back of Qin Yu's hand and said, "Don't push yourself too hard. Today's schedule is demanding. While I only need to speak and move about, you have much more to handle. Considering we're at this banquet, it's no wonder you might be tired."
Evaluation: S+
Ningguang's subtle gesture startled Qin Yu, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I understand," she murmured.
They were currently attending a banquet together.
Ningguang had been invited to attend the banquet, and as her personal maid, Qin Yu naturally had to accompany her.
A while later, her recurring spells of dissociation returned.
The disorienting sensation came on suddenly and vanished just as abruptly, without warning. Thankfully, it was brief; otherwise, she might have made a fool of herself.
I should get more medicine tomorrow, Qin Yu thought, glancing sideways at Ningguang. Seeing that her gaze had already shifted elsewhere, she felt relieved but also a pang of disappointment.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Ningguang's attitude toward her had changed.
It must be because of last night's kiss... As the thought crossed her mind, someone approached.
"Good evening, Lady Ningguang. It's an honor to have you grace our banquet with your presence," a refined woman said, offering Ningguang a warm smile.
"To speak with Lady Tianquan is my life's greatest privilege," the composed young man beside her added politely.
Ningguang returned a courteous smile. "Your commerce guild has seen continuous success recently. As a major investor, it's only proper that I come to offer my congratulations. I trust you will continue to strive for even greater achievements."
"We won't fail to meet Lady Ningguang's expectations! And this must be..." The refined woman turned an intrigued gaze toward Qin Yu.
"That's right, my capable confidante, Qin Yu."
Huh? Confidante? What—wait, now that I think about it, I'm on equal footing with Baiwen and the others now, so calling me a confidante isn't too far-fetched, is it?
Whoa, I've somehow ended up like this without even realizing it.
Now that things have come to this, will I even be able to leave later? Though I don't have any plans to leave at the moment anyway.
With no other choice, Qin Yu went along with it. "I'm Qin Yu. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"So it's really her!" the woman exclaimed with delight.
The young man cleared his throat. "My apologies, my sister is a bit overexcited. She merely admires you both for your battles against the gods. Please forgive her."
"Ahahaha, thank you."
"What are you saying? You wanted to meet her too, didn't you? Come on, get it out," the woman urged, slapping the young man on the back.
"Aiyo, Sis, I... cough Actually, I have a gift I'd like to give to Miss Qin. I hope you'll accept it," the young man said, producing a small box and handing it to Qin Yu.
What's this crap? I don't want it.
Qin Yu thought to herself, but politely asked, "What is this, exactly?"
The young man opened the box to reveal a precious jade.
Ugh.
The young man continued, "This small gift is merely a token of my respect. I've heard Miss Qin enjoys reading—I'm quite a bookworm myself. Would you perhaps be willing to meet up sometime to exchange recommendations? We might find some hidden gems for each other."
Qin Yu was no stranger to this kind of advance.
If it were merely a gift, she might have reluctantly accepted it. But with ulterior motives behind it, the gift became a hot potato. Accepting it could easily be misinterpreted as "an opportunity."
No opportunity here. Don't even think about it.
Qin Yu had already prepared her polite refusal and was about to return the gift when Ningguang interjected.
"Qin Yu is extremely busy with work and must decline," Ningguang said firmly.
Qin Yu hadn't expected Ningguang to step in like this.
While she herself had planned to use the same excuse to politely decline, the way Ningguang delivered it carried a different weight entirely.
Sure enough, the young man looked surprised. "But... even with a busy schedule, there must be some free time, right? With all due respect, Lady Tianquan, even you shouldn't reject on Miss Qin's behalf. This is a personal matter!"
The woman hurriedly tried to stop him. "Hey, don't say any more."
Perhaps stung by the rejection, the young man pressed on, his blood boiling with indignation:
"Miss Qin is undoubtedly your trusted aide, but shouldn't she have autonomy over her personal time? As her employer, interfering in her personal life seems highly inappropriate."
Having delivered his righteous tirade, the young man shot a quick glance at Qin Yu, as if asking, Am I right?, his eyes radiating self-assuredness.
The corner of Qin Yu's mouth twitched imperceptibly.
Setting aside the young man's audacity, she found his self-righteousness—this pretense of acting in her best interest, combined with his transparent desire to impress—utterly unacceptable.
Ningguang calmly asked, "Qin Yu, what do you think?"
"Thank you for your consideration," Qin Yu replied smoothly.
"Then—" The young man's eyes lit up.
Qin Yu offered a polite but firm refusal. "However, my work is indeed very demanding. I'm sorry."
"S-surely you have some personal time?"
