During their childhood, Keqing would often drag Qin Yu out to eat. With her excellent memory, she immediately recognized the noodle shop before them as the place they had once visited together.
She never imagined they would return here someday.
Lost in these thoughts, Keqing exhaled awkwardly. She was still replaying the events of earlier. Qin Yu was the woman who had always listened to and encouraged her from behind... Every time Keqing thought of this, she felt so mortified she wanted to vanish.
I just want to bury myself in the ground and never come out.
But she knew Qin Yu would simply dig her out, no matter how deep she burrowed. The certainty that Qin Yu would chase after her filled Keqing with both joy and confusion.
How should I treat her from now on?
She had wanted more time to process her feelings and adjust. But after revealing so much, Qin Yu likely knew her true identity already.
She's my childhood friend.
A sharp pain shot through Keqing's temples. Even the most challenging work assignment had never troubled her as much as this.
Qin Yu, on the other hand, appeared completely composed.
She had brought Keqing here without asking any questions.
Several times, Keqing sensed that Qin Yu wanted to say something, but she kept it to herself.
Keqing found it increasingly difficult to understand what Qin Yu was thinking. Their encounter that afternoon had given her a fleeting sense of understanding, but perhaps that was just wishful thinking.
When exactly did Qin Yu become so enigmatic? Keqing wondered, her thoughts drifting.
As Keqing's mind wandered, Qin Yu smiled and said, "This looks like a good spot."
"Sure, but why here specifically?"
"Hmm? Is there something wrong with this place?"
I just like the vibe, Qin Yu thought.
Keqing hesitated, realizing Qin Yu didn't remember. "No, it's nothing. I was just curious."
"Ahaha, there's no grand reason. I just thought this place looked nice! That's all. Or... is there somewhere else you'd prefer to go, Keqing?"
She nearly added "Lady Keqing."
Even though Qin Yu was eighty percent certain she was Keqing's childhood friend, she still didn't know how to react.
The lost memories loomed between them like a vast, unspoken gap.
But for now, she would ignore it.
"No, wherever you decide is fine," Keqing murmured, crossing her arms as if trying to calm her restless energy.
"Let's eat here," Qin Yu said.
While strolling around with Keqing wasn't a bad idea, it would be better to find a place to sit down quickly.
The noodle shop's door was naturally open. Qin Yu took a few steps inside, then glanced back at Keqing.
She's not thinking of running away again, is she?
If she bolted into the streets, Qin Yu wouldn't be able to catch her. After all, she was one of the Liyue Qixing... and being questioned by the Millelith would be troublesome.
"I won't run away. You don't have to worry," Keqing said.
Even if I did, she'd just chase me down anyway.
I might escape for a moment, but not forever. I'm afraid I can never truly escape Qin Yu's gaze now.
The thought that "this isn't so bad" had flashed through her mind, and she wondered if something was wrong with her. Keqing mused, then quickly understood why she felt that way.
She owed Qin Yu a great deal.
They entered the noodle shop and found a corner table. Qin Yu sat beside Keqing.
This arrangement... was just like when they were kids. Even when they ate out together, Qin Yu never sat across from her, always choosing the seat beside her.
The reason was simple: it made it easier to slip unwanted food into Keqing's bowl.
Is that still the reason? Keqing wanted to ask, but then realized they weren't children anymore. The reason had probably changed.
The truth was, Qin Yu simply didn't want Keqing to look up and see her messy eating habits.
No, perhaps it was something more instinctive... a vague feeling that compelled her to sit beside Keqing without hesitation, rather than across from her.
"What would you like to order?" A server approached.
The menu was posted on the wall.
"What do you want to eat?" Qin Yu asked.
"Anything is fine with me."
But she would definitely refuse anything that violated her ideal taste, like savory tofu pudding.
She's actually leaving the decision up to me? How annoying, Qin Yu thought, secretly grimacing.
Other people's "anything is fine" could be torture. Qin Yu had no idea if Keqing would like what she chose, so she tentatively suggested a few options.
"How about this?"
Keqing nodded, showing no sign of displeasure. "You decide."
We always did this when we were kids. I'd choose, and she'd have the same.
Ugh, this woman... Qin Yu sighed inwardly. There's no helping it. She reluctantly ordered two bowls of what seemed like decent noodles.
If she doesn't like it, don't blame me.
"Please wait a moment," the server said.
