Qin Yu remembered a few months earlier, before she had confessed her identity to Keqing, Keqing had also invited her to work at her side.
She never expected another such invitation.
Moreover, the significance was entirely different this time, especially with Keqing. As her childhood friend, one of the few truly important people in her life, Keqing held a special place in Qin Yu's heart.
Ningguang was also very good to her—understanding and reasonable, though she sometimes pushed her luck and could be a bit childish.
Overall, Qin Yu liked Ningguang—of course, in the way a subordinate likes their superior and a friend. For now, that was the extent of it.
Then they threw her a thorny question:
A or B? Which one to choose?
How did it come to this? No, what she should be thinking about right now was: What should I do?
Was there any real significance to this choice?
Whether she went to Ningguang's side or Keqing's, she knew she would rush to help the other if they needed it. Qin Yu was well aware of this.
Because she had decided it from the start.
Leave them with a good impression, earn Points, and use memories and practical assistance to compensate and repay... Qin Yu had never forgotten that, not even to this day.
So choosing either side was meaningless.
Thus, Qin Yu grasped both Keqing's and Ningguang's outstretched hands.
"Eh?" "Hmm?"
With a mix of nervousness and resolve, Qin Yu smiled. "Whether it's Lady Ningguang or Keqing, I want to help both of you! So, there's no need for this."
Ganyu assists all seven members of the Liyue Qixing, so it shouldn't be a problem for me to assist two of them, right? Qin Yu reasoned, trying to convince herself.
Qin Yu had always been the type to choose option C when presented with A or B.
This time was no different.
Though this does sound a little strange, even to my own ears... Well, whatever. Don't give me choices—I don't want to choose anyway. Just tell me what you want me to do, Qin Yu thought.
Evaluation: B (Ningguang)
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Keqing blinked repeatedly, feeling like she'd just tasted a bizarre-flavored candy.
It had sweetness, yes, but also a complex and subtle mix of other flavors.
In short, she wasn't very satisfied with Qin Yu's answer.
Joy was one thing, satisfaction another... The two couldn't be compared in this moment.
Ningguang shared similar sentiments. She had hoped Qin Yu would say:
"I will always stay by Lady Ningguang's side!"
Instead, what Qin Yu had said sounded like: I want to stay by both of your sides! After a brief moment of delight, Ningguang couldn't help but feel disappointed.
But this time, she wouldn't be satisfied.
Still, Qin Yu currently showed no signs of romantic interest, and Keqing had been her close childhood friend. It was understandable that she would say something like that.
"Once presented with two choices, you'll always pick a third... Hmph, some things never change," Ningguang remarked.
"I'm not pleased with that remark. But... I do feel like I've put you in a difficult position," Keqing sighed softly.
Not pleased? Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat.
"I was just thinking about Sister Ganyu. If both of you need me, then I'll work hard for both of you! That's what I was thinking. I'm sorry if the outcome dissatisfies you both," Qin Yu said anxiously.
Choosing is such a hassle, she thought.
"...Very well. Ganyu has assisted every generation of the Qixing. It's precisely because she's been exposed to so many of their duties that she's gained such extensive experience. If you're genuinely trying to learn from her, I can accept that. It won't hurt me in the long run."
The most important thing is to get Qin Yu back here first, Ningguang thought.
Ningguang expressed her opinion first, and Keqing hastily followed suit.
"I suppose I can barely accept that," Ningguang said. "Ganyu's abilities are truly exceptional. If you can learn from her, it will benefit both our futures."
Hearing this, Qin Yu finally felt relieved.
She let out a silent sigh of relief.
Thank goodness the outcome wasn't too bad. But the fact that Ningguang was dissatisfied for the first time... Qin Yu's mood sank again, her perfect record now shattered.
Will Ningguang be disappointed in me in the future too?
While Qin Yu was still lost in her anxious thoughts, the two women released her hands and quickly moved on to the next topic.
"What about the primary and secondary roles?" Ningguang asked.
Ha?
Keqing crossed her arms and nodded. "Indeed. You said you want to learn from Ganyu, but we need to clarify who you'll spend more time with, right?"
"Erm, yeah... that's right..." Qin Yu replied stiffly.
What should I do?
"You're both my number one!"—That's definitely no good! It sounds terrible! But if not that, what should I say?
Just then, Keqing conceded, "...Let's just stick to the old arrangement."
