By the third day, Qin Yu had finally grown completely accustomed to working alongside Keqing.
This was likely because Keqing had decided to devote most of her time to intensive study. After finishing her daily tasks, she would immerse herself in various books.
Her complete dedication to learning invigorated Qin Yu's spirits.
I should read too!
She then settled down next to Keqing and began reading a novel.
Dry, tedious knowledge could simply be fed to her Machine Companion and directly input into her brain via the Brain-Machine Connection.
Qin Yu had no intention of doing anything that troublesome herself.
Speaking of which, how's Ningguang doing? Qin Yu suddenly wondered.
Although the memory of their last encounter still felt awkward, two days had passed. Her resistance to seeing Ningguang had diminished enough that she figured she could manage a brief visit.
Ningguang likely understood my feelings and that's why she hasn't come to see me... That's good, of course, but does this mean Baiwen has been continuing to take care of her daily needs during this time?
The thought left a bitter taste in Qin Yu's mouth.
Then her mind began to wander again.
She hasn't even shown her face or made a sound. Does she not need me anymore?
Just then, a knock on the living room door interrupted her aimless thoughts and Keqing's deep contemplation.
Keqing grumbled, "Who is it? I specifically said I'd be studying behind closed doors during this time. Why is someone still bothering me?"
"It might be important. I'll go open the door," Qin Yu offered.
Keqing sighed softly, "Fine, go ahead. Honestly, in this modern era, can't they improve their work efficiency?"
Generally speaking, Qin Yu thought, if you improve your work efficiency and speed up your output, you're more likely to get more work assigned than a bonus.
She stood up and walked to the entryway.
"May I ask what business you have with Lady Keqing? She's currently busy with her studies—" she said as she opened the door.
Ningguang appeared before Qin Yu.
"Uwaaah!?" Qin Yu jumped back in shock, caught between embarrassment and surprise.
Her first instinct was to slam the door shut, but before she could, Ningguang seized her wrist.
"Trying to shut the door in a guest's face? Such discourteous behavior is unbecoming," Ningguang said coolly. "I never taught you that."
"I'm sorry..." Qin Yu replied awkwardly.
It was discourteous. But how could she have known Ningguang would come in person, let alone at this hour?
Regaining a sliver of composure, Qin Yu forced a smile. "Is Lady Ningguang here to see Lady Keqing?"
Ningguang noticed Qin Yu avoided her gaze, understanding she hadn't fully recovered from their past conflict. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she intended to bring her maid back home this time.
"You could say that."
"Then please come this way."
Usually, Qin Yu was the one guiding others, but now she found herself on the receiving end. Ningguang felt a prick of irritation, though her expression remained serene.
Upon entering the living room, Ningguang was slightly surprised to find Keqing deeply engrossed in a book.
Having heard rumors that Yuheng Keqing was secluding herself to study due to "realizing her own shortcomings," witnessing it firsthand left Ningguang both surprised and deeply intrigued.
"So it's true, you're actually studying," Ningguang remarked.
"It's you... What's so surprising about that? If I have shortcomings, I'll fix them. If I don't know something, I'll learn it. Isn't that just common sense?" Keqing raised an eyebrow.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "Indeed. Qin Yu, please brew us some tea."
"Certainly," Qin Yu responded.
Only after agreeing did Qin Yu realize she had instinctively obeyed!
After all, she was currently serving as Keqing's secretary... though only for three days.
Keqing hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.
Ningguang was clearly the guest, yet she was acting like the host, ordering Qin Yu around. But considering Qin Yu's primary role was serving Lady Ningguang, Keqing had no grounds to object.
"Let's not waste time. Get straight to the point: what brings you here?" Keqing asked bluntly.
"I've come to take Qin Yu back."
Qin Yu's hand trembled slightly as she poured the water.
Take me back? Hmph, I thought you wouldn't show up. But there's no way I'm going back just because you say so.
As Qin Yu pondered this, she strained her ears to listen.
"I figured as much," Keqing said, "but you sure took your sweet time showing up on the last day."
"I had my reasons," Ningguang replied.
Keqing scoffed. "Hmph, really? Whatever. Since you're here to take her back, don't ask me—ask her. If she agrees, that's all that matters."
