Ningguang opened the box again, retrieving a familiar instrument.
"Qin Yu, do you remember this?"
One glance was all it took for Qin Yu to recognize the cup she often used to prepare drinks for Ningguang. She nodded wistfully.
"I remember using this often to prepare drinks for Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu said with a genuine smile. "I never imagined it would be so well-preserved."
Ningguang chuckled. "Indeed, it's remarkably intact. The others, however..."
Perhaps due to prolonged submersion in seawater, some of the artifacts had developed flaws.
These imperfections weren't immediately noticeable, but once spotted, they became glaringly obvious. While they could still fetch a substantial sum if sold, their value had undoubtedly diminished.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, dismayed that the tools she had used so frequently had deteriorated like this.
Noticing Qin Yu's slightly melancholy expression, Ningguang's heart warmed. She smiled gently and said, "Don't be sentimental. Even if they aren't restored, they still hold new value in their own right."
"I've always believed that the Jade Chamber was able to suppress Osial that day because of the sheer energy and weight it contained. Every brick, every tile, every ornament—large or small—all coalesced into that singular moment of immense weight."
Does that include my autographed copy of "The Citrus Within"?
Even thinking about it now, Qin Yu still felt a pang of heartache.
"Having endured such a baptism, they've gained a new layer of meaning, radiating a fresh brilliance. The intrinsic value of an object is secondary; what truly matters is the significance it carries."
"A wooden plaque casually carved by a child centuries ago becomes a priceless relic today, simply because it now holds new meaning."
Qin Yu's mood brightened considerably. "Yes," she said, understanding. "The most important thing is that they've returned to Lady Ningguang's hands."
"Indeed, that's what truly matters," Ningguang replied. "Though what I said earlier might sound a bit... naive."
"Naive? Where?"
Ningguang hesitated. "Just the idea that every brick, every tile, every object... contributes to the Jade Chamber's weight. Don't you find that perspective a little childish, Qin Yu?"
Qin Yu tried to grasp Ningguang's meaning, but unfortunately, she couldn't.
"I think it's perfectly natural," she replied. "I know the Jade Chamber is like an old friend to you, Lady Ningguang. Since they're part of your old friend, of course you'd think that way."
Ningguang gave a soft hum of agreement.
Evaluation: S+
It was rare to see Ningguang embarrassed, and Qin Yu couldn't let this opportunity slip by. She intentionally sought to "retaliate" for Ningguang's habit of throwing her off balance.
Leaning closer to Ningguang, Qin Yu whispered, "But Lady Ningguang occasionally acts quite childishly herself!"
"Really?" Ningguang asked, surprised inwardly but maintaining her composure.
Wow, she's not even admitting it!
Slightly indignant, Qin Yu leaned in and whispered in Ningguang's ear, "Yes! Like when you poke my cheek, sometimes tease me on purpose, and when you were sick, you wouldn't let me leave."
A faint blush crept across Ningguang's cheeks. She hadn't realized Qin Yu still remembered those incidents from months ago so vividly.
She could have brushed it off with a simple "A sick person naturally acts weaker," but that would only put her further on the defensive. She was tempted to point out how Qin Yu had been teasing her more frequently lately.
Both then and now.
Thinking this, Ningguang openly admitted, "True, I can be childish sometimes. But only with you. Do you know why?"
"Why?" Qin Yu asked, her curiosity piqued.
Ningguang took Qin Yu's hand and pressed it against her chest, whispering softly, "Because I want you to understand me better... to be more interested in me."
Evaluation: SS-
Qin Yu was flustered.
Understand me more, be more interested in me? What a strange thing to say! So she really does want to do something to me? Is Ningguang really into women?
The tables had turned effortlessly, and Ningguang smiled softly.
"And you? After seeing more of my other side, what do you think?"
"Uh? I-I don't think there's anything wrong with it," Qin Yu stammered.
Seriously, don't ask me that question! I'm the one who wants to ask!
Does Ningguang care about my true self? Will she? Won't she? She said before that "mutual exploitation is enough," but what will the actual outcome be? The thoughts flashed through Qin Yu's mind.
"Nothing wrong? That's a rather lukewarm answer, not quite to my satisfaction. Are you saying you like it?" Ningguang pressed, her tone deliberately probing.
I told you not to ask that!
