"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Yelan." Yelan extended her hand.
Shortly after officially returning to her work post, Yelan reappeared.
Ningguang had suggested that she and Qin Yu formally introduce themselves to better understand each other.
Her eyeshadow looks really nice, Qin Yu thought, returning Yelan's smile as she shook her hand.
"I'm Qin Yu. You've probably heard this too many times, but I'm truly grateful for your help last time!"
Yelan chuckled. "No need to be so formal. By the way, your hands are remarkably beautiful."
Why are so many people suddenly interested in my hands?
Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, but a compliment was never unwelcome. She smiled. "Your hands are lovely too, Miss Yelan."
"Really? I find them quite ordinary. Your hands don't seem accustomed to holding a sword. How did you master such a precise, ferocious, and deceptively simple yet deadly swordsmanship?"
As Yelan spoke, she gently rubbed the palm of Qin Yu's hand with her fingers.
What is she doing? Trying to pry information? Qin Yu felt a sudden surge of irritation, but she remained calm and replied smoothly:
"That's my secret."
"Heh, you're right. A girl's hands should remain soft like this. My apologies for probing you." Yelan withdrew her hand with a warm smile.
"I only returned to Liyue Harbor recently, but I've already heard tales of your exploits. I couldn't help but wonder about you, someone so deeply cherished by Ningguang. I wanted to learn more about you."
Cherished? What nonsense!
While Qin Yu had indeed received considerable care from Ningguang, the word "cherished" felt absurd.
Yelan continued, "If I've offended you, it's my fault. If you don't mind, allow me to treat you to dinner as an apology?"
This woman's tactics are every bit as formidable as Ningguang's—perhaps even more so than Bao's.
"Ah ha ha, no worries at all! I don't mind. If it's you, Miss Yelan, I'd actually welcome it. I'd like to get to know you better too."
Yelan secretly admired Qin Yu's flawless response, remarking, "What a charming child."
"I'm already an adult," Qin Yu replied.
"But just recently, you were lectured by so many people for so long," Yelan teased.
Qin Yu flushed with embarrassment.
Please, no more!
Two days had passed since the Mark Incident. During that time, Qin Yu had undergone thorough examinations by the Adepti.
The mark had completely vanished, leaving no remnants of a god within her body. She was perfectly healthy.
Now that she had regained all her memories, Qin Yu naturally felt compelled to thank the Adepti who had saved her life. She carefully prepared gifts and paid them a visit.
She also expressed her gratitude to Zhongli for his advice.
Logically, everything should have been over by now. Qin Yu's past had come to an end, and an unpredictable future awaited her.
Yet whenever she recalled the lectures, she still felt awkward and embarrassed.
Especially considering Cloud Retainer's words:
"Just as this Adeptus predicted, your nature harbors an unexpectedly stubborn streak. Hmph, this Adeptus disapproves of your decision. In the future, when faced with trouble, remember to think more carefully. You are especially important to Shenhe and Ganyu..."
Another lecture!
Thus, the incident became Qin Yu's new black history.
If Shenhe or the others were to bring it up, Qin Yu knew her confidence would crumble by at least a third. After all, from their perspective, it looked terrible.
Could they start disliking me because of this? Qin Yu had wondered, but thankfully, the outcome proved her wrong, easing her worries.
"Alright, let me explain Yelan's role to you," Ningguang said.
"Okay."
Ningguang stated coolly, "Yelan and I have known each other since before I became the Tianquan. Currently, she serves as my Special Intelligence Officer. To the outside world, she's virtually invisible—most people don't even know she exists. Her name is absent from official records."
"So, even if you memorize every name in the Ministry of Civil Affairs' registry, you wouldn't find any trace of her."
Wow, she sounds like a secret agent!
But they've known each other since before Ningguang became the Tianquan? Qin Yu thought, feeling a twinge of unease.
I wonder, relationship-wise, who's closer to Yelan—me or her?
But if she asked outright, she'd be accused of jealousy. How could I be jealous? I'm just curious!
So Qin Yu kept her question to herself.
"Special Intelligence Officer... that sounds really impressive," Qin Yu remarked.
Ningguang said, "Yelan's abilities are truly exceptional, and her character warrants my complete trust. During the Rite of Descension, I mentioned another trusted associate abroad who couldn't return at the time. I was referring to her."
