Ningguang responded with silence.
The mention of Qin Yu's name was both logical and unexpected. After all, from her perspective, the only person who could stir such feelings in Shenhe was Qin Yu, with whom she shared such a close bond.
"Before I answer your question, may I ask: Do you like Qin Yu?"
"Yes," Shenhe replied without hesitation.
But if asked whether this "like" was romantic in nature, she couldn't answer.
"In a romantic sense?"
Shenhe shook her head. "I don't know."
"You don't know? Then why are you asking me how to get Qin Yu to confess to you?" Ningguang asked, perplexed, while secretly sighing in relief.
Perhaps there's some misunderstanding here... If I can clear this up, maybe I can dissuade Shenhe from pursuing this.
But Shenhe didn't answer.
Though her initial motive was to help Qin Yu resolve her troubles, Shenhe believed she needed to understand love to truly assist her.
Yet she couldn't grasp the concept. Perhaps only Qin Yu's confession could enlighten her.
But Ningguang's question made Shenhe realize she couldn't easily reveal the truth.
A new emotion, unlike anything she'd felt before, surged within her, choking her voice.
I want Qin Yu to confess—both to help her and for my own desire.
Confirmation, sensation—whether through words or actions, Shenhe longed for Qin Yu to express her feelings.
"Please tell me," Shenhe finally said.
Ningguang's eyes flickered, her thoughts wavering.
She could easily offer Shenhe flawed advice, but that would be wrong.
"...If you want Qin Yu to confess, you must understand that it will be very difficult."
"Very difficult?"
Ningguang exhaled softly, setting aside her personal feelings. "Yes, it's incredibly difficult. She's like a skittish little animal—any slight rustle in the grass sends her retreating into her shell."
"To capture her, there are only two methods: lure her out or corner her completely."
"Subtle hints, seduction... You must make her lower her guard, accept your presence, grow accustomed to you, and then become attached to you. In time, she will naturally express her affection for you."
"Forcing her into a corner, on the other hand—"
Shenhe asked curiously, "Does that mean backing her against a wall?"
"As a metaphor, that works perfectly. But if you were to literally do that, you'd only frighten her more. When I say 'corner her,' I mean forcing her to confront her feelings for you, to truly examine them."
"How do you do that?"
Ningguang smiled. "The simplest way is to confess your feelings. This compels her to consider your relationship, whether she wants to or not."
That's exactly what Ningguang had done.
To be precise, she had employed both methods: subtly suggesting and tempting Qin Yu, allowing her to grow accustomed to Ningguang's scent, warmth, and the softness of her lips, before finally confessing her feelings. This left Qin Yu no room to retreat, forcing her to either accept or reject her confession.
Shenhe pondered this thoughtfully.
"So, what you're saying is, to get Qin Yu to confess her feelings, I need to confess mine first?"
Ningguang nodded. "Exactly. Merely waiting will accomplish nothing, and love is no different. Since Qin Yu is passive, you must take the initiative, regardless of the method you choose."
Shenhe's eyes widened with sudden understanding.
So that's it? It's that simple? All I need to do is express my feelings to her?
But that's exactly what I've been doing all along.
Shenhe reflected that, indeed, ever since she started expressing her feelings to Qin Yu, their relationship had steadily progressed, becoming good friends, becoming family... Expressing her feelings had been effective.
"I understand now. Thank you."
Ningguang nodded calmly, though inwardly she sighed.
In the end, I've revealed everything I know.
No matter. I secured Qin Yu before anyone else. Even if Shenhe confesses, she'll only receive a polite rejection.
With that thought, Ningguang couldn't resist adding, "Allow me to say one more thing."
"Hmm?"
"This will bring about an irreversible change in your relationship. There are only two possibilities: advancement or retreat."
Shenhe looked puzzled. "I don't quite understand."
"Simply put, if you succeed, you'll become lovers with Qin Yu. If you fail, your relationship could become awkward. Do you understand?"
"Why would it become awkward?"
Shenhe truly knew so little about such matters.
As Ningguang considered this, she continued to explain, "Because she'll know you have feelings for her—that your intentions aren't platonic. Even a slight gesture of intimacy could trigger a massive reaction."
"Therefore, confessing is essentially a gamble."
"If you win, you get everything. If you lose... heartbreak and the end of the relationship. Even so, Shenhe, do you still want to do this?"
Ningguang fixed her gaze on Shenhe, probing her resolve.
Ideally, she wanted Shenhe to back down.
If not, she'd have no choice but to reveal the truth.
My relationship with Qin Yu is currently known only to us. I had planned to announce it to the world later, but these are extraordinary circumstances. If necessary, I'll have to disclose it now.
Just as Ningguang was thinking this, Shenhe stated plainly, "Yes, I want to do it."
Then there's no other way.
