On her day off, Qin Yu invited Shenhe over.
"Let's go house hunting together today! I've found a few places that I think are pretty good. Now it's up to you to decide!" Qin Yu said with a smile.
"I don't mind. You choose. After all, you're the one buying the place," Shenhe replied calmly.
Ugh, that answer really rubs me the wrong way.
Qin Yu sighed helplessly. "No, no, no. Even though it's technically my purchase, this is where we'll both be living! If you're not happy with it, then it won't work out."
"Is that so?"
"Yes!" Qin Yu nodded firmly.
If Shenhe says "I don't mind" one more time, we might as well stay in the rental! Qin Yu grumbled inwardly. If it weren't for the promise she'd made with Shenhe, she wouldn't have wanted to live with anyone else.
Raising her index finger, Qin Yu said earnestly, "In short, I really want you to express your thoughts and feelings properly!"
"I understand."
Qin Yu smiled. "Mm-hmm! When you're living together, it's important to respect each other's opinions. I know you value my thoughts a lot, Shenhe, but that's exactly why I want to hear yours too."
Evaluation: D
Qin Yu has always been like this, Shenhe thought, nodding slightly. She always asks for my opinions and ideas.
"Alright, but how exactly should I do it?"
Don't ask me!
Qin Yu was puzzled by Shenhe's response. "Um, just share your thoughts and feelings? Something like that."
"I think I understand."
Good. If you didn't understand even that, it would be a real problem, Qin Yu thought.
"Like... 'I'm happy to be living with you.' Is that right?"
What are you rambling about all of a sudden?!
Evaluation: C-
Qin Yu was annoyed by Shenhe's usual detached demeanor, but she couldn't just ignore her. Gripping a strand of her hair, she murmured, "Ah, yeah, exactly like that. Even the smallest feelings, I want to hear them. After all, we'll be living together for a while."
"Alright."
Qin Yu exhaled softly. It was time to leave.
This was her first time house-hunting with someone else, and the second time she'd be living with another person. And the person was someone who didn't even understand the meaning of "taking an inch and wanting a mile."
Once they moved in, she'd have to gradually gauge how well Shenhe accepted her true nature.
Shenhe had always been remarkably patient with her temper, but what would happen if friction arose during their shared living situation? The thought made Qin Yu uneasy.
But more than that, she felt a glimmer of anticipation.
Though it was only a tiny spark.
"Okay, let's go. The first one is over here."
The first house was located far from the city center, near the sea.
The house had excellent moisture resistance and decent soundproofing. Its secluded location made it quiet and comfortable, quite a good place.
"Shenhe, what do you think? I knew you'd like a quiet place like this, so I chose it. At night, you can even see the night view of Liyue Harbor and the sea!" Qin Yu said with a smile.
What do I think?
"Not bad."
Mm-hmm, and then? Qin Yu wanted to hear more of Shenhe's thoughts.
But Shenhe simply added, "That's all I have to say."
Huh?
"J-just like that? Nothing else?" Qin Yu asked in disbelief.
I painstakingly chose this place, and all I get is two words? This is unacceptable.
"Sorry, that's all I could think of."
Well, it's Shenhe after all.
Qin Yu forced a smile. "Ahahaha, it's okay! I'm just happy you said even that much! So, Shenhe, you're pretty satisfied with this place, right?"
"Yes, I do desire a tranquil place where I won't be disturbed," Shenhe replied.
Qin Yu nodded in understanding. "It's perfect for cultivation, then."
"No, I meant the time I spend with you. I said before that being with you improves my cultivation without needing to practice..."
Evaluation: C+
She's saying strange things again.
Qin Yu's face flushed. Just as Shenhe was about to turn her gaze toward her, she hastily grabbed Shenhe's shoulders, forcefully turned her around, and pushed her forward while forcing a strained laugh:
"Let's head to the next place!"
Shenhe didn't quite understand why Qin Yu was reacting so strangely, but she followed along anyway, replying:
"I'm looking forward to it."
Couldn't you say something more useful? Qin Yu thought, puffing up her cheeks. She couldn't resist giving Shenhe's shoulder a light tap.
Evaluation: B
A tap raises the evaluation? Then I should tap more!
"What's wrong?" Shenhe asked.
"Oh, uh... there was a bug! Yeah, I chased it away for you," Qin Yu blurted out, quickly recovering her composure with an awkward explanation.
"I see."