"It's a shame I missed such a significant event," Yelan remarked.
Ningguang chuckled. "Heh, troublesome matters will only increase in the future. There's no need to worry about that."
"Then I'll look forward to it. Oh, and Qin Yu..."
Yelan turned to Qin Yu. "To me, Ningguang is less my superior and more a contractual partner. You don't need to treat me like a colleague either."
"Ah, okay..."
Qin Yu glanced at Ningguang and, seeing her unchanged demeanor, realized Yelan was right—Ningguang herself endorsed this arrangement.
"The Fatui have been purged from Yanshang Teahouse. I intend to seize this opportunity to take it over."
"Of course, I know it was originally a gambling den. I have no interest in gambling myself, so I'll keep it superficially as an ordinary teahouse with some simple games for entertainment," Yelan said, twirling a pair of dice in her hand.
Ningguang nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. The teahouse is a melting pot of information—a valuable source of intelligence."
Seeing the pleasant atmosphere between the two, Qin Yu quietly took a breath and turned her gaze away.
"Alright, I'll take my leave now."
Yelan approached Qin Yu, placed a hand on her shoulder, and leaned close to whisper in her ear, "I didn't expect you to reveal so much of your true feelings. Just be careful not to let anyone notice."
"Eh?"
Before Qin Yu could react, Yelan gently brushed her cheek with a finger.
Evaluation: D- (Yelan)
"Until next time. If anything interesting comes up, feel free to come find me." Yelan chuckled softly, then bid farewell and departed.
Only after Yelan left the office did Qin Yu belatedly touch her cheek.
Waaah, that woman actually did that...
And what did she mean by "revealing so much of your true feelings" and "be careful not to let anyone notice"?
Does she see through my act? If someone of her rank as a Special Intelligence Officer can see through it, that wouldn't be surprising...
I hope not.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, feeling a flicker of unease.
Meanwhile, in Ningguang's eyes, Qin Yu looked like a flustered young girl, staring blankly at the spot where Yelan had disappeared.
Yelan seems quite interested in her.
While their good rapport was something to be pleased about, Ningguang couldn't help but wonder if things might eventually cross a certain line. Her brow furrowed slightly.
These are just irrational fears, she chided herself, but what can I do? I've fallen for my own maid.
Every gesture and movement of Qin Yu's drew her attention.
Perhaps this is just another manifestation of love, Ningguang mused as she settled back into her chair. Turning to Qin Yu, who was still in a daze, she said:
"You said you wanted to take some time off earlier?"
Qin Yu snapped out of her reverie, a little embarrassed. "Yes, I'd like to move into my new home tomorrow. It'll take a few days to adjust to living in a new place, so I was hoping to take two or three days off."
"I approve."
Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
Lady Ningguang is so kind! She took Ningguang's hand, beaming. "Thank you, Lady Ningguang!"
"You're welcome. I promised you from the start that I would give you more time to spend with your friends, and I intend to keep my word. Besides, I think you need some rest."
Ningguang teased, "After all, you were stuck in that place for quite a while."
Ugh...
Qin Yu recalled her cringeworthy history of lectures and chuckled awkwardly. "Ahaha..."
"Anyway, just relax and rest well. But don't get too complacent. Preparations for rebuilding the Jade Chamber are nearly complete, and the procurement of key materials is about to begin. Once the Jade Chamber is rebuilt and re-ascends, there will be countless matters to attend to... Not to mention, the Lantern Rite is fast approaching."
Qin Yu nodded. "I understand!"
"Good."
Ningguang paused inexplicably before continuing. "There's one more thing."
"Please, go ahead. I'll do my best to satisfy Lady Ningguang today!" Qin Yu declared.
Evaluation: D
Ningguang asked, her voice tinged with amusement, "Is that true?"
Why is she asking that?
Ningguang's question made Qin Yu uneasy. Please don't make any strange requests. Even though you helped me earlier, there's no need for me to accept anything now.
Suppressing her nervousness, Qin Yu nodded. "Because I failed to satisfy you last time, Lady Ningguang. I want to make amends."
"I see... Then..." Ningguang took Qin Yu's hand, her voice softening. "Let's do that now."
"That?" Which that?
Wordlessly, Ningguang guided Qin Yu's fingers to her lips.
