After that, Hu Tao and Yanfei frequently used the excuse of "familiarizing the three of them together" to do all sorts of things to Qin Yu whenever she had free time.
"Fishy Treasure, have you gotten used to it at all yet?" Hu Tao asked with a grin.
Qin Yu's face flushed crimson. "How could I possibly get used to something like this?!"
"But you want to get along with us better, right? You can't if you don't adapt, Fishy Treasure. You wouldn't want us to argue, would you?" Hu Tao teased with a smile.
Qin Yu was speechless.
If this was truly helpful, she had no choice but to accept it.
She had to actively express herself while also tolerating these... encounters.
"I get it. You don't need to say it again," Qin Yu said, turning her face away.
"Then let's do it again! This time, I'll take the lead!"
Fine, whatever. As long as they didn't cross that line, she could tolerate it.
Qin Yu gave up trying to reason with them. She felt Yanfei's breath drawing closer behind her, and Hu Tao's warmth enveloped her lips once more. Closing her eyes, she surrendered to the moment.
As the Lantern Rite approached, the atmosphere in Liyue Harbor gradually shifted.
Baishi mused thoughtfully, "The Lantern Rite's almost here... Should I work overtime to earn some extra pay?"
"Eh? We have to work overtime?" Qin Yu asked, startled.
"It's optional, based on personal preference."
Qin Yu couldn't quite believe the words, but knowing Ningguang would never do such a thing, she felt reassured.
"Is Senior Baishi really short on money?" she asked curiously.
"Not exactly," Baishi replied. "I just want to earn a bit more so I can buy more things. Lady Ningguang always gives us generous bonuses for working overtime during the Lantern Rite, so it's the perfect time to splurge."
Baiwen nodded in agreement. "That's true. What about you, Ayu? What are you planning to do?"
"I'll pass," Qin Yu said diplomatically. "Having to work overtime during my time off... well, it's just not for me."
I'd rather jump into the sea than work on my days off, she thought.
Still, listening to the others discuss their Lantern Rite plans and various trivial matters, Qin Yu became even more aware of the approaching festival.
The Lantern Rite was a time for gathering with loved ones. I wonder if I'll get to spend it with everyone this year, she mused.
And will Ganyu have to work overtime again?
Keqing wouldn't make her work overtime unless there was a truly urgent matter, but Ganyu... well, she treats work like her hobby.
I might as well just ask her about her plans.
Having made up her mind, Qin Yu finished all the work she needed to handle at the Jade Chamber and returned to Yuehai Pavilion.
Today, she was scheduled to work alongside Ganyu.
"Close friends and family..."
Qin Yu muttered the phrase as she walked.
To me, Ganyu should count as family, at least that's what I hope.
More than being "Ganyu, the lover," she longed for Ganyu to be "Sister Ganyu."
Sister... Does that make me her younger sister then?
Even though Ganyu was several times her age, her appearance hadn't changed, and her spirit retained a youthful vibrancy. She was essentially a girl wearing the skin of someone "thousands of years old."
So calling each other "sister" wouldn't be strange at all.
No, not strange at all.
Besides, it was Ganyu who had initially suggested Qin Yu call her that. Treating each other like sisters was perfectly fine!
Qin Yu's excitement grew with each thought, and she quickened her pace, eager to see her "Sister Ganyu" again.
Arriving at Yuehai Pavilion, Qin Yu noticed a girl standing outside Ganyu's office.
Her brown hair was tied into butterfly-like braids, with bells pinned to either side for extra cuteness.
The basket on her back was stuffed with carrots and a rabbit-like plush toy.
What's a child doing inside Yuehai Pavilion?
Is she the daughter of one of the Secretaries? Did she get lost?
Approaching cautiously, Qin Yu bent down to ask, "Are you looking for someone?"
The girl turned her head, nodding brightly with a smile. "Mhm! I'm Yaoyao, and I'm here to find someone."
Then she tilted her head.
"Hmm~ Could you be Sister Qin Yu?"