After the server left, the noodle shop was filled only with the sounds of other customers slurping noodles and chatting.
The two women fell silent, occasionally stretching their limbs or glancing around, waiting for time to pass.
It was undeniably a little awkward, but there was nothing they could do about it.
After what had just happened, Keqing couldn't help but glance at Qin Yu, only to find her returning the gaze.
Their eyes met briefly before Keqing, feeling a pang of guilt, looked away.
Isn't she going to ask anything? Keqing wondered, still waiting for Qin Yu to speak. She turned her attention to the kitchen.
The owner and chef of the noodle shop seemed to have changed—likely their son and daughter. Seeing this, Keqing realized just how much time had truly passed.
How many years has it been since Qin Yu and I last met properly? Keqing mentally tallied the years that had slipped away.
Her thoughts then drifted to Qin Yu's adoptive mother and Ningguang's words.
I wasn't there for Qin Yu when she needed me most... Keqing's mood darkened, her guilt intensifying.
Fortunately, two steaming bowls of noodles arrived, interrupting her spiraling thoughts.
Just eat, Keqing told herself.
"This is delicious," Qin Yu said.
"Mhm."
But the taste was different from what Keqing remembered—probably because the chef had changed.
Everything had changed.
"You... aren't you going to ask anything?" Keqing blurted out.
Qin Yu must have a mountain of questions she wanted to ask.
Qin Yu set down her chopsticks and looked at Keqing. Keqing avoided her gaze, unable to meet her eyes.
That shifty look... Qin Yu felt a prick of annoyance. Keqing must have been avoiding me all these years, she thought.
Even if I've forgotten, Keqing certainly hasn't, right?
If we hadn't met by chance, she'd probably still be avoiding me.
But there must be a reason, and it's likely connected to the memories I've forgotten.
She lied to me, saying the toy ring had been sold. In reality, she's my childhood sweetheart, and she still has the ring. She even lied about not recognizing me.
She's always acted so indifferent, keeping me at arm's length.
She promised she wouldn't abandon me, but she did anyway.
What a "good woman"—she's anything but. She's a bad woman.
Still, she cherished that ring, hugged me, and held my hand...
And ironically, now I'm lying to her too.
She probably thinks I'm still as cheerful and outgoing as I was as a child, but that's all an act.
I guess we're two peas in a pod.
She lied to me, and I lied to her. As childhood sweethearts, we're strikingly alike in our actions. Qin Yu couldn't help but laugh.
"What's wrong?" Keqing asked, puzzled.
"Keqing, you're not a good woman."
Keqing's expression shifted abruptly at Qin Yu's sudden remark. Does Qin Yu truly resent me? But that's only natural... I brought this on myself.
Whoa, she looks like she just bit into a bitter melon.
"But you're definitely a good person."
"Huh?"
"What does this mean?" Keqing asked, utterly confused. "No, I'm not..."
"I do have many questions I want to ask," Qin Yu interrupted.
Keqing fell silent, listening intently.
"But... this is fine."
Qin Yu's unexpected reply startled Keqing. She looked up and was met with a warm smile.
"You still have that toy ring, huh?" Qin Yu asked.
Keqing lowered her gaze, feeling the weight on her heart lift as if a breeze had carried it away. She took out the toy ring she always carried with her and nodded gently.
"It's my... no, our treasure."
"Mm, I'm glad."
Even though she didn't remember, Qin Yu had always treasured the ring. Discovering that Keqing was her childhood friend and had kept it all this time filled her with immense joy.
Yet she was also perplexed. How should she treat Keqing now? Keqing knew the Qin Yu of the past, but didn't fully understand the person she had become. After all, Keqing herself had admitted she struggled to comprehend the current Qin Yu.
This disconnect must stem from the time I spent avoiding her, Qin Yu thought. Two childhood friends, separated by time and growth, now reunited.
Ah! This is so complicated!
But those questions could wait. For now, being together was enough.
"You won't avoid me anymore, right?" Qin Yu asked, a hint of unease in her voice.
"No, I won't," Keqing replied firmly.
That's good.
That's enough for now.
Even though it felt like nothing had truly been resolved—as if this were only the beginning—it was enough for the moment.
Qin Yu smiled. "Then... that's good."
Seeing her expression, Keqing closed her eyes.
Nothing's settled yet. There's so much I want to say—to apologize, to reminisce about the past...
Words crowded her heart.
