"My final assets totaled 586,300,000 Mora, while yours were 494,100,000 Mora. I'm afraid I've won."
Whoa, what a massive difference!
Although Qin Yu had given it her all, racking her brains in a fierce competition with Ningguang, this match was unlike the last one. Luck played a minimal role; victory depended mainly on understanding and applying the game's rules.
Qin Yu's lack of experience ultimately led to her defeat.
Ningguang said, satisfied, "Your performance exceeded my expectations. While you may not be personally satisfied with the outcome, I find it commendable."
"Thank you," Qin Yu replied with a smile.
She wasn't entirely satisfied, but defeat was defeat.
More importantly, she had grasped some key strategies and was determined to apply them in her next match.
"Let's play another round!" Qin Yu said eagerly.
Could it be that Qin Yu is trying to stall for time? Ningguang wondered. But she doesn't seem to be... Well, it's rare to have the time to play without restraint. I'll let her enjoy herself to the fullest.
"It seems you're quite fond of my Millennial Liyue," Ningguang observed.
Qin Yu nodded. "Mm, the learning curve is steep, but once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite fun. It would be great if you could release a simplified version."
"A simplified version?"
"Like the game we played last time—more luck-based with simpler rules. I think that would appeal to a wider audience."
Ningguang's interest was piqued. "How exactly would you simplify it?"
"Change the dice to six-sided, simplify the event descriptions to just addition and subtraction, and focus on directly affecting players' chips instead of introducing or manipulating various 'strategies' and such."
A faint smile appeared on Ningguang's lips. "So, relying on luck to make the game more dramatic, I see."
"Yes, this way we can attract casual players who are interested in the game but deterred by its high entry barrier. By making the game pieces more adorable and lowering the price, we can also appeal to children and female players."
"Anything else?" Ningguang asked.
Qin Yu pondered for a moment, then a spark of inspiration struck her.
"This grid-based format can also be expanded into new gameplay modes! For example, we could design unique backstories and events for each game board, allowing players to embark on adventures within the game itself."
Qin Yu picked up one of her game pieces. "We could also encourage other creators to write stories and scripts, while we simply sell the game pieces and boards. Actually, quite a lot of people buy them."
"Qin Yu," Ningguang suddenly said.
Qin Yu snapped out of her reverie, realizing she had been rambling on enthusiastically for quite a while.
She felt a little embarrassed.
"Is something wrong?" Qin Yu asked, secretly exhaling in relief.
Ningguang stood up and walked over to Qin Yu, gently stroking her head. "These are truly excellent ideas," she said.
"No, no, you're giving me too much credit," Qin Yu replied, feeling a surge of happiness from the praise before suddenly realizing she had gotten carried away.
Don't touch my hair! What if it gets messed up? Qin Yu instinctively grabbed Ningguang's hand, realizing her mistake immediately. Oh no, I grabbed her hand without thinking!
Under Ningguang's gaze, Qin Yu felt a wave of awkwardness. She quickly decided she had to smooth things over. No choice but to play along.
Qin Yu took Ningguang's hand, pressed it against her cheek, and flashed a radiant smile.
"It's all thanks to Lady Ningguang's constant guidance that I was able to come up with these ideas. But I still have a long way to go to meet your expectations. I'll keep working hard to catch up to you."
Evaluation: S
Perfect.
Qin Yu wanted to give herself a perfect score for that performance—it was flawless.
This is the fruit of our accumulated daily interactions!
So why was Ningguang in such a foul mood despite my perfect persona? Qin Yu couldn't help but fixate on this question again. The more she remained in the dark, the more anxious and uneasy she became.
Ningguang's fingers twitched slightly as she toyed with Qin Yu's ink-black hair.
At that moment, Ningguang only felt an overwhelming tenderness for the girl before her. Her mood was lighter, more relaxed, and more comfortable than ever before.
Unable to resist, Ningguang leaned closer, whispering in Qin Yu's ear.
A fleeting glimpse of the delicate blush on Qin Yu's ear stirred an almost irresistible urge in Ningguang to gently bite it. But the impulse vanished as quickly as it arose.
