After returning to work, Qin Yu's days off had been adjusted.
Instead of just one day, she now had two consecutive days off at the end of the week—a proper weekend!
This was welcome news for Qin Yu, meaning she'd have more time to rest.
Though Ningguang had assigned her a considerable amount of extra work, Qin Yu initially struggled to adapt, often feeling overwhelmed.
However, thanks to the guidance of Ningguang and Baiwen, she had gradually become competent. While not yet completely at ease, she could now handle her duties effectively.
Everything seemed to be falling into place.
However, Ningguang's mood was far less cheerful than Qin Yu's.
Half a month had passed, yet Qin Yu remained unchanged.
"I-I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang! This is a bit... Ah, I didn't mean to imply I dislike you!"
Whenever Ningguang tried to touch Qin Yu, she would immediately sense it and instinctively evade her. At all other times, however, she acted as she always had.
Visible, seemingly within reach, yet just beyond grasp—this hazy, illusory sensation couldn't help but fill Ningguang with frustration.
She couldn't help but wonder: if someone wronged Qin Yu and earned her grudge, whether big or small, she might hold onto it for life.
It wasn't that Ningguang needed to touch Qin Yu, but losing something she had once possessed was an unbearable feeling.
Therefore, Ningguang yearned to return to their previous state.
Even if touching Qin Yu meant she would accept it—instead of flinching away as she did now.
Passive observation had yielded no results. On the contrary, Qin Yu might be adapting to their current arrangement. People get used to things; she had grown accustomed to being touched and would eventually adjust to not being touched as well.
It was imperative to actively break the current deadlock.
But how to shatter this stalemate? Ningguang pondered for a long while.
A catalyst was needed.
Currently, Qin Yu had unconsciously drawn a line in the sand. Casual conversation stayed within the boundaries, but any physical contact would instantly be perceived as crossing the line, triggering a defensive reaction.
Could Ningguang brazenly ignore this line? Not entirely impossible.
However, in this volatile situation, such an abrupt and presumptuous move carried a greater risk of worsening the situation than of restoring their former closeness.
However, obtaining her permission was essential.
Her permission to touch.
The thought ignited Ningguang's excitement. It was like a game, and she had always relished games with a challenge.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in her mind.
"A game? Hmm... now I see. This could be the perfect opportunity."
She would play a game with Qin Yu.
After temporarily setting aside their daily work and returning to the Jade Chamber, Ningguang, her face radiant with a smile, asked Qin Yu if she had any free time later.
What's this about? Qin Yu tensed inwardly.
But she maintained her composure, replying calmly, "Yes, I do. I don't have anything pressing scheduled. Does Lady Ningguang have something she wants me to do?"
Ideally, yes.
If Ningguang simply wanted to be alone, it would complicate matters.
Two weeks had passed, and Qin Yu still couldn't shake the memory of that night.
Should I just let it go? she occasionally wondered, but her reason and emotions remained locked in conflict.
Reason: You should let it go.
Emotions: Let it go? Hell no!
Reason: Valid point.
Reason was invariably defeated by Emotions.
No wonder I sometimes act impulsively... and even bite people.
Qin Yu was aware of this tendency, but unfortunately, it wasn't a trait one could simply change at will.
So, for the time being, she remained unable to let go of the matter.
She could tolerate having her face, hands, and hair touched, and even grudgingly her lips, but anything beyond that was unacceptable.
I'm not that kind of woman! Qin Yu thought.
Whether it was friends or anything else, every relationship had its "acceptable boundaries."
With Shenhe, Keqing, Yanfei, Ganyu, Hu Tao, and Ningguang—those she was on relatively good terms with—Qin Yu could tolerate holding hands.
But anyone else? Absolutely not. Try to force it, and you'd be eating lead.
Ningguang, however, had crossed the line, doing something beyond what their current relationship allowed.
That's not something we should be doing right now—and frankly, I don't want us to be the kind of relationship where we could do that.
