"Qin Yu, you should take a break."
Qin Yu snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Ningguang in surprise. Why was she being told to rest again?
Not that it was unwelcome, exactly. It just felt... odd. Qin Yu had always assumed Ningguang wanted her by her side at all times.
Could I have misunderstood?
"Why do you say that? Have I done something wrong?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"No, it's just that you seem a little preoccupied today. Things have been hectic lately, and you're probably still adjusting. It's understandable if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed."
Hmm, is that so? Qin Yu thought, confused.
But if Ningguang noticed it, there must be some truth to it. Preoccupied... perhaps she's right. A vivid dream from the previous night flashed through Qin Yu's mind. That must be why I'm so listless today.
"About today's work..."
"Don't worry, Baishi will assist me. Besides, there isn't much to do today, so feel free to take it easy and rest. Focus on taking care of your body and mind, and give it your all for me tomorrow," Ningguang said softly.
Qin Yu was slightly surprised, but then she remembered how consistently Ningguang had shown concern for her well-being.
It's not like I really need to...
Still, she decided to express her gratitude. With a faint smile, Qin Yu said, "Thank you, Lady Ningguang."
"No need to thank me... Come closer, I have something to tell you."
Not again? Every time she does this, nothing good ever comes of it. But I can't refuse... Ugh.
Too bad! In a few days, you won't be able to do this anymore, hmph... Qin Yu muttered to herself, slightly tense as she leaned in toward Ningguang, bending down and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Ningguang noticed Qin Yu's slightly reddened ear, filling her with a sense of satisfaction.
Though she harbored no romantic inclinations and had never regarded Qin Yu as a mere plaything, these playful teases inexplicably brought her pleasure.
This was one of the reasons Ningguang now favored Qin Yu, and also why she was so satisfied with her. Pleasant moments were rare and priceless, beyond what money could buy.
"I'd much rather see you brimming with energy, devoted entirely to me. So, I order you to get some proper rest, alright?"
Qin Yu's ears flushed crimson. "Y-yes, of course..."
Evaluation: D
Wait, who's doing this for you?! I'm doing it for the money. But even if you paid me a fortune, I wouldn't do this again! Qin Yu thought fiercely as she bid Ningguang farewell.
Rest? But it's only afternoon... Where should I go now?
Hugging for Points? Not in the mood. Reading? Not feeling it either. After a moment's thought, Qin Yu realized she had lost interest in most things.
She gazed out at the distant sea, a wave of emotion washing over her.
"Our sea..."
Would she ever see that sea and sky again?
Hmm... I should go look for it. The location seemed vaguely familiar. Although venturing outside Liyue Port was risky, she could use Wave Detection to scan the area and avoid any threats.
There was no need to tell Yanfei. Qin Yu wanted to do this alone.
Changing into casual clothes, she left Liyue Port.
The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze made it a perfect day for an outing. After a while, the wind carried the scent of the sea.
Qin Yu stood on the beach, gazing at the familiar, nostalgic view.
This is it. There's no mistake.
But unlike the sea in her dream, this one didn't shimmer with sunlight or exude a dreamy aura. Perhaps that was simply reality. Dreams were always more beautiful than reality.
And standing here, she was completely alone.
The sea and sky merged at the horizon, forming a distinct line. Qin Yu squinted at the distant horizon.
"Qin Yu...?"
"Hmm?"
Qin Yu turned to meet Keqing's gaze.
Keqing? What's she doing here? No, that wasn't so strange. After all, this wasn't a restricted area. They called it "our sea," but plenty of people had probably seen it before.
Just childish banter.
Qin Yu donned her practiced persona and smiled. "Lady Keqing, I never expected to see you here. Good afternoon."
"Ah... good afternoon," Keqing replied stiffly, still somewhat dazed.
Why is she here? Keqing couldn't help but wonder.
This was a place they had visited together as children. Though not far from the main road, its secluded location meant ordinary people rarely ventured here.
Keqing had simply stopped by after returning from her training expedition outside the city. She hadn't expected to run into Qin Yu.
Normally, she would have said, "I was just passing through," exchanged farewells, and avoided further interaction.
But the words she had heard from that mysterious woman the night before lingered in her mind, causing her to hesitate.
"Does Lady Keqing have business here?"
"Sort of," Keqing replied. "But I've already finished."
