The next morning, Qin Yu yawned and knocked on the door of Ningguang's bedroom.
"Lady Ningguang, are you awake? Breakfast is ready."
After a moment, there was no response.
Still sleeping in? How nice. I wish I could too... but alas, it's time to get up! Qin Yu knocked again and called out.
After a moment, Ningguang's voice drifted from within.
"Mmm... I'm already awake."
A few moments later, Ningguang emerged from her room.
I need to greet her cheerfully.
"Good morning, Lady Ningguang...?" Qin Yu's voice trailed off into a question. She couldn't shake the feeling that Ningguang looked unwell.
"Lady Ningguang, you don't seem to be feeling quite yourself. Perhaps you should rest a little longer?" Qin Yu asked with genuine concern.
Today was the final day, and she didn't want anything to go wrong.
Ningguang rubbed her forehead and shook her head gently. Her head felt heavy, and her body more sluggish than usual, but her mind remained clear. Nothing serious.
"No, it's just a slight lack of sleep. There's no need to worry."
Ha? It definitely seems like more than just that.
Qin Yu reached out and touched Ningguang's forehead, then pressed her own palm to her forehead. She's running a fever.
I thought she was just tired, but it was real.
Physical exhaustion had weakened her immune system, and last night she had caught a chill from the cool night breeze after drinking alcohol—especially since the weather was rather chilly.
Now she's sick.
And I'm stuck taking care of her.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly. Of all days, this has to happen on the final day. What a hassle.
"Lady Ningguang, you're not feeling well," Qin Yu said, her voice laced with concern.
Ningguang could feel her breath warmer than usual, but she insisted, "I'll just stop by Bubu Pharmacy on the way and get a prescription."
"I think you should rest properly," Qin Yu urged. "It's better to prevent a minor illness from becoming something serious."
"But the matters that need attending to..." Ningguang murmured, crossing her arms, her voice unusually soft and vulnerable.
Was it the illness weakening her? Ningguang's usually formidable aura was noticeably muted, replaced by an unexpected fragility. This was clearly out of character.
Qin Yu produced her notebook, which detailed the day's schedule. "There aren't many urgent tasks today, and frankly, I don't think you need to handle any of them personally. Leave them to us. If necessary, we'll explain the situation appropriately."
"Appropriately? What does that entail?" Ningguang asked, her curiosity piqued.
"We'll simply say you're occupied with pressing Qixing affairs and unable to attend at the moment. Rest assured, we'll take care of everything!" Qin Yu replied with a reassuring smile.
Qin Yu knew that openly admitting Ningguang was ill would invite a flood of opportunistic inquiries and attempts to exploit her vulnerability under the guise of concern. She was acutely aware of such potential pitfalls.
Ningguang took the notebook and scanned the schedule.
After reviewing it thoroughly, even reluctantly, she had to concede that Qin Yu's assessment was sound. There was no room for argument.
But if she were to rest in bed all day, how could she find a way to keep Qin Yu here? Or should she simply give up? After all, Qin Yu's resolve was so firm.
Cutting losses... That wasn't quite the right term, but it captured the sentiment.
Ningguang shook her head, chiding herself for entertaining such weak thoughts.
"Don't worry too much about me," Ninguang said. "I might not look my best, but my mind is sharp. I can't handle anything physically demanding, but I'm more than capable of handling anything requiring brainpower."
Had this person ever been so stubborn before?
Qin Yu had considered many persuasive arguments, but she decided that directness would be more effective than reasoned persuasion.
"No."
The word was clear and concise.
"You're my maid. You must obey your employer's orders..."
"No."
Ningguang's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Qin Yu's rejection was remarkably blunt, almost as stark as her reaction when Ningguang had touched her the previous day.
Averting her gaze, Ningguang couldn't help but add, "If you're concerned, feel free to test my current mental acuity and reflexes with some problems."
"No."
Even Ningguang found herself at a loss for words.
Seeing her finally fall silent, Qin Yu sensed an opportunity to press her case. "Lady Ningguang, you told me to take care of myself, and you promised you'd do the same."
"Mhm..." Ningguang murmured softly.
"And... do you not trust us? If you insist on this, it's as if you don't!" Qin Yu sighed. "To be honest, it hurts. I thought Lady Ningguang trusted me at least a little."
Ningguang fiddled with a strand of her hair, offering a weak defense. "That's not true."
This topic must not be pursued further.
Qin Yu's words felt like a blade piercing her heart, only to be withdrawn and plunged in again elsewhere.
"I hate seeing you force yourself, Lady Ningguang."
Ningguang's hand, still playing with her hair, trembled slightly.
Hate? Many people hated her—some for their conflicting principles, others out of sheer dislike. Yet none of their opinions had ever shaken her composure.
But hearing Qin Yu's words, a heavy weight suddenly settled in her chest.
Qin Yu had always treated Ningguang with pure affection, but now she claimed to hate her.
The impact of those words was far greater than Qin Yu could have imagined, especially given Ningguang's weakened state and heightened vulnerability. Ningguang couldn't help but sigh deeply to herself.
Qin Yu withdrew the knife she had plunged into Ningguang's side, then leaned in close, hovering over her like a predator tending to a wound. She smiled softly.
"But aside from that, I think everything is wonderful. Especially seeing you so full of vitality—I've really missed it. So, Lady Ningguang, please get some rest."
Hesitantly, she took Ningguang's hand, her expression pleading. "May I?"
Ugh, I feel so shamelessly manipulative right now! Qin Yu thought.
But this was all to ensure Ningguang got proper rest and prevent her condition from worsening. From every angle, it was a flawless plan.
So, Ningguang's response was...
"I have a condition."
Huh?
Qin Yu's eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn't expected Ningguang to propose a condition at such a time.
What is this nonsense! I'm letting you rest out of the goodness of my heart, and you're making demands? Unbelievable!
Still, I might as well hear her out.
"What kind of condition?" Qin Yu asked nervously.
If she wants me to stay... well, I could stay one more day tomorrow. But I'm still leaving after that.
Even though Ningguang seems fond of me, I'm hardly irreplaceable, am I?
Ningguang started to speak, then hesitated, her words catching in her throat.
Ask her to stay? Impossible. Even if I did, she'd only stay for another day or two. That's not enough. I need to make the most of this rare opportunity.
Ningguang fell silent for a moment.
I can't quite think of it... Ningguang finally realized her mind was growing sluggish. The energy from her nap seemed to have dwindled to almost nothing.
I'll put this aside for now. There's still time.
"I'll tell you later."
Don't leave me hanging! What is it? Qin Yu desperately wanted to know, but Ningguang's expression made it clear that pushing her would be futile.
Well, at least she's obediently resting in bed. That's enough for now.
Seriously, she's an adult and still needs me to take care of her... Qin Yu thought with a mix of helplessness and amusement.
After all, Ningguang was usually the one providing care, not receiving it.
Hmm, now that I think about it, it's not so bad!
"Alright, let's go get breakfast first!"
Ningguang couldn't understand why Qin Yu's mood had suddenly improved. Recalling Qin Yu's earlier words and actions, she realized the younger woman had employed quite a few clever tactics. Impressed by Qin Yu's growth, Ningguang couldn't help but smile.
"Thank you for cherishing me so," Ningguang said.
"Hmm..." Qin Yu replied, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers, her face slightly flushed.
Evaluation: D
Wait, who said I was cherishing you?