Evaluation: C-
Ah, that... Heat rushed to Qin Yu's face. She knew Ningguang was referring to their once-weekly "secret task."
They hadn't done it yet this week.
"Now?" Couldn't we wait until after saying goodnight tonight? Qin Yu's heart raced.
"Yes. Now."
No choice, then. Fine.
Qin Yu reasoned that since she had some "points" accumulated, Ningguang wouldn't do anything too strange to her. It wasn't a complete loss. Besides, they had done this before, so she reluctantly agreed.
"Understood."
Evaluation: C+
She gently caressed Ningguang's face, slowly leaning down.
Suddenly, the scene of Ningguang and Yelan's earlier conversation flashed through Qin Yu's mind. Seeing Ningguang looking up at her, a switch in Qin Yu's heart flipped once again.
"Have Lady Ningguang and Miss Yelan known each other for a long time?"
"For a while, yes. Why do you ask?" Ningguang replied softly, her gaze fixed intently on Qin Yu's eyes.
"No reason... just curious."
Ningguang didn't quite believe her, but she didn't press the matter.
All she wanted now was to feel Qin Yu's warmth deeply. But after waiting a moment, Qin Yu still didn't grant her wish, remaining lost in thought as she stroked Ningguang's hair and face.
The sensation was pleasant enough, but Ningguang wished Qin Yu would do what she wanted first and then indulge her later.
"Qin Yu," Ningguang murmured, urging her on.
Otherwise, she couldn't guarantee she could hold back, not with Qin Yu's breath so close.
Is she getting impatient? Qin Yu found this amusing and silenced Ningguang with a finger pressed against her lips.
"Shh, Lady Ningguang. Isn't this what you wanted me to do?"
Evaluation: B
I'm the one in control here!
The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more her excitement grew. That's right, I'm the one in control. I'm the one being asked.
No matter how Ningguang usually acted, she was now in a passive position, needing Qin Yu's consent. If Qin Yu refused, Ningguang would be powerless!
In other words—I can make a demand now, one Ningguang will have no choice but to accept.
Relishing this newfound "power" once more, Qin Yu's breathing quickened as she leaned close to Ningguang's ear.
"Lady Ningguang," she whispered, "say 'I am yours.' Only then will I agree."
Completely oblivious to the earth-shattering implications of her words, Qin Yu simply let her feelings guide her.
Evaluation: A
Ningguang froze momentarily, stunned by Qin Yu's request.
She had never anticipated such a demand from Qin Yu.
Yet this pattern had emerged before: once she relinquished control, it seemed to trigger some hidden switch within Qin Yu.
Does her saying such a thing mean I've secured a vital place in her heart? Has her affection crossed the boundary?
Lost in thought, Ningguang idly twirled a strand of Qin Yu's hair, seeking an answer.
But asking outright would irrevocably alter their relationship.
Ningguang wasn't afraid of the changes to come, but she wanted to secure Qin Yu steadily. Qin Yu might have spoken out of momentary impulse, which didn't guarantee she'd actually accept a confession.
With this in mind, Ningguang made her decision.
Very well. Let her become even more intrigued by me, fall deeper into this. That way, my chances of winning her over will only increase.
Flushing, Ningguang murmured the spell-like words, "I am yours now."
Evaluation: S
Upon hearing those words, Qin Yu closed her eyes and leaned in, her face drawing close to Ningguang's.
Evaluation: SS-
Fragrance and warmth. Even in the lingering afterglow, Ningguang couldn't help but savor the moment, falling into a silent reverie. Her joy and contentment were evident only in the gentle caress of her hand on Qin Yu's.
Unfortunately, it's still not enough.
Ningguang cherished the silence, but Qin Yu couldn't bear it, standing beside her, face flushed crimson.
Ah—heavenly gods! What did I just say to Ningguang? Qin Yu, her sanity restored, now regretted her impulsive confession with all her heart. Her heart pounded like a drum, and her face and ears felt like they were about to melt from the heat.
How could I have made such a request to Ningguang?
Qin Yu felt she desperately needed to change the subject to distract herself. She stammered, "L-Lady Ningguang..."
"Hmm?" Ningguang replied lazily.
That languid tone seemed to convey, I'm already completely satisfied, only further unsettling Qin Yu.
Evaluation: SS+
Still, Qin Yu forced herself to continue, "About the time you came to help me... I wanted to thank you properly again."