But seeing Qin Yu's smile, Keqing also felt... This is enough.
"I feel the same," Keqing said, opening her eyes with a faint smile.
After all, they could see each other again. And she would no longer avoid Qin Yu. Of course, she would need to think carefully about how to interact with her in the future...
Evaluation: A-
"By the way," Qin Yu said hesitantly, "could you tell me about my past?"
She could only recall a small fragment of her memories with Keqing.
Keqing must remember everything!
"That... I can't."
Huh? Why? Don't you want me to remember?
Now that she thought about it, Keqing had mentioned something like that before—something about being afraid of triggering painful memories. Painful memories? Had there really been such a thing? She couldn't recall.
A seemingly insignificant memory suddenly surfaced.
"She must have been like that as a child. Always crying and clinging, but also very caring."
Wait, are they talking about me?
Tch. No, that was ages ago. It has nothing to do with the person I am now.
None of that applies to me anymore!
Qin Yu's face flushed with embarrassment. Keqing actually dared to say that!
Hold on. Does this mean she knows about my embarrassing past, while I know nothing about hers? That's so unfair! I have to remember... but I can't.
Ugh, my brain is so useless!
"W-why not?" Qin Yu forced a smile.
Though Keqing had resolved to no longer avoid Qin Yu, she still hoped Qin Yu wouldn't recall that particular day. Therefore, she wouldn't say anything, even if it angered Qin Yu.
"I've already explained why," Keqing replied.
"You mean because it's painful? But that doesn't mean you have to keep everything bottled up. Don't you want me to remember?"
Ah—this feeling! Keqing was secretly surprised. This almost coquettish behavior reminded her of Qin Yu as a child, and she couldn't help but smile.
Ugh, this woman is actually smiling! What a terrible personality!
"Hmm."
And she's just "hmm"-ing! You can "hmm" all you want!
Qin Yu was about to explode with anger, but her character wouldn't allow her to show it.
Deep breaths, stay calm...
Evaluation: A
Ha? You wanna bet I'll blast you into oblivion?
Keqing continued, "I don't want you to remember, but I won't stop you."
And there's one more thing, Keqing murmured inwardly.
She wanted Qin Yu to remember on her own, to recall every moment they had spent together.
This is just my selfish wish, Keqing thought. That's why I can't say it out loud.
So my childhood sweetheart was actually this awful? Qin Yu was speechless, too exhausted to even be angry. She just felt completely drained.
I just want to go home.
"But what if I do remember?" Qin Yu asked again.
Yes, there's that possibility, Keqing thought.
But it doesn't matter.
"I'll rush to your side."
"...Huh?"
Having finished speaking, Keqing averted her gaze, as if embarrassed. "Ahem, that's... that's all there is to it."
It's best if she doesn't remember. But even if she does, it doesn't matter. I'll rush to protect Qin Yu. What I couldn't do before, I'll definitely achieve now.
Qin Yu's heart pounded relentlessly.
Isn't she embarrassed to say something like that? Wait, she actually is embarrassed. At least she's better than Shenhe in that regard—no, not at all. It would be best if she just stopped spouting such nonsense.
And what's with "I'll rush to your side"?
Who would believe you after all the times you've lied?
Evaluation: A+
Get lost.
Qin Yu's inner turmoil raged like a tempest, while her face burned crimson.
A+... With a little more effort, I might even get an S. Should I try? Try—my ass. No way. This is a matter of principle!
But I should probably say something, right? After hearing something like that...
Damn it...
Qin Yu reached under the table and grasped Keqing's left hand.
Keqing flinched, startled by the unexpected gesture. Yet she didn't resist, instead gently squeezing back.
"Thank you," Qin Yu whispered.
Though I don't believe it.
"Mmm..." Keqing nodded faintly.
Not that I expect her to believe me.
Even though it seemed like everything had finally been resolved, the truth was far from simple.
How would these childhood friends navigate their changed relationship? How would they readjust to each other after everything that had happened? Qin Yu still hadn't fully regained her memories, and countless unspoken apologies hung in the air...
So much remained, so much awaited them in the future.
Inevitably, they would have to face it together.
But as Qin Yu had said earlier:
This is enough.
"Ah..." Qin Yu gasped softly.
"What's wrong?"
"The noodles..."
"Ah..." Keqing also let out a small sound of dismay.
The noodles were ruined.
They had clumped together into a soggy mess.