After changing into the black qipao, Qin Yu frowned deeply.
Looking down, she saw the slits were shockingly high, practically reaching the top of her thighs. Her smooth legs were half-exposed, and a gust of wind sent a shiver down her spine.
So cold!
Seriously, weren't these slits a bit too high? If only they were lower... Qin Yu actually liked how the qipao felt on her upper body.
Qin Yu sighed again.
"Are you changed yet?" Ningguang called from behind the screen.
Qin Yu instinctively covered the slit in her dress with her hand. Realizing what she'd done, she suddenly felt utterly exhausted.
She had no desire to leave the sanctuary of the screen and step into Ningguang's view. But with no other option left, Qin Yu reluctantly replied, "Yes, I'm ready."
"Come out and let me see."
The thought of exposing herself like this filled Qin Yu with visceral resistance. Still, she knew that delaying would only prolong the inevitable.
It's all Ningguang's fault, she muttered inwardly as she slowly emerged from behind the screen. Her hand remained firmly pressed against the slit, her body stiff and awkward.
Yet even in this awkwardness, Ningguang found her more captivating than ever before.
Feeling Ningguang's gaze sweep over her, Qin Yu blurted out, "Lady Ningguang, I'm not sure this suits me..."
Please, let me change.
"Nonsense, it suits you perfectly. Relax, it's just the two of us here. There are no other eyes on you."
That's exactly why I'm so tense! Qin Yu thought. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake off her tension.
"Turn around slowly," Ningguang instructed, appraising her like a work of art.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly and awkwardly turned in a circle. Ningguang clapped her hands in satisfaction.
"Indeed, it suits you perfectly. My careful selection was well worth the effort."
"Selection? When did you decide to have me change clothes?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "While you were resting."
So you decided behind my back! No wonder she let me rest so easily.
"Is there anything uncomfortable about the fit? The measurements were taken when you first joined the estate as a maid, but your figure might have changed since then."
I haven't gained any weight.
Qin Yu loved to eat, but she was meticulous about her figure, ensuring she stayed in shape. As for any... growth up top? Not even a millimeter.
My body is perfect. There's nothing to worry about, Qin Yu thought.
"Yes, there is."
But there was one thing about the dress that made her deeply uncomfortable.
Qin Yu lowered her head, moved her hand, and tugged at the slit in the skirt. "The slit is too high, and I don't like overly revealing clothes... I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang, but could I please change into something else?"
"So you don't like it? My apologies for not considering that. Just bear with it for tonight—the dress is yours afterward. Dispose of it as you wish."
No way. What use is a dress I'll never wear?
"Lady Ningguang..." Qin Yu tried again to persuade Ningguang to reconsider.
Ningguang stepped closer, her gaze lingering on the slit of the black cheongsam.
Qin Yu's face flushed crimson, and she hastily covered the exposed area.
Noticing her reaction, Ningguang asked, "First time wearing something like this?"
"Y-yes. It's a bit chilly around my thighs."
"You'll get used to it. Besides, you only need to wear it for tonight."
Can't she tell how much I hate this? No, Ningguang definitely noticed—she simply hadn't changed her mind. Tch, this is infuriating.
Fine. If it's just for one night, I suppose I can barely tolerate it.
Or rather, even if I wanted to refuse, I couldn't.
Resigned, Qin Yu struggled to maintain her composure. Her body remained tense, and her posture likely appeared stiff and awkward to Ningguang. But there was nothing she could do about it.
"Still can't relax?" Ningguang asked.
"No..."
"Attending the banquet in this state is unacceptable. As my personal maid, you must not show any nervousness in front of others. Otherwise, you'll become my weakness."
Become Ningguang's weakness?
The thought transformed Qin Yu's discomfort into irritation. How could she possibly become Ningguang's weakness?
Yet Ningguang's words rang true. Baishi, Baiwen, and Baixiao had all emphasized that those serving the Tianquan Star must possess not only talent but also unwavering composure.
No stage fright, no recklessness, unwavering composure, and ease in any setting—above all, never cause Ningguang trouble.
If her nervousness, revealed through her formal attire, were to embarrass Ningguang, her employer, Ningguang might grow disappointed, even resentful.
I don't want to be disliked.
Qin Yu took a deep breath. Having maintained this persona for so long, one last push wouldn't hurt.
Just bury all anxieties and tension deep inside.
I feel calm now.
Qin Yu was about to say she was fine when Ningguang gently grasped her arm, leaned close to her ear, and whispered softly, "Are you worried?"
"Yes, but please don't worry. I'm alright now," Qin Yu replied smoothly. "I only want to assist Lady Ningguang and would never become a weakness for you."
Ningguang was surprised by Qin Yu's swift recovery. Of course, she was also pleased. Everyone had their shortcomings; accepting them and striving to improve was a quality she always admired. "Excellent," she said. "That kind of resolve is precisely what I appreciate."
Always whispering in my ear... Enough already, Qin Yu thought, her gaze drifting.
"However, I suspect you're merely suppressing your unease," Ningguang said, cutting straight to the point.
"That's..."
Even without her keen insight, Ningguang knew exactly what Qin Yu would do, based on her deep understanding of the girl. Qin Yu often pushed herself too hard.
Hearing Qin Yu's silence, Ningguang knew she had struck a nerve. Suddenly, she found the thought of Qin Yu forcing herself for her sake rather endearing.
"There's a better way," Ningguang offered.
"A better way?" Qin Yu murmured in confusion.
"Trust me."
Huh? What nonsense are you spouting? Did you sleepwalk yourself into stupidity?
"I don't quite understand..." Qin Yu whispered honestly.
"Trust that with me by your side, you'll face no threat. Trust that with me by your side, you can unleash your full potential. This faith in me will become your own confidence, allowing you to handle any situation with composure."
Ningguang's voice and aura seemed to melt Qin Yu's ears. Qin Yu tilted her head slightly to distance herself from the overwhelming sensation.
"So you're saying..." she couldn't help but ask.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "Loyalty."
Loyalty...
Hmm? Something clicked in Qin Yu's mind.
"Become my true maid."
Evaluation: A-
This wasn't merely a master-servant relationship maintained by contract and coin, but one deepened by loyalty—a bond that went beyond the surface.
If she agreed, there would be no turning back.
Though her head swam, melted by Ningguang's voice and presence, Qin Yu managed to say:
"I'm sorry... I can't become the maid you desire."
A soft sigh brushed against her ear as Ningguang exhaled.
Ningguang stepped back, her expression calm. "You may change back now. We'll be leaving shortly to attend to some business."
After repeatedly turning down Ningguang's sincere invitations to stay, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
But she simply couldn't bring herself to accept.
Unless Ningguang gave her a reason she couldn't refuse.
After all, a personal maid... anyone could fill that role, right? Qin Yu quietly retreated behind the folding screen and changed back into her uniform.
"Leave that dress with me," Ningguang said.
Why?
"May I ask why..."
"No reason."
With that, Ningguang hung the black qipao back in the wardrobe.
"Let's go, then."
"Yes, right away!" Qin Yu replied hastily, stealing a glance at Ningguang's expression. It was unchanged. But her tone earlier... was she sulking? Surely not.
Though even if she were, it wouldn't be surprising.
Qin Yu let out a silent sigh.
Loyalty isn't necessary. Nor is trusting anyone to protect me. Just bury all the negative emotions deep inside.
After all, no one can see them anyway.
Nor do they want to.