"Should I assign Shenhe a task...?"
Ganyu glanced at Shenhe's expressionless face. When Shenhe gave a slight nod, Ganyu was surprised.
She and Shenhe weren't particularly close, having only learned about each other through Cloud Retainer. Precisely because of this limited familiarity, Ganyu was so surprised by Shenhe's willingness.
Long ago, Cloud Retainer had said that Shenhe's personality—shaped by the Red String and years of isolation in the mountains—was so detached it seemed inhuman. Ganyu never expected her to show such initiative...
During the Rite of Descension, when Ganyu had first seen Shenhe interacting with Qin Yu, the impression she gave was markedly different from the aloof, otherworldly figure Cloud Retainer had described.
She must have been changed by Qin Yu, Ganyu thought, glancing at Qin Yu.
"Is that alright?" Qin Yu asked.
"Mm, of course, no problem at all. I happen to have some trivial tasks that need handling. Even someone like Shenhe, with no experience, can manage them. Pay is daily, is that acceptable?"
Shenhe nodded.
Ganyu smiled warmly. "Very well, I'll make arrangements shortly. But... I'm a little curious, Shenhe. Why are you looking for work?"
"I want to try integrating into human society," Shenhe replied.
"Eh? Integrating into human society..." Ganyu murmured, surprised.
She felt a sudden sense of camaraderie.
"Yes. Since I'm living with Qin Yu, I don't want to burden her. I want to find work to help cover daily expenses and use this opportunity to learn how to blend in," Shenhe admitted frankly.
Evaluation: D (Shenhe)
Though this wasn't exactly a secret that needed to be hidden from acquaintances, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel her cheeks flush slightly when Shenhe mentioned their cohabitation.
Don't just tell everyone you meet! It'll never end, Qin Yu thought, twirling a strand of her hair.
Ganyu murmured, "Living together..."
This was the first time she'd heard about it. She never imagined Shenhe and Qin Yu were cohabitating!
Sharing meals, drinks, living spaces, and travels—it was enviable... No, she should offer congratulations instead!
"Congratulations on moving in together!" Ganyu said. "I didn't realize you two were living together."
"Ahaha, we made a promise," Qin Yu laughed.
In other words, if we hadn't made that agreement, we probably wouldn't be living together now, Qin Yu thought.
But what had happened last night was definitely not part of her imagined cohabitation life.
Ugh, no! I can't think about that again!
Qin Yu sighed inwardly and glanced at Shenhe. Her expression remained as calm and unchanged as ever. Qin Yu secretly pouted.
She had a good idea why Shenhe had acted that way.
It was probably because she thought that was the best way to express her feelings.
If I'd known, I should have given Shenhe a more ambiguous answer when she asked me. But what if a more ambiguous answer would have led Shenhe to even more misguided conclusions?
Qin Yu's mind flooded with embarrassing and heart-pounding scenarios, and she shook her head repeatedly.
Thank goodness we only kissed last night and didn't go any further—Wait, wait! I shouldn't be thinking like this! Qin Yu, Qin Yu, you're not supposed to be this kind of woman!
"Qin Yu?"
"Huh?"
Ganyu and Shenhe both looked over. Ganyu asked worriedly, "You seem a bit distracted. Are you alright? Or is there still something bothering you physically?"
Evaluation: D (Ganyu)
Qin Yu couldn't possibly explain the nonsensical thoughts racing through her mind. She stammered awkwardly, "N-no, I'm fine. Just a little distracted."
"Was it because of last night?" Shenhe asked, her tone concerned.
Ugh, what's going on?!
"I just haven't fully adjusted back from vacation mode yet!" Qin Yu blurted out hastily.
Shenhe visibly relaxed, murmuring softly, "That's good. I thought it might have been my—"
Don't say it!
Evaluation: C (Shenhe)
Ha? Go away, go away.
"Right! Did I miss any important information?" Qin Yu interrupted frantically, changing the subject again.
Shenhe would never directly reveal that she had kissed Qin Yu into unconsciousness the night before, but Qin Yu was reaching her limit with the repeated references to it.
Ganyu blinked in confusion, responding hesitantly, "Ah, I'm not sure if it counts as important information..."
Why does something feel off here? Ganyu sensed a strange undercurrent in their interactions.
Did something happen between them last night?
A secret only they shared... The thought alone made Ganyu lower her head, feeling inexplicably flustered and uneasy. She couldn't quite understand what was bothering her.
Her thoughts swirled like a hazy mist, mingling together as a deep yearning surged within her.
Ganyu spoke directly, "I'd like to visit your home. Would you be willing to accept my invitation?"
A visit?
Qin Yu didn't find this strange at all. Back when they were living in the rental apartment, Shenhe, Hu Tao, and Yanfei had come over often, and even Keqing would stop by occasionally. She was already used to it.
Ningguang, on the other hand, had never once visited. Hmph.