Ignoring Keqing would be out of character, and asking her to leave was impossible. Besides, Qin Yu found it difficult to calm her mind when watching the sea alone. Keqing's arrival was actually quite timely.
Let's just blame this coincidence! Qin Yu thought.
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu smiled and said, "Well... want to watch the sea together?"
Keqing wondered why Qin Yu was here. Was it a coincidence, or had something triggered a memory?
"Why did you come here?" Keqing asked tentatively.
Why so many questions? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly. I'm just inviting you to watch the sea, not asking you to do anything... If you don't want to, just say so. She turned her gaze back to the horizon.
Yet the urge to share her feelings lingered.
"I had a dream. I dreamed I was playing here with my childhood friend."
Keqing's heart skipped a beat. Had Qin Yu remembered? No, she called it a dream, but it was exactly what they had experienced together.
It was a shared memory.
A surge of joy welled up within Keqing, but she suppressed it. This was a bad sign. Her expression grew complicated as she unconsciously moved closer to Qin Yu, studying her profile.
"And then?" Keqing asked anxiously.
Qin Yu drew out her response: "Mmm... it seems like we talked a lot, but I barely remember any of it. I only recall these few lines:
"'Will you come again next time?' 'Maybe.' 'Together?' 'Mmm, together.'"
"...Looks like we made a promise back then."
Keqing remembered too. That conversation had indeed taken place.
Were they fulfilling that promise now? Even though Qin Yu had forgotten her, and Keqing was pretending not to know Qin Yu.
But the two girls from that time were both here now, facing the sea where they had made that pledge.
"But... it's Lady Keqing who came."
"Ah..." Keqing gasped softly.
The sea-scented wind ruffled Qin Yu's ink-black hair, making it ripple. Her hands, clasped tightly behind her back, swayed along with her knee-length dress.
"If only my childhood playmate had been Lady Keqing," Qin Yu murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly into a lonely smile.
Keqing felt a lump form in her throat, unable to speak.
It wasn't that she didn't want to say something, but what could she say? Qin Yu's lonely smile seemed contagious, making her own heart ache.
Qin Yu suddenly snapped out of her reverie.
Oh no, what did I just say?! She quickly added, "Ah, I didn't mean I'm unhappy to see you, Lady Keqing! I'm actually very glad."
Keqing's voice was a little hoarse. "If that were true... what would you think?"
"Huh? Are you talking about childhood friends?"
"Yeah, if."
What a strange question.
Qin Yu smoothed her sideburns, pondering aloud, "If Lady Keqing were my childhood friend, I..."
Being childhood friends with a tsundere like her? That sounds like a real headache.
Still, it wouldn't be all bad.
"I'd be really happy," she concluded.
Keqing stared straight ahead, her body stiffening slightly. "Why?" she asked.
She's always so indifferent to me. Why does she care so much? Does she actually want to be childhood friends now? It's too late for that—we're both adults.
Still, it wasn't a difficult question to answer.
"Because Lady Keqing is a good person." A good woman, actually.
Aside from her tsundere tendencies, she had no real flaws. She clearly doesn't dislike me, yet she always acts so aloof. Qin Yu grumbled inwardly as she glanced at Keqing.
She noticed Keqing rubbing her eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked, concerned.
Did she get sand in her eye?
"Sand got in my eye," Keqing said, taking a deep breath.
Really? I don't feel anything over here. That's a bit suspicious... But it's a perfect opportunity. Even if she refuses, at least I can express my feelings.
"Can I take a look? I can blow it away for you—ah, of course, only if Lady Keqing doesn't mind!"
Keqing's shoulders tensed in surprise. "No need," she said hastily. "You don't have to do that. I'm fine."
Hmph, even if you asked me, I wouldn't do it anyway.
Evaluation: D
At least I got the evaluation.
Qin Yu felt pleased, while Keqing breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't expected Qin Yu to say something like that, and it had genuinely startled her.
Is she like this with everyone? She wasn't like this when we were kids... But neither of us are children anymore. Keqing regained her composure and gazed at the sea.
What did this sea look like when we were young?
"In my dreams, this sea always seemed to shimmer," Qin Yu said suddenly.
Shimmer? Keqing thought. It does, doesn't it? The sparkling waves created a rare and beautiful sight. But now it looked ordinary, as if it had lost its original brilliance.
"I don't remember the girl's face or name, but I remember having so much fun playing here with her."
