The next morning, Qin Yu woke up surprisingly early.
Though it wasn't truly early—the streets outside were already bustling with activity. The rain had apparently stopped long ago, leaving a refreshing, post-rain air lingering everywhere.
"Mmm... yawn..." Qin Yu sat up, rubbing her eyes.
She'd slept quite comfortably.
Her mind, still hazy from just waking up, noticed that she wasn't in her bedroom at the Jade Chamber, realizing it was still her day off.
Since it's a day off, there's no need to get up early. Let's sleep in, she thought sluggishly, flopping back down and adjusting her pillow.
"...Hm?"
Why did the pillow feel different? And there was a faint, unfamiliar scent... Alerted by these anomalies, Qin Yu's consciousness began to sharpen.
She propped herself up to look. Sure enough, it wasn't her pillow. Her own pillow was lying beside it.
Why are there two pillows here?
...Ah! Qin Yu finally remembered what had happened last night.
Because of the torrential rain, Shenhe had stayed overnight and even shared her bed.
So this is actually Shenhe's pillow?
Uwaaaah! Why am I sleeping on Shenhe's side? Qin Yu sprang up dramatically, her face flushing with embarrassment, and quickly scanned the room.
Good, Shenhe's gone!
Gone? Only then did Qin Yu realize Shenhe was nowhere to be seen.
Did she go home?
Though she found it unlikely—it didn't suit Shenhe's temperament—if it were true, it wouldn't be a bad thing. In fact, her leaving was perfect, allowing Qin Yu to spend the day alone.
Last night was truly exhausting—I'm talking about the living together situation, don't get the wrong idea, Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
Actually, "exhausting" might not be the right word, but... anyway, it was deeply uncomfortable. If things could just go back to normal quickly, that would be ideal.
Let's take a peek.
Qin Yu quietly opened the bedroom door and cautiously poked her head out.
The living room was empty.
She really left? Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief, but then she caught a fragrant aroma drifting from the kitchen.
Of course she didn't. Qin Yu sighed again, closed the door, quickly smoothed her sleep-tousled hair, and then headed to the kitchen.
Shenhe was busy preparing something.
"Shenhe?"
Noticing Qin Yu, Shenhe nodded gently. "Good morning. I'm preparing breakfast. Go wash up; it'll be ready in a few minutes."
"Eh? Ah... okay. Thanks."
This was a scene she'd never witnessed before, an experience entirely new, and a sense of disorienting confusion washed over her.
For a moment, Qin Yu thought she was dreaming. Only after washing up and returning to find Shenhe still diligently preparing breakfast did she realize it was reality.
A free breakfast made by someone else? Not bad.
Evaluation: D
Why bother with evaluations? It makes me feel like I'm being bribed with food.
Still, I'm kind of glad I don't have to cook.
Leaning against the doorway, Qin Yu couldn't help but say, "Shenhe, you're up so early!"
"Is that so? I've always woken up at dawn. It's become a habit."
Whoa, dawn. Qin Yu thought to herself, I'd rather be executed than wake up that early.
"What are you making, Shenhe?"
"Breakfast."
I know that, I wasn't asking about that. Qin Yu clarified, "I meant, what kind of breakfast are you making? Noodles?"
"Yes. I'd like you to try this. Please wait in the living room for a moment," Shenhe replied.
Qin Yu desperately wanted to blurt out, "Okay!" But remembering her character, she settled for a somewhat perfunctory question:
"Do you need any help?"
"No need."
Perfect response. Qin Yu was thoroughly satisfied with Shenhe's reply.
However, Shenhe took an unexpectedly long time to prepare the meal.
Won't the noodles get soggy? As Qin Yu genuinely worried about the food, Shenhe finally arrived.
"Please enjoy," she said.
The overly formal phrasing left Qin Yu deeply perplexed.
Why so formal for just breakfast...?Whoa, what is this? Qin Yu blinked repeatedly at the noodles Shenhe had brought.
"Is this... breakfast?" Qin Yu asked, astonished.
"Yes. Is there a problem?" Shenhe asked.