While the answer was indeed a form of liking, Qin Yu didn't want to voice it according to Ningguang's desires.
"Your other side... if only more people knew that Lady Ningguang isn't just good at scheming," Qin Yu awkwardly changed the subject.
"Is that so? But my talent for scheming is undeniable, isn't it?"
Qin Yu replied, "Yes, but precisely because of that, you were able to become the Tianquan and save everyone in Liyue with the Jade Chamber."
"If you were our enemy, that would indeed be terrifying. But you're not, and you'll always be our Tianquan. That's what gives me such peace of mind and makes me so happy!"
"Even though many people have changed their opinions of you since the God Incident, I still hope more will come to know your other virtues."
"You truly have a silver tongue," Ningguang chuckled.
"Oh, not really."
As if reading Qin Yu's mind, Ningguang said, "You're still angry about what that person said earlier, aren't you?"
"Mmm..."
"I've almost never seen you lose your temper. It's quite a rare sight."
Qin Yu's gaze drifted away.
There's no help for it. Sometimes I just can't control myself.
But getting angry on behalf of a friend is pretty normal, right? Yeah, it's not out of character. Good.
Ningguang sipped her tea and said, "It's enough that you understand me. I won't let others' opinions bother me anymore. I hope you'll do the same."
Qin Yu twirled a strand of hair and murmured, "Okay."
Looks like I was being presumptuous after all.
Just as she let out a mental sigh, Ningguang suddenly changed the topic.
"Speaking of which, you once said that if I were ever unhappy, you would share my burden."
Qin Yu tensed up, thinking, That's right, but Ningguang always loves exploiting loopholes, using "This is the only way to make me feel better" as an excuse to make demands.
"Yes, what is it?" Qin Yu asked tentatively.
"I want you to share my burden now."
Ugh, this is such a hassle—all talk and no substance.
Qin Yu forced a smile. "Of course! Just tell me what it is. I'll share whatever you need—just say the word!"
"Don't be so tense. I won't ask you to do anything difficult."
That statement alone is already difficult enough.
For some reason, Ningguang fell silent, seemingly lost in thought or hesitation. This didn't reassure Qin Yu; instead, it made her uneasy.
Has she changed her mind? Is she going to break our agreement? Is she just toying with me?
Or is she about to make some outrageous demand? Qin Yu grew restless, fidgeting in her seat.
"Move a little closer. Scoot your chair over."
Qin Yu cautiously moved her chair, drawing closer to Ningguang.
Ningguang slowly leaned into Qin Yu's embrace, resting her head on Qin Yu's shoulder. With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes and murmured, "This feels right."
Qin Yu was completely taken aback by Ningguang's sudden action. Momentarily stunned, she could only instinctively wrap her arms around Ningguang to prevent her from falling.
Her mind a chaotic whirlwind of questions, Qin Yu desperately wanted to ask, but seeing Ningguang resting with her eyes closed, she hesitated to disturb her. Trapped by a sudden surge of heat and a mind struggling to process the situation, she could only stiffly ponder:
Is this... flirting?
Considering the Jade Chamber, it's only natural that Ningguang would want to unwind and vent.
But... why like this?
Evaluation: SS
An SS rating is great and all... but Qin Yu still found it hard to accept.
"L-Lady Ningguang, do you want to sleep? Should I sing you a lullaby?" Qin Yu stammered, flustered.
"No, and besides, I'm no longer at an age where lullabies would comfort me."
Nor are you at an age to act clingy with a woman younger than yourself, Qin Yu thought to herself.
"I-I see... ha ha, that's... sudden. I never expected you to do this, Lady Ningguang. If you're tired, I think we should head back."
"No, this is fine."
Qin Yu gave up resisting.
Fine, but this better be a one-time thing.
"Understood. You can continue until you're satisfied," Qin Yu said with a faint smile.
The softness and warmth against her palm and arm, combined with the delicate fragrance of Ningguang's hair, gradually soothed Qin Yu. After the initial shock and confusion, a subtle new feeling began to bloom within her.
Truth be told, Qin Yu would rather be the one acting spoiled than the one being coddled.
Of course, I'd never do that, she thought.
"As you said, the Jade Chamber was my old friend, keeping me company through countless nights. Every memory from those days now lies at the bottom of the sea."