Ha? Why would I waste my precious downtime on you? Qin Yu bristled inwardly. This man truly had no regard for others' boundaries.
Despite her irritation, Qin Yu maintained her professional composure. To decisively quash his hopes, she declared:
"My personal time belongs to Lady Ningguang. If she needs me, I will respond immediately. Until then, I remain prepared and await her command. So, I must decline."
The young man's face froze in shock.
The woman's eyes lit up with sudden understanding.
Ningguang felt genuinely pleased and relieved. Yes, this is exactly what Qin Yu should say.
Though it did make her a little embarrassed.
Evaluation: SS-
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Now that she's said so herself, can you accept it?"
To curry favor with Qin Yu, one must first pass through Ningguang's scrutiny.
As for pursuing Qin Yu romantically, that was nothing but a foolish pipe dream. It would be wise to abandon such notions early on.
Fearing her foolish younger brother might provoke Ningguang, the woman quickly interjected, "Of course we will, Lady Ningguang! You've truly found an incredibly loyal confidante! We'll take our leave for now. We hope you both enjoy the banquet to the fullest."
She grabbed her dazed brother by the arm and hurried him away.
Qin Yu let out a sigh of relief, thinking, Finally, it's over. She absolutely loathed being hit on.
But it seemed her fame from the battle against Osial had made her a target for wealthy young men.
How troublesome.
"Qin Yu, you needn't dwell on what just happened," Ningguang said. Forget everything that just transpired, and simply continue thinking of me.
Is she... worried about me? There's really no need.
Qin Yu twisted a strand of hair and murmured, "Mm, I hope he finds someone more suitable."
Just as long as he doesn't come bothering me.
After the banquet concluded, Qin Yu planned to return home for a long bath and a good night's sleep. But Ningguang invited her to a nearby restaurant to drink wine, admire the moon, and appreciate the lantern-lit scenery of Liyue.
"The weather tonight is lovely, and the sea of lights across Liyue is especially enchanting. Qin Yu, if you have no other plans, join me for a drink as we admire the view. I promise you won't be disappointed," Ningguang said with a gentle smile.
Another private evening with Ningguang? Qin Yu felt uneasy, fearing Ningguang might cross the line.
However, seeing Ningguang in such high spirits, she didn't want to spoil her mood. After a moment's hesitation, she agreed.
As long as I'm careful, it should be fine... probably.
"I'd love to! I'm really looking forward to it," Qin Yu replied with a smile.
They chose a suitable restaurant, reserved a private room, and waited until the drinks and snacks were served before Ningguang spoke again:
"Please sit back and relax. I'll pour the wine."
"Eh? Why?"
Ningguang rested her cheek on her hand, a lazy smile playing on her lips. "When we're meeting privately like this, we're just friends. No need to worry about our formal roles."
Qin Yu felt deeply uncomfortable but could only nod silently in response.
The wine they ordered had a low alcohol content, but Qin Yu had no intention of drinking much. Partly because she didn't want to end up drunk, and partly because she had promised Keqing earlier not to overindulge—a few sips would suffice.
After the first two small cups, the initial warmth faded into a chill.
Come to think of it, it is rather cold tonight. Is Lady Ningguang alright? Qin Yu grew concerned about Ningguang's well-being.
"Lady Ningguang, are you feeling cold? It's quite chilly tonight, and your gown doesn't seem very warm..." Qin Yu couldn't help but ask.
Ningguang had already had a few drinks at the banquet, and now, after taking a few more sips, a tipsy flush colored her cheeks.
Yet her mind remained sharp.
"A little," Ningguang replied. "My hands are rather cold."
Cold hands, huh... Qin Yu thought regretfully. She had neither gloves nor anything to drape over Ningguang.
No way around it.
With a sigh, Qin Yu took Ningguang's hand and pressed it against her own neck, then covered the back of her hand with her own. The slightly icy touch seeped through.
"How's this?"
Ningguang startled slightly, then smiled. "Very warm."
Good. But she mustn't misunderstand—this was purely for the sake of earning Points.
Evaluation: SS
"That's good. I wouldn't want you to fall ill, Lady Ningguang."
"Would it be such a bother if I did get sick?"
Don't be ridiculous, Qin Yu muttered inwardly, shaking her head outwardly.
"Not exactly. I simply don't want you to be uncomfortable, Lady Ningguang. So, even if I would care for you around the clock while you're sick, please don't fall ill."
Around the clock? Ningguang's interest piqued at those words.
But to get sick just to be cared for by Qin Yu—the thought was utterly foolish. As Ningguang considered this idly, she felt her hand slowly growing warmer.
