The third month of the new era quietly arrived. So many days had passed since the Rite of Parting that the aftershocks of the Geo Archon's death and the Fatui's machinations had finally subsided.
Ningguang had achieved a resounding diplomatic victory, channeling all her gains into Liyue's reconstruction and development.
Now, the official preparations for rebuilding the Jade Chamber were finally underway.
There was no getting around it; a staggering amount of resources were needed.
Particularly construction materials. Based on the Jade Chamber's previous data, the required quantity was astronomical—a figure only Liyue's Richest Woman, Ningguang, could afford to purchase without batting an eye.
But this only covered standard materials.
The Jade Chamber would also need special components for complete reconstruction.
Ningguang planned to address these later, after finalizing the site selection and securing the bulk construction materials.
Just the thought of the Jade Chamber's return drawing near filled Qin Yu with joy. She, too, had developed a fondness for the floating palace.
Though she wouldn't be living there anymore; instead, she'd be sharing a home with Shenhe.
Qin Yu had already shortlisted several options for their shared residence, but she hadn't made a final decision.
After all, this wasn't just for herself. She'd need to find a suitable time to bring Shenhe to inspect the properties in person.
Even so, Qin Yu could already imagine the scene:
"Shenhe, what do you think of this house?"
"I don't mind. As long as I can live with you, that's all that matters."
As she imagined this, Qin Yu's face flushed slightly. She shook her head vigorously to banish such thoughts.
Let's cross that bridge when we come to it!
Speaking of which... Qin Yu couldn't help but touch her lips. She and Keqing were already family, yet they had still kissed. What kind of family is that?
And Shenhe also considered her family. Could she... want that too?
Stop thinking about it, stop thinking about it.
Right, if one day in the future Shenhe and the others truly accept me, I won't be able to revert to my original persona mode. If I still want to steadily earn Points, wouldn't I have to—
Qin Yu's face flushed hot with these wild thoughts. She splashed cold water on her face, physically cooling down.
"Okay, I'm fine now."
The memory of kissing Keqing flashed through her mind.
Ahhh, enough! Qin Yu continued splashing cold water on her face, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't wash away the memory. Worse, the memory of kissing Hu Tao joined the dance in her mind.
"I can't take this anymore."
She felt herself becoming increasingly strange.
Qin Yu, oh Qin Yu, you're not supposed to be this kind of woman, she thought with a sigh, wiping her face with a towel.
Arriving at the pavilion on Yujing Terrace, Baishi approached her.
"Ayu, this is for you."
Recently, Baiwen and the others had suddenly decided to change how they addressed Qin Yu.
They had started calling each other by nicknames with the prefix "A-": Awen, Ashi, Axiao. Perhaps feeling it best to maintain consistency, they began calling Qin Yu "Ayu" as well.
Qin Yu didn't mind it.
"What's this?"
Baishi handed her a small box.
"Something of Lady Ningguang's, salvaged from the sea. Would you mind passing it on to her?" Baishi smiled.
"Ah, I see. Of course, I understand."
Since the Jade Chamber's glorious sacrifice, several items that once belonged to Ningguang had been salvaged.
It sounded fortunate, at least partially recouping some losses, but the returns should have been greater.
Could there have been unauthorized salvaging? Or had someone acquired these items through illicit means?
After all, the treasures in Ningguang's collection would be considered invaluable by anyone.
Obtaining just one piece could, at the very least, fund years of lavish living. At best, it could bring instant wealth beyond one's wildest dreams.
Qin Yu had pondered this possibility and shared her suspicions with Ningguang.
Ningguang agreed with Qin Yu's speculation and tasked her with gathering and organizing all available intelligence, identifying every suspect. However, she had no intention of exposing these petty profiteers just yet.
Instead, she would wait for the perfect moment to cast her net and capture them all at once—a tactic perfectly in line with Ningguang's style.
Carrying the small box, Qin Yu entered Ningguang's office. Her first sight was of Ningguang standing at the window, pipe in hand, gazing at the clouds.
She's looking at the sky again.
After the aftershocks subsided and the dust settled, Qin Yu occasionally caught Ningguang in moments like these.
Though Ningguang occupied a high position, akin to a flower on a lofty peak, Qin Yu, having known her for a long time, understood that this was merely a facade.
Ningguang possessed the same human emotions as anyone else; she simply refused to reveal them to those she didn't trust.
This is exactly the right time!
Qin Yu gently set down the small box and approached Ningguang, asking softly, "Lady Ningguang, are you thinking about the Jade Chamber again?"
"No, it's something else," Ningguang replied casually.
Really? Qin Yu couldn't help but doubt her.
Qin Yu felt a pang of dissatisfaction at Ningguang's casual response, suspecting she was brushing her off. They had previously agreed that Ningguang would share any troubles with her.
"What's the matter?" Qin Yu asked.
"Some personal matters. Don't worry, I'm not upset. I just need to think about how to achieve my goals and resolve the issue," Ningguang said, casually stroking Qin Yu's cheek.
Qin Yu hesitated for a moment, but decided not to press further.
