Speaking of which, Keqing was practically renowned for her workaholism.
She would cram four or five days' worth of work into just two or three, striving for both efficiency and meticulousness, leaving no detail overlooked.
And she held her subordinates to the same exacting standards as herself.
Ugh, did I make the wrong decision? Qin Yu wondered anxiously as she waited in Keqing's office.
After taking a sip of her medicine with a stoic expression, Qin Yu thought, Well, I already agreed. No use overthinking it now!
Just then, Keqing hurried back into the office.
"Sorry for the wait, you... Huh? Are you drinking medicine?" Keqing asked, surprised.
"Mm."
Keqing couldn't help but lean closer, her voice laced with concern. "Are you sick? Didn't you say your leave wasn't due to illness?"
Qin Yu felt a warmth spread through her chest at Keqing's evident care.
"It's just to regulate my body a bit. You're worrying too much."
"Really? You tend to push yourself too hard sometimes..." Keqing remained uneasy.
"That's not true at all," Qin Yu teased, twirling a strand of Keqing's hair around her finger. "If anything, you're the one who worries about me too much. But I'm no delicate flower, you know."
Evaluation: C-
Keqing blushed, "Of course I'd worry about you."
Seeing that Qin Yu seemed genuinely fine, Keqing relaxed slightly.
Ningguang hadn't mentioned Qin Yu needing medicine to regulate her body... I'll let it go for now.
With that decision made, Keqing waited until Qin Yu finished her medicine before exclaiming excitedly:
"This is the first time we'll be working together officially and for an extended period! Let's give it our all!"
Though it was only for three days.
"Alright, what's the plan for the rest of today?" Qin Yu asked.
Keqing pulled out her notebook and showed it to Qin Yu.
"There are six tasks in total. With you here, we can definitely finish them easily. I think we should also prepare for tomorrow's two smaller tasks in advance."
Are you trying to kill me? Qin Yu thought. Even Ningguang doesn't have this much work, combining her official duties and personal affairs!
"I... I think it would be better to take things one step at a time," Qin Yu blurted out. "Let me get a little familiar with your work environment first!"
"Hmm, you make a valid point," Keqing nodded. "We'll proceed as you suggest."
Phew... Qin Yu let out a silent sigh of relief. Keqing really is a workaholic through and through. I feel like a lamb entering a tiger's den.
Still, the fact that Keqing listened to her was a silver lining.
Keqing patted her chest confidently. "I'll show you how I work on a normal day!"
"Ahahaha, I'm looking forward to it."
Qin Yu and Keqing then began working together. Compared to Ningguang, Keqing's work pace could be summed up in one word: fast.
They would often finish one task, take a short break, and immediately move on to the next.
Fortunately, though the pace was rapid, it wasn't chaotic. Keqing's arrangements were meticulous, and there were no unexpected hiccups, allowing the workflow to proceed smoothly.
As long as you could keep up, it wasn't as tiring as she had imagined.
With almost all of the day's work completed, Keqing, still brimming with energy, asked, "How is it going?"
"You're truly amazing, Keqing," Qin Yu sincerely praised.
That's the line I've been waiting for! Keqing's smile widened. "It's nothing special. This is just how I usually am."
Evaluation: C+
Despite her modest words, Qin Yu could clearly see the joy blossoming in Keqing's heart.
Might as well give her another compliment and earn some points.
"I think what's truly remarkable is this: maintaining such high efficiency and focus every day is incredibly difficult, especially when facing such a mountain of work."
Qin Yu smiled. "To me, Keqing looks so cool like this!"
Evaluation: B
Cool? Keqing's cheeks flushed crimson. While she had indeed hoped Qin Yu would praise her, she hadn't expected such a direct compliment. It was just like when they were children.
Suppressing her embarrassment, Keqing cleared her throat. "Oh... well, you've done an excellent job too."
Just as Qin Yu had shown Keqing her work capabilities, Keqing had demonstrated her own to Qin Yu.
No matter how fast Keqing ran, Qin Yu could always catch up, offering the help and support she needed.
Especially when it came to information, Qin Yu's memory was astonishingly quick, and she could provide accurate answers at any moment.
