The next day, atop the Jade Chamber—
Sunlight streamed through ornate windows as Yi Chen finished the day's paperwork at astonishing speed.
Even Baiwen was quietly impressed.
Yet after finishing, instead of helping others or studying cases, Yi Chen propped his chin on one hand and stared blankly, fingers tapping unconsciously.
It's been a while since I confessed… what were the steps again?
Say hello first?
Be direct?
Bring a gift?
What if she draws her sword?
His brain struggled to reboot the ancient "Confession.exe" program, thoughts colliding as if his CPU were overheating.
At that moment, Baiwen placed a file on his desk.
"Yi Chen, please deliver this to the Yuheng Star at Yuehai Pavilion. Hurry back—I'll treat you to the new lotus pastry!"
Yi Chen's head snapped up.
His eyes lit up like they'd been plugged into electricity.
A perfect excuse?!
He jumped up, grabbed the file.
"No problem! I'll handle it!"
He vanished like the wind.
Baiwen blinked.
"…It's just a delivery. Is lotus pastry that tempting?"
Even Ningguang glanced up, seeing only his retreating figure.
She assumed he was excited for an errand break and returned to her work.
Meanwhile, Yi Chen sprinted toward Yuehai Pavilion, heart pounding, palms slightly sweaty.
He rehearsed frantically.
"Lady Keqing, here's the document… also, I—"
Or more direct?
"Lady Keqing! I like you!"
System chimed in:
[Tip: Sincerity is always the best move! Follow your heart~]
Yi Chen: "That's useless advice!"
At the pavilion entrance, fate intervened.
Keqing stepped out holding blueprints.
"K-Keqing, Lady Keqing!"
He handed her the file.
She checked it swiftly.
"Thank you."
"Anything else?"
Yi Chen inhaled deeply and blurted:
"Keqing… I like you!"
Keqing froze.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
"This—please don't joke. We're merely colleagues…"
No sword.
Mission complete.
Yi Chen nodded rapidly.
"My bad! Sorry for disturbing you! Goodbye!"
And he ran.
Keqing stared after him, bewildered.
"…Are Mondstadters always this direct?"
But from the shadows, Ganyu had seen everything.
Her heart clenched.
Absolutely not.
Baby Qilin are forbidden from dating early!
And if dating must happen—
It must be approved.
By responsible, mature adults.
Like her.
And elsewhere, Ningguang's informant quietly departed.
This was important intelligence.