"Qin Yu, you seem to enjoy games. Coincidentally, I've recently devised a game that would be perfect for us. Would you be interested in playing?"
A game? Qin Yu perked up, intrigued.
"What kind of game?" she asked, pouring tea.
Ningguang parted her lips slightly. "A Master-Servant Game."
Evaluation: D
Ha?
Qin Yu pursed her lips. "I'm not playing."
"Why not?"
"Don't you know the reason yourself? You'd just use the game as an excuse to do something... weird again." Qin Yu said nonchalantly. "Besides, I'm already your maid. Why would we need a Master-Servant Game?"
Does she want me to call her 'Master' or something?
Very likely.
"You're not thinking of having me call you 'Master'... or something like that, are you?" Qin Yu murmured, placing the teacup before Ningguang.
Ningguang calmly picked up the teacup, took a sip, and replied languidly, "Do you really think of me as that kind of person?"
Yes.
Qin Yu didn't say it outright, but her silence spoke volumes.
Ningguang didn't mind. In her view, desiring one's lover was perfectly natural. In fact, not desiring them would be far more peculiar.
Lately, Qin Yu had been initiating kisses more often.
Though she often dismissed it as "just another way of expressing affection" or "I haven't thought of anything else," Ningguang saw through her facade.
Qin Yu definitely desires me.
Does this mean Qin Yu harbors romantic feelings for me? Ningguang couldn't be sure yet.
But Qin Yu's growing interest was a good sign. Ningguang reveled in it, immersing herself in this burgeoning connection.
Yet it wasn't enough.
Stopping at mere kisses was impossible. Ningguang craved more—to delve deeper into Qin Yu's mind and body, to touch her in profound ways, to feel her, to witness a side of her completely unlike any she had ever seen before.
She couldn't bear to wait any longer.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "You misunderstand. I have no intention of engaging in any strange games, nor do I want you to call me 'Master.' Quite the opposite—I want you to be the 'Master.'"
Evaluation: C-
"Huh? Me?" Qin Yu asked in surprise.
"That's right. In this 'Master-Servant Game,' you'll be the Master, and I'll be the Servant. The initiative is yours. Within the game, I won't defy your will."
Qin Yu felt a restless itch. Being the Master meant she could touch Ningguang without her doing anything weird in return. And Ningguang would even call her "Master."
That sounds pretty good... Uh, wait, no, no. It always feels like Ningguang gets the better end of the deal whenever we do this. This time might be no different.
It sounds one way, but the reality could be entirely different.
But we're lovers, so even if it benefits Ningguang, what's the harm?
If I want her to love me, I need to take the initiative and love her first. Refusing her outright would be wrong.
After all, to achieve that, I need to accept, not reject.
"You really won't do anything weird?" Qin Yu asked, her resolve wavering.
"I won't do anything you dislike."
In that case, accepting might not be so bad.
Definitely not because it would make Ningguang call me "Master"!
No, the thoughts I just had were absolutely not for that reason. They were perfectly logical and justified.
Qin Yu had always been good at convincing herself, and this time was no different.
"What about work?" Qin Yu asked again, seeking reassurance.
"This is just a game," Ningguang replied, "It won't affect our public roles. We'll keep it private. Officially, our positions remain unchanged, and we'll continue to handle matters with due diligence, as always."
Qin Yu nodded, relieved. That made sense.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "So, what do you say?"
"I'm willing to play along."
Hooked.
Ningguang smiled. "Excellent. Then let's move somewhere more appropriate. We can't exactly play this game in the office."
"Where to?"
"My chambers."
I knew it!
Is this really okay? Qin Yu couldn't help but feel nervous again, but there was no turning back now.
If she backed out now, she would undoubtedly disappoint Ningguang.
She never wanted to see that side of Ningguang again.
"I'm curious," Ningguang admitted frankly. "As the higher-ranking one, how will you treat me, your subordinate? What will your attitude be?"
She was genuinely intrigued by Qin Yu's approach and behavior.
Qin Yu stared in disbelief. "You're actually curious about that?"
Could Ningguang possibly have...those kinds of inclinations?
"You seem to have misunderstood," Ningguang purred. "On one hand, I am genuinely curious. On the other, because it's you, I'll gladly accept whatever you do to me."
Ningguang leaned close to Qin Yu's ear, her warm breath tickling her skin. "I'm yours now, Mistress Qin Yu."
Evaluation: C+
Qin Yu's body trembled. Ningguang's warm, passionate voice seemed to melt her senses, and the formal address stirred something deep within her, tugging at her heartstrings.
A faint sense of anticipation began to stir within her.
After entering her bedroom with Ningguang, Qin Yu's heart pounded even faster as she bolted the door.
