Night had fallen.
"It's time for the banquet," Ningguang had announced.
Retrieving a black qipao from her wardrobe, Qin Yu looked at it.
Do I really have to wear this? Qin Yu reluctantly accepted the garment, gritting her teeth and steeling her resolve. It's just for tonight anyway! With that thought, she turned and retreated to her own room to change.
She'd half-expected Ningguang to insist she stay to change again, but this time, she didn't.
Good.
Unbuttoning her uniform, she awkwardly slipped into the qipao.
Qin Yu stared at her reflection, fidgeting with her hair.
"Hmm, I should put on some makeup."
Time was short, so she applied a simple look. She returned to the mirror, striking a pose.
Ugh, this feels so awkward...
It really doesn't suit me.
Sighing, Qin Yu straightened her shoulders. This was her first banquet with Ningguang as her employer, and she couldn't afford to disappoint her.
Clutching her purse, she hesitated briefly before stepping out of the room.
Approaching Ningguang, Qin Yu smiled. "I'm ready! We can leave whenever you are!"
"Excellent. Then let's go."
The banquet Ningguang was attending was likely filled with wealthy individuals, a world apart from Qin Yu's. But on the bright side, the food would undoubtedly be exquisite.
Qin Yu's anticipation grew.
Half an hour passed, roughly an hour in total.
Qin Yu felt utterly dispirited.
This is so boring.
The banquet hall was indeed brimming with lavishly dressed guests and a tempting array of gourmet dishes. However, as Ningguang's secretary, Qin Yu was expected to remain by her side at all times, unable to slip away and indulge in the refreshments.
The host appeared to be a prominent foreign merchant, which might explain why the banquet wasn't in the Liyue style but rather followed the internationally recognized Teyvat format: a buffet.
Suppressing her restlessness, Qin Yu glanced at Ningguang.
Ningguang had likely come to scout for promising business opportunities. She was currently conversing with two young individuals who seemed to be the offspring of wealthy families from Yujing Terrace.
With composed grace and an elegant smile, Ningguang responded to their remarks.
Qin Yu noticed several pairs of eyes turning toward them, making her feel self-conscious in her qipao.
She didn't recognize anyone in the hall; every face was unfamiliar.
From the moment Ningguang entered the banquet, she hadn't had a proper conversation with Qin Yu. Or rather, she had likely intended to, but various people kept interrupting to engage her in conversation.
Qin Yu exhaled quietly.
Maybe I should have asked Baishi to come after all, Qin Yu thought absently. The three secretaries with more experience would undoubtedly be better suited for this. She felt increasingly bored and restless.
Of course, none of this showed on her face, in her demeanor, or in her tone. She maintained a faint, almost imperceptible smile that left a favorable impression.
A few more minutes passed before Qin Yu decided to excuse herself to use the restroom.
"Lady Ningguang, may I be excused for a moment? I'd like to pick a flower," Qin Yu whispered, leaning closer to Ningguang.
Ningguang nodded gently. "Go ahead."
After thanking Ningguang, Qin Yu slipped into the restroom.
"Haaah..."
So tired. I just need a few breaths here.
But she couldn't stay too long. If Ningguang asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?", Qin Yu might just expire from embarrassment.
Reaching inside her collar, she pulled out her toy ring.
If Keqing were here, things might be different... But Keqing would never attend such an unnecessary social event.
Qin Yu shook her head.
No, that's wrong. What difference would it make even if she were here? And why am I even thinking about her? It's not like I need to rely on anyone. I don't.
Stuffing the toy ring back under her collar, Qin Yu overheard a conversation outside.
"Tianquan Ningguang is here too," a woman remarked.
Qin Yu perked up her ears.
"No surprise there. Still, it seems she has quite the following."
"After all, she's beautiful, has a great figure, is Liyue's richest woman, and one of the Liyue Qixing. If I were a man, I'd probably want to pursue Ningguang too."
"But it doesn't seem like she reciprocates any of their feelings, does it?"
"If she did, it would send shockwaves through all of Liyue."
"That's true, but she must have some preferences, right? Maybe she likes handsome and dashing men, or someone like that young master from the Feiyun Commerce Guild. By the way, I'm a fan of the latter!"
"Nobody asked you. But she probably does have preferences—we just don't know what they are."
Ningguang's preferences?
Come to think of it, it is rather intriguing. What kind of man would that woman find appealing? Qin Yu couldn't help but wonder.
"Speaking of which, that girl beside Lady Ningguang is stunningly beautiful."
"Hmm?" Qin Yu's attention was instantly piqued.
"Right, right, she's the new secretary. She's been getting quite a bit of buzz lately, and compared to the other three, she seems much gentler. I peeked at her earlier, and she noticed and even smiled at me!"
Ah, that rings a bell.
Hmph, tell me more, I don't mind, Qin Yu thought, her mood lifting. But she didn't hear the rest of the conversation.
Where did everyone go?
Stepping out of the stall, Qin Yu realized the restroom was empty. Disappointed, she pursed her lips. Deciding it was time to return to the banquet, she washed her hands and left the restroom.