Most people would definitely be suspicious, but Shenhe wasn't most people—a fortunate fact.
Qin Yu rested her hands on Shenhe's shoulders and continued pushing her forward. As she gazed at Shenhe's back, she inexplicably recalled Shenhe's immense strength—virtually superhuman.
If Shenhe carried me on her back, it would be effortless for her.
...What am I thinking? Qin Yu abruptly cut off the embarrassing thought, dismissing it as unnecessary.
They weren't even roommates yet.
Not that they weren't roommates, but friends just don't do things like this... No, I said stop thinking about it. Qin Yu shook her head, then heard Shenhe ask:
"Is it up ahead?"
"Yes," Qin Yu replied, snapping back to attention.
"But that's the sea. Is the house on the water or underwater?"
Ah, I took the wrong turn.
Shenhe's silhouette had stolen Qin Yu's attention, and when she snapped back to reality, she was facing the ocean.
Deeply embarrassed, Qin Yu shifted her feet to guide Shenhe in the right direction.
"Sorry, I spaced out. It's this way."
"I see."
Don't say anything. Qin Yu pinched Shenhe's ear in a gesture of mild annoyance.
Evaluation: A-
Unfortunately, Shenhe didn't grasp the meaning behind this sudden little gesture. She merely pondered thoughtfully that such physical contact was becoming increasingly frequent.
But I don't dislike it.
Will these touches happen every day after we live together?
Although Shenhe both anticipated and rejoiced at the prospect of living with Qin Yu, her mental image of their future life together remained hazy, filled only with fragments of memories from their previous sleepovers.
Cooking, eating, chatting, drying hair, sleeping—these mundane daily activities gradually brought the outline of their future life into sharper focus. Now, with Qin Yu pinching her ear, the warmth and touch made it even clearer.
From this, Shenhe could draw a conclusion: being touched by Qin Yu made her very happy.
"Ah, there are more people ahead. Hold out your hand."
Shenhe extended her hand, and Qin Yu circled around to take it.
Evaluation: A+
"Speaking of which," Shenhe suddenly said, "I told my master about our plan to live together."
"Ugh..."
"W-what did she think?" Qin Yu asked nervously.
"She said it was up to me to decide."
So, that counts as approval, right? Qin Yu thought, relieved.
After all, it was just two women living together. What could be wrong with that? It was never likely to be refused.
Cloud Retainer wasn't the type to micromanage Shenhe's affairs anyway.
Next, they toured a few more rooms.
"Not bad."
"Decent."
"I like it a lot."
These were Miss Shenhe's impressions.
If they're all about the same, won't it be even harder to choose?! Qin Yu grumbled inwardly. She had hoped Shenhe would offer an optimal choice, sparing her the trouble of deciding.
Well, no need to rush anyway.
It's not like I'm the one in a hurry.
Feeling downcast, Qin Yu turned her attention to the last option.
This house was located just outside the city walls.
Although it was outside the city, it wasn't far—still within the Millelith's patrol range.
Qin Yu had included it as an option because it offered good value for its price, was quiet and comfortable, and suited both her and Shenhe's needs.
But Shenhe would likely react the same way as before—with simple, unremarkable comments.
"...This place is nice."
"Huh? Shenhe, you actually like this one?" Qin Yu asked in surprise.
Shenhe, uncharacteristically expressing more, said, "It's far enough from the bustle of the human world to feel peaceful, yet not too distant. If I could live here with you, it would be perfect."
She really likes it.
Qin Yu smiled. "Great! Since you're interested, let's take a proper look around, shall we?"
"That's my intention as well."
The two-story house had two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a toilet, and a bathroom—all the essentials. The interior space wasn't particularly large, but it would be more than adequate if they kept things organized.
Outside, there was a small plot of farmland suitable for cultivation.
Shenhe knelt by the field, scooped up a handful of soil, and said, "This place is good. I really like it."
Qin Yu knelt beside her. Since Shenhe had so clearly expressed her preference, she might as well go along with it. This house would do just fine.
"So, this is the one?" Qin Yu asked with a gentle smile.
"What do you think?"
Qin Yu hesitated for a moment before admitting, "Me? Honestly, I don't really care where we live. I've always lived in rented rooms before. As long as there's a roof over my head, I'm fine."
"Living with someone else? The old me would never have imagined this," she murmured, hugging her knees.
"Me neither," Shenhe replied.
Shenhe released her grip, letting the dirt fall from her hand. She clapped her hands together and turned to Qin Yu.