Mutual benefit—that was enough.
Qin Yu found this arrangement comfortable. Even if there were some lies involved, she wouldn't feel too indebted to Ningguang. All she needed to do was perform her duties well and keep her employer satisfied.
She'd get her Points, and Ningguang would reap the benefits. Perfect.
Yet Ningguang's actions seemed... Tch, never mind. Don't dwell on it.
Getting back on track, Qin Yu felt both puzzled and wary of Ningguang's question.
"I suppose so," she replied.
Good, Qin Yu thought, relieved.
"I want to play a game with you."
Ha?
Qin Yu was both surprised and bewildered. "With me? What kind of game, exactly?"
Could it be... something impure? No, no, that's not right... But can I completely dismiss the possibility? No, of course I can. I'd never think of her that way.
I can't possibly agree to that.
Ningguang, unaware that Qin Yu's trust in her had plummeted to an all-time low, nodded gently.
"Have you ever played Millennial Liyue?"
Qin Yu vaguely remembered the game and paused to think.
Ah, that one...
Millennial Liyue was a board game invented by Ningguang herself. Qin Yu had never played it but had heard it was quite complex.
The latest rules version had already reached its thirty-second iteration, while the publicly available version was only at the eighth edition.
What a terrifying rate of updates!
"No, I haven't," Qin Yu admitted frankly.
Ningguang nodded again.
She was slightly surprised Qin Yu hadn't played before... but a novice would actually be better. It might make the game even more enjoyable for her.
"Interested in trying it?" Ningguang asked.
Interested? A little, perhaps.
But Qin Yu had always heard it was incredibly difficult, which had kept her from trying it.
"Yes, but I've heard it's very complicated," Qin Yu said.
"Hmm... It's quite simple for me."
Of course, you're the developer! How could you not understand your own game? Qin Yu thought sarcastically.
"Does Lady Ningguang wish to play a game with someone?" Qin Yu asked.
"Yes. But not just anyone. I want to play with you right now."
Ugh, bullying the newbie?
Qin Yu forced a smile. "I'm completely clueless about this game. How about I go inform Senior Baiwen and the others?"
Baiwen and the others would definitely know how to play. After all, Ningguang invented the game.
Especially Baishi... but should she really let Baishi play with Ningguang? Hmm... Ugh... I don't really want to, she thought, but if Baishi's the only one free, there's no other option.
As Qin Yu was pondering this, Ningguang sighed softly.
"Qin Yu, play a game with me. If there's anything you don't understand, I can teach you. I can even adjust the rules to suit your preferences... Winning or losing doesn't matter to me."
So she just wants to play with me?
Since Ningguang had put it that way, Qin Yu saw no reason to refuse.
Just one game then.
-
Evaluation: C
This was the evaluation Qin Yu had received today. She hadn't bothered to grind for a better score—she simply wasn't in the mood.
Hence, the measly C-grade evaluation.
Qin Yu smiled. "Alright, then. I'll play a game with Lady Ningguang. But I really don't know how to play, so please don't laugh at me."
If you dare laugh, I'll dare get angry.
Beyond that, Qin Yu also hoped Ningguang would go easy on her.
Inviting a complete beginner to play such a competitive game and not going easy on them? That's just lacking emotional intelligence.
Even if Ningguang held back, Qin Yu still wanted to win at least once.
She'd rather win than lose.
Hearing Qin Yu's acceptance, Ningguang relaxed and returned the smile. "Naturally, a beginner will be unfamiliar with the game. Why would I laugh at you? Besides, I'm sure you'll learn quickly."
Right, with a Machine Companion, I could learn even faster.
But the Brain-Machine Connection would be even more tiring. Forget it, let's just play normally.
Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd "taken the bait"... Is it just my imagination?
"Where shall we play?" Qin Yu asked curiously.
"My room."
I don't want to go there.
"Or... your room."
Fine, then I'll go!
Qin Yu hurriedly replied, "Then let's go to Lady Ningguang's room!"
