That evening, after finishing her day's work, Qin Yu decided to rest for a while.
While the maid's duties were simple, they were mostly physical labor. Fortunately, her skills had significantly boosted her stamina, otherwise she would have collapsed from exhaustion long ago.
"Where should I go to relax? Let me think..."
After pondering for a moment, Qin Yu decided on her next destination.
A bar!
Qin Yu didn't particularly want a drink. In fact, her feelings about alcohol were lukewarm at best—she didn't dislike it, but she wasn't especially fond of it either. She used to wrinkle her nose in disgust at the mere smell of it.
Yet, despite her indifference to alcohol itself, she was quite fond of alcoholic beverages.
More importantly, she had been spending so much time with others lately that she desperately craved some solitude. This wasn't about escaping, but rather a necessary recharge before her next social interaction.
Maintaining her mental well-being was crucial to continuing her "cuddle conquest."
With this firm resolve, Qin Yu changed back into her casual clothes, put on a hat, and headed to the nearest bar.
Not too crowded—perfect, she thought, nodding to herself as she approached the bar counter.
"I'll have a 'Poetess,' please."
"Coming right up."
Qin Yu found a corner seat facing the wall. From this angle, her face would be invisible unless someone deliberately approached her—a perfect spot to avoid potential trouble.
After all, she didn't want to deal with a drunken pest hitting on her. She could handle it, of course, but it would definitely ruin her mood.
"Your 'Poetess,' miss," the bartender said, placing the drink on her table.
"Thank you."
Qin Yu took a small sip. The refreshing mint and sweet floral honey blended perfectly, creating a smooth texture with a lingering, pleasant aftertaste. No wonder this new drink had become so popular with women lately.
The alcohol content was low; as long as she didn't overindulge, she'd be fine.
"Ah, this is really nice..."
"Your 'Poetess' is here," the bartender's voice came from behind her.
Someone's sitting behind me, but it's probably nothing to worry about, Qin Yu thought to herself.
Until the person struck up a conversation.
"This 'Poetess' is quite good. The taste really lives up to its name—it's so delicate and refined," a young woman's voice said from behind.
The voice sounded familiar, but it must be her imagination.
Qin Yu was a little surprised that someone had spoken to her. Still, since it was a woman, she felt somewhat relieved.
If it had been a man, she would have definitely remained silent, pretending not to hear. Wait, I shouldn't relax just because it's a woman. What if she's one of those "orange-flavored scammers" who specifically target women to swindle them out of money?
Am I overthinking this? But in a place like this, it never hurts to be extra cautious.
"Yes, it makes you imagine a beautiful woman playing the piano for the drinkers, singing a heartfelt love poem... That's the kind of feeling it evokes, utterly captivating."
"A love poem? From a woman to a woman? Hmm... Well, love knows no bounds."
Qin Yu quickly corrected herself. "N-no, it's a poem about friendship!"
A poem about friendship is still a love poem—I said so!
"Friendship, huh... No wonder it leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste."
Hmm? Bitter? Qin Yu took another sip, but she couldn't detect any bitterness. She tilted her head in confusion; her taste buds were perfectly fine.
"Bitter? I don't taste any bitterness."
"Is that so? To me, it has a slightly bitter edge, reminding me of a friend. So it's not the drink itself that's bitter, but my memories..."
Ugh, what a melancholic young girl.
Did she come here to drown her sorrows in alcohol? But the 'Poetess' has such a low alcohol content... Wait, if she's simply savoring the atmosphere, it makes sense.
Most importantly, it's about finding time alone to feel and process complex emotions.
But she spoke to me again. Was it because we were both women? Or because we were both strangers? No, perhaps it was both. Maybe some things can only be shared with someone you don't know.
Well, I'm in a good mood anyway. I might as well indulge her.
Qin Yu asked softly, "Did something happen between you and your friend?"
"Um..."
"Don't worry. You don't know me, and I don't know you. We can't even see each other's faces. There's no way this conversation could get back to anyone."
The woman's voice wavered slightly. "Wouldn't this be troubling you?"
"Not at all. But if you're really worried, you can buy me a drink next time."
After a moment of silence, the woman chuckled softly. "You certainly know how to talk. Alright, I'll treat you next time."
"Sounds good. So, what exactly happened?"
The woman sounded puzzled. "Are you... enjoying this a little too much?"
"No way! You must be imagining things."
"You're talking faster! Sigh... Well, since you're so eager, I guess it'll be easier to open up. Just think of it as entertainment."
Qin Yu's gaze drifted momentarily. She was finding this amusing, but wasn't it normal to be curious about other people's stories? Of course, she wouldn't mock her.
If it were just some embarrassing story, Qin Yu would have laughed inwardly.
But she sensed that what her friend was about to say was likely quite serious.
"I'll listen carefully," Qin Yu said.
"Now you're making it even harder for me to open up."
"Ahaha, sorry..."
Her friend chuckled. "Just teasing! Actually, I should be the one apologizing. For some reason, hearing your voice made me want to tease you a little."
What a smooth talker. Could this person really be one of those scammers who fabricate tragic backstories to gain sympathy, then borrow money and disappear once they've formed a connection?
Unfortunately for them, Qin Yu was far better at deception.
Qin Yu felt no emotional stir, yet somehow she understood her friend's impulse. She herself had felt a sudden urge to tease them the moment she heard that voice.
How strange.
"You're forgiven!" Qin Yu said with a smile.
What a wonderful personality!
Keqing was genuinely surprised. If someone had said something like that to her, she would have felt at least a little uncomfortable.
How could I have blurted out such a frivolous line? Is it the alcohol? I should probably watch myself. But what I said was absolutely true.
She really did have this inexplicable impulse.
It must be the alcohol's fault.
The woman's voice behind her sounded eerily familiar. Could it be...? No, impossible. She used to loathe the smell of alcohol, waving her hands frantically to dispel it.
How could someone like her possibly be in a bar?
Keqing breathed a sigh of relief.
Since she's a stranger, a few casual words shouldn't hurt.
She pursed her lips and began, "Actually, I recently reconnected with an old friend."