Sensing Ningguang's gaze, Qin Yu stammered, "J-just in case."
"Mm, locking the door is a good habit. Now then, let the game officially begin. What do you want me to do?"
What do I want Ningguang to do?
...She couldn't think of anything. Qin Yu felt her mind had turned to mush, unable to form a coherent thought.
"Can't think of anything?"
"Ah, um..."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "I am your servant. You don't need to overthink it. Just tell me whatever comes to mind. Satisfying you is my greatest duty."
Qin Yu frowned, puzzled. "Why does your tone sound so familiar...?"
"I learned it from you."
Ugh, no wonder.
A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over Qin Yu. So this is how I sounded when I spoke to Ningguang before?
Back then, she had only been focused on winning Ningguang's favor and earning Points.
But surprisingly, the feeling wasn't as bad as she'd expected.
"Anything at all?"
"Exactly."
With Ningguang's permission, the desire in Qin Yu's heart swelled uncontrollably.
"Then... call me Master?" Qin Yu asked tentatively.
So Qin Yu really does change drastically the moment she gets the upper hand, Ningguang thought.
Master. She had only heard that form of address once, back when Qin Yu first arrived.
Qin Yu would never say it herself, yet now she had to. The thought made Ningguang blush slightly.
But for the sake of her ultimate goal, she still whispered, "Master."
Evaluation: B
That single word ignited Qin Yu's emotions, sending them soaring to their peak.
I have the upper hand now.
I have the right to make demands of Ningguang.
This is the perfect chance to "repay" her for everything she's done to me! Qin Yu thought, sitting down on the bed.
"Come here," she beckoned.
When Ningguang approached, Qin Yu had her bend down.
Gently caressing Ningguang's face, Qin Yu slowly pulled her closer. Just as their breaths were about to mingle, she raised a finger and pressed it against Ningguang's lips.
"Do you want it?" Qin Yu asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I do."
Qin Yu grinned playfully. "You can't have it."
Evaluation: A-
The usual Ningguang would have already made a move by now.
But right now, Ningguang was the "maid."
"'You're not allowed to do anything improper to me. You said so yourself,'" Qin Yu said cheerfully.
"I am well aware of that."
"Sit next to me," Qin Yu commanded.
Once Ningguang was seated beside her, Qin Yu leaned close to her ear.
"Don't move."
Having given the order, Qin Yu opened her mouth. A unique sensation, mingled with warm, soft whispers, seeped into Ningguang's body and soul.
Ningguang closed her eyes, her voice trembling slightly. "Qin Yu..."
"It's Master."
"...Master."
Evaluation: A+
Ningguang felt her rationality being challenged as desire surged through her. The moment she turned her head, Qin Yu's voice, laced with displeasure, stopped her.
"I told you not to move."
"I love you," Ningguang said.
Evaluation: S
Qin Yu's face instantly flushed crimson. She mumbled, "I... I know, but you still can't move. You're my maid right now, and I'm your master."
This is getting dangerous, she thought.
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu said, "Come give me a massage."
"Your shoulders?"
"Mm."
Ningguang's eyes flickered. With a soft hum of acknowledgment, she moved behind Qin Yu, placed her hands on her shoulders, and began to knead.
Qin Yu exhaled slowly, trying to cool her burning face.
As she calmed down a little, she thought, This game really isn't a good idea, is it? The atmosphere has become so ambiguous.
But she had to admit, it was undeniably thrilling.
Stopping now was out of the question; that would be like breaking a promise. She just had to make sure Ningguang didn't do anything too intimate.
That way, the game wouldn't feel so strange.
Just as Qin Yu made this decision, Ningguang wrapped her arms around her neck.
"Wait, what are you doing...?"
Ningguang pressed against her, whispering softly, "I'm ensuring your satisfaction."
"I didn't ask for this."
"Really?"
"Of course. You're my maid right now, so don't push your luck," Qin Yu said nervously, vaguely sensing the situation had shifted.
Ningguang tightened her embrace, whispering, "But we're also lovers, aren't we?"
"Well... that's true, but..."
We're playing a game right now, don't bring our real relationship into it—Qin Yu wanted to say this, but Ningguang's next words cut her off.
"Or are we not? If so, our relationship would end right here."
Without a second thought, Qin Yu pushed Ningguang down onto the bed.
"Don't say things like that!" she cried urgently.
"So it's true, then?"
Realizing she'd taken the bait, Qin Yu felt a surge of annoyance.
"You're so cunning," she grumbled.
"Mm, I won't deny it."
"So shameless."
"I won't deny that either. But you know why I'm like this." Ningguang gently twirled a strand of Qin Yu's hair, making her blush.