Wait a minute... Aren't there other rooms in the Jade Chamber? Ningguang deliberately offered a false choice, confusing Qin Yu's thinking.
I fell for her trap! How despicable.
Qin Yu felt a surge of displeasure, wanting to change her mind. "But the Jade Chamber has other rooms..."
"Then let's go to my room," Ningguang said with satisfaction.
I knew it. The woman had been planning this from the start.
Qin Yu thought gloomily, nodding slightly as she followed Ningguang into her bedroom—a room Qin Yu hadn't set foot in for over two weeks.
Ningguang's presence permeated the space, stirring complex emotions in Qin Yu.
It was here before... Qin Yu instinctively touched her neck.
Good thing Ningguang only kissed my collar that time. Otherwise, it might have left some invisible mark.
Evaluation: C+
Is the System malfunctioning again? Why is it even popping up when no one's happy?
Qin Yu let out a soft breath and sat down in the chair as Ningguang instructed.
Ningguang retrieved her chessboard, chess pieces, betting chips, paper, and pen, explaining that they would need them to revise the rules.
Feeling restless, Qin Yu suggested, "Shall I fetch some snacks?"
"Mm, thank you."
Since we'll be playing chess, we'll need to use our brains. Replenishing our sugar levels would be a good idea.
Qin Yu stepped out of Ningguang's bedroom and finally exhaled in relief. Being in Ningguang's room wasn't so much suffocating as it was nerve-wracking.
The reason... needs no further explanation.
To calm her nerves, Qin Yu prepared some snacks and tea, then delivered them to Ningguang's room.
"Please enjoy," she said.
"Thank you. Sit down too. I'll explain the rules briefly, and we can stick to these simplified rules for now."
The Millennial Liyue game board replicated the terrain and streets of Liyue Port, complete with merchants, teahouses, taverns, and six-sided and twelve-sided dice.
Players roll the dice to determine how many spaces to move. Landing on different squares triggers various events.
The winner is determined by the players' final chip totals when they reach the end.
Isn't this just Monopoly? Qin Yu thought confidently. Monopoly? I'm great at that!
"It seems you've already grasped the basics," Ningguang said with a smile. "However, this is a simplified version of the rules. If you want to play with others normally, you'll probably need to consult this official rulebook."
"Eh?"
Ningguang placed a thick rulebook on the table:
Millennial Liyue Rulebook - Eighth Edition
Why does a Monopoly-style game need to be as complicated as Dungeons & Dragons? Qin Yu mentally grumbled as she picked up the rulebook and flipped through a few pages.
Whoa, so many words!
Forget it. I'll just play with Ningguang.
Qin Yu decisively closed the rulebook and set it aside. "I-I'll just play with Lady Ningguang."
"Feeling overwhelmed? Actually, you'll get the hang of it if you play for a while. But let's stick to the simplified rules I've devised for now—just keep it light and fun."
"Ahaha, okay."
"By the way, these are the latest rules I've drafted. Would you like to take a look?"
Qin Yu shook her head vigorously.
Ningguang couldn't help but chuckle, her mood brightening. "Alright then. Since you understand the basics, let's try a practice round. The most important thing is to get some hands-on experience."
"Okay, um... please go easy on me..." Qin Yu said nervously.
Shortly after the game began:
"Eh? Bankrupt already?"
A few moments later:
"'Your shop was burned down in a fire, resulting in a loss of five million Mora'... How could this happen...?"
And a bit later:
"'Fortune smiles upon you! You sell rare treasures to the Qixing, earning twenty million Mora!' I'm rich! Hmm? 'But you must use nineteen million Mora to settle your debts'... Ah..."
Just like Monopoly, Millennial Liyue has a strong element of luck.
As Ningguang put it, "Good fortune influences business opportunities." However, strategy also played a significant role. By landing on certain spaces, players could acquire "strategy" cards to reverse their fortunes, create obstacles for opponents, and more.