Qin Yu startled. "Eh? Oh, yes, I am. How did you know?"
"Because Sister Ganyu always mentions you to me. She says Sister Qin Yu has beautiful black hair and eyes like Noctilucous Jade."
Sister Ganyu?
What's this feeling...? Qin Yu was suddenly overwhelmed by an indescribable, complex emotion.
She wasn't the only one who called Ganyu "Sister Ganyu."
Even the current Tianshu, now over fifty years old, still addressed Ganyu as "Sister Ganyu," a habit he couldn't seem to break, a lingering reminder of the help she had given him in his youth.
But when an old man called Ganyu "Sister," Qin Yu only felt the vast difference in lifespan between half-adepti and mortals, sighing at the fleeting nature of mortal existence. There was no other emotion involved.
Yet when this adorable girl called Ganyu "Sister," Qin Yu felt an inexplicable, subtle discomfort.
If she had to explain it, it was dissatisfaction.
I'm Sister Ganyu's real sister, Qin Yu thought to herself.
No, no, what am I doing arguing with a child...?
Dispelling her stray thoughts, Qin Yu offered a polite smile. "So, you're here to see Sister Ganyu?"
"Mm-hmm! But I've knocked several times, and there's been no answer. Do you think she's out?"
"She probably is. But I'm her assistant and I'm working with her today. You can tell me what you need, and I'll pass it on. Or would you rather wait for her yourself?"
Yaoyao beamed. "I'd rather wait."
"Alright then. Come on in, Sister. I'll take you to the office, and we can wait together."
"Mm-hmm! Thank you, Sister Qin Yu! You're just as nice as Sister Ganyu said you were!" Yaoyao's eyes sparkled.
Qin Yu felt flattered by the compliment but also couldn't help but wonder what Ganyu had told her.
This was a perfect opportunity to find out.
Taking Yaoyao's hand, Qin Yu led her into the office.
Ganyu was indeed absent, likely out on errands at the Jade Chamber. As Qin Yu thought this, she helped Yaoyao take off her basket and settle onto the sofa.
After pouring Yaoyao a glass of water, Qin Yu casually sat down beside her.
"Your name is Yaoyao, right?" she asked.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you. I'm a disciple of Streetward Rambler. If there's anything I can help with, please let me know. Yaoyao is at your service," Yaoyao said politely, bowing slightly.
Her manners are better than some adults! Qin Yu thought, surprised and impressed. She praised, "You're so polite! That's amazing. Most children your age couldn't do that."
"Really? I don't think it's anything special," Yaoyao replied, looking puzzled.
This child is extraordinary.
After making this assessment, Qin Yu noticed Yaoyao's earlier mention of "Streetward Rambler"—Madame Ping's Adeptus name.
So she's Madame Ping's disciple.
Already an Adeptus's disciple at such a young age... Qin Yu mused inwardly.
"Sister Ganyu is your..." Qin Yu asked cautiously.
"Sister Ganyu takes care of me. Um, in professional terms, she's my guardian? Oh, I'm the ward."
That explains it. After all, she's an Adeptus's disciple. It's not surprising a half-adeptus would care for her.
But Ganyu looking after her? Is that really okay? Qin Yu wondered. It's Ganyu who needs looking after, not the other way around!
Qin Yu was still pondering when Yaoyao chimed in, "Sister Ganyu told me so much about you, Sister Qin Yu! I've always wanted to see for myself what kind of person she described."
"But my parents wanted me to stay home longer this year. I'd been training with my Master for too long, and they really missed me. So I haven't been to Liyue Harbor much, only occasionally."
"And even then, I never managed to meet you, Sister Qin Yu."
No wonder I've never seen her before.
Hearing how thoughtful Yaoyao was, Qin Yu's aversion to children softened somewhat.
Not that she disliked them, but she certainly wasn't the type to dote on kids. She only played the role of a "kind older sister" in their eyes to maintain her virtuous persona for others.