"Qin Yu," Ningguang whispered.
Qin Yu had long grown accustomed to Ningguang's whispers in her ear, but the thought of Keqing—and the realization that a simple turn of her head would bring her lips within easy reach—made her nervous.
"W-what is it?" Qin Yu replied softly.
"Your ideas have shown me another way to earn Mora. Let's discuss your share of the profits later, shall we?"
So I'll get even more money? Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
"Alright."
Ningguang chuckled softly. "Don't worry, I won't shortchange you."
Qin Yu believed her; Ningguang had never shortchanged those she trusted.
"So, don't hesitate to share your ideas with me in the future. If you prove capable, I might even put you in charge of projects."
No thanks, that sounds like too much trouble. It's much easier to just take a cut of the profits.
Qin Yu had no intention of letting her time be consumed by such responsibilities. After all, what truly mattered was earning Points through closeness with Shenhe and the others, solidifying their friendship—she couldn't let herself stray from that path.
So she merely murmured, "That won't be necessary. I'm perfectly content serving as Lady Ningguang's personal maid."
"Is that so? That's hardly ambitious," Ningguang remarked.
But she drew back from Qin Yu's ear, gently caressing her cheek with a satisfied smile. "Still, I'm quite pleased to hear you say that."
"Th-thank you," Qin Yu murmured, averting her gaze.
Her eyes fell on the chessboard, and she suddenly remembered they hadn't even started the second game yet, having been too engrossed in their conversation.
"Lady Ningguang, the game..."
"I've already won."
Ah, now that you mention it, that was indeed the agreement. How awful.
The winner gets to ask the loser one question—that was the deal. Qin Yu had a question she wanted to ask Ningguang, and Ningguang seemed to have one for her too, though Qin Yu had no idea what it might be.
Ningguang sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Sit here too. It'll be easier to talk."
Why the bed? Couldn't she just move a chair over?
After Qin Yu sat down, Ningguang frankly stated, "I have a question I want to ask you."
"What is it?"
I hope it's not something awful.
Unfortunately, Ningguang cut straight to the chase: "Why did you stay behind instead of going out with Baiwen and the others?"
That was the last thing Qin Yu wanted to answer.
"It's because..." she stammered.
"Because?"
Since we made an agreement, I should tell the truth, right? Even though I really don't want to. Objectively, it wouldn't be a big deal, but emotionally, I can't bring myself to say it.
I just don't want to say it.
Wait, I remember something... Recalling Ningguang's earlier tactic, Qin Yu smiled. "Lady Ningguang, would you be willing to answer one question for me?"
"I won," Ningguang pointed out.
"Yes, you did win, but this is just a personal request."
Ningguang hadn't expected Qin Yu to learn her old tricks.
"Truly clever," she remarked.
Qin Yu smiled. "Showing your needs too openly makes you easily manipulated—Lady Ningguang, you taught me that yourself."
"I did say that. But honestly, I could have guessed even without asking. I just wanted to confirm."
Eh?
"To be frank, my question wasn't important to me. So I could have chosen not to ask you, or refused your request altogether," Ningguang said calmly, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Ha? Wait, isn't that a bit underhanded?
If Ningguang was telling the truth, then Qin Yu's request was indeed inconsequential to her. But for Qin Yu, Ningguang's mood was of paramount importance.
Or is Ningguang saying this on purpose?
Guessed? Hmph, I'd like to hear how you guessed that.
Slightly irritated, Qin Yu feigned composure and asked, "Then, Lady Ningguang, what's your guess?"
"Because I stayed behind just now, correct?"
Qin Yu's heart jolted violently. That was precisely the reason.
Because I was worried about who Ningguang would meet... no, because I was concerned about Ningguang's health, that's why I chose to stay.
But if it became clear that Ningguang was right, then Qin Yu's only advantage might vanish.
The best approach was to remain ambiguous.
"Hmm~ Is that how it is?"—a vague response would suffice.
A direct denial would be too transparent.
Alright, let's do it this way.
As Qin Yu made up her mind, Ningguang pressed her hand against Qin Yu's cheek and leaned in close, whispering into her ear, "Or could it be for another reason?"