"The old arrangement?" Ningguang asked.
"Exactly, Qin Yu, you should stay with Ningguang. After all, you were originally her maid, right? The reason you're trying to have it both ways is because of your relationship with me, isn't it?"
"Well..."
Qin Yu didn't know whether to answer "yes" or "no."
Keqing flicked her ponytail and said calmly, "Then you should just stay by Ningguang's side as before. Using our feelings for you to try to win you over and occupy your time... now that I think about it, what I did was inappropriate."
Ningguang was here first, Keqing thought.
If anyone's to blame, it's me for being too slow to realize my feelings.
Ningguang watched her.
Ha? So all my efforts just went to waste? Qin Yu thought bitterly. But what bothered her most was Keqing's concession.
"I don't mind!" Qin Yu protested.
Keqing smiled faintly. "You may not mind, but since you're back on official duty, the decision isn't yours to make."
Ah, right.
After all, Qin Yu was still employed by Ningguang. During official work hours, without Ningguang's approval, Keqing had no authority.
Still uneasy, Qin Yu glanced at Ningguang.
Ningguang seemed deep in thought.
"Thank you for saying that," Ningguang said, "but since my maid isn't happy with this arrangement, neither am I."
Ningguang crossed her legs and continued:
"How about this? We'll sign a new contract, assigning Qin Yu duties similar to Ganyu's—that is, assisting both of us... What do you think?"
"Of course, Qin Yu, you're free to resign at any time. This contract won't restrict your freedom."
Keqing exclaimed in surprise, "Why would you..."
In Keqing's mind, Ningguang never yielded on such matters.
Yet the situation unfolded in a way she hadn't anticipated.
Ningguang replied, "Since you've made concessions, I should reciprocate your sincerity."
"Besides... what truly matters to me is keeping Qin Yu by my side. Everything else is negotiable." Ningguang murmured, revealing her true intentions.
Keeping me by her side is what truly matters?
A blush crept across Qin Yu's face. Does Lady Ningguang really need me that much? This isn't so bad... hmm, not bad at all.
Evaluation: A- (Ningguang)
Keqing felt as though she had lost, but she couldn't pinpoint exactly where.
Forced to refocus on the matter at hand, she asked, "Qin Yu, what do you think? Your opinion matters most."
"I accept! Please allow me to contribute my humble efforts to both of you."
Ningguang nodded. "Then it's settled. I'll draft the contract tomorrow. Today, I want to bring Qin Yu back with me. Do you mind?"
"Look at Qin Yu," Keqing said again.
"Um, Keqing..."
Qin Yu's hesitation brought a smile to Keqing's face.
"Don't worry. What you've given me these past two days has already filled my heart. It's been so long since we've spent this much time together. There will be many more days like this in the future."
"Besides," Keqing said proudly, "our bond is unique—something no one can replicate or replace, right?"
Evaluation: B- (Keqing)
Qin Yu nodded vigorously.
"Mm-hmm!"
Exactly. No one can replicate or replace this bond. This unique connection will never fade. Qin Yu thought, her chest warming as she fiddled with her bracelet.
Ningguang maintained her usual calm demeanor, but her heart was far from tranquil.
A special connection that's just for them... Ningguang felt a pang of frustration. The tea in her mouth tasted even more bitter than usual. But it's alright. I'll have that with Qin Yu someday too.
What I want, I'll take. Only then will I have no regrets.
"Let's head back, then. Baiwen and the others have been missing you terribly. I'll reschedule your day off for later. Is that alright?"
"Yes, that's fine."
A while later, after bidding farewell to Keqing, Qin Yu followed Ningguang to Yujing Terrace.
Come to think of it, I still haven't gotten Ningguang's promise...
I'll bring it up later.
"Ayu, you're finally back!"
"We missed you so much!"
"I'm about to collapse from exhaustion."
Faced with the enthusiastic welcome from her three seniors, Qin Yu asked in a fluster, "Eh? Did something major happen while I was away?"
"Not really," they replied.
Ha?
Ningguang chimed in from the side, "Let's not rely too much on Qin Yu. From now on, she'll occasionally assist the Yuheng. You three will still need to manage things yourselves."
The three seniors paled as if facing death itself.
The work environment with and without Qin Yu was like heaven and earth.
"Ahahaha, I'll help you seniors as much as possible, so please don't be so downhearted," Qin Yu forced a smile.
