Early the next morning, Qin Yu opened her door and found Shenhe standing there.
They exchanged a wordless glance for a moment before Qin Yu finally realized what was happening, her heart tightening.
Ugh, why did Shenhe have to show up unannounced at this exact moment? I was just about to ask for leave and settle my affairs today.
"G-good morning, Shenhe! I didn't expect you to come by. Is there something I can help you with?" Qin Yu forced a practiced smile, trying to gauge Shenhe's intentions.
Shenhe pondered for a few seconds before deciding to be direct:
"I'm here to help you."
Evaluation: D+
Help me? Could it be that Cloud Retainer told her everything? Qin Yu's heart warmed at the thought.
But she had no intention of accepting.
"Help me? Ahaha, how strange! I'm on my way to work right now, and there's nothing I need help with. Still, I appreciate the thought!" Qin Yu chuckled.
Shenhe looked puzzled. Could it be that Master misjudged the situation? Qin Yu wasn't planning to handle this alone after all?
Before Shenhe could finish her thought, Qin Yu waved goodbye hastily.
"Sorry, I'm going to be late! I have to run!"
She had only taken a few steps when she remembered something and hurried back.
"Oh, right! The house is all ready. In a couple of days, once I've finished moving preparations and taken leave, let's move in, okay?"
Shenhe nodded. "Alright. I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too... Well, I'm off then. If you have any problems, remember to tell me, okay? If I'm not around, tell Lady Ningguang's secretary first—we're good friends!"
After delivering these instructions, Qin Yu hesitated, a conflicted expression crossing her face. She seemed about to say something more but stopped herself.
If it were Shenhe, I could ask for a small favor... No, I can't let my resolve falter like this. Qin Yu shook her head inwardly.
She forced a faint smile and waved goodbye.
Shenhe stood rooted to the spot, watching Qin Yu's retreating figure, her heart twisting with unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that Qin Yu was lying, yet she couldn't be sure.
What if she's telling the truth?
Shenhe wanted to believe Qin Yu—she had previously expressed her complete trust in Qin Yu's words—but this only deepened her confusion.
If Qin Yu could just say, "I need help," everything would be so much simpler.
The more Shenhe pondered, the more agitated her heart became, even with the Red String restraining her.
Just then, a cheerful voice called out.
"Aiya, isn't that Shenhe?"
Hu Tao grinned as she approached. "Why are you here so early to see Fishy Treasure? Speaking of which, where is Fishy Treasure? Why'd she leave you standing here like a statue?"
"Hu Tao... mm..." Shenhe nodded slightly, deciding to ask for Hu Tao's opinion.
She briefly explained the situation to Hu Tao.
"What do you think?"
Hu Tao stroked her chin, her expression darkening. "Hiss—no wonder she left you standing here alone."
"What does this have to do with anything?"
"You're asking me? I just figured she'd at least see you to the city gate or have breakfast with you first. After all, everyone knows how much she cares about you."
As Hu Tao spoke, Shenhe's mind gradually cleared. "So it was true..."
"She's such a tsundere. If something's bothering her, she'd never tell you the whole truth. Don't take everything she says at face value. But... so it's a demonic presence, huh?"
Hu Tao tapped her finger against her lips, her eyes lighting up.
"Perfect timing! This Director just thought of a place she might go!" As a hands-off director, Hu Tao spent most of her time wandering around.
What others know, she likely knows too; what others don't know, she's even more likely to know.
Besides, remnants of a god are technically related to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business.
"Where?" Shenhe asked immediately.
"Over there. There's an Abode with a strong demonic aura. Head in that direction, and you should be able to sense it." Hu Tao pointed.
Shenhe glanced in the indicated direction, memorized it, muttered a quick "Thank you," and vanished in a blur of motion.
If Qin Yu hadn't gone there, all the better. But if she had, Shenhe wouldn't let her face it alone.
"Wow, she really booked it."
The figure had disappeared in the blink of an eye.
It must truly be a matter of life and death, Hu Tao thought. While she wanted to chase after them immediately, Qin Yu's stubborn attitude left a sour taste in her mouth.
Even at a time like this, she still insists on trying to solve everything single-handedly.
I need to find a way to kill two birds with one stone.
I can help her and teach her a lesson at the same time... Got it! Hu Tao had a brilliant idea.
"Don't blame me, Fishy Treasure, you brought this on yourself."
First, she went to Yanfei.
Yanfei exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? Qin Yu wants to charge into danger alone? Absolutely not! She should at least have asked me along—why be so distant with friends? Where is she? I'm heading over right now!"
"Wait! We should gather more people. I heard that place is pretty dangerous."
"Hmm... You're right. Who should we call?"
Hu Tao winked playfully. "Her childhood friend, of course!"
The moment they arrived at Keqing's office, they cut straight to the chase, explaining Qin Yu's situation.
Ganyu was also in the office. Upon hearing Hu Tao and Yanfei's account, she felt a mix of understanding and urgency. Didn't we agree to tell her or Shenhe first? How could they do this?
Keqing's reaction was even more intense.
She slammed her hand on the desk, rose to her feet, and her expression darkened. "Where is she?"
"Get the map. Let me think... it should be around here."
"Thank you."
Keqing offered a curt thanks before rushing out of the office.
Ganyu, reacting a beat later, hurried after her, repeatedly thanking them.
Yanfei sighed, "One call, a hundred answers. Surely that's enough? We have Adepti, Adeptus disciples, and so many Vision holders—how could anything go wrong?"
"Tsk tsk tsk, not nearly enough."
They needed to involve everyone close to Qin Yu, no matter what. I wonder what kind of expression she'll make then. The thought alone made Hu Tao gleeful.
The pair requested an audience with Ningguang.
Ningguang frowned as she listened to Hu Tao and Yanfei's explanation.
"Qin Yu came to request leave earlier. I assumed she wanted to rest, but it seems she intends to resolve her troubles alone. Hmph, how distant." Ningguang's eyes narrowed, a rare display of displeasure.
"Thank you for informing me. I'll retrieve my maid and give a certain recently returned someone a chance to stretch their legs," Ningguang said calmly.
She summoned three secretaries, issued swift instructions, and strode out of her office.
"Two of the Qixing are personally going after her. Qin Yu really has some powerful backers, doesn't she? If it were me, I'd be utterly humiliated," Yanfei remarked.
"That's exactly the point—to make her squirm a little!"
"Eh?"
Hu Tao crossed her arms and declared, "How do you teach someone who never valued themselves in life to finally cherish themselves? Simple—lock them in a coffin!"
"Don't actually do something like that," Yanfei sighed, exasperated.
"I know, I know," Hu Tao replied with a casual laugh. "It was just a figure of speech. Okay, that's enough for now. Let's go."
Meanwhile, Qin Yu arrived at the spot she had hastily scouted the day before.
Staring at the entrance to the Abode before her, Qin Yu couldn't help but recall her childhood experiences. A wave of fear washed over her, but she quickly suppressed it.
It's okay. You can do this, Qin Yu encouraged herself, exhaling deeply.
She double-checked her condition and ammunition one last time.
The Talisman was also in place.
Perfect.
There was only one thing left to do! Qin Yu patted her cheeks.
"Alright, let's go."