Evaluation: SS-
Qin Yu pulled away and sat back on the bed, sulking. "I know, honestly... But I'm still your master right now. Go pour me a cup of tea. I'm thirsty."
"Please wait a moment."
Ningguang unlocked the door, stepped out of the bedroom, and returned shortly after with a teapot and cup.
She placed them on the table, then deliberately locked the door again.
Click. The lock engaged.
Qin Yu suddenly felt as if there was no escape.
The room's atmosphere and the lingering fragrance made her dizzy. Ningguang's scent was everywhere—on the bed, on the table...
Ningguang poured tea into the cup, then brought it to her own lips and took a sip.
"What about mine?" Qin Yu asked, confused. Why was Ningguang drinking it herself?
Instead of answering, Ningguang cupped Qin Yu's face, leaned in, and shared the tea with her.
Evaluation: SS+
"Another sip?" Ningguang asked, stroking Qin Yu's endearing face.
Qin Yu snapped out of her daze. Staring at Ningguang up close, she finally managed to say, her voice stiff and strained:
"I'm your master right now. Didn't you say you wouldn't do anything strange?"
"I said I wouldn't do anything you disliked. But you don't dislike this, do you?" Ningguang murmured softly.
Qin Yu lowered her head. "You're always like this."
"If I weren't, you wouldn't agree. Isn't that right?"
"No, if you had just talked to me properly—"
Before Qin Yu could finish, Ningguang's hand slid to her collar.
"If I had talked to you properly," Ningguang asked, "and told you I wanted to cross this line with you, to feel you more deeply... would you have agreed?"
Qin Yu was speechless.
Probably not, she thought.
"Qin Yu," Ningguang called out, cupping Qin Yu's face.
Qin Yu's gaze darted away, unsure how to react.
"I want to do this with you."
So that's why Ningguang suddenly suggested this game, Qin Yu realized. This was her true goal.
"...Can't we wait a little longer?" Qin Yu asked nervously.
"I can't bear it anymore. If you don't want me to touch you, then at least touch me," Ningguang said, settling for the next best thing.
Her words struck a nerve.
Don't want to? That made it sound as if Qin Yu's feelings for her were fake. She couldn't tolerate that.
"I do want to!" she retorted.
It was just...
"...I'm just a little scared," Qin Yu whispered.
She knew it was impossible to avoid this kind of thing forever.
After all, Shenhe and the others seemed to have strong desires. Even Shenhe, despite the Red String's restraint, wanted to do this.
If she didn't satisfy them, she might disappoint them.
Qin Yu knew this worry was pointless, but she couldn't help thinking it anyway.
So, I'll have to do this kind of thing sooner or later.
But even understanding that, she still felt anxious and scared.
After all, this was something she had never experienced before.
"So I wanted to at least prepare myself mentally," Qin Yu continued in a small voice.
"I see. You're feeling anxious. But I won't take back what I said. Qin Yu, this is my first time doing this too. I can't guarantee I'll be perfect."
Ningguang smiled gently. "But I promise I won't leave you with a bad memory."
Qin Yu's whole body burned, her skin flushing a vibrant red.
Her mind a chaotic mess, she stammered, "You mean... right now?"
"Yes."
Ningguang took the opportunity to press Qin Yu down onto the bed. They gazed into each other's eyes, their thundering heartbeats faintly audible in the silence. Qin Yu found it hard to breathe through her nose, so she parted her lips, panting softly.
"Can't we really wait a little longer?" Qin Yu asked again.
"No. I can't hold back anymore."
Ningguang leaned down. "I want you, Qin Yu."
".... Can I at least take a shower first?" Qin Yu asked in a small voice, clutching the bedsheets.
"There's no need. Neither of us is sweating."
Qin Yu bit her lip.
It seemed there was no refusing or escaping today.
Am I really going to cross this line? she wondered, feeling a profound sense of unease and confusion. Ningguang had promised not to leave her with a bad memory, which was reassuring, but still...
After hesitating for a long moment, Qin Yu finally spoke. "Then... can you make me a promise?"
"Promise what?" Ningguang asked softly.
"That you'll... love me more," Qin Yu murmured, her eyes shimmering with complex emotions.
Ningguang found Qin Yu utterly endearing in that moment, and the desire in her heart swelled uncontrollably. She pressed her lips against Qin Yu's, letting their insatiable longing melt them together.
"Of course," she whispered. "But... you have to love me more, too."
"Mmm..."
Qin Yu closed her eyes, surrendering to the familiar warmth as her consciousness dissolved into a sea of sensation.
Evaluation: SSS
Evaluation: SSS+
So I really did become that kind of woman after all.