After greeting the trio, Qin Yu returned to her familiar office.
The atmosphere, the ambiance... everything remained unchanged.
Surrounded by her familiar surroundings, Qin Yu relaxed slightly. Though she desperately wanted to discuss their last kiss, seeing Ningguang, she decided to start with something else.
"I'm back, Lady Ningguang!"
Evaluation: A+
"Mm, you've finally returned," Ningguang replied with a smile.
Despite some unexpected twists, achieving their objective was what mattered.
Yet, this incident had made Ningguang realize something crucial.
Letting Qin Yu escape would only lead to more trouble, not less. From now on, she must never allow Qin Yu to run away again.
To achieve this, Ningguang knew she had to avoid startling her.
Ningguang tentatively reached out, but just as her fingers were about to brush Qin Yu's cheek, Qin Yu flinched slightly.
So, she hasn't fully let go yet.
Yet she still yearned to touch, to kiss, to feel more.
Soon, Ningguang devised a feasible plan and immediately put it into action.
"Qin Yu, about our last kiss..."
Ugh, don't just spring that on me! I was almost about to forget...
Qin Yu felt a mix of irritation at Ningguang's abrupt opening and overwhelming embarrassment, feeling utterly at a loss for what to do.
"Ah, yes... Is something the matter?" Qin Yu asked tentatively.
"It was my fault. I shouldn't have done that without your permission."
Exactly, at least say something...
No, don't even think about it!
Qin Yu's ears and face flushed crimson as she stammered, "Umm... That was indeed wrong of Lady Ningguang. I couldn't accept it, so I hope you won't do that again in the future."
"That includes kissing?"
"Mm... yes." Qin Yu hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Ningguang then reached out and pressed her palm against Qin Yu's cheek.
That familiar warmth.
Qin Yu's mind and body instantly tensed. Flustered, she blurted, "Lady Ningguang—"
Before she could finish, Ningguang's index finger pressed against her lips, silencing her.
"Let me speak first," Ningguang said softly.
"Then hurry."
Ningguang continued gently, "I understand that I was at fault first, and I know you want to prevent such incidents from happening again. But I also want you to know one thing."
Qin Yu pricked up her ears attentively.
What is it?
Then a warm voice whispered close to her ear.
"I can't guarantee I'll be able to restrain myself."
Evaluation: S
"........Uh, huh?"
Qin Yu's mind went blank. Can't guarantee she'll be able to restrain herself? Restrain herself from what?
"P-please explain what you mean," Qin Yu stammered, her voice hoarse with confusion.
Ningguang murmured softly, "It means... I can't resist the urge to kiss you."
Evaluation: SS-
Ha-woop-oof!? The moment Qin Yu grasped Ningguang's meaning, her mind exploded into a complete whiteout. Only the crimson flush spreading across her skin and the frantic pounding of her heart betrayed the chaos of her emotions.
Barely snapping out of her daze, Qin Yu couldn't help but say, "P-please try to endure it. Otherwise, it'll be very awkward for me..."
At your age, can't you even control such basic urges?!
"I can't."
"Please don't give up!" Qin Yu pleaded in a panic.
Work alongside a lustful ghost? No, no, no! I'd rather go back to Keqing's side.
"You're unwilling?"
Duh.
Qin Yu muttered, "Well, this..."
Did she bring me back just for... that? Qin Yu's mind raced uncontrollably.
"Actually, there's a way to resolve this."
"What is it?"
Ningguang's face flushed slightly, but she suppressed her embarrassment and said, "Periodic relief."
Evaluation: SS+
Ha?!
"I-I don't understand what you mean," Qin Yu stammered in confusion.
"It's simple—you'll do it."
With that, Ningguang left Qin Yu bewildered and flustered, settled into her chair, and gazed up at her, murmuring softly, "Take the initiative, once a day, and that will solve the problem."
Do you think I'm stupid? What kind of absurd solution is this? Qin Yu shook her head vigorously, unable to accept it.
"No, no, no! This is too strange!"
"It is strange, but if you take the initiative, I won't do anything more than necessary, including anything like what happened last time. Otherwise, you can do anything you want to me as an apology," Ningguang said.
Absolutely not!
Seriously, what even is this?
But if she didn't follow Ningguang's suggestion, would she be ambushed again in the future? And would she... No, that was absolutely unacceptable.
If she did follow Ningguang's suggestion...