Back at the party, Qin Yu noticed that Ningguang was now talking to a single person instead of the two from before. It was a man.
Judging by his enthusiastic demeanor, he was likely a suitor.
As for Ningguang, she responded with her usual composed smile.
Qin Yu found the situation a bit odd. Some of the men she had negotiated business with before had been just as enthusiastic, but Ningguang's interest back then had seemed genuinely more engaged.
An illusion? Qin Yu didn't think so.
Though she hadn't worked for Ningguang for long, she was skilled at reading people.
This is the right move, Qin Yu thought, nodding to herself. She stepped forward.
"Lady Ningguang, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you."
The man stopped talking and turned to look at her.
Ningguang seemed to understand immediately. "Oh? Go on."
"I'm sorry, but this matter is rather private..."
"Alright, I understand. Mr. Chen, if you'll excuse me for a moment," Ningguang said with a smile.
The man snapped out of his daze and nodded repeatedly. "Of course, of course. I wouldn't want to intrude on Miss Ningguang's time. I hope we can continue our discussion another time."
"If the opportunity arises."
That's his chance gone! Qin Yu thought gleefully.
Qin Yu led Ningguang through the door to the second-floor balcony of the restaurant. Finding it deserted, Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
As she closed the door behind them, Ningguang chuckled. "So, my little maid, what's this urgent matter you wanted to discuss? Spill the beans."
Qin Yu realized from Ningguang's reaction that she already knew the truth, and couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
Ha? You clearly know this is a lie, so why are you asking anyway?
Still, since Ningguang had asked, Qin Yu had to answer.
"My urgent matter is to make Lady Ningguang happy!" Qin Yu replied with a smile.
Is that enough? Please stop asking.
Unfortunately, Ningguang didn't stop as Qin Yu had hoped.
She reached out her hand.
Is she going to touch my face here? What if someone sees and misunderstands? Qin Yu quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then relaxed slightly.
Still, she couldn't help but complain inwardly.
Do you really have to do this even in this setting?
Unexpectedly, Ningguang only pinched a strand of her hair, making no further move.
Huh? Strange, isn't she going to touch my face? Not that I mind, though.
"How did you know I found the earlier conversation rather dull?" Ningguang asked softly.
"Because I've been watching Lady Ningguang the whole time," Qin Yu replied.
A perfect answer.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Your answers always please me."
Evaluation: A
The evaluation had increased. This was far more interesting than staying at the banquet.
Of course, it wasn't the physical intimacy itself that Qin Yu found particularly enjoyable. It was the acquisition of points that filled her with delight.
Ningguang brushed a strand of hair from Qin Yu's ear.
Could this be...?
A wave of déjà vu washed over Qin Yu.
Sure enough, Ningguang leaned close to Qin Yu's ear and whispered, "Is that what you truly feel?"
"Yes..."
After all, I work with you every day. Who else would I look at?
Ningguang's breath, however, caught Qin Yu's attention. "Lady Ningguang, have you been drinking?"
"Just a little. It's part of socializing. As adults, we all encounter such situations from time to time. Nothing to worry about—unless you find it bothersome?"
Qin Yu stepped back and scrutinized Ningguang's face.
Her complexion seemed alright... a little pale, but hard to tell in this light.
"Lady Ningguang, let's go back inside," Qin Yu insisted.
"What's wrong?"
Qin Yu said earnestly, "It's best not to stand in the wind after drinking. You might catch a cold."
Just then, a gust of wind swept through.
So cold! Qin Yu's thigh trembled slightly.
It was clear that wearing warmer clothes would have been better, but Ningguang had insisted that she wear a qipao. Moreover, Ningguang herself was also wearing one.
Having just finished drinking, Ningguang's body temperature would be slightly elevated, and she might not feel the breeze yet. But her temperature would eventually drop, and catching a chill would make her more susceptible to a cold.
I really don't want to have to take care of a sick person, Qin Yu thought.
"There's some truth to that," Ningguang conceded, "but let's wait a little longer. Even if we go back now, there's nothing particularly interesting waiting for me."
Qin Yu stood firm. "No, I believe your health is more important."
"Hmm... I didn't expect you to be so concerned," Ningguang mused, "but I would still appreciate it if you could indulge me. Or rather, I want you to indulge me. Just a little longer, I promise."
Seeing Ningguang's determination, Qin Yu reluctantly agreed with a nod.
"Thank you," Ningguang smiled.
"Not at all, it's my duty. Besides, I personally don't want you to fall ill. Please take good care of yourself."
"I will," Ningguang replied.
Really? Qin Yu remained skeptical.
"Then let's chat for a while," Qin Yu said, smoothly changing the subject.
"You and I are thinking alike. I've been wanting to do this for a while, but the timing never felt right."
Qin Yu smiled. "Indeed, Lady Ningguang is quite popular."
"Not entirely because of who I am. What did you think of Mr. Chen, the gentleman you met earlier?"
"He seemed very enthusiastic?"