If Ningguang says so, asking won't get me an answer anyway. She might even think I'm being jealous again. Who's jealous?
Hmph, fine, keep it to yourself.
"I understand," Qin Yu said earnestly. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know!"
Still, I had to make my concern known.
Evaluation: D
Excellent.
Ningguang's face lit up with a radiant smile. "You always know how to say things that delight me."
So utterly adorable. With this thought, Ningguang playfully pinched Qin Yu's cheek with one hand, her childlike fondness for the soft, supple texture having grown recently.
I told you not to pinch me so casually.
Fortunately, after a few seconds, Ningguang's childish impulse vanished, replaced by a silent gaze and gentle strokes through Qin Yu's hair.
Ningguang's mind revolved around a single question:
How can I maintain my exclusive "privileges" with Qin Yu?
Shenhe was moving in with Qin Yu, and Ningguang feared that all her privileges would soon be shared with Shenhe.
If that happens, would they even remain "privileges"?
Ningguang couldn't deny her possessive feelings toward Qin Yu.
Yet she believed this possessiveness stemmed from a complex blend of pure emotions: fondness for someone precious, absolute trust in him, a desire to protect him, friendship... It was a desire devoid of any impure intentions, therefore entirely justifiable.
Still, Ningguang remained uncertain about how to achieve her goal.
Qin Yu, you must not associate with Shenhe. That was obviously unacceptable. It was wrong, and it would hurt Qin Yu deeply.
Relationships are reciprocal. If Qin Yu grew disillusioned with her, a rift would inevitably form between them.
She couldn't control Qin Yu, nor could she restrain Shenhe.
Their cohabitation seemed inevitable. Persuading them to live in the Jade Chamber was equally unlikely. A soft laugh escaped Ningguang's lips as she considered this.
"I never expected this."
"Eh? What's wrong?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"No, it's nothing," Ningguang said with a gentle smile. "I just suddenly realized I value you far more than I thought I did."
Ningguang felt the warmth from Qin Yu's palm intensify slightly.
Evaluation: C-
Qin Yu, her cheeks flushed, replied reluctantly, "Thank you, Lady Ningguang. I value you greatly as well. So, if there's truly anything I can help with, please tell me."
"That's quite a weighty statement," Ningguang remarked.
Ha? What's so weighty about that?
No, wait... it does sound a bit... Qin Yu said anxiously, "I'm sorry, I just want to ease Lady Ningguang's burden a little."
"I understand. And how would you propose to share this burden?"
Qin Yu startled. She recalled how Ningguang had exploited a loophole during their last conversation, requesting to bite her finger.
This decision is mine to make! Qin Yu blurted out, "I-I'll do it."
"But what if I said that right now, only your touch can soothe my unease?" Ningguang asked calmly.
Ugh, she's pulling that trick again.
"Well..."
"Just kidding. I don't need you to share any negative emotions right now. But I'll remember what you said," Ningguang said with a smile.
"That's good," Qin Yu sighed in relief.
Rather than Ningguang's strange requests, Qin Yu was more concerned about whether she would keep her promises.
At that moment, Ningguang suddenly wanted to ask Qin Yu:
"How can I obtain your special privilege?"
Qin Yu, like a skittish animal, would become alert at the slightest rustle of leaves. Approaching her abruptly would only scare her away, so it was best not to ask.
Besides, the thought of everything she would gain after resolving this issue filled Ningguang with anticipation and a sense of profound amusement. This was a challenge she relished.
"Speaking of which, what's in that box?"
"It was salvaged from the sea," Qin Yu replied.
"I see," Ningguang said calmly. She opened the box and glanced inside.
"Hmm, these are indeed some of my lost items. That makes a few more." Despite her words, her expression showed little joy.
"Lady Ningguang..."
Ningguang pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. It's about time more of our lost treasures returned to us. Qin Yu, inform Baiwen and the others."
The time has finally come to cast the net! Qin Yu thought excitedly. I've been itching to deal with those who've been taking advantage for far too long!
"One more thing," Ningguang added.
"Yes, Lady Ningguang? What is it?" Qin Yu asked, her energy renewed.
Ningguang smiled faintly and retrieved a purple-black garment from the wardrobe. It looked cool and elegant, yet not overly revealing.
"Wear this."
Qin Yu's enthusiasm vanished.
If it were just for admiration, she wouldn't mind. But wearing it herself? Qin Yu wasn't thrilled.
Having long grown accustomed to wearing qipaos daily, Qin Yu couldn't help but grumble inwardly, yet she still donned the outfit and headpiece.
She had given up resisting.
By the time she returned to Ningguang's side, Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao had already arrived.
"Wow, you look like a young lady from some noble family!" Baishi exclaimed excitedly.
"It suits you perfectly," Baiwen praised.
"You should wear this whenever we go out in the future," Baixiao suggested.
Absolutely not.
Ningguang smiled approvingly. "You should wear this for work from now on. It suits you perfectly. A new beginning deserves a new look."
"I understand..."
