After accompanying Ningguang on her work trips for some time, Qin Yu happened to spot Keqing downstairs during a break between appointments.
Qin Yu hadn't expected to run into Keqing at the teahouse.
Keqing stood by the railing, a thoughtful expression on her face.
What could she be thinking about?
Regardless, this was the perfect opportunity to give her the pastries she had made earlier. Qin Yu had originally planned to visit Keqing at noon, but this chance encounter would save her an extra trip.
Perfect.
"Lady Ningguang, may I be excused for a moment?" Qin Yu asked.
Ningguang, who was sipping her tea, looked up in surprise. "Is there something urgent?"
"Well... not exactly," Qin Yu replied. "I just ran into a friend and wanted to give her the pastries I made this morning. I'll be right back. Is that alright?"
Ningguang set down her teacup, intrigued by the "friend" Qin Yu mentioned.
Could it be Shenhe? Yanfei? Hu Tao? It certainly couldn't be Keqing, given how surprisingly inflexible the Yuheng Star had been in handling Qin Yu's matter.
Then again, perhaps it was someone else entirely. Qin Yu's social circle was remarkably broad.
Among her business associates, three or four out of ten were her personal acquaintances. Thanks to Qin Yu's smooth-talking, recent negotiations had gone far more smoothly than anticipated.
Qin Yu's extensive network of connections proved invaluable in gathering intelligence. While not everyone adored her, few could bring themselves to dislike her. When tasked with gathering information, her efficiency was astonishing.
Although Qin Yu's primary responsibilities lay in managing daily affairs, her contributions extended far beyond. Ningguang deeply admired this aspect of her.
Alas... Ningguang shook her head. What would it take to make Qin Yu stay? Despite repeated rejections, Ningguang remained undeterred, viewing this challenge as all the more worthwhile to overcome.
Perhaps if I let her come only once a week? If treated as a part-time position, she might agree.
Yet Ningguang realized she had grown possessive, instinctively resisting this compromise.
"Lady Ningguang?"
Snapping out of her reverie, Ningguang nodded. "It's nothing. You may go."
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang! I really appreciate that about you!"
Before Ningguang could respond, Qin Yu hurried down the stairs, as if afraid she might slip away.
She likes this... If only I could make Qin Yu love this job—no, there isn't enough time. Besides, the duties of a personal maid are inherently tedious and unfulfilling. Just because she accepts the position doesn't mean she'll enjoy it.
Qin Yu seemed to hold Ningguang in rather high regard.
But since all her previous attempts to persuade Qin Yu to stay had failed, she could rule out one possibility.
Or perhaps my efforts simply hadn't gone far enough? Never mind, she'd set that aside for now.
Ningguang resumed sipping her tea, taking a moment to relax. After a while, she suddenly grew curious about who Qin Yu was meeting.
That person must be nearby.
Approaching the railing, Ningguang glanced down and spotted Qin Yu with Keqing.
"Hmm?"
How had the atmosphere between them become so harmonious?
And why were they... hugging?
-
After descending the stairs, Qin Yu hurried toward Keqing.
"Qin Yu?" Keqing turned at the sound of footsteps, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Hmm, good morning, Keqing."
Keqing seemed momentarily flustered. "Ah, good morning. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Ahaha, me neither."
A brief, awkward silence fell between them.
Though Qin Yu had resolved to maintain her current persona with Keqing, their shared history as childhood friends still made her feel slightly uneasy during this reunion.
Keqing unconsciously stroked her ponytail, her gaze uncertain. If Qin Yu felt awkward, Keqing felt it even more acutely.
Yesterday's relaxed atmosphere had been possible because they had both put aside many unspoken truths. But today was different. This didn't seem like the right time for a serious conversation.
What should I do? Keqing sighed inwardly. This was a situation she'd never encountered before.
Say something, for heaven's sake! Qin Yu thought irritably. I'm always the one chasing her when she runs, the one initiating conversations when she's silent... Can't we switch roles just once?
Whether before or after Keqing learned Qin Yu's true identity, it had always been this way.
I'm always the one making the first move.
Hurry up and say something! Stop making me do everything! Qin Yu stared intently at Keqing, as if trying to transmit telepathic messages with her gaze.
Whether her telepathic signals finally reached Keqing or the latter simply couldn't bear Qin Yu's intense gaze any longer, Keqing finally broke the silence.
"Ahem, the weather... is quite nice, isn't it?"