This warmth seemed to seep into her heart as well, kindling a heat within her.
A scorching desire surged forth.
No, I mustn't rush this, Ningguang thought to herself, trying to suppress the overwhelming desire. Yet the more Qin Yu's warmth seeped into her body, the harder it became to resist.
Forced to distract herself, Ningguang made conversation, asking, "Speaking of which, Qin Yu, was what you said earlier true?"
"Hmm? What did I say?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"'My personal time belongs to Lady Ningguang as well'—were you being serious?" Ningguang asked with a soft smile.
Why bring this up now?
How could that possibly be true? I'm already with Ningguang all the time at work. If we were together even during our rest time, I'd feel like I'd completely become "Ningguang's person"! Qin Yu thought.
I was just using Ningguang as a shield.
...Though the latter part is true. If Ningguang needs me, I'll be there.
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu tentatively asked, "What if I said it was a lie?"
"It doesn't matter."
Because I'll make it a reality, Ningguang thought.
She doesn't even care!
"Well... I said it. The first part was a lie, but the second part was true," Qin Yu said cautiously, unable to resist observing Ningguang's expression.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "That's enough. Besides, you should know that I value actions over words. Mere words are unreliable; only true actions can convince me."
Qin Yu felt reassured.
She really doesn't care after all. Not bad.
"Mm, I understand," Qin Yu replied with a smile.
"But I still feel a bit of regret."
Huh?
"Re-really?" Qin Yu asked anxiously.
"Yes."
It's impossible for her not to care at all... Still, it's only natural. If I'd known, I wouldn't have told the truth. Tsk. Qin Yu felt a pang of regret.
"I'm sorry," Qin Yu said dejectedly.
She's so endearing.
The moment this thought crossed Ningguang's mind, the barely suppressed desire stirred within her once more. To alleviate it, she leaned in closer.
Kissing Qin Yu's cheek, Ningguang murmured softly, "Don't apologize yet. The reason I feel regret is because..."
"Because?"
Ningguang whispered into Qin Yu's ear, "It's because I can give you my personal time, but you can't give me yours. That imbalance is what I regret."
Heat rushed to Qin Yu's forehead, her thoughts swirling into a tangled mess.
Evaluation: SS+
"Give me...?"
"You heard me correctly. I can give you my personal time, as long as—you want it."
Aaawooah... Qin Yu's mind melted under the heat of Ningguang's words, her heart pounding uncontrollably.
Ningguang was pleased with Qin Yu's reaction, but she sensed she could push further.
This wasn't a rational calculation; it was driven by desire, a craving to see Qin Yu's face flush even redder, her composure completely unravel.
Pressing Qin Yu's hands against the sides of the chair, Ningguang continued whispering in her ear:
"Do you want it? Answer me. Ask for it. Between you and me now, there's no need for hesitation."
Qin Yu trembled violently, blurting out, "N-no, thank you!"
"So you don't want it?"
".....I do."
Waaah! What nonsense was I spouting just a second ago?! Qin Yu wanted to cover her face, but Ningguang was holding her hands firmly.
Ningguang's blush deepened as she replied, "Excellent. This is a privilege only you can possess, understand? Being honest will bring you no harm."
"I... uh..."
Qin Yu felt her brain about to overload.
After a moment of locked gazes, Ningguang could no longer suppress the surging desire within her. She poured her emotions into Qin Yu through their lips.
Qin Yu instinctively closed her eyes.
Evaluation: SSS-
Lost in the long, melting warmth, Qin Yu had no time to think, gradually sinking deeper into the kiss. But the next second, her eyes snapped open, and she pushed Ningguang away.
Having partially satisfied her longing, Ningguang had calmed down considerably. She silently savored the moment, yet couldn't help but regret the interruption.
No use dwelling on that now. Ningguang glanced at Qin Yu, a flicker of unease in her eyes. She had acted impulsively, unsure of Qin Yu's reaction.
Qin Yu wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then sat down on the chair, utterly bewildered.
Ningguang actually just... A simple, gentle kiss would have been enough—yeah, right! That would have been impossible!
Enough!
Qin Yu couldn't bear it any longer. At first, she had only wanted to earn some Points, simply aiming to make a good impression on Ningguang and become her friend. So how had things spiraled into this?
Ningguang's "breakthrough" move had left her with a complex and chaotic mix of emotions.
Perhaps she needed to calm down, especially Ningguang.
And that would take time.
Decision made.
The next day, after being woken up by Baiwen, Ningguang received a leave request form from her.
"Qin Yu said she wants to take three days off to rest," Baiwen explained.
Qin Yu had run away.