"N-no! It's just—"
The visual impact is overwhelming.
This wasn't meant as criticism at all. The presentation was far from bad; on the contrary, it was remarkably good. It was precisely because it was too good that Qin Yu couldn't help but be astonished.
The noodles were arranged in a massive heart shape, adorned with a red string tied into an elaborate knot.
This meticulous presentation alone spoke volumes about Shenhe's dedication to the dish, visually overflowing with heartfelt effort.
If words could capture the impact, it would be something like: "Heartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheartheart..."—an endless repetition of the same word, growing without limit.
I'm supposed to eat this now?
Qin Yu grew even more speechless at the thought of her chopsticks disrupting the pristine arrangement.
This is too extravagant for a morning meal! Even I wouldn't go to such lengths—it's almost too pretty to eat!
"Just?" Shenhe asked, puzzled.
Qin Yu forced a few dry laughs. "N-nothing! Nothing at all!"
Better not say anything unnecessary. I don't want to dampen Shenhe's spirits. That's not my place.
There was only one thing to do.
Eat.
Steeling her resolve, Qin Yu accepted the chopsticks Shenhe offered and cautiously took a bite of the noodles and egg.
The silky-smooth texture, the savory broth, the rich, lingering flavor... Delicious! Shenhe had actually created something this exquisite.
Surprised and delighted, Qin Yu exclaimed, "This is absolutely delicious! Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Shenhe replied. "You've taken care of me for so long. A simple breakfast is nothing in comparison."
As she spoke, Shenhe felt a familiar emotion stir within her. Now might be the perfect moment, she thought, and attempted to mimic the most vivid smile from her memories, curving her lips and crinkling the corners of her eyes.
"Still, I'm glad you said that," Shenhe said, her smile softening her features.
Qin Yu froze, utterly stunned.
What am I seeing? Shenhe... is smiling? The ever-expressionless Shenhe is actually smiling!
This must be a dream, right? She pinched herself. Ouch. Nope, not dreaming.
This was genuine reality, and Shenhe's smile was truly happening.
Such a beautiful smile... Qin Yu was instantly captivated, but quickly rationalized it to herself—It's just because it's so incredibly rare.
Though, admittedly, it is quite a lovely smile.
Evaluation: C-
Get out of here.
It's wonderful that Shenhe can smile now, but why suddenly?
Qin Yu felt deeply concerned, so much so that she even ignored the Connected Heart Noodles radiating an overwhelming "heart-heart-heart-heart-heart-heart" energy.
I should ask... Ah, no, first I need to compliment her.
Qin Yu smiled. "That's a wonderful smile!"
"...Mm," Shenhe murmured, her smile inexplicably vanishing at the compliment.
She felt a faint warmth spreading through her body, an indescribable, strange feeling leaving her slightly confused.
Evaluation: C
Ha? Why did my compliment make you stop smiling?
Qin Yu desperately wanted to press the issue, but feeling it would be inappropriate, she reluctantly held back. At least the evaluation had appeared.
Still, she could try complimenting her again.
"It's truly beautiful."
"Thank you," Shenhe replied, her strange inner turmoil intensifying.
Evaluation: C+
It's working! Qin Yu's heart leaped with joy, feeling like she'd finally found her rhythm again. Last night, the lack of evaluations for an extended period had left her feeling strangely disoriented.
Hmph, now it's time to shower her with praise!
"I really love Shenhe's smile!" Qin Yu declared, her own smile radiant.
"Is that so? I still feel like something's off, but if you say that, I'm content. I like you too, Qin Yu."
Ha?!
Evaluation: B-
Don't pop up at a meaningless moment like this!
"I-I meant Shenhe's smile!"
In her panic, Qin Yu blurted out the nonsensical remark. Before she could regret it, Shenhe replied in her usual detached tone, revealing her true feelings:
"I meant everything about you."
Evaluation: B+
Heat flushed across Qin Yu's face as she lowered her head. Everything? You don't even know half of what I've been through! Of course, she'd never let Shenhe find out.
Qin Yu wanted to ignore the comment and focus on slurping her noodles.