I'm disappointed in you, Qin Yu thought, suppressing a sigh. She forced a smile and replied, "Yes, it's perfect for enjoying some sweets. Here, please accept this!"
Looks like I still have to take the lead. Tch.
Keqing, of course, had no idea of Qin Yu's inner turmoil. To be honest, she felt embarrassed for initiating such a clumsy conversation. This isn't like me at all.
Seeing the box Qin Yu offered, Keqing exclaimed in surprise, "What's this?"
"It's a dessert—a gift to celebrate our true reunion. I hope you'll accept it."
"A gift..."
Now that she thought about it, she hadn't prepared anything herself. Keqing's expression shifted slightly. She could easily excuse herself by saying she hadn't anticipated their meeting, but the real problem was—she hadn't even considered bringing a gift.
How could I have forgotten?!
Keqing felt utterly inadequate as a childhood friend. The gift suddenly felt much heavier, making it difficult for her to accept.
Just take it already!
Qin Yu forced another smile. "Is something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh... nothing."
If nothing's wrong, then take it!
"Are you sure I can accept this?" Keqing asked uncertainly, stealing glances at Qin Yu.
"Of course, it was made especially for you. If you don't accept it, no one else can have it," Qin Yu said, emphasizing its unique significance.
Just for me? Keqing blinked, a warm sensation spreading through her chest.
It really is special.
"Thank you," she said, accepting the box.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Phew, finally got that off my chest... But will it suit her taste? Qin Yu suddenly felt uneasy. If she had memories of their past together, she'd know for sure.
Never mind. It's better not to know.
Her mission accomplished, it was time to leave. But before going, she decided to rack up a few more points.
Qin Yu noticed a fallen leaf in Keqing's hair and an idea struck her. This was the perfect opportunity to casually close the distance between them.
"Keqing, don't move," Qin Yu said.
"Hmm?" Keqing tilted her head, unsure why Qin Yu was telling her that, but she silently complied, standing perfectly still.
Seizing the moment, Qin Yu swiftly closed the distance.
Keqing's eyes widened slightly, her gaze darting back and forth. Her lips parted as if to speak, but she remained rooted to the spot, her composed demeanor ironically working against her.
Pretending to be completely oblivious, Qin Yu reached out to pluck the leaf from Keqing's hair.
But then a gust of wind swept through, and the fallen leaf danced away.
What?! Qin Yu thought in surprise. Without time to think, she stepped forward, her hand darting out with practiced precision. In a single swift motion, she snatched the leaf between her fingers.
The entire process took less than a second—a true master!
She'd caught it.
But then she felt a light pressure on her back.
Huh?
"Qin Yu."
Keqing's face was closer than ever before. Qin Yu instinctively averted her gaze, murmuring shyly, "Even if you're happy, there's no need to suddenly press yourself against me like that, is there?"
Ha?
Qin Yu finally realized their bodies were nearly touching, with barely any space between them.
She could smell the fragrance of Keqing's hair, and Keqing's breath, punctuated by delicate pauses, repeatedly brushed against her neck.
And Keqing's hand still rested lightly on her back.
I've been caught.
Evaluation: D+ (Keqing)
Qin Yu hastily pulled away. The warmth that had surged through her fingertips retreated, only to rush back moments later.
Her heart pounding slightly, she noticed Keqing's embarrassed expression and averted gaze. I need to clear this up, she thought.
"I-I was just helping you remove a leaf from your hair, see? Right here." Qin Yu raised her hand.
"Where?"
"Huh?"
The leaf had vanished without a trace.
Did I accidentally drop it and it blew away? Qin Yu panicked. That's impossible! I can't even explain this if I jumped into a river!
But upon further reflection, maybe a hug wasn't such a big deal after all?
Right, right! Childhood friends hug all the time. We've done it before, so it's perfectly normal.
Since the situation was already out of hand, Qin Yu decided to play along.
Forcing a cheerful smile, she said, "Just kidding! I'm... um, I'm just really happy to see you, Keqing. That's all. What about you, Keqing? Are you happy to see me?"
Despite the complex thoughts swirling in her mind, Keqing answered without hesitation.
"Of course," she replied with a genuine smile.
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Good.
"Well, I have work to do. See you next time," Qin Yu waved goodbye.
"Are you in a hurry?" Keqing asked, though she herself didn't know why.
It probably wasn't urgent, but Qin Yu didn't want to stay any longer. If there was anything she wanted to say, she could save it for her next meeting with Keqing.