Moreover, she had a knack for persuading others, leaving a positive impression while motivating them to act. Her learning ability was also remarkable; a single explanation was enough for her to grasp a concept and improve upon it.
She offered not only moral support but also practical assistance.
Such a pleasant work experience was truly rare.
"If only I had realized this sooner," Keqing murmured to herself.
"Realized what?"
Keqing snapped out of her reverie and awkwardly replied, "Nothing."
After a few seconds of silence, she sighed.
"I was just thinking... if I had realized this sooner and taken the initiative to approach you earlier, perhaps..." Keqing trailed off, her voice hesitant.
Perhaps Qin Yu wouldn't be standing by Ningguang's side now.
Clinging to the past wasn't Keqing's style; she preferred focusing on the present and the future.
But the more time she spent with Qin Yu, the more she found herself lost in these idle thoughts.
Qin Yu, however, was deeply displeased.
Is she still dwelling on my leaving back then? I've told her countless times—I don't care about that anymore.
Qin Yu grabbed Keqing's cheek, pinching it playfully. "I'm right here in front of you! Stop dwelling on the past, okay?"
"Eh? Ah, sorry! I just... slipped up," Keqing mumbled through her pinched cheeks, her words coming out garbled.
Qin Yu's anger dissipated by more than half as she basked in the joy of pinching Keqing's cheeks. In a quiet voice, she said:
"I know it's hard for you to move on from this, Keqing, but I hope you can let it go soon. Of course, I'm not saying you should pretend it never happened. I just want us to focus on the present and our future together..."
Keqing gazed at her intently, then softly replied, "Mm."
Evaluation: A-
"Do you understand?"
"I understand."
That's good. Qin Yu finally released her grip.
"But I want to clarify something: I'm not completely hung up on that incident."
Ha?
Qin Yu asked, puzzled, "Then what is it?"
"I was just thinking that if we had reconnected sooner, you... wouldn't be standing by Ningguang's side. You'd be standing by mine," Keqing said, averting her gaze, her face flushed crimson.
Evaluation: A+
Qin Yu froze, stunned for a long moment.
Why didn't you say so sooner?!
"Ugh, I ended up babbling all sorts of nonsense," Qin Yu grumbled, clicking her tongue. Then she thought, If I'd worked by Keqing's side from the start, it would have been absolute torture.
I might have even developed a strong aversion to work altogether.
"I've always been on your side, Keqing."
Keqing knew Qin Yu was referring to work matters.
Though the words were indeed about work, a hazy yet intense feeling told Keqing that the real reason behind her thoughts and words had little to do with work.
It was a subtle emotion at play.
When her gaze fell upon Qin Yu's face, this emotion quietly transformed into desire. Keqing longed to kiss Qin Yu again, but she suppressed the urge.
Despite having done it several times already, this time Keqing wanted to restrain herself.
Taking a soft breath, Keqing smiled and took Qin Yu's hand, saying:
"Alright, work's temporarily finished. Let's go out for dinner. What do you want to eat? Just say the word. Afterward, we can stroll around the streets for a bit."
That's more like it! Qin Yu perked up.
Evaluation: S
-
"Work and casual outings for shopping and leisure. Qin Yu spent the day doing just that with Lady Keqing," Baishi reported.
Ningguang listened with a slight nod, offering no further comment.
Baiwen voiced her concern, "Ugh, Ayu... Do you think Qin Yu might be planning to defect? If she does, she should at least join Miss Ganyu's team. Otherwise, we'll be overworked to death."
Baixiao countered, "Working under Lady Keqing? I think it's Qin Yu who'll be overworked to death."
"Enough. You may withdraw now," Ningguang said calmly.
"Yes, ma'am."
After the three withdrew, Ningguang leaned back in her chair.
She felt irritated by Qin Yu's "too happy to miss home" attitude, simultaneously regretting her decision and feeling a lonely sense of realization. Perhaps Keqing was right—waiting passively isn't the best approach after all.
I'll bring Qin Yu back the day after tomorrow. Two days for her to cool down is too short; three days will be perfect.
As for Keqing, Ningguang resolved to persuade her.