Ningguang's voice drew Qin Yu's attention.
A sigh, soft as orchid petals, brushed against Qin Yu's collarbone. Her earlobes warmed slightly, but she was more focused on Ningguang's words.
"Life is often like this," Ningguang murmured, her voice slow and measured. "In the blink of an eye, we face loss. Whenever I think of the Jade Chamber, this thought always arises, and each time, it fills me with melancholy."
Qin Yu felt a deep empathy, instinctively pulling Ningguang into a tight embrace.
A memory flashed through her mind—Ningguang's earlier words about how Qin Yu's touch always made her relax. Gently, she stroked Ningguang's cheek.
"I understand," Qin Yu murmured.
Surprised by Qin Yu's touch, Ningguang couldn't help but relax. "Is that so? You understand... Yes, indeed, you've always been so perceptive of others' feelings."
"It's just common courtesy," Qin Yu said lightly.
"To me, it's anything but ordinary."
There's really nothing to it, Qin Yu thought. Any normal person would do the same. If Ningguang insists on seeing it as extraordinary, it'll only make me feel awkward.
Extraordinary deeds invite reciprocation—a burden Qin Yu neither desired nor needed.
This is simply what I should do, she thought. No reward is necessary. Just accept it... Qin Yu felt a pang of guilt about withholding her true self from Ningguang.
"Even though the Jade Chamber has temporarily vanished, Lady Ningguang must still have something she hasn't lost," Qin Yu said.
"Senior Baiwen and the others, including myself, will continue to work hard for you as always. And once the Jade Chamber is rebuilt, there will be a fresh start—that's what I believe," Qin Yu added.
But what she was really thinking was, What's lost is lost. There's no changing that.
We'll adapt. We have to adapt.
Still, it was best not to voice such pessimistic and defeatist thoughts at a time like this.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "It's hard to imagine such thoughts coming from someone who seems so pessimistic about human relationships."
Qin Yu felt incredibly embarrassed. Has she seen right through me? Uwaah.
"Nevertheless, you're right. Thank you for saying that," Ningguang replied, covering Qin Yu's hand with her own. Looking up at her, she smiled warmly.
Evaluation: SS+
Feeling shy, Qin Yu turned her face away. "As long as you're satisfied, Lady Ningguang."
"I've always been very satisfied with you, as I believe you know."
Ningguang wanted to linger in this moment, but even she had reached a point where she felt too embarrassed to stay in Qin Yu's warm embrace. She retreated to the window to catch her breath in the Anemo breeze.
The cool night breeze failed to dispel her lingering reluctance.
To distract herself, Ningguang invited, "Come over here. The view is magnificent."
After all, I chose this spot myself! Qin Yu thought smugly.
The lingering warmth in her arms hadn't faded. With a hint of reluctance, she stood beside Ningguang and gazed out at the sea.
"All things are transient, yet the world's scenery remains largely unchanged. Perhaps in a hundred years, it will be different, but by then, I will have become mere dust and bones. This form, too, will crumble into unremarkable remains, its radiance extinguished," Ningguang mused.
If Hu Tao were here, she'd probably say, "At least as our esteemed client, your new home will be anything but ordinary!"
As Qin Yu's mind wandered, Ningguang continued.
"Still, as long as I remain in this world, I will command boundless wealth and wield the power of the Tianquan at my whim."
Ningguang said calmly, "'Live this life to the fullest, leaving no regrets in power, wealth, or affection'—this was my conviction from the start. I nearly lost myself in the Void's illusions, but you reminded me of it again."
Truly, Liyue's Richest Woman... Qin Yu could only marvel silently.
"Yes! There will be even more things to please Lady Ningguang in the future. The rebuilt Jade Chamber will undoubtedly be even more breathtaking," Qin Yu said with a smile.
Ningguang turned to thank Qin Yu again, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
Seeing Qin Yu's smile and recalling her gentle voice and comforting presence, Ningguang felt an inexplicable urge to touch her.
And she did.
Qin Yu blinked at her, accustomed to such gestures, showing no particular reaction. Ningguang was slightly dissatisfied; she wanted Qin Yu to react as adorably as she had during their first touch.
She wanted to be special.
To Qin Yu, Keqing was undoubtedly special, and so was Shenhe, since they were about to live together.