"No," Qin Yu instinctively denied.
Then, belatedly realizing her slip, she let out a small "Ah."
Damn it.
Ningguang's cunning plan had succeeded beyond her wildest calculations. A joy far surpassing the satisfaction of mere success washed over her, eclipsing all other emotions.
Evaluation: S+
"Specifically, what reason?" Ningguang pressed.
Cornered, Qin Yu had no choice but to reveal her true motive.
"I was worried about Lady Ningguang's health. You've been so busy lately, I wanted to stay and take care of you, help you rest and recover. And... I was also a little curious about who you were meeting."
"Also curious?" Ningguang seized on the last phrase.
Why focus on that last part?
"Could it be you're jealous again?"
Ha? Impossible.
"That's not it at all," Qin Yu retorted. "I stayed because I was genuinely concerned about Lady Ningguang's well-being."
"Then let's just take it as such," Ningguang said with a radiant smile.
But that's the truth! Qin Yu thought, her frustration growing. What does she mean by "take it as such"?
Just then, Ningguang hesitated for a moment before revealing her feelings.
"I never expected you would respond to my feelings and stay."
"Respond?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
Ningguang leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Yes... At that moment, I truly wished you would stay. And you did, remaining for me, just as I wished."
What?!
Qin Yu was completely taken aback. Ningguang wanted me to stay? Why?
Her thoughts raced in confusion, while Ningguang's breath lingered near her ear, making Qin Yu's heart pound faster.
"Qin Yu."
Ningguang's soft voice, laced with her breath, caressed Qin Yu's ear.
Gently turning Qin Yu's face toward her, Ningguang's hand glided along her cheek and down her neck. The soft, smooth skin flushed with a delicate blush that Ningguang found exquisitely beautiful, yearning to touch and feel more.
But that wouldn't do.
Wordlessly, Ningguang took Qin Yu's hand and guided her fingertips to touch her own face.
Touch me.
Ningguang conveyed her meaning through her gaze and gestures, pulling Qin Yu's hand to her cheek.
Qin Yu's fingertips traced across Ningguang's cheek, trembling slightly as they brushed her lips. She instinctively tried to pull back, but Ningguang gently held her hand and pressed her lips to Qin Yu's fingertip.
W-waah!?
This was the first time Qin Yu had experienced something like this, and a strange sensation surged through her body.
"Qin Yu."
"Ah... Wh-what is it?" Qin Yu stammered, her face flushed crimson.
"You may touch me freely, just as I touch you."
Evaluation: SS-
Y-you can't just touch me like that! But since you said it... this is just for the points!
I won't become that kind of woman.
Qin Yu had always been capricious. If someone tried to touch her, she would evade them, yet she would freely touch others herself. This perfectly suited Ningguang's current needs—to pique her interest further.
I need to entice Qin Yu.
Rushing into her territory would only scare her away like a frightened little animal, just as it had last time. The only way to make her interested in me is this method.
No, she could also chase after Qin Yu directly, until she ran out of energy or reached a dead end.
But Ningguang didn't want to do that.
"Qin Yu."
"Hmm?"
Ningguang murmured sincerely, "You're very cute."
Don't say things like that.
"Qin Yu."
What now? Qin Yu thought resentfully.
"You can get closer, just like I've done with you."
Ha? Why would I listen to you? Qin Yu secretly pursed her lips, feeling reluctant. It felt like she was rewarding Ningguang while making herself uncomfortable.
She wanted to make Ningguang feel uncomfortable for once.
Qin Yu shook her head gently and withdrew her hand.
A ripple of regret washed through Ningguang's heart. She reached out again and took Qin Yu's hand.
"Is this a request?" Qin Yu asked.
"No."
"Then this..."
If you want me to do something, you have to ask me directly. Don't just throw the choice at me.
Qin Yu was willful. She rarely allowed others to approach her, yet she would take the initiative to approach others. She wouldn't proactively make certain decisions, but if someone made a request, she would accept it.
If Ningguang doesn't ask me, I won't agree...
"It's a request," she said.
"Very well," Qin Yu replied, feeling perfectly justified as she touched Ningguang's face again.