At least I need to change the scenery.
"Is something wrong?" Keqing asked. "I really want to try the pastry you made for me right away and share my thoughts with you immediately... but if you're busy, we can do it later."
This was a perfect opportunity to get closer to Keqing! And since Qin Yu genuinely cared about her reaction, she quickly agreed.
"Really?" Keqing asked, surprised.
"It won't take long, right? Then it's fine."
Keqing smiled and nodded. "Mm, just a moment."
This wasn't an attempt to make up for not having a gift prepared; it was simply what Keqing wanted to do.
Since the pastry was special and handmade, she felt it was only right to give her sincere feedback immediately.
Keqing believed this was proper etiquette, especially since it was Qin Yu who had made it for her.
So, Keqing opened the box and took out a piece.
Under Qin Yu's unwavering gaze, she took a bite, chewed a few times, and swallowed.
"This..."
This...?
"Mmm..."
Mmm...?
"Ah..."
Huh?
What's going on? If it tastes good, just say so. If you don't like it, say that too. I don't want to hear criticism, but this bizarre reaction is worse, Qin Yu grumbled inwardly.
"I've thought of the perfect way to describe it."
Oh? What is it? Qin Yu felt a flicker of anticipation.
"It's like... swallowing Qin Yu whole."
S-swallowing me whole? Like... licking and chewing me in your mouth? What are you even thinking? I really misjudged you! No, wait, maybe I'm the one being weird?
Slightly flustered, Qin Yu listened to Keqing's evaluation:
"The flavor is sweet and addictive."
"The texture is delightful—soft yet with just the right amount of elasticity."
"Beneath its snow-white exterior lies a filling with an endlessly satisfying aftertaste. The combination of the two creates an exquisite sensation. I can feel the care you put into making it... Thank you for this gift." Keqing said with a warm smile.
Every word was genuine, though her phrasing was a little disjointed. There wasn't a hint of pretense in her expression.
Qin Yu twirled a strand of hair around her index finger and murmured, "As long as you're satisfied..."
Evaluation: C (Keqing)
"Let's not say things like 'you felt like you swallowed me whole' again," Qin Yu said. "It's kind of gross."
She sighed and waved her hand. "Well, I'm off."
"Qin Yu—"
"Hmm?"
Keqing carefully chose her words, but ultimately decided to be direct. "I'm really happy we can be childhood friends again. That's all I wanted to say. See you next time." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and gave Qin Yu a gentle smile.
Qin Yu froze for a moment, her emotions a tangled mess. So, I still wants to regain my memories... But I can't let Keqing worry. She returned the smile. "Me too!"
After saying goodbye to Keqing, Qin Yu climbed the stairs back to the third floor and found Ningguang still alone, sipping tea. For some reason, her solitary figure made Qin Yu feel a pang of loneliness.
"Lady Ningguang, I'm back."
"Mm."
Ningguang didn't seem inclined to ask any questions, quietly taking another sip. Uncomfortable with this attitude, Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "Lady Ningguang, aren't you going to ask me anything?"
"...No."
"I see."
In truth, Ningguang did have questions she wanted to ask.
"Will you go to Keqing's after you resign?" Ningguang wanted to ask.
It seemed Qin Yu and Keqing had grown closer behind her back, in places she hadn't witnessed. Keqing no longer rejected Qin Yu, and the two had rekindled their childhood friendship.
This was a good thing.
Ningguang was genuinely happy for Qin Yu, but... Qin Yu had said she was resigning to spend more time with her friends, and Keqing certainly qualified as one—perhaps even her first true friend.
If Keqing extended an invitation, would she accept and become her personal maid? Ningguang pondered this absently.
Qin Yu sensed the awkward atmosphere and felt compelled to ease the tension. She walked over to Ningguang, quickly glanced around to ensure no one was watching, and then crouched down beside her.
"Lady Ningguang."
"Hmm."
"I'm here with you now."
Ningguang reacted to this. She turned to face Qin Yu, who was still crouching, gently brushed a strand of hair from Qin Yu's forehead, and asked, "What about the future?"
"Well..."
Just as she'd suspected. Ningguang seemed to lose interest, stating calmly, "I understand."
"I'm sorry," Qin Yu said.
"There's no need to apologize. I respect your decision."
But whether she liked it or not was another matter entirely.
At least, Ningguang certainly didn't like it now.