"Alright, please take care of the records."
"Of course! Leave it to me!"
In the Jade Chamber's archive room, Qin Yu was working alongside Baixiao.
Calling it work was an exaggeration; they were simply backing up the files stored in the archive.
Whenever Lady Ningguang had no pressing matters to attend to, Baixiao would drag Qin Yu to the archive room to assist with the backups.
The reason was simple: Qin Yu was exceptionally useful.
The Jade Chamber's archive contained a vast number of documents. Baixiao had mentioned that organizing them would be an enormous task, leaving Qin Yu grateful she didn't have to handle such work.
"The last backup should be here," Baixiao said.
"Alright, I'll start then."
Qin Yu pulled open a filing cabinet, retrieved the documents, and had the Machine Companion scan them page by page, recording the contents in storage space.
This served two purposes: firstly, if Ningguang ever needed information, she wouldn't have to return to the Jade Chamber—she could simply ask Qin Yu. Secondly, it acted as a precaution. While no one believed the Jade Chamber would ever face any issues, if disaster struck, the loss of these documents would be a significant blow to both Ningguang and the Qixing.
No matter what one did, intelligence was always essential.
Of course, the Machine Companion's records could only serve as reference material, but even so, they were enough to minimize potential losses.
Yet the more documents Qin Yu recorded, the heavier a sense of something weighty seeped into her heart.
"Lady Ningguang trusts you deeply," Baixiao suddenly remarked.
Since the work was tedious, simple, and dull, having someone to chat with was a welcome distraction.
Qin Yu casually asked, "What makes you say that?"
Even though she could clearly feel it herself.
"This archive is only accessible to those Lady Ningguang trusts most—that is, us."
"Ahahaha, you're right! This place isn't for just anyone," Qin Yu replied with a smile.
Even opening the door required considerable effort.
"Not to mention she's entrusted you with recording the intelligence stored here."
"Mm..."
As Baixiao spoke, the weight of this heavy responsibility seemed to take shape.
Baixiao nodded. "This shows Lady Ningguang's deep trust in you. But at the same time, it means she won't let you go easily. The more you learn about the Jade Chamber and Lady Ningguang herself, the harder it will be to leave."
Whoa, that sounds terrifying.
But Ningguang certainly didn't seem like the kind of woman who would let go easily.
Never mind. For now, Qin Yu had no plans to resign. And no matter how reluctant Ningguang might be to let her go, she would ultimately respect Qin Yu's decision.
If I really wanted to leave, she would accept it.
That's good enough.
But that was before. What would happen now?
Qin Yu mused absentmindedly as she continued to input the document's contents into the Machine Companion's storage space.
After a while, having temporarily finished the backup work, Qin Yu brewed tea, prepared snacks, and returned to Ningguang's office.
"Thank you for your assistance," Keqing said.
"Mm, no need to worry," Qin Yu replied.
Keqing offered a quick thanks and turned, her gaze meeting Qin Yu's.
"Qin Yu..." Keqing murmured.
Qin Yu's eyes flickered away for a moment. She didn't want to let the kiss sour their relationship, but meeting Keqing lately still felt awkward and embarrassing.
No, I can't let it show. I have to face her as always.
This is in front of Ningguang. If I create a strange atmosphere... Qin Yu shuddered at the thought. She straightened up, summoning all her focus, and greeted Keqing with a bright smile.
"Good afternoon!"
Hearing Qin Yu's energetic greeting, Keqing relaxed slightly. "Mm, good afternoon."
"Would you like some snacks and tea?"
"No, I have matters to attend to."
So busy.
Qin Yu nodded, placed the tea and snacks on the coffee table, and smiled at Ningguang.
"Lady Ningguang, the backup is now complete."
Ningguang smiled gently. "Excellent work. Take a break, and we'll head out again soon."
"Understood."
Hearing that Qin Yu could rest, Keqing suddenly had an idea. She wanted to invite Qin Yu out.
Having made up her mind, Keqing acted immediately, taking Qin Yu's hand.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Wait, what are you doing with others around?! Qin Yu's cheeks flushed slightly as she discreetly glanced at Ningguang.
Sure enough, Ningguang was watching them.
Keqing turned to Ningguang and asked, "Could I borrow Qin Yu for a moment?"
Borrow? Don't put it so weirdly! Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, but couldn't help wondering what Keqing wanted.
"Can't you just say whatever it is here?" Ningguang asked with a hint of amusement.
"Some things are best kept private," Keqing replied.
"In that case," Ningguang relented, "it's up to Qin Yu."
Keqing turned her gaze to Qin Yu, as if silently asking, Is it okay? Qin Yu sensed a hint of unease in her eyes. Perhaps Keqing was still troubled by their previous encounter.
With that thought, Qin Yu felt reassured.
So Keqing's just like me! But ultimately, it was me who hesitated about leaning in for the kiss.
Muttering to herself, Qin Yu nodded and said, "I'm okay with that."
"Then come here," Keqing said with a smile.
Without letting go of Qin Yu's hand, Keqing pulled her away.
Did she really need to hold my hand? Qin Yu wanted to ask, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Yet there was a deep sense of nostalgia. Perhaps when they were children, Keqing had often led her around like this.
Oh well.
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Ningguang watched the two leave, a sense of frustration rising in her heart. She couldn't shake the feeling that Qin Yu and Keqing's relationship had deepened while she wasn't looking.
Keqing led Qin Yu outside the Jade Chamber's pavilion.
"Are you free tomorrow night?" Keqing asked directly.
"I'm not sure," Qin Yu replied. "Sometimes I work quite late. Why?"
Keqing fiddled with Qin Yu's bracelet. "I'd like to invite you to go to the night market."
Ha?
If it's just shopping, why did she have to pull me aside for a private conversation? What if Lady Ningguang misunderstands...? Hmm... she probably won't. Besides, there's nothing between me and Keqing, Qin Yu thought to herself.
We kissed, but it wasn't a big deal.
Not that kissing isn't a big deal, but it just... wasn't.
Qin Yu pondered for a moment. "Tomorrow... I'm not sure. It's not a day off, so I might have to work late."
Keqing sighed regretfully. "Right."
"I wanted to ask, will anyone else be joining us?" Qin Yu asked, sounding concerned.
"Hmm? No, just you and me."
Just the two of us?
"O-oh, I see..." Qin Yu twirled a strand of her hair nervously.
Evaluation: C+ (Keqing)
Would it be awkward with just the two of us? But if others were there, Qin Yu wouldn't be too keen either. Conflicting thoughts churned in her mind.
Finally, Qin Yu said, "I'll see how things go tomorrow! If I can, I'll come find you."
At least I'll get some points out of it.
"Alright, don't push yourself," Keqing said, sounding content.
If you hadn't invited me, there wouldn't be any chance of me pushing myself, Qin Yu thought wryly. She hoped tomorrow's workload would be light; she really did want to go shopping with someone.
Last week, both of her days off had been eventful.
Keqing squeezed Qin Yu's hand.
"Have you lost weight?"
"Huh? No, not really... Ehehehe..."
Keqing squeezed her hand a few more times.
It tickles, stop squeezing!
After bidding farewell to Keqing, Qin Yu returned to Ningguang's office.
She had expected Ningguang to ask some questions, but the Tianquan merely said, "We'll be heading out soon. Why don't you take a break too?"
"Ah, okay..."
Qin Yu couldn't shake the feeling that Ningguang wasn't in particularly good spirits, yet she looked perfectly normal. Was it just her imagination?