But she couldn't just let it slide; her persona demanded a response in such moments.
Tch, sometimes this act is such a pain... Reluctantly, Qin Yu forced a smile and replied:
"Thank you for saying that!"
Alright, time to get back to eating.
After a few more bites, Shenhe said from beside her: "Yesterday morning, on the way back, you said it would be nice if I could smile."
Huh? Did I say that? Qin Yu couldn't recall offhand remarks.
But sometimes she did think that, especially when this woman spouted her nonsensical comments.
"So I studied it a bit," Shenhe said.
"Studied? How?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
Weren't we together all day yesterday? I didn't see Shenhe doing anything out of the ordinary. If I had to say, she just kept watching me and following me around...
Wait a minute... could it be?
"I observed you. When should I smile? I didn't quite understand, but... I remember the smile you gave me when I first brought you food, after I told you my true feelings."
That was ages ago! How does she still remember that? Qin Yu felt a familiar pang of embarrassment, like a long-buried embarrassing memory had been unearthed.
"So I thought, if you praised me, I should smile. But... it still felt lacking," Shenhe said slowly.
Qin Yu didn't find this strange at all.
On the contrary, the very fact that Shenhe could smile was bizarre enough to overshadow everything else.
This is exactly what I should say right now!
"No, no, I really think it's great! If you feel something's off, Shenhe, it's probably just because you haven't gotten used to it yet. Keep practicing, and you'll definitely get it eventually!"
Shenhe thought to herself that Qin Yu was probably right. Perhaps it was because she hadn't smiled in so long that she felt her smile was imperfect.
"I understand. I'll try harder. But... I think I can only smile for you. If you understand how I feel, please stay by my side forever."
Evaluation: A
Then why don't you smile right now? Honestly... Qin Yu sighed inwardly, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, her face flushed.
It seemed there was still a long way to go before Shenhe could express her full range of emotions on her face like a normal person.
But that was alright. Since Shenhe wanted her to stay, she would stay.
That had been the plan from the beginning.
"Mm, I will."
Speaking of which, Qin Yu was curious about where Shenhe had learned to make this dish. When she asked, Shenhe answered truthfully, explaining that she had been trying to recreate the taste of a bowl of noodles she had eaten at home long ago.
"Aside from your cooking, the only taste I can't forget is this one... even though I shouldn't remember it at all."
I-is that so...?
The meaning behind Shenhe cooking for me was likely the same as always.
This is also a part of my past. I hope you can accept it. That's what she would say, I imagine.
To be honest, Qin Yu felt she shouldn't have asked and was losing her appetite.
The noodles were becoming increasingly "heavy," especially after Shenhe explained that this was a recreation of her past, a family flavor she had once tasted.
But she couldn't waste food.
And they were delicious.
Qin Yu could only swallow the noodles, laden with Shenhe's weighty emotions, and drink the broth down to the last drop.
All gone!
"You finished every last bit... If you liked it, I'll make it for you again next time," Shenhe offered, assuming Qin Yu's clean plate meant she had thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
Eat this again? It's delicious, but...
Qin Yu forced a smile. "Okay."
But she had no choice but to accept.
Shenhe finished her portion as well. After a short rest, Qin Yu decided to wash the clothes she had changed out of the previous night.
"Laundry? Don't bother. I've already washed them for you. They're drying now."
"Eh?"
Great, no chores today!—Wait, no, no, no! Qin Yu remembered her lingerie was mixed in with the laundry, which she had intended to wash herself. But Shenhe had already taken care of it first.
So... Shenhe touched my underwear?!
Ugh, I'm disgusting for even thinking that!
".....Thank you," Qin Yu said, her emotions a tangled mess.
There really wasn't anything left to do.
Shenhe didn't seem in a hurry to leave. Qin Yu didn't find staying home boring, but since the weather had cleared up, they might as well go out and enjoy it.
"Shenhe, wanna go out and have some fun?"
"Where to?"
You're asking me...? I don't know. Qin Yu chuckled awkwardly. "Ah ha ha, I have no idea."