"Oh?"
Ningguang was genuinely surprised. She had expected Keqing to object, saying, "The three-day deadline hasn't even passed yet!" But her composed demeanor was unexpected.
Could this have something to do with her decision to seclude herself for study?
Regardless, this made things much easier.
Now all that remained was to gauge Qin Yu's feelings. Ningguang pondered this, deciding to test the waters first.
"Qin Yu, what do you think?" Ningguang asked.
What do I think? As long as I don't have to do anything weird, and as long as Lady Ningguang still needs me, then of course I can go back.
Qin Yu stammered, "If Lady Ningguang wishes—"
"I'm asking what you think."
Ha?
What I just said was what I think! What's the deal? Can't I express myself indirectly? Must I be so blunt? If that's the case, I'd rather not say anything at all.
It's clearly Lady Ningguang's fault! Why does it have to be me who says I want to go back?
Keqing interjected, equally displeased. "Wait a minute. If the problem lies with you, shouldn't you apologize to Qin Yu first and then ask her to return? The key word here is 'ask'—not demand."
"Well said."
"You're right, I lost my composure. My apologies, Qin Yu. Without you here, every day seems to lack its essential flavor," Ningguang sighed.
Evaluation: D (Ningguang)
Lacking its essential flavor?
So they really can't do without me, huh? Qin Yu thought, secretly pleased, but then quickly snapped back to reality.
Wait, I can't get complacent.
Keqing was astonished by Ningguang's uncharacteristically wistful expression. She never imagined Ningguang would reveal such vulnerability, and especially not because of Qin Yu.
A sudden wave of irritation washed over Keqing. She crossed her arms, her fingers drumming restlessly against her elbow.
"Qin Yu, I was wrong to do something that upset you," Ningguang said.
"I-it wasn't that upsetting..." Qin Yu stammered, flustered.
Afraid Ningguang might misinterpret "not that upsetting" as "I like it," Qin Yu hastily added, "But I definitely didn't enjoy it."
Ningguang nodded slightly. "I will remember that."
Really?
Ningguang was a woman of her word, but Qin Yu always felt that in their private moments, any verbal agreement could shift with the atmosphere, her mood... any number of factors.
Yet signing a formal contract would be an overreaction.
With this subtle mix of emotions, Qin Yu replied, "Mm..."
After boiling the water, steeping the tea, and setting it on the table between them, Qin Yu glanced at their seats, wondering where she should sit.
She hadn't yet agreed to Ningguang's offer.
Ningguang said, "I want you to return to my side."
It's not entirely out of the question... Qin Yu thought, her heart fluttering. But I'd have to make Ningguang promise never to do anything strange again.
Evaluation: C- (Ningguang)
Keqing, reflecting on the time she had spent with Qin Yu recently, felt an overwhelming sense of reluctance.
So she spoke up, "Or..."
Keqing reached out her hand.
"Just stay with me!" she said with earnest sincerity.
...Huh?
Ningguang frowned slightly, Keqing's actions once again catching her off guard.
While it was true that Keqing and Qin Yu shared a deep connection and history, openly trying to poach someone—especially right in front of her—was unprecedented.
This is rather unfair, Ningguang thought.
Unless... she has a reason she can't easily let go.
Realizing Keqing's words were no joke, Ningguang said coolly, "Keqing, don't you think this is a bit inappropriate?"
Keqing stated frankly, "...I won't deny it. But I simply want her to stay by my side. From this perspective, you and I are equal competitors. The outcome depends entirely on Qin Yu's decision."
"That's indeed the truth."
Qin Yu's employment contract clearly stipulated that she could resign after the initial month. If she wanted to switch jobs, it would be effortless.
The question was whether the weight of her childhood friendship or the influence of this newcomer (herself) would prevail.
Realizing this, Ningguang also extended her hand.
"Qin Yu, you know I need you," Ningguang said.
"Qin Yu, let's move forward together," Keqing urged.
"Choose. Whose will you be?"
Qin Yu stared at the scene, utterly bewildered.
Huh?
Evaluation: C+ (Ningguang)
Evaluation: D (Keqing)