"That's why I'll cherish it."
Qin Yu's ears flushed warm. "I will too..."
Evaluation: S
Although she had imagined living with Shenhe before, imagination was just that—imagination, like seeing flowers through a mist—elusive and indistinct.
But after actually touring the place with Shenhe, the reality began to sink in.
I'm really going to live with someone other than Teacher... and for a long time. Amidst her awe, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a secret joy.
But can we really live together forever?
Qin Yu worried again that her own issues might disrupt their living arrangement, her anxiety resurfacing.
Maybe it's better not to get my hopes up too high? I've already been through the cycle of expectation and disappointment so many times. If I don't learn from that, it'll be my own fault.
Lost in her thoughts, Shenhe's voice drew her back to reality.
"Qin Yu."
"Hmm?"
Shenhe's gaze softened. "Thank you for agreeing to live with me."
"It's... nothing, really."
"Also," Shenhe added, "I hope we can live together forever."
Evaluation: SS-
"Forever?"
Really?
Shenhe nodded firmly. "Forever."
Qin Yu studied Shenhe intently, searching for any sign of deception. Trust would bring me peace of mind, but no matter how hard I look, I can't find anything suspicious.
After all, Shenhe's expression rarely changes. Tsk.
"Hmm," Qin Yu responded.
Fine, I'll believe you... a little. But words are cheap. Anyone can say anything.
It's your actions that matter most.
So, if you want to live with me forever, then earn my unwavering trust. Qin Yu thought, resolving to carefully test Shenhe's sincerity, gradually revealing her true self to see how Shenhe would react.
At this thought, warmth surged through Qin Yu's chest, and a sense of inexplicable lightness filled her.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Qin Yu said with a genuine smile.
Evaluation: SS+
Although officially moving in would take some time—handling paperwork, replacing furniture, cleaning and organizing after moving in, buying daily necessities, and more—it wouldn't be long.
Suddenly, Qin Yu felt a sharp headache, and her consciousness wavered briefly.
"Are you not feeling well?" Shenhe asked with concern.
"No, I'm probably just hungry. Let's go grab something to eat."
"Alright, but please tell me if you feel unwell."
Qin Yu waved her hand and smiled. "I told you, I'm perfectly fine!"
Perfectly fine... That's how it should be.
But these strange symptoms were happening more and more often. What was she going to do?
At that moment, Qin Yu thought of someone: Zhongli.
He might know something. Last time, he said he didn't know the cause, but he was still able to prescribe medicine to alleviate the symptoms... Even if he didn't know the specifics, he must have some clues.
After parting ways with Shenhe, Qin Yu began searching for Zhongli.
Finding him wasn't difficult.
After all, a young man with such an extraordinary aura and an old man's lifestyle was quite rare. Asking a few people easily led her to his whereabouts.
Inside Heyu Tea house.
"Mr. Zhongli, hello."
Zhongli looked up, recognizing Qin Yu, and said knowingly, "It seems the medicine isn't as effective as it was initially?"
Qin Yu sat down and nodded. "That's right... Mr. Zhongli, do you have any leads regarding my condition?"
Zhongli didn't answer immediately. He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment.
"I know a few things," he said slowly. "If you need them, I can tell you."
So he does know something.
"Please tell me," Qin Yu said earnestly.
"Seek out the Adepti."
"Eh? The Adepti... really?"
Zhongli nodded gently. "Indeed. The Adepti will provide the answers you seek. The medicinal formula I gave you was originally written by an Adeptus as well. I merely overheard it and happened to remember it."
So that's how it is.
Why does this suddenly feel so unreliable...? I ask him, and he tells me to find the Adepti.
Well, at least I have a lead now. Normally, it wouldn't even occur to me to consult the Adepti.
Thinking this, Qin Yu smiled. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome. However, I would like to ask you to do one more thing."
Qin Yu tensed up. "What is it?"
"Please take care of Director Hu Tao."
Huh?
Qin Yu looked confused. "Take care of her? That..."
"This generation's Director... I'm not quite equipped to handle her."
Ah, I get it.
Hu Tao's personality might be something you can get used to, but whether you can actually accept it is another matter entirely, Qin Yu thought, nodding.
"Alright."
"Excellent." With that, Zhongli resumed sipping his tea, focusing on his health regimen.
Qin Yu politely bid him farewell, then stood by the street, letting out a soft sigh.
Seek out the Adepti, huh...?