If I asked Ningguang for a kiss, would she agree? The meaningless thought flashed through Qin Yu's mind before dissolving like foam.
I won't become that kind of woman, Qin Yu mentally affirmed.
Ningguang then said, "Lean closer to my ear."
So many demands.
While grumbling inwardly, Qin Yu grabbed Ningguang's shoulder with one hand and brought her face close to Ningguang's ear.
"Is this close enough?"
Her warm breath, the scent of her hair, and her melodious voice seemed to materialize into tangible entities, gently tickling Ningguang's ear. Overwhelmed by an unprecedented sense of comfort and happiness, Ningguang couldn't help but murmur, "Say something more."
Evaluation: SS
What more is there to say?
Wait, maybe now's the time to ask... Still troubled by Ningguang's earlier words, Qin Yu hesitantly whispered, "You mentioned your mood was soured by me this afternoon. Could you explain what happened?"
Ningguang had been wanting to tell her the truth all along, but her embarrassment had made it difficult to articulate clearly.
"Because you and Keqing seem to have grown closer."
Hmm... Hmm? Ha? Just because of that?!
Qin Yu had feared she'd done something wrong, only to discover Ningguang was simply jealous. The thought of her maid and colleague growing closer... Well, it makes sense she'd be jealous.
But the fact remained that Qin Yu was deeply troubled by this.
Naturally, Qin Yu was very dissatisfied.
And she needed to vent her dissatisfaction. She moved away from Ningguang's ear, grabbed her hand, and bit down on Ningguang's finger.
Ningguang's brow furrowed slightly at the sudden, mild pain, but it quickly smoothed out. She used her other hand to gently brush Qin Yu's bangs aside.
Seeing Ningguang's unchanged expression, Qin Yu's dissatisfaction morphed into frustration. She wiped Ningguang's finger with a handkerchief and fell into silence.
"Your improving relationship with Keqing is beneficial to me as well. Keqing has always harbored some prejudice against me. But... I can't help but wonder, if Keqing were to invite you to work for her, would you accept?"
"No, I wouldn't," Qin Yu replied.
After all, she had made the decision to stay by Ningguang's side.
"I understand. This is just my needless worry," Ningguang said.
Yet precisely because of this, she felt an overwhelming urge to be touched by Qin Yu.
To have her take a greater interest in me.
And to keep her eyes fixed on me.
Ningguang exhaled softly, leaning closer to Qin Yu.
Just as Qin Yu thought she was about to be kissed and her mind went blank, Ningguang pressed her lips against Qin Yu's cheek, leaving a warm, soft sensation lingering on her skin.
It felt different from when Shenhe had kissed her cheek.
Beyond the warmth, Ningguang's kiss seemed to carry another intangible quality, something impure, something more complex.
Ningguang gently stroked Qin Yu's face with exquisite tenderness. Qin Yu didn't dislike being treated with such gentle, careful attention, but she would rather die than admit it aloud.
The more Ningguang gazed at Qin Yu's face, the more her mood lifted.
Where else could I find a maid who cares so deeply for me, possesses such ability and potential, and is so utterly endearing? Ningguang mused, reaffirming the wisdom of her initial decision—especially keeping Qin Yu.
Yet it was precisely because Qin Yu was so special that Ningguang wanted to keep her.
Ningguang murmured softly, "Qin Yu, I'll make you want to stay by my side forever."
Evaluation: SS+
No. Don't do anything strange.
Qin Yu was reluctant, yet Ningguang's words left her feeling slightly dizzy. She could only nod faintly.
Hmph, if you can manage that...
But as Hu Tao and Baixiao had said, Ningguang truly was someone who wouldn't easily let go. Does this mean she needs me? If I focus on that, it's not so bad.
If I focus on that.
Qin Yu watched Ningguang step back and tentatively reached out to touch her hair.
Quite smooth. How does she manage to keep it so long and well-maintained?
Seeing Qin Yu's fascination with her hair, Ningguang felt a surge of satisfaction. As long as she's interested—whether it's my hair, face, hands, or feet...
"Would you like to try combing it?"
