As the saying goes, "rarity increases value." The Glazed Lily is a prime example.
According to ancient texts Qin Yu had read, Glazed Lilies once grew abundantly in the Dihua Marsh area. However, during the Archon War, a mountain collapse caused the water level to rise, flooding Dihua Marsh and transforming it into the wetland it is today.
These wild Glazed Lilies naturally vanished with the flood.
Perhaps a few wild specimens still exist, but Qin Yu couldn't be certain.
The Glazed Lilies available today are all artificially cultivated varieties.
Exclusively grown on Yujing Terrace, they are rare and highly prized.
Ningguang gifting an entire crate of them was undeniably extravagant.
However, for a woman who holds the title of "Liyue's Richest Woman," this was likely a mere drop in the bucket—nothing worth mentioning.
Qin Yu was once again struck by Ningguang's absurd wealth, and she couldn't help but wonder:
Wouldn't such a lavish gift scare Ganyu? At least I'd be terrified.
Keqing's gift of Qingxin flowers was equally expensive.
But they were bitter—incredibly bitter!
Shouldn't you give something sweet to cheer someone up?
Sugar helps relieve stress, and since Ganyu had suffered such a devastating blow, wouldn't sending something bitter just be adding insult to injury?
Or... could it be that Ganyu actually likes this stuff?
Hmm... never mind. Let's just take these along and visit Ganyu to see how she's doing.
Qin Yu effortlessly lifted the two crates and headed to Yuehai Pavilion.
After exchanging greetings with familiar faces and confirming Ganyu was indeed there, Qin Yu made her way directly to Ganyu's office.
Taking a deep breath, Qin Yu balanced the crates with one hand and knocked on the door with the other.
"Come in."
Her voice sounded as composed as ever. Could it be that she's finally at peace?
Humans can't sustain grief for long, and as a half-adeptus, Ganyu should be no different. Lost in thought, Qin Yu opened the door and stepped inside.
Ganyu looked up, her expression shifting to surprise.
"Qin Yu? What brings you here? And... what are those two boxes?"
Qin Yu carefully placed the boxes on the floor and closed the door behind her. "I came to see you, Sister Ganyu. These are gifts from Lady Ningguang and Keqing. I hope you'll accept them!"
"To see me... Ah, I see. I'm sorry for making you worry." Ganyu understood Qin Yu's purpose and lowered her head slightly, as if feeling guilty.
Sensing Ganyu's somber mood, Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
Why couldn't she just say 'thank you'? Now I don't even know what to say.
If you know I'm worried, then stop making me worry, Qin Yu desperately wanted to say those words, but it would be out of character, sounding rather tsundere—and she certainly wasn't tsundere. Plus, it might be misinterpreted. Not appropriate.
At times like this, I need to soften my tone!
Qin Yu approached Ganyu and said softly, "It's alright, I don't mind at all. Sister Ganyu has taken such good care of me before, so let me return the favor this time, okay?"
Evaluation: D
Ganyu felt a warmth in her chest, but she replied, "Taking care of you... it was nothing, really. You don't need to go to so much trouble."
Whether it's too much trouble or not is for me to decide, Qin Yu thought to herself as she took Ganyu's hand.
"I don't think it's too much trouble at all, especially since it's for you, Sister Ganyu. Anyway, let's open the gifts from Lady Ningguang and Keqing first—they're both very concerned about you!"
"Ah, okay..."
Pulling Ganyu over to the two boxes, Qin Yu crouched down.
"This one is from Keqing. She wanted to visit you personally, but it seems you two have differing views on Rex Lapis. Considering that, she asked me to deliver the gift instead," Qin Yu explained.
Ganyu was quite surprised. She hadn't expected Keqing to send her a gift. Could it be out of obligation from the past? But I've already said it doesn't matter, as long as Qin Yu is safe and sound... she mused, kneeling down beside Qin Yu.
She couldn't help but ask curiously, "May I ask what's inside this... hmm?"
Ganyu's nose twitched, catching a familiar scent.
Before she could identify it, Qin Yu opened the box.
"A box of Qingxin!" Qin Yu exclaimed with a smile, glancing at Ganyu.
"Eh..."
Ganyu's reaction was subtle, almost imperceptible. Is this a bad sign?
As the Secretary of the Qixing, a long-lived half-adeptus, Ganyu's knowledge undoubtedly far surpassed that of ordinary humans. She couldn't possibly be unaware of Qingxin's bitter taste.
Giving someone something bitter as a gift? She must be so confused.
If this lowers her impression of Keqing, that would be terrible!
Forcing a smile, Qin Yu quickly explained, "I'm sure Keqing meant it this way: Qingxin, though a medicinal herb, can also be used in cooking. 'Transforming bitterness into nourishment', 'using bitterness to enhance sweetness, so one can truly savor the flavors'—she's encouraging Sister Ganyu in her own way!"
She almost convinced herself.
This explanation actually sounds quite like Keqing, doesn't it?Mm-hmm, it should be fine.
"Ah, I see! That's definitely her style," Ganyu replied.
Ganyu accepted Qin Yu's explanation.
But in reality, she was just thinking, If I eat this much, I'll probably gain weight...
The delicate fragrance of Qingxin flowers tugged at Ganyu's senses. She hadn't eaten enough today and was feeling a bit hungry. The scent only made her crave the flowers even more.
But she couldn't.
Maintaining her figure was far more important than satisfying her appetite!
Forcibly tearing her gaze away, Ganyu asked curiously, "What about this box?"
"Those are Glazed Lilies! Lady Ningguang prepared them herself—the quality is exceptional!"
"Hmm..."
That reaction is... peculiar. Does she not like them?
Glazed Lilies were quite expensive, and receiving such a large quantity at once would naturally be puzzling. Qin Yu tried to interpret Ganyu's subtle reaction.
"Why..." Ganyu murmured.
Is this another edible one?
Qin Yu thought, No one from Liyue could possibly dislike Glazed Lilies. She picked up a flower and gently inhaled its fragrance.
"Such a wonderful floral scent, Sister Ganyu! You should try smelling one too. Lady Ningguang must have personally selected these."
Qin Yu held the Glaze Lily close to Ganyu's nose.
As the fragrance filled her senses, Ganyu's heart stirred violently. She instinctively grasped Qin Yu's hands.
Wait, isn't this a little awkward?
It looks like I'm giving Ganyu flowers myself. Qin Yu felt a blush creep up her cheeks at this subtle realization.
Evaluation: C-
Just then, a thump sounded outside the door.
"Whoa, did you fall and hurt yourself?"
"No, no, I'm fine."
"Let me help you carry some of that."
It turned out someone had merely slipped in the corridor outside.
But these days, both Yujing Terrace and Yuehai Pavilion were bustling with activity. Qin Yu sighed inwardly, thinking of Rex Lapis's passing, and turned back to face Ganyu.
"Sister Ganyu..."
Just as she was about to offer comfort, Qin Yu noticed something was off.
Where was the flower?
Only the stem remained.
"Eh? Where did the flower go?" Qin Yu asked, bewildered.
"I... I don't know," Ganyu replied, her voice strangely evasive.
Qin Yu scanned left and right, then up and down, but couldn't find any trace of the Glaze Lily's petals. While it was true that singing to wild Glaze Lilies could enhance their fragrance, this was a bit magical.
But not magical enough to separate from the stem and vanish without a trace.
Besides, this wasn't even a wild variety.
So, though it was hard to believe, this seemed to be the only possible explanation.
Qin Yu slowly crawled over to Ganyu's side and gazed intently at her.
Ganyu blushed and looked away.
"Sister Ganyu ate it, didn't she?"