But what about her? Was she special in Qin Yu's heart?
If so, how special?
Countless thoughts sprouted like bamboo shoots after a rain, none offering answers. Perhaps getting closer will reveal something? Ningguang thought, leaning closer to Qin Yu.
"Lady Ningguang—"
Qin Yu began, puzzled, but Ningguang pressed a finger to her lips.
"Shhh... I want to look at you properly," Ningguang whispered softly.
Ha!?
Qin Yu couldn't fathom what Ningguang found so captivating about her. Her appearance? True, she was beautiful, but shouldn't Ningguang have grown tired of seeing her face by now? Or was it because she was wearing different clothes?
Feeling Ningguang's unwavering gaze, Qin Yu's face flushed.
"So cute," Ningguang murmured.
Not really, Qin Yu thought, her heart fluttering with delight.
Ningguang's hand glided down Qin Yu's neck, leaving a trail of cool, tickling sensations, before coming to rest on her collarbone.
Privilege... Qin Yu and Shenhe living together was a foregone conclusion, an unchangeable future. Given this inevitability, how could Ningguang maintain her special status with Qin Yu?
Wealth, power, and affection—none could be lacking. This was Ningguang's conviction.
Her relationship with Qin Yu also fell within the realm of what could not be imperfect.
"Lady Ningguang, may I ask..." Qin Yu parted her lips slightly, her expression a mixture of confusion and anticipation.
Ningguang's gaze settled on her lips.
"So beautiful..."
They make me want to take a gentle bite.
An uncontrollable wave of emotion surged through Ningguang. She cupped Qin Yu's face and leaned in closer, inch by inch.
She didn't ask, "May I?" Qin Yu didn't respond either. Her mind went blank, and as Ningguang drew nearer, she instinctively closed her eyes.
A tender warmth seeped from her lips into Qin Yu's heart.
Evaluation: SSS-
After the brief touch, Qin Yu finally snapped back to reality.
"Lady Ningguang, this... I..."
Qin Yu never expected Ningguang to kiss her so suddenly. Even after her consciousness returned to reality, her mind remained in utter chaos, her heart racing so fast she had to gasp for breath.
Seeing Qin Yu's face and ears flushed crimson, Ningguang smiled with satisfaction, her own cheeks glowing a vibrant red.
"So that's how it is."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
What "so that's how it is"? I don't understand. Has Ningguang realized she's awakened a new world? Qin Yu couldn't make sense of Ningguang's musings.
"I've simply come to understand something."
"What—"
Before Qin Yu could finish, Ningguang pressed close again.
If I can't maintain my current privileges, then I'll simply create new ones.
Ningguang's gentle whispers and embrace brushed against Qin Yu's heart like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface, leaving her dizzy and disoriented. Gradually, Qin Yu surrendered to the tender treatment, sinking deeper into its warmth.
When she finally snapped back to awareness, she found herself pinned against the wall, Ningguang's smiling face looming before her.
Hastily covering the lower half of her face, Qin Yu averted her gaze and mumbled, "Is that enough...?"
"I apologize if I startled you," Ningguang murmured softly.
As if I wasn't!
Sensing the genuine concern in Ningguang's voice, Qin Yu couldn't bring herself to be angry. She could only mutter sullenly, "I... I don't understand why you..."
"There's nothing wrong with this."
Ha?
Ningguang grasped Qin Yu's hand and said, "Just an intimate exchange between master and servant."
Do you think I'm stupid?
"Or do you think there's something wrong with it?"
Of course there is! Qin Yu was about to retort, but she didn't know where to begin.
"Something wrong" implied that Ningguang's kiss held significance, that it was abnormal. Acknowledging its abnormality would send their relationship spiraling onto an unpredictable trajectory.
"No..." Qin Yu replied, uneasy.
"Mm-hmm."
Ningguang understood that Qin Yu was like a skittish animal, requiring a gradual approach rather than sudden intimacy. To avoid further confusing Qin Yu, she had no choice but to pretend everything was "normal."
This pretense weighed on Ningguang's conscience, but denying herself the pleasure of kissing Qin Yu was no longer an option.
Ningguang gently stroked Qin Yu's hair.
I never imagined I'd fall for someone, let alone... my own maid. Ningguang savored the sweet warmth rising from the depths of her heart, sighing inwardly.