"Eh? May I?"
"Of course, there's no reason why not."
Qin Yu was genuinely curious about how Ningguang's hair would feel when styled, so she nodded.
With hair this long, it couldn't be brushed while it lay on the floor. Instead, Ningguang sat on the bed, holding a hand mirror, while Qin Yu brushed her hair from the side or behind.
Fortunately, Ningguang's hair was well-maintained; otherwise, this would have been a torturous ordeal.
Ningguang said with satisfaction, "If you don't mind, come help me brush my hair every morning when you have time."
Why are you increasing my workload? No.
"Of course, I'll reward you handsomely."
"Ah, okay."
I suppose I can accept that, barely.
After making Ningguang a vegetable smoothie and playing a game of chess while discussing various topics, Qin Yu returned to her own room.
Lying on her bed, she reached out and gazed at the bracelet on her wrist.
Ningguang had mentioned that her relationship with Keqing seemed to be improving. Qin Yu pondered this and realized it might be true.
After all, we've been...
As her memories continued to resurface, Qin Yu found herself increasingly concerned about Keqing. Yet, at the same time, it became even harder to reveal her hidden truth.
The same went for Shenhe, perhaps even more so.
And then there was the question of her true self. What kind of person was she really? Even Qin Yu herself couldn't quite grasp the answer.
The mere thought made it hard to breathe. She opened the window and gazed at the nightscape outside, letting her mind wander through these questions.
-
It was a morning off.
Though it was her day off, Qin Yu, still at the Jade Chamber early in the morning, stayed temporarily to make breakfast for Ningguang.
After finishing, Qin Yu decided to wake Ningguang and then leave.
She was meeting Hu Tao today.
I wonder what Hu Tao's up to this time. I hope it's nothing too strange... As she pondered, Qin Yu knocked on Ningguang's door.
"Lady Ningguang, are you awake?"
"Hmm... Come in and brush my hair."
Not again...
Ever since that day, Ningguang had insisted on Qin Yu brushing her hair almost daily.
While Qin Yu found the added workload a bit frustrating, she was also secretly pleased that Ningguang needed her... Of course, she would never admit this aloud.
"Then, I'll intrude."
Entering the room, Qin Yu found Ningguang still in her pajamas, smiling at her. "Good morning. Thank you for your help."
Qin Yu caught a glimpse of bare skin at Ningguang's chest, her ears warming slightly. She subtly averted her gaze and said, "It's no trouble at all. After all, we already made plans! Please sit down, I'll be done quickly."
Evaluation: D
Such a cryptic evaluation...
Ningguang sat on the bed. Qin Yu picked up the hand mirror and comb from the vanity, climbed onto the bed behind Ningguang, and cradled a section of her long white hair in one hand as she began to comb it.
Ningguang gazed at Qin Yu's reflection in the hand mirror and smiled faintly. "You're off today, aren't you?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Do you have any plans?"
If not, she wanted to invite Qin Yu to the opera. Coincidentally, her schedule was clear from evening onwards, leaving ample time.
Without hesitation, Qin Yu replied, "I'm going to spend the day with someone."
"Oh? Who?"
Could it be Keqing? Ningguang wondered. But before she could voice her thought, Qin Yu answered, "Hu Tao."
"The Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?" Ningguang's inner tension eased.
"Yes."
After finishing Qin Yu's hair, Qin Yu moved around to face Ningguang, leaned down slightly, and gently combed Ningguang's bangs.
"...All done! Lady Ningguang looks beautiful as always. I've already prepared breakfast. It's almost time to meet my friend. May I take my leave for now?"
Ningguang grasped Qin Yu's hand.
W-what's happening? Qin Yu tensed at the sudden gesture. Ningguang stood up and pressed her lips to Qin Yu's cheek.
"Rest well, recharge, and come back ready to work hard for me again. Your performance has been commendable, but don't become complacent. I want you by my side always, understand?" Ningguang took Qin Yu's hand and pressed it against her own cheek, her voice soft and warm as she smiled.
Evaluation: C-
As the heat gathered on her face, Qin Yu lowered her head. "I... I understand."
Don't do this so early in the morning.