Qin Yu smiled warmly. "Of course! What do you think, Shenhe?"
"Mm, no problem."
Ganyu sighed in relief and smiled. "Thank you both."
As evening approached, the three of them, having finished their work for the day, left Liyue Harbor and arrived at Qin Yu and Shenhe's home.
"Such lovely scenery... so peaceful and comfortable. It must be wonderful living here," Ganyu praised, her genuine envy evident.
Qin Yu, naturally pleased to hear her home praised, grinned. "If you like it here so much, Sister Ganyu, you're welcome to visit anytime!"
Evaluation: C (Ganyu)
"Really?" Ganyu asked, her eyes lighting up with surprise.
"Absolutely! Right, Shenhe?"
Hearing Ganyu's praise for their home, Shenhe nodded matter-of-factly. "Mm, come visit often."
"Thank you, but... wouldn't it be a bit awkward to visit for no reason?" Ganyu said, her initial excitement fading into mild embarrassment.
Back in the day, Hu Tao used to barge in for meals all the time!
Qin Yu waved her hand dismissively, smiling. "It's no trouble at all, Sister Ganyu. You saved my life and you're Shenhe's senior sister. There's no reason to feel awkward."
She then took Ganyu's hand.
"I really want to properly thank you, Sister Ganyu," she said sincerely. "So if there's anything you want to do, just tell me straight!"
Evaluation: B- (Ganyu)
Without Ganyu, Qin Yu wouldn't be alive today. She knew this fact better than anyone.
Ganyu blinked her watery eyes and shook her head.
"There's no need to be so formal. Our brief encounter back then gave me the courage to carry on. We're already even... But hearing you say that makes me very happy. I'll visit more often," she said with a gentle smile.
That's the spirit!
Ganyu reluctantly released Qin Yu's hand and added, "Actually, though Shenhe and I are technically sisters, we aren't very close."
"Hmm, I've only heard about your past from Master."
Past. The word instantly triggered a reaction from Ganyu.
She asked anxiously, "What exactly did Retainer tell you?"
"About you tumbling down the mountain..."
"Ah, I understand now. Please don't say any more!" Ganyu's face flushed crimson as she hurriedly cut them off.
Qin Yu, deliberately teasing, said, "I'd love to hear more about Sister Ganyu's adorable past. Shenhe, tell us more!"
"Very well, Master also said..."
"T-The Retainer also mentioned Shenhe before she was tied with the Red String!" Ganyu retorted, desperate to avert the exposure of her own embarrassing past by threatening to reveal Shenhe's.
Shenhe immediately fell silent.
Qin Yu, thoroughly amused, thought to herself, Oh my, this is getting interesting.
"I think you two could become very good friends," Qin Yu remarked.
Ganyu and Shenhe exchanged a glance.
"Hmm... it feels a bit awkward acting as senior and junior sisters. What do you think, Shenhe?" Ganyu asked.
"I feel the same. Let's just interact normally."
I never thought I'd hear those words from Shenhe one day, Qin Yu mused with a sigh.
After hosting Ganyu indoors for a while, Qin Yu noticed the small, unused plot of land outside.
"Is this a field?" Ganyu asked, squatting down to examine it with interest.
"Yeah, it came with the place. But Shenhe and I completely forgot about farming, and even if we wanted to plant something, we wouldn't know what to grow."
Hearing this, Ganyu perked up.
"Gardening is actually my second favorite hobby," she emphasized.
"And first?" Shenhe asked.
"Work," Ganyu replied.
Incomprehensible.
Qin Yu would never consider work a hobby. But just as some people loved cats while others preferred dogs, it was perfectly reasonable that some people enjoyed working.
"Sister Ganyu, what do you think we should plant?" Qin Yu asked, squatting down beside her.
"Sweet Flowers would be a great choice," Ganyu said smoothly, her eyes darting nervously. "They're easy to grow and can be used in cooking. Of course, besides Sweet Flowers, we could also plant scallions, and the soil here is perfect for Jueyun Chili..."
She paused, her voice hesitant. "If you don't mind, I could bring some seeds and we could plant them together."
That way, my visit won't seem like I'm just dropping by for no reason! she thought to herself.
"Would that be alright? Wouldn't it be too much trouble for you, Sister Ganyu?" Qin Yu asked.
Ganyu immediately replied, "It wouldn't be any trouble at all! I'd be delighted to help. Besides, if we plant the seeds here, when they bloom and bear fruit, I won't have to worry about giving in to the temptation to eat them all..."
Qin Yu knew Ganyu was trying to control her figure, but asking for help without offering anything in return was unacceptable. She couldn't let that go.
At the very least, they should plant and eat the crops together.
"Sister Ganyu, won't you eat any?"
"Ah, I won't... I can't eat too much, or I'll gain weight."
Shenhe asked, puzzled, "What's wrong with gaining weight?"
"So many things! But most importantly, I might repeat my past mistakes..." Ganyu said earnestly, determined to avoid reliving her embarrassing history.