I have to take the initiative? Qin Yu's gaze drifted to Ningguang's glossy lips before quickly averting her eyes.
"...Can you guarantee it?"
"Yes. Shall we draft a Contract?"
That would be overkill, unnecessary.
Ningguang's candid response earned Qin Yu's grudging trust.
After thinking it over, she realized that following Ningguang's suggestion might actually work, as long as it prevented another incident like last time.
Should I try it?
Once the idea took root, it became impossible to suppress.
Qin Yu stepped closer to Ningguang, feeling her upward gaze. For some reason, Ningguang suddenly seemed remarkably vulnerable and endearing.
"Once a day is too much... How about once a month?" Qin Yu asked.
"Once a week... I suppose I can tolerate this bare minimum."
Once a week? I can barely accept that.
Still, looking on the bright side, at least I'm getting Points, right? Selling myself? That doesn't quite count... it shouldn't.
The more Qin Yu looked down at Ningguang, the more her emotions surged. A simple shift in perspective gave her the illusion of being superior, of standing above Ningguang.
She leaned down and gently caressed Ningguang's face. Ningguang's gaze flickered away.
Initiative means power.
I now have power over Ningguang. I can manipulate her! Qin Yu's emotions reached their peak. She wanted to retaliate for Ningguang's earlier "revenge" against her.
Leaning close to Ningguang's ear, Qin Yu whispered, "Then, Lady Ningguang, say 'Please, give it to me'."
"...Please, give it to me."
Afterward, Qin Yu pressed herself against Ningguang.
Evaluation: SSS-
Ningguang had only feigned weakness to lure Qin Yu into a trap.
Yet, being treated like this, a faint thought surfaced in her mind: Perhaps this isn't so bad after all.
After a long while, when they parted, Qin Yu's overblown emotions rapidly cooled down.
Ugh, what have I done...?
I really want to jump into the sea. And she even said, "Say 'Please, give me more'..." I shouldn't be the kind of woman who gets excited about this! Where did I go wrong?
As her mind cooled down, Qin Yu felt like she was about to burst into flames.
Ningguang's momentary vulnerability vanished, and she smiled contentedly. "Excellent. Thank you."
Then she took Qin Yu's hand.
"I'll need your help again tomorrow."
"Eh? Tomorrow?"
Tomorrow was the start of a new week.
Qin Yu pressed her hands to her cheeks, her whole body contorting like a world-famous painting.
"My day off is gone just like that?!?!?!"
Ningguang, surprised by her reaction, said, "Such an unexpected reaction! Don't worry, I'll give you three days off starting tomorrow. Get some rest."
"Lady Ningguang..." Qin Yu said, deeply moved.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
Ningguang recalled her brief private conversation with Keqing before leaving her home.
"Do you know what medicine she's been taking?" Keqing had asked earnestly.
"Just that it came from Bubu Pharmacy. Why?" Ningguang replied.
Keqing shook her head, her voice filled with worry. "No, I'm just concerned. She's always been one to push herself too hard, even as a child. I suspect she's still doing it now."
Snapping back to reality, Ningguang said gently, "If you feel unwell in any way, don't hide it from me, understood?"
"Huh? Ah, alright..."
Unwell? Qin Yu pondered for a moment.
Could it be that she knows something's been off with my health lately? Qin Yu thought, recalling the occasional moments of dizziness.
The next day, the first day of the new week, Qin Yu distanced herself from Ningguang, her cheeks flushing red as she lingered over the warmth Ningguang's body heat had left on her lips.
"Alright, Lady Ningguang, everything should be fine this week."
"Mm."
Evaluation: D+
After this, Qin Yu signed a new contract with Ningguang and Keqing, becoming their joint maid.
In reality, she was more like a secretary, but she disliked that term.
Her schedule was flexible; she could stay wherever she pleased.
Still feeling a bit uneasy, Keqing said, "Just continue working with Ningguang as usual. I'll call you when I need you."
In the end, aside from being summoned more often by Keqing, occasionally spending extra time assisting her, and needing to work and study alongside Ganyu, little seemed to change.
Of course, one had to disregard her arrangements with Ningguang.
During her three-day break, Qin Yu spent one day almost entirely asleep.
Simply put, sleeping in felt fantastic.
The remaining two days were spent reconfirming the available properties for purchase.
I should probably get Shenhe to come take a look! Qin Yu thought, her anticipation bubbling.