Qin Yu woke up in the late afternoon.
A splash of cold water cleared the lingering fog in her head.
I wonder what's happening outside.
Yawning behind her hand, Qin Yu left her room and headed to Ningguang's office.
Only Ningguang was there. What are Baiwen and the others doing? Qin Yu wondered, offering a warm smile as she greeted her:
"Good afternoon, Lady Ningguang."
Standing by the window, Ningguang noticed Qin Yu and returned a faint smile.
"How was your rest?"
"Excellent! I'm full of energy now. May I ask if the situation is still under control?" Qin Yu asked, a hint of anxiety in her voice.
Everything's gone to hell? Impossible. As far as Qin Yu knew, this generation of the Qixing was quite formidable, especially Ningguang, who had risen from humble beginnings to her current position.
Ningguang twirled the pipe in her hand and said, "The situation is under control on the surface."
"What about behind the scenes?"
"As I anticipated, the Fatui have been operating covertly since the Geo Archon's passing. During your rest, they've already crossed diplomatic red lines twice."
Ugh, how disgusting, Qin Yu thought to herself.
Ningguang continued, "Simultaneously, they've been spreading rumors of the Qixing plotting to usurp power."
Talk about underhanded tactics. The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more irritated she became.
"How utterly despicable!" Qin Yu blurted out instinctively.
This was the first time Ningguang had seen Qin Yu so visibly angry. She immediately responded in a soothing tone, as if reassuring her.
"These petty tricks are nothing to worry about. Even if such rumors persist, they won't constrain the Qixing's future actions... Of course, I've already ordered my men to track down and punish every instigator. Rest assured."
"That's good to hear."
Hearing Ningguang's reassurance, Qin Yu finally felt much relieved.
She observed Ningguang closely.
Hmm... she doesn't seem any different. Qin Yu thought. As one of the Qixing, facing such an extraordinary situation, Ningguang must be under immense pressure.
She didn't doubt Ningguang's abilities, but if she neglected her health like before and fell ill, it would be a disaster.
I'd have to take care of her then.
But come to think of it, am I being a bit overprotective by constantly worrying about Ningguang's health? I'm her personal maid, not her personal foster mother.
Just as Qin Yu hesitated to speak, lost in these stray thoughts, Ningguang remarked, "Speaking of which, this is the first time I've ever seen you look so unhappy."
"Huh?"
Qin Yu instinctively touched her face. Was I really showing my displeasure?
"I'm curious, what exactly has made you so angry? Is it because the Fatui's methods are too shameless, or perhaps..." Ningguang smiled, letting her words trail off.
Ningguang couldn't possibly misunderstand the reason for Qin Yu's anger. Yet she still asked, her mischievousness showing through.
No way. Don't even think about getting a straight answer from me.
Qin Yu felt the heat rising in her ears and said, "It's perfectly normal to be angry. Anyone who heard that would feel the same."
"Normal, is it..."
Ningguang chewed on the word, clearly dissatisfied with Qin Yu's answer.
If Qin Yu had said, "Of course, I'm angry for your sake!", she would have been satisfied.
"Normal" meant ordinary, and what Ningguang wanted now was something special. She wished Qin Yu would express that special feeling, but these were words difficult to speak directly.
Qin Yu quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Lady Ningguang, are you... alright?"
"Me? Why do you ask?"
Is she pretending not to understand, or does she genuinely not get it?
"So much has happened today. I imagine you might be feeling unwell. If so, please allow me to share some of your burden," Qin Yu said, stepping forward to stand before her.
A perfect way to put it.
Evaluation: C-
The evident concern in Qin Yu's words transformed into a warm current, flowing through Ningguang's body. Ningguang felt an almost irresistible urge to reach out and touch her.
But a sudden thought suppressed this impulse.
Ningguang replied calmly, "Share my burden? Even though you've been my personal maid for some time now and have grown considerably... do you truly believe you can shoulder the responsibilities of the Tianquan?"
Hearing Ningguang's almost accusatory tone, Qin Yu felt a surge of anxiety.