"I see. Then let's go. It doesn't matter where we go. As long as you're by my side, I feel peaceful and happy, so..."
Anywhere is fine. Until the moment arrives.
And so, Qin Yu and Shenhe played outside until nightfall.
Starting tomorrow, Qin Yu would have to return to work at the Jade Chamber, and even spend the night there to ensure she could wake up early enough for her daily duties.
It was time to say goodbye.
Qin Yu smiled gently. "I'll bring your clothes over tomorrow at noon!"
"Understood. I'll wait for you."
The two remained silent for a moment.
Then Shenhe softly confessed, "Thank you for everything these past two days."
"Huh? Ah... You're welcome! After all, I'm your good friend, Shenhe. Seeing you happy is all the satisfaction I need!"
"Mm, I'm very happy."
That's a bit of an exaggeration, isn't it?
But Qin Yu could only smile and say, "That's good to hear."
Evaluation: S-
Reflecting on it, though the days had been filled with the most ordinary events imaginable, they unexpectedly felt like a long, cherished period of time.
A wistful feeling stirred in Qin Yu's heart.
Yet she kept her expression bright, smiling as she said, "Good bye."
"Good bye," Shenhe replied, turning and walking away. She moved slowly, glancing back two or three times.
If we lived together, would situations like this never happen again? Qin Yu wondered absently as she smiled and waved.
But while spending one night together was fine, truly living together was out of the question.
She couldn't allow unfamiliar things to become habitual. If she grew accustomed to having someone always by her side, the pain of being alone again later would be unbearable.
Keqing was an exception. They had once parted ways, only to reconcile later.
Like a teacher, like her own mother—in the end, they had all left, hadn't they? For some reason, Qin Yu had been thinking about her late adoptive mother a lot these past few days.
Watching Shenhe's figure disappear completely, Qin Yu let out a deep breath.
It's over.
To return to the Jade Chamber, Qin Yu first went back to her rented room to tidy up and clean.
Before she could start, there was a knock at the door.
"Coming!"
Who could it be? Did Shenhe leave something behind and come back? Qin Yu wondered as she walked to answer the door.
Keqing and Yanfei stood before her.
"Good evening," Qin Yu said politely.
"Good evening. Are we disturbing you?" Keqing asked with a gentle smile.
"Not at all. But what brings you two here?"
Keqing and Yanfei exchanged a glance.
"I brought you something and thought I'd deliver it personally," Keqing said, lifting the bag in her hand.
"Me too," Yanfei added, showing her own bag.
So that's it. They brought me gifts. Qin Yu was naturally pleased, but... had they gone shopping together? Keqing and Yanfei buying gifts together...
Something about this feels... stifling.
Qin Yu stroked her bracelet and smiled. "Thank you. Please, come in."
"Then we'll gladly accept," Keqing nodded.
"Thank you so much! I never expected Miss Keqing to be visiting at the same time as me, also bearing gifts. What a coincidence!" Yanfei exclaimed.
"I'm just as surprised," Keqing admitted.
If possible, Keqing would have preferred to spend some alone time with Qin Yu. But with other guests present, there was nothing she could do.
Yanfei thought to herself that she had come to invite Qin Yu to dinner, only to find the Yuheng here by sheer coincidence. Talk about bad luck.
But there was nothing to be done.
After placing her gift on the coffee table, Keqing asked, "May I use your restroom? I'd like to wash my face."
"Of course, go right ahead."
"Thank you."
Keqing hurried into the restroom. As she prepared to wash her face, she noticed two cups and toothbrushes by the sink.
"Hmm?"
Why are there two cups and toothbrushes?
Yanfei, meanwhile, subtly sensed another person's lingering presence in the house. As a half-adeptus with heightened senses, she felt this wasn't just her imagination...
"Huh?"
Why is someone else's clothing hanging on the balcony?
Knock, knock, knock. The door rang again.
Who could it be now? Qin Yu felt a sense of foreboding, but she couldn't ignore it and went to open the door.
As she opened it, a familiar voice called out, "Good evening, Fishy Treasure! Have you missed me?"
It was Hu Tao.