Yes, those were happy times.
Keqing now recalled the reason they had come to this place. Besides wanting to play, there was another reason—they wanted to find a "unique sea."
Liyue Port bordered the sea, and for its residents, the ocean view was simply a part of daily life.
But precisely because it was so commonplace, Qin Yu and she yearned to discover something different.
They had read fairy tales describing seas of fantastical beauty, a far cry from the mundane waters they saw every day. The contrast was so stark that they resolved to seek out something special.
Eventually, they stumbled upon this place.
This stretch of sea was actually connected to the same one bordering Liyue Port. But because they had ventured out together and discovered it themselves, it felt uniquely theirs.
Only when they were together did the sea take on this extraordinary quality.
Thus, it became "our sea."
Lost in the emotions stirred by her memories, Keqing softly asked, "What do you think of your childhood playmate now?"
What do I think...? Qin Yu didn't feel much of anything, really.
"I don't know," Qin Yu replied softly.
Keqing brushed a strand of hair aside and looked at Qin Yu. "She threw away your 'treasure' and refused to meet you. Don't you feel... resentful?"
"Hmm~ Not really. I don't feel any particular fondness or resentment."
"Indifferent, then?" The answer was harsher than Keqing had anticipated, but perhaps it was exactly what she needed to hear.
Indifferent? That doesn't quite capture it.
Qin Yu mused, "If I had to put it into words, I suppose I just want to see her."
"What does that mean?" Keqing struggled to comprehend. "You feel indifferent, yet you want to see her?"
"I miss her. I want to talk, maybe share a meal. I do care about the toy ring and the fact that she didn't meet me... But I think, even if we did meet and she didn't explain, it wouldn't matter."
"I simply want to see the person who shared my childhood."
"Ideally, we'd also remember the things we're supposed to. I seem to have forgotten everything completely," Qin Yu added with an awkward smile.
It wouldn't matter if she didn't explain? That was a lie, of course. It was just part of the act.
If I ever run into that con artist again, I'm going to demand an explanation, Qin Yu thought, a hint of annoyance simmering within her.
Then, she noticed Keqing staring intently at her. Drawn in as if by an invisible force, Qin Yu found herself returning Keqing's gaze. To her surprise, Keqing's pink eyes shimmered with tears.
Huh? What's this...?
Before Qin Yu could say anything, Keqing seemed to realize she was being watched and quickly averted her gaze, closing her eyes.
"Lady Keqing," Qin Yu began.
"What?" Keqing inhaled sharply.
"Thank you."
Keqing opened her eyes and shook her head gently. "...I didn't do anything. Why are you thanking me?"
Whoa, she almost cried just now! Is she trying to pretend nothing happened?
Qin Yu wanted to be considerate and drop the matter, but she couldn't resist teasing. "It's because you shed tears for me."
"That's not true! Don't misunderstand," Keqing said, her voice slightly flustered.
"And thank you for listening to everything I had to say. Lady Keqing, you really are a good person! I really admire that about you."
A blush crept across Keqing's face. She folded her arms, lowered her head, and remained silent.
Evaluation: D+
Why isn't she saying anything? After I poured my heart out like that! Keqing's silence made Qin Yu feel awkward too, leaving only the sound of the waves to fill the space.
How embarrassing!
"But—" Keqing finally spoke.
"Yes!" Qin Yu responded immediately.
"Wh-why are you so excited? Calm down."
"Ahaha... sorry."
Ugh, I want to die. I accidentally blurted out a response louder than intended.
Keqing paused, then continued, "But what if those memories are ones you shouldn't recall?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Just curious."
Memories I shouldn't recall? Is she talking about my dark past?
Well, if I did remember my dark past, I'd be mortified. But surely there are more good memories than bad, right?
At least, that's what Qin Yu hoped.
"There must be some bad memories, but I'm sure the good ones far outweigh them."
Qin Yu smiled. "Like this place—this unique sea that belongs only to her and me."
Of course, it's best not to dwell on my dark past... I don't want to suddenly remember something embarrassing in the middle of the night and curl my toes in shame, unable to sleep.
"I see," Keqing said, exhaling deeply, one hand on her hip and the other pressed to her forehead.
Her mind swirled with conflicting thoughts and ideas, a jumbled mess. She needed to calm down and sort through them.
But before that, Keqing had one more thing to do.