Qin Yu covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
"Qin Yu!" Ganyu blushed furiously, knowing Qin Yu was thinking about her embarrassing past. "Don't tease me!"
Qin Yu guiltily averted her gaze. "I-I don't think it matters at all, though?"
Ganyu said awkwardly, "But if I get fat, won't my weight... in your heart, become heavier too?"
Evaluation: B+ (Ganyu)
What does she mean by that?
Qin Yu couldn't quite grasp Ganyu's meaning. What did physical weight have to do with one's emotional significance? Was Ganyu worried about losing her appeal and shattering Qin Yu's impression of her?
Unable to figure it out, Qin Yu still knew what to say in this situation.
"It's okay, I'll stay with Sister Ganyu! You're important to me too. I'll always like you, no matter what."
To avoid any misunderstanding, Qin Yu wanted to add "in a platonic way." But emphasizing that might backfire, making it seem like she'd considered something more than friendship. So she decided against adding it.
Evaluation: A (Ganyu)
The word "like" deepened the blush on Ganyu's face, its warmth spreading across her cheeks like melted honey.
She told herself Qin Yu meant it platonically.
Even so, Ganyu felt light as a feather, her heart fluttering with joy.
She buried her face halfway in her knees and murmured, "Mm... I... Well, if you insist, we can plant and eat together."
"Great!"
Qin Yu stood up and extended her hand. Ganyu took it, using the leverage to rise.
She wanted to hug Qin Yu like before, but with Shenhe present, she reluctantly abandoned the idea, settling for a shy smile.
Shenhe suddenly felt a tightness in her chest.
In this situation, I'm probably feeling what's called jealousy, she thought. To alleviate the discomfort, she simply grabbed Qin Yu's other hand.
"Shenhe?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"I'm jealous," Shenhe stated.
Huh?
"...I think so," Shenhe added, sounding unsure.
Evaluation: B- (Shenhe)
Qin Yu was surprised both by Shenhe's jealousy and by her directness in expressing her feelings. Still, it made her somewhat happy.
"I never intended to exclude you, Shenhe," Qin Yu assured her.
"I understand," Shenhe replied.
Ganyu, having recovered from her shock, marveled at Shenhe's jealousy. Isn't this already quite human? she thought. Qin Yu has truly changed her significantly.
The reason for this transformation must be the immense weight Qin Yu held in Shenhe's heart.
And what about Qin Yu's feelings?
Ganyu glanced at the house and immediately understood—they must be just as great, incredibly great.
Otherwise, Ganyu wouldn't have chosen to live with Shenhe and make her a part of her life.
What about me?
Ganyu suddenly became preoccupied with her relationship with Qin Yu again, squeezing Qin Yu's hand slightly.
Whoa, she's holding on so tight!
Qin Yu's attention immediately shifted. Seeing Ganyu gazing at her with a subtle expression, she couldn't help but feel puzzled and returned the look.
After a moment of silent eye contact, Ganyu inexplicably smiled, a look of contentment on her face.
W-what's going on? Qin Yu remained utterly confused, but couldn't resist shyly turning her face away.
Evaluation: S- (Ganyu)
Ganyu deeply cherished the feeling of their silent gaze. Seeing Qin Yu's embarrassed expression only made her heart race faster. If only we could get closer... just a little closer, then look into each other's eyes again.
Regrettably, the timing wasn't right. Shenhe couldn't resist adding a little force of her own, drawing Qin Yu's attention to her.
"Ah..." Ganyu felt a pang of disappointment, then found herself questioning her own actions. How could I do something like that? Her face flushed crimson with embarrassment, yet she didn't want to let go.
"Shenhe, what's wrong?" Qin Yu asked.
"You were staring at Ganyu the whole time."
"E-eh? Ah, it's just that I thought Sister Ganyu had something to tell me..." Qin Yu felt completely flustered, unable to make sense of the situation.
My hand is so hot! It's about to start sweating.
Determined not to let her palms sweat, Qin Yu forced a smile. "C-can you let go first? My palms are getting sweaty... I want to wipe my hands."
"I... I don't mind," Ganyu murmured.
Ha?
"Me neither," Shenhe added.
At least pretend to mind! Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, resorting to a flimsy excuse. "I need to use the restroom..."
"..." The two fell silent.
Let go already! What's the deal? Why aren't either of you saying anything?
Fine, fine... Qin Yu sighed inwardly. Faced with these two, she had no choice but to ask, "Want to go for a walk?"
"Mm," Shenhe nodded.
"Ah, sure. Let's go," Ganyu replied.
Why are they responding this time?
Resigned, Qin Yu led the two on a stroll around the neighborhood.
It feels like I'm taking two grown-up kids out... Qin Yu mused, even though Ganyu was many times her age.
Still, she thought with a hint of joy, it's nice to take a walk with someone else for a change of pace.