Ningguang lifted her head.
"I thought I'd already told you not to bother with further thanks," she said. "You're one of my people, of course I couldn't allow you to be in danger."
"I know, I just wanted to... express my gratitude," Qin Yu said stiffly.
Ningguang's mind raced.
Qin Yu is so insistent about repaying my help? While she could simply repeat that no thanks were necessary, perhaps... Ningguang gently tugged Qin Yu's hand.
"If you truly wish to do something to express your gratitude, then I have a request for you."
A request?
Qin Yu tensed up, asking cautiously, "What kind of request?"
"Satisfy me."
Ha!?
Qin Yu's mind froze, her brain short-circuiting. Satisfy? Satisfy what? Not just 'please,' but 'satisfy'? Does she want to do something even stranger now?
"Wh-what does that mean?"
Explain yourself quickly! Wait, no, even if you explain, I'm not going to accept it.
Why is she always pushing her luck like this? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, just as she was about to make an excuse to leave, Ningguang gently touched Qin Yu's lips.
Is she talking about kissing?Phew, I thought it was something—Wait, wait, why am I so relieved?
Qin Yu, Qin Yu, you shouldn't be this kind of woman!
"If you don't want to accept, that's fine," Ningguang said with a gentle smile. "After all, you never needed to thank me in the first place."
...Well, one more time wouldn't hurt.
Qin Yu convinced herself, preparing to indulge Ningguang's request, when she heard Ningguang add:
"But if you do accept, I want you to do exactly what I did to you before."
"Before?"
"The time I made you run away from me."
If Ningguang hadn't mentioned it, Qin Yu wouldn't have remembered.
Now she did.
Who would even do that?!
"That... thing..." Qin Yu shifted her gaze, embarrassed.
"Ah, so you do remember. It was my fault for bringing up such painful memories. I apologize. Let's pretend I never said anything. Your continued presence by my side is all the satisfaction I need." Ningguang's expression carried a hint of regret.
Seeing Ningguang's dejected expression, Qin Yu felt a pang in her chest.
Ningguang had risked her life to help Qin Yu without hesitation. A mere verbal thank you felt inadequate, yet the reward Ningguang desired was...
Yet Qin Yu couldn't bear to see her looking so disappointed.
Hadn't she told Ningguang before to share any unhappiness with her?
Enough! Frustrated beyond measure, Qin Yu blurted out, "Just once... okay."
Ningguang was genuinely surprised that Qin Yu had agreed.
"So please don't be disappointed, Lady Ningguang."
So she only relented because I showed my disappointment? Qin Yu's words, spoken as if she were indulging Ningguang's whims, made the woman feel a peculiar warmth spread through her.
But acceptance is enough for now.
Eager to experience that sensation again, Ningguang nodded gently and closed her eyes.
Qin Yu nervously leaned in, hesitated for a long moment, then pressed her lips softly against Ningguang's, taking the initiative to break through and explore.
Evaluation: SSS-
Seconds later, Qin Yu recoiled as if electrocuted, covering her mouth.
Seeing Qin Yu's reaction, Ningguang, for once, grew utterly bashful, folding her arms and falling silent.
Though it was just a "light taste," it was enough to satisfy her.
Realizing how indulgently Qin Yu tolerated her whims, Ningguang murmured to herself, "So, even jealousy should be kept within limits."
Who's jealous?!
"I'm not jealous!" Qin Yu snapped immediately, like a cat whose paw had been stepped on.
Ningguang was momentarily taken aback, then realizing Qin Yu's thoughts, she chuckled softly. It seemed Qin Yu was indeed jealous of Yelan's arrival.
What's so funny?! Qin Yu felt deeply annoyed. Declaring she needed to retrieve some documents, she hurried out of the office.
This woman is impossible.
But... Qin Yu touched her lips.
That kiss wasn't so bad after all. Ugh, no! I can't let myself think that way. You can't become that kind of woman, Qin Yu. Never lower your standards again.
Qin Yu slapped her cheeks to regain composure.
With the documents in hand, Qin Yu regained her composure.
Ningguang followed suit.
However, as they finished work for the day and prepared to part ways, Ningguang pressed another warm kiss to Qin Yu's cheek, whispering softly in her ear:
"Get some rest. See you next time."
"Y-yes..." Qin Yu murmured, lowering her head.