"You—don't say things like that. I don't need Ganyu to look after me. Even if I run into trouble, I can handle it myself. Out there, one sword is enough to deal with anything. And in here, I'll use my own ability to convince those people!"
Hearing Ryou speak up for her, Keqing's chest warmed. She couldn't help feeling happy—because she could hear how sincere he was. It sounded like casual conversation, yet every word carried a straightforward kind of care. Still, with Mother, Ganyu and Xingqiu right here, hearing him say it out loud made her face burn.
Ryou's mother blinked in quiet surprise. She'd always known her son was talented, but she hadn't expected his character to be this solid too. In her eyes, Keqing was capable, decisive, and had principles she wouldn't bend. If she married, there was no way she'd ever allow her husband to "find another woman."
And yet Keqing had come back and brought up doing exactly that for Ryou. Ryou's mother had been so shocked she'd nearly gone speechless.
Now, though, she started to understand.
Ryou truly doted on Keqing, and their feelings had only grown stronger. Something—some issue—had forced Keqing to make a compromise. It hadn't been easy, and the fact she'd done it at all said plenty about how far her love for him had gone.
Ryou's mother looked at Keqing again, her gaze softening.
Keqing really was a good girl.
She hadn't chosen wrong.
Her son might be clever, sure—but how could he be such a blockhead sometimes? Keqing had already brought this up, and he just kept rejecting it. Embarrassing things like this shouldn't need his mother and his wife to step in and clean up.
The thought made her temples throb.
"Ganyu, don't listen to Keqing talking like that," Ryou said. "You know what kind of person she is. If anything, I still hope you'll keep an eye on her and help out when you can."
Ryou flicked a look at Keqing. She'd turned away, cheeks burning. With an audience, she wasn't about to say it out loud—so he stepped in and said it for her.
Ganyu listened, and envy flickered across her face. Anyone could tell how close the two of them were. Was she really going to step into something like this?
For a moment, her feelings tangled into a mess. Then she steadied herself and said, "Keqing and I are like sisters. If she runs into trouble, I won't just stand by. But… you two really get along. Honestly, I'm a little jealous."
"Thank you," Ryou said with a small laugh, shaking his head. "I'm sure you'll meet the person you've been waiting for. You're outstanding, Ganyu-san, and your background is nothing ordinary. I don't even know what kind of person could make your heart move—but whoever it is, they'll be exceptional. People like me probably won't ever get a chance like that."
Ganyu's face reddened at his words, and a bitter ache rose behind it.
That person is you.
You're the one who's exceptional.
It's just… I was too late. By the time I realised what I wanted, you were already Keqing's husband.
Off to the side, Xingqiu listened to them and wore an increasingly strange expression. He looked at Ganyu, then at Ryou's mother, then paused on Keqing for a beat before standing.
"Auntie, I've still got something to take care of, so I'll head back first. How about I come by tomorrow to visit?"
"Alright," Ryou's mother said, giving him a look. "Be careful on the way."
"Mhm." Xingqiu nodded and left.
Once Xingqiu was gone, Keqing finally let out the breath she'd been holding. With him here, some things were just too awkward. Now that he'd left, she could actually move things forward.
She lifted the wine cup and looked between them. "Ganyu, Ryou—there's wine here. Want to have a little?"
"I can't," Ganyu said, shaking her head. "I only came to eat. Later I still need to go back to Yujing Terrace to handle work, and alcohol messes with my thinking. I won't drink."
She lowered her gaze, then added, "Keqing, you really don't need to worry. Ryou-san is very capable. I've already gone through those documents—there aren't any issues. His approach is sharp, and the results show immediately. Even I have to admit I couldn't do better."
She paused, then continued carefully, "You want me to take care of him? Honestly… I'm the one who hopes Ryou-san can point a few things out for me. The work at Yujing Terrace is even more complicated, and it's a headache to deal with. If he could help, that would be wonderful. Of course, I'm just saying it—you don't have to take it seriously."
Noticing the shift in Keqing and Ryou's mother's expressions, Ganyu stopped right there.
[End of chapter]
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