Why is she suddenly talking like this? So strange... Qin Yu murmured inwardly, but outwardly, she firmly grasped Ningguang's hand, her rehearsed words ready.
"I can share Lady Ningguang's burden," Qin Yu said softly.
"A clever choice of words," Ningguang smiled.
"You flatter me."
Ningguang sighed softly. "Now that you mention it, I realize I'm feeling quite weary. Today has been eventful indeed. Though everything was resolved, the mental and physical strain has been significant..."
It was just as I suspected.
As always, her spirit remained strong, but her body couldn't keep up. After a moment of assessment, Qin Yu made her judgment.
"You've been working so hard. I'll prepare some dishes tonight to help relieve your physical fatigue. Is there anything you'd like me to do right now? I'll do my best!"
Just the words I was waiting for, Ningguang thought with satisfaction.
While her physical exhaustion was genuine, it was by no means enough to make her appear weary, let alone vulnerable.
But this feigned weakness was the necessary "trap" to draw Qin Yu closer.
Feign weakness to lure your opponent in, then seize them. A predator's timeless tactic, equally effective in the social arena.
Such a ploy would be futile against the heartless.
Yet Ningguang was immensely pleased by Qin Yu's genuine concern for her.
If Qin Yu ever discovered this was all a calculated ploy, what would she think? Ningguang wondered, her curiosity piqued.
"...Then, come touch me."
Evaluation: C+
"Ha?!" Qin Yu startled, a blush rising on her cheeks.
"Touch? Why? I don't quite understand..." she stammered.
Could we change locations? At least change rooms.
No, it's not like we're doing anything strange, but... doesn't she feel embarrassed? Though it's not like anyone usually comes in or out of the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang didn't give a direct answer, instead sighing again. "If you mind, then so be it."
Ugh, how despicable.
Whether it was her true nature or just her persona, she couldn't possibly say she minded. After all, Ningguang looked genuinely tired.
Left with no other choice, Qin Yu cautiously reached out and gently stroked Ningguang's cheek.
What's the point of this?
Evaluation: B
Okay, at least I got some points. Qin Yu muttered inwardly, afraid to meet Ningguang's gaze.
Ningguang's hand covered the back of Qin Yu's hand. Qin Yu startled again, but Ningguang simply pressed down lightly, doing nothing else.
Yet this gesture, carrying the implicit message of "You can feel me more," sent Qin Yu's thoughts spiraling into chaos, mirroring her racing heartbeat.
Evaluation: A-
"Qin Yu, your touch... for some reason, it relaxes me," Ningguang said.
"A-ah, r-really?"
"Really."
This was no lie. Every inch of skin Qin Yu touched brought Ningguang a sense of comfort. Of course, she also hoped Qin Yu would take more interest in her, which was why she said it.
Qin Yu glanced at her own hand.
Could my hand be some kind of magical hand?
Shenhe calms down when I hold her hand, Ningguang feels relaxed when I touch her... Hu Tao always loves holding hands, and Yanfei sometimes stares at my hand. Qin Yu recalled.
My hand, you're amazing!
"Qin Yu."
"Hm?" Ningguang's voice pulled Qin Yu back to reality.
Ningguang suddenly closed the distance, leaning close to her ear.
"Thank you for getting angry. I'm very pleased."
Evaluation: A+
Whoa!?
The warmth of Ningguang's breath against her ear made Qin Yu's head spin slightly. She instinctively replied, "N-no need to thank me. I just couldn't stand hearing Lady Ningguang being spoken to like that."
"And that's precisely what brings me joy."
Evaluation: S
Ningguang's breath trailed from her ear to her cheek. Just as Qin Yu thought she was about to kiss her, Ningguang pulled back, revealing only a contented smile.
She's not going to do it?
Is she teasing me? Just as Qin Yu was thinking this, a clear cough echoed nearby.
"Ahem."
Keqing raised an eyebrow and demanded, "What were you two doing just now?"
When did she get here?!