"Shenhe, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
A hint of shyness flashed through Ningguang's eyes, but she maintained her composed tone.
"Qin Yu and I are already partners."
"Is that so."
"Yes."
Shenhe fell silent for a moment, then asked, genuinely puzzled, "So?"
What does this have to do with anything? Shenhe didn't understand.
"So, if you confess to Qin Yu, I'd say there's a 99.9% chance you'll fail."
"Why?"
Ningguang explained, "Because we're already in a relationship."
Shenhe remained utterly bewildered.
Why would Qin Yu being with Ningguang increase the chances of failure to 99.9%?
But if what Ningguang said was true—that failure could sever their relationship—would it be better not to confess at all? Shenhe found herself grappling with a multitude of questions.
Since Qin Yu was already dating Ningguang, why was she still agonizing over romantic matters?
I don't understand.
Her once clear goals and thoughts had suddenly become muddled and indistinct.
Yet, simultaneously, a powerful emotion surged within her heart.
As she recalled Qin Yu's scent and warmth, the hazy outline of this feeling grew increasingly distinct and fervent.
I don't understand.
Even now, Shenhe couldn't grasp the essence of romance. She understood Ningguang's words only superficially, without comprehending their deeper meaning.
But...
Pressing her hand against her chest, Shenhe felt the stirring within her and her thoughts gradually cleared.
"I understand now."
Hearing Shenhe's words, Ningguang felt a mix of relief and pity. With complicated emotions, she said, "Very well. Let's end the questioning here."
Shenhe nodded, and the two returned to Qin Yu's side.
"All done?" Qin Yu asked curiously.
"All done," Shenhe replied, her expression unchanged.
Ningguang smiled gently. "It's getting late. Qin Yu, you must be tired. Why don't you go back and rest? Or... would you like to stay overnight at the Jade Chamber for old times' sake?"
The thought of staying overnight with Ningguang in the Jade Chamber filled Qin Yu with nervous apprehension.
What if I fall asleep and Ningguang takes the opportunity to... push me down?
Lost in her wild thoughts, Qin Yu quickly interjected, "No need!"
"What a pity."
So she really was planning something strange!
"Th-then let's go home, Shenhe?"
"Alright."
After bidding farewell to Ningguang, Qin Yu and Shenhe returned home together.
After showering and changing into her pajamas, Qin Yu tugged on Shenhe's sleeve.
"Sleep together tonight?"
"Mm, I was just about to ask you the same thing."
Then you should ask next time! It's always me asking, making it seem like I'm desperate to sleep with you... Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, though she was secretly pleased by Shenhe's agreement.
It feels so nice to sleep with family at home.
Wait, that sounds childish! I'm not a kid! Lying in bed, Qin Yu's thoughts wandered.
Perhaps it was her heightened excitement that kept her awake despite her exhaustion. Even with her eyes closed, sleep refused to come.
Gazing at Shenhe beside her, Qin Yu reached out and poked her cheek with a finger.
The soft, resilient skin yielded to the pressure, creating a slight indentation that sprang back into shape the moment she withdrew her finger.
So interesting.
Interesting? How? Qin Yu couldn't explain it, but she found the sensation inexplicably fascinating.
Shenhe's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she opened her eyes.
"Can't sleep?"
Qin Yu startled, hastily withdrawing her hand, her cheeks flushing red. "A little."
"Then... shall we talk?"
"Sure, turn on the light first."
"Mm."
After switching on the light, Shenhe settled back into bed.
"What do you want to talk about?" Qin Yu asked.
"I don't know."
I figured as much, Qin Yu thought.
Conversations with Shenhe tended to be limited, mostly about mundane topics like needing to buy rice or deciding what to eat tomorrow. Yet somehow, they never felt dull.
"Then let's just chat about whatever comes to mind."
Shenhe paused, then added, "Actually, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."
"Really? What is it?"
It's not going to be something like "I want to be with you" again, is it? My ears are practically numb from hearing it already, and it's already a fact! Qin Yu thought. I'm not going anywhere...
But if Shenhe wants to whisper those words to me, I suppose I wouldn't mind listening for a while.
"I haven't figured out how to say it yet."
Qin Yu was surprised. You still need to think about how to say it?
"Hmm... Well, think about it carefully. Let's talk about something else for now," Qin Yu said.
"Mm."
Qin Yu struck up a conversation with Shenhe, grasping at straws to keep the conversation going.
The atmosphere wasn't particularly warm, and the content held little significance, but this was their usual pattern, so there was nothing strange about it.
Just hearing Shenhe's replies, hearing her voice, feeling her presence, feeling the warmth of her skin, smelling her familiar scent, knowing with absolute certainty that Shenhe was right there beside her, within arm's reach, wouldn't leave, wouldn't go to some faraway place, but would