"Are you heading back? I'll escort you. It's too dangerous for you to travel alone."
Qin Yu thought to herself that her mission was complete, and there was no point in staying any longer. Since Keqing had offered, she gladly accepted. I might as well earn some Points along the way.
"Okay, thank you for your trouble," Qin Yu said.
"You're... welcome," Keqing replied.
What an odd pause.
Keqing had initially intended to say, "Don't mention it, it's my duty," but she reconsidered and opted for the most ordinary response instead. Fortunately, Qin Yu didn't seem to notice.
Qin Yu cast one last glance at the vast sea.
In the end, their promise remained unfulfilled. Or perhaps it had already been fulfilled, and I simply don't remember?
If I were to meet her again... what would it be like?
Regardless, things could never return to how they once were. After all, they had both grown up.
The "sea that belonged to us" from their childhood—did it still belong to them now?
Before her eyes, the two girls from her dream seemed to materialize, their small hands clasped together, their backs turned toward her. Qin Yu exhaled softly, averted her gaze, and turned to Keqing.
Keqing stood quietly, one hand on her hip, patiently waiting.
Qin Yu gazed intently at Keqing's face. Gradually, Keqing noticed her stare, and her eyes flickered momentarily.
"What's wrong?" Keqing asked, trying to sound casual.
Qin Yu continued to stare.
Keqing grew increasingly puzzled and flustered. Why is she staring at me like that? Is there something on my face? Unconsciously, she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Lady Keqing," Qin Yu said.
"Eh? Ah, yes. What is it?" Keqing replied, forcing herself to sound composed.
Good, stay calm! she told herself.
"May I hold your hand while we walk?" Qin Yu asked.
"...................Huh?" It took Keqing a long moment to fully grasp what Qin Yu had said.
Hold hands? Hold my hand?! Keqing was speechless.
Why would she ask that out of the blue? Has she remembered something? Or does she just have a faint impression? If so, should I let her hold my hand? Keqing felt utterly disoriented.
"Is that not allowed?" Qin Yu asked, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes.
She probably won't agree, Qin Yu thought.
I can't refuse her, Keqing thought, a familiar headache creeping in. I've never been able to refuse Qin Yu, not since we were children. And of course, there's the embarrassment.
We're adults now—why do we still have to hold hands?
"Just for a little while," Keqing relented.
Huh? She actually agreed? Qin Yu was secretly astonished. She had only asked on a whim, hoping to earn a few extra Points, never truly expecting Keqing to say yes.
Such a tsundere, Qin Yu thought.
But why did you agree? Now I have no choice but to hold her hand! Qin Yu inwardly grumbled.
Where did the haughty Keqing go?
Ah—could it be because she thinks I'm pitiful? Does she feel sorry for me?
Ha! I don't need that...
Evaluation: C
...Fine, whatever. It's nothing. Right, it's nothing... Tsk.
This evaluation always pops up at the weirdest times. Is it just trying to annoy me? Qin Yu muttered inwardly as she drew closer to Keqing.
Keqing felt Qin Yu's presence up close, and her fingertips went numb.
They had held hands before, but those times Qin Yu had suddenly and forcefully grabbed her hand, then released it immediately without hesitation, leaving nothing but a fleeting surprise.
Could that have been some kind of technique? Keqing suddenly wondered.
Her random thoughts were interrupted in the next moment.
Qin Yu's left hand clasped Keqing's right. Her grip was gentle, yet the touch conveyed a rush of emotions to Keqing's heart.
The strongest feelings were nostalgia and warmth.
Qin Yu's hand was much slenderer and bonier than Keqing remembered.
Is she eating properly? Keqing wondered. She used to eat more than anyone else when we were kids. She almost became a chubby kid.
Keqing's previously tense expression gradually relaxed.
Qin Yu, too, felt an inexplicable sense of calm and ease. She couldn't quite understand why, but it felt as if this familiar warmth had been with her for a long time.
"Let's... go back," Keqing said.
Keqing squeezed Qin Yu's hand slightly more firmly, as if her body craved the warmth.
"Together," Keqing added.
Why did she say that? Qin Yu wondered. She didn't fully understand, but her body, her mind... her eyes, lips, cheeks—everything seemed to flutter with joy at those words, even though she couldn't explain why.
Qin Yu couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah, together."
-
Evaluation: B-