Being praised wasn't unpleasant, but having to wear this outfit forever... Well, at least it's slightly less revealing than a qipao, Qin Yu reasoned, finding a sliver of solace.
But if a new beginning required a new look, shouldn't Ningguang herself change her attire as well?
Qin Yu smiled faintly. "Lady Ningguang, will you also be adopting a new look? A new outfit, perhaps? You always make me dress up, but I'd love to see you in something different for once."
I can't be the only one! I have to drag Ningguang into this too.
Unaware of Qin Yu's ulterior motives, Ningguang pondered thoughtfully.
"Me? Well, coincidentally, the formal gown I ordered has arrived. If you'd like to see me wear it, I suppose there's no harm in doing so. But before that, we must finalize the arrangements for the upcoming matters."
A formal gown? Ah, the one from a while back...
Qin Yu recalled that one day last month, Ningguang had taken her to a clothing boutique to have a new formal gown custom-made.
From the design, it resembled Qin Yu's current outfit—cool, elegant, and refined, yet this particular gown exuded a more mature sophistication.
With that thought, Qin Yu's anticipation grew.
This is going to be spectacular, she thought.
Ningguang then assigned the next task, instructing Baiwen and the other two to prepare a small-scale auction. The items for sale were to be ordinary, unremarkable objects.
"Yujing Terrace will suffice as the venue," Ningguang said. "Ensure the news spreads thoroughly so that all targets on the list are informed. Everything must be completed before evening."
After assigning the three, Ningguang instructed Qin Yu to select a secluded teahouse and reserve a private room.
"Just make sure it's available tonight," Ningguang said.
Tonight? Is she meeting someone for business? Qin Yu wondered, accepting the task.
After reserving the room and returning to the office, Qin Yu knocked on the door.
"Lady Ningguang, I'm back."
"Come in."
As Qin Yu entered, intending to report, she noticed Ningguang had already changed into a new formal gown.
The gown's deep blue perfectly complemented her fair skin, accentuating her elegant curves. Butterfly wings on her shoes added a touch of ethereal lightness.
Light yet graceful, dignified yet opulent—her form resembled that of an Adeptus descended from the heavens, leaving Qin Yu momentarily stunned.
Ningguang crossed her arms and asked, "What do you think?"
"It's beautiful!" Qin Yu exclaimed honestly.
"Mm, thank you for the compliment. I quite like this outfit myself." Hearing Qin Yu's straightforward praise visibly brightened Ningguang's mood. This is exactly what I wanted to hear, she thought.
The words that slip out unconsciously are always the most genuine.
It was worth deliberately sending Qin Yu away to create this surprise.
Evaluation: B-
"May I get a closer look?"
"Of course."
Everyone appreciates beauty, and Qin Yu was no exception.
Qin Yu leaned closer, her eyes sparkling as she studied Ningguang intently for several moments.
Ningguang met Qin Yu's gaze, her smile unwavering. After all, this meant Qin Yu was genuinely interested in her.
But as the gaze lingered, Ningguang suddenly felt a faint itching sensation on the skin where Qin Yu's eyes had swept. An inexplicable warmth rose within her, gradually tinting her cheeks with a blush.
"You're quite fond of it?" Ningguang asked.
What an odd way to put it. I just think it's beautiful.
Qin Yu inwardly pursed her lips but replied smoothly, "I truly believe Lady Ningguang looks exceptionally beautiful right now! Even as a woman, I'm captivated!"
Evaluation: B+
Having received Qin Yu's direct praise again, Ningguang's smile widened.
She glanced at Qin Yu, who was dressed in a similar style, resembling a black butterfly, and leaned close to whisper in her ear, "You as well."
Evaluation: A
"Th-thank you..." Qin Yu murmured softly.
Satisfied, Ningguang settled back in her chair. "Baiwen and the others are still preparing. Let's wait until evening."
"Understood."
Around six o'clock, Ningguang led Qin Yu to the venue for Yujing Terrace's small-scale auction.
Ningguang asked, "Are all the attendees present?"
With a quick glance, Qin Yu accurately identified everyone in the room. They were all on the list—everyone was accounted for.
"Yes, everyone's here," Qin Yu replied softly.
"Excellent."
Ningguang approached Baiwen. "Thank you for your hard work. I'll take over the auction from here."
"Understood, Lady Ningguang. We'll handle all the arrangements outside the venue. Please don't worry," Baiwen nodded.
Qin Yu's gaze drifted to a corner of the auction hall where the auction items were displayed.
Teacups, hairpins, writing sets, vases... all were unremarkable, ordinary goods.
Adequate but lacking significant value, they were fine for daily use, but bidding a fortune to collect them would be a colossal waste of money.
Ningguang's true intention wasn't to profit from Mora. If she wanted to extract Mora from these people, she had far better, more efficient methods than holding an auction.
Her real purpose was to expose those who had been hoarding her personal treasures.
Ningguang stepped behind the auction table, a calm smile gracing her lips. "Welcome, everyone. I, Ningguang, will be presiding over this auction. The items offered here are treasures from my personal collection. Whether you secure them depends entirely on your bidding prowess."