After all, she had nearly been killed by children in her youth.
While people and children are individuals, those particular troublemakers had left an indelible mark on her.
Fortunately, Yaoyao was the complete opposite of them.
Qin Yu's expression softened as she gently patted Yaoyao's head. "You're so thoughtful, Yaoyao. It's important to cherish the people around you."
"Hehe, Sister Qin Yu is just as kind as Sister Ganyu said!" Yaoyao giggled, accepting the head pat.
"That's not true at all," Qin Yu muttered, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Oh, really? Ah, I heard you're super strong—you can lift huge rocks! Can you lift me too?" Yaoyao asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Her insatiable curiosity really made her feel like a child.
She's still just a kid, after all, Qin Yu thought, reaching out and effortlessly lifting Yaoyao.
"How's that?" she asked.
"Wow, you really are so strong!" Yaoyao exclaimed.
Qin Yu chuckled. "Not the strongest, though."
At least not compared to Shenhe, especially in terms of physical strength.
"Can I sit on your lap now?"
"Sure, go ahead."
As Yaoyao carefully settled onto her lap, Qin Yu felt an unfamiliar warmth bloom in her chest. This instinct-like emotion made her want to protect Yaoyao even more.
Could this be... maternal love? I actually have this kind of thing...? Qin Yu felt a pang of embarrassment.
"Sister Qin Yu indeed smells like Glaze Lilies—a faint, lovely fragrance. What kind of shampoo do you use? Yaoyao wants to try it too!"
"I don't use any special shampoo, really, but I can recommend a few brands."
"Thank you, Sister Qin Yu!"
Qin Yu smiled. "You're welcome. By the way, what does 'indeed' mean?"
"Sister Ganyu always says you smell so good, so I was curious to see if it was true, heh heh."
Yaoyao added, "Oh, don't tell Sister Ganyu I said that! I only heard it from her sleep-talking."
Sleep-talking? What kind of dream could Ganyu have to say something like that?
Lost in thought, Qin Yu's cheeks flushed slightly. "I understand. I won't tell her. Did Sister Ganyu say anything else?"
Yaoyao grinned. "Mhm! Lots of things! She thinks you're always trying to be strong and keeping your feelings bottled up."
Uwa, she said all that? Qin Yu looked embarrassed.
"I don't think it's good to act tough all the time. If you're having trouble, it's always better to talk about it than keep it inside. Otherwise, you'll get sick from keeping it all in! Sister Qin Yu, you really need to remember that."
"Eh? Ah... I'll keep that in mind."
Am I being cared for by a child? The confusion left Qin Yu feeling a little dazed.
"Sister Qin Yu, have you been sleeping well lately? You seem a bit tired. Is it because you're working too hard? That's no good! You need to rest more! Sister Ganyu has the same problem..."
"Ahahaha, thank you for your concern," Qin Yu replied.
Yaoyao's worried expression melted into a bright smile. "It's no problem at all! Even though this is our first time meeting, Sister Qin Yu, I already like you a lot. I just want you to take good care of yourself!"
"Oh, are you hungry? I happen to have some vinegar and radish. I could make you some cold radish salad. Would you like some?" Yaoyao asked.
Qin Yu, unsure how to respond, could only stammer, "N-no, thank you. I'm not hungry yet."
"Alright then! Let me tell you more about what Sister Ganyu said earlier."
Qin Yu finally let out a sigh of relief.
Why does this child act like a little mother hen? she wondered.
Still, at least she's not a troublemaker, Qin Yu thought, smiling as she responded to Yaoyao's chatter while waiting for Ganyu's return.
The conversation wasn't particularly lively, but it was surprisingly enjoyable.
Perhaps it was Yaoyao's combination of maturity and childlike innocence and curiosity. She brought up topics Qin Yu had never even considered before.
Spending time with a child like this isn't so bad after all, Qin Yu mused.
So, when Ganyu pushed open the door and returned to the office, she found the two of them getting along remarkably well.
"Huh?"