The problem is, moving across the grid also depends on luck.
Qin Yu's luck wasn't great that day. Even with Ningguang deliberately holding back, she still lost due to sheer misfortune.
"One more time! One more time!"
I refuse to believe it, Qin Yu thought. I have to win at least once, no matter what!
"Very well, let's play again," Ningguang said with a gentle smile.
Although Ningguang had invited Qin Yu for other reasons, she was genuinely pleased that Qin Yu was enjoying herself.
With this arrangement, the real entertainment shifted from the chessboard to the interactions beyond it.
"Six! My strategy worked! Lady Ningguang, please give me five million Mora!" Qin Yu exclaimed gleefully, extending her hand.
"Of course."
Ningguang produced a gemstone of considerable value.
No, no, no! Not the real thing! Qin Yu panicked. "Not that!"
"Hmm, but this is the correct prize, isn't it?" Ningguang smiled, handing Qin Yu the game chips.
That's more like it! Don't just casually pull out real money. It makes me feel like I'm being... sponsored or something.
"Special event: A merchant from Snezhnaya wants to trade with you... Hmm..." Qin Yu rested her chin on her hand, pondering the scenario.
Just then, she noticed Ningguang watching her intently, her cheek propped up on her palm.
Qin Yu's body involuntarily tensed slightly. She found Ningguang's gaze unnerving and tried to ignore it, but after a while, Ningguang's unwavering stare became too much to bear.
"Lady Ningguang? Is something wrong?"
Ningguang hesitated. "There's something on your head."
Qin Yu startled, reaching up to feel her head, then examining her palm. Nothing there.
"Not there, a little further back."
"Here?"
"Yes, now a little to the left."
"This spot?"
"No."
Then where exactly is it?
Just as Qin Yu was puzzling over this, Ningguang stood up and walked over to her. Qin Yu, acutely sensitive to Ningguang's movements, instantly tensed with alertness.
"Let me remove it for you."
Really? Qin Yu hesitated for a second or two before slowly nodding.
If it's just this, then it's fine. If she won't even allow this, it would seem a bit...
Ningguang reached out and plucked something from Qin Yu's hair.
Before Qin Yu could even glance at it, Ningguang flicked her hand, shaking it off.
Was it a strand of silk? Qin Yu wondered.
In reality, there had been nothing there. Naturally, Ningguang would never reveal the truth to Qin Yu.
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang—"
Before Qin Yu could finish, a warm, damp voice whispered in her ear, "Qin Yu, let's make a bet."
A-a-ah!? Startled by the sudden voice and familiar scent, Qin Yu's ears flushed crimson as she couldn't help but complain inwardly.
Why are we doing this again?
But if it's just whispering in my ear, I suppose I can barely tolerate it...?
Qin Yu felt a little confused. "A wager?"
"Exactly. If you win, you can make me do one thing. If I win, then..."
A soft sigh drifted into her ear.
"...Let me touch you again, just like before. Of course, I won't do anything you dislike anymore."
Evaluation: B
You're not Shenhe. I can't trust that.
But... is Ningguang regretting things? Hmm... not necessarily bad. If she truly won't do anything else and just wants to go back to how things were, I could accept that.
Qin Yu felt a twinge of guilt for avoiding Ningguang.
Hearing Ningguang's sincere intentions now, she saw it as a chance to reconcile and return to their former intimacy.
"I understand... I accept."
Qin Yu didn't think she would win, but losing wouldn't matter much.
Ningguang returned to her seat and smiled. "Thank you. Let's start the game again."
"Mm-hmm."
And then I'll lose to Qin Yu, Ningguang thought.
After all, Qin Yu's acceptance meant their relationship had already thawed somewhat.
Winning or losing the game was now completely irrelevant. They could gradually return to their former closeness afterward.
Therefore, it would be better to simply lose to Qin Yu and see what she would do with this newfound "power."
Objective achieved. A bright smile spread across Ningguang's face as she thought this.