Ningguang crossed her arms and chuckled softly. "He was certainly enthusiastic, and sincere too. But those feelings were directed at my wealth and power."
"Huh? Is that really the case?" Qin Yu asked, surprised.
"Exactly. If I were penniless, he wouldn't give me a second glance."
Is that so? Qin Yu wondered, perplexed. But with countless suitors vying for Ningguang's attention, she must have long ago learned to discern genuine affection from mercenary motives.
Ningguang exhaled, her breath carrying a faint scent of wine. "Besides, I have no intention of marrying."
That figures.
"I won't deny my fondness for Mora. But precisely because of that, I understand how it can corrupt a person. Yanfei must have told you about many cases where money was the root cause, right?"
"Yes, she sometimes complains to me about those things," Qin Yu replied.
"Hmph, I figured as much."
Ningguang brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said slowly, "I came here hoping to find worthwhile business opportunities, but alas, there were none."
"Instead, I've been swamped with people seeking favors—more than I can count on both hands. And there's no shortage of those trying to pry valuable information from me."
"You must be exhausted," Qin Yu said.
"Exhausted? Perhaps a little. But the more they try to take from me, the easier it is to spot their weaknesses. Those who seek favors are always at a disadvantage."
"My only regret is that none of them have anything of real value to offer."
"It seems many of them learned in advance that I would be attending this banquet. They spent exorbitant sums to secure invitations, all hoping to scheme their way into my favor and achieve their own 'dragon gate' leap to success."
"Naturally, I didn't let them have their way."
"If they could offer me something of real value, I wouldn't mind investing in them. But... heh, I really want to give them some advice: stay grounded.
"Unfortunately, saying that would only invite unnecessary rumors. It's best left unsaid. I hope they'll learn this lesson on their own."
Ningguang fell silent for a moment.
She glanced at Qin Yu, who had been listening intently. Noticing Ningguang's gaze, Qin Yu tilted her head slightly, a puzzled expression on her face.
"Lady Ningguang?"
Ningguang gently touched Qin Yu's neck.
It's a little chilly... Qin Yu thought, deciding it was time to head back inside.
"Qin Yu, I want to ask you something."
"Hmm?"
"What is it you hope to gain from me?"
Ha?
Ningguang's fingers lightly traced Qin Yu's cheek. It tickles. But more than this strange sensation, Qin Yu was preoccupied with Ningguang's words.
"What do you mean by that?" Qin Yu asked, confused.
Ningguang tapped her ear.
"Baiwen."
Then she tapped her eye.
"Baishi."
Finally, Ningguang's hand reached Qin Yu's forehead.
"Baixiao."
Then, as if by instinct, she began stroking Qin Yu's hair.
"Even they want something from me—knowledge, wealth, experience... If they perform well, I naturally grant their desires."
"But Qin Yu, I struggle to understand your motives."
Qin Yu's gaze shifted slightly.
"What is it you seek? From my perspective, you seem driven solely by genuine goodwill and affection."
"You rejected my offer to become my confidante, asking only for a basic salary and bonuses. No desires, no ambitions? Yet that hardly describes you..."
Ningguang's hand drifted to Qin Yu's chin, gently tilting it upward.
"Answer me."
Just for myself—could I really say that? No. I'm playing a role, deceiving everyone. I can't break character.
This response should suffice.
"I have no ulterior motives toward Lady Ningguang... Or rather, if pressed, there is one thing."
Ningguang's eyes lit up slightly. "What is it?"
Qin Yu grasped Ningguang's hand on her chin. It was indeed a little cool...
"That would be Lady Ningguang's affection for me. Ah, n-not in that way, of course," Qin Yu stammered, feeling heat rush to her ears and cheeks as she hastily added the last sentence.
I don't have those kinds of tendencies!
Ningguang felt a pang of embarrassment at the implication and averted her gaze.
Evaluation: A+
Then, she sighed with a hint of resignation.
"It's precisely situations like this that leave one at a loss," Ningguang murmured.
"At a loss?" Qin Yu echoed.
Ningguang didn't respond directly. Instead, she countered with a question: "But your actions suggest you intend to resign the day after tomorrow and leave my service. Isn't that a contradiction?"
"Not at all," Qin Yu replied earnestly. "Even if I'm no longer Lady Ningguang's maid, I'll still do everything in my power to assist you should you ever need me!"
How shrewd, even cunning, that reply is, Ningguang thought.
Qin Yu spoke earnestly, "Alright, let's go back now, Lady Ningguang. You mustn't catch a chill."
"I understand," Ningguang replied.
Ningguang couldn't continue the conversation. Upon returning to the banquet, she was immediately approached by other guests. Fortunately, the event soon concluded.
Back at the Jade Chamber, Qin Yu bid Ningguang goodnight.
"Goodnight, Lady Ningguang."
"Goodnight. Go get some rest and have pleasant dreams."
Ningguang retreated to her bedroom alone and stood pensively by the window.
Suddenly, she couldn't suppress a small sneeze.
I seem to have caught a slight chill... Ningguang shook her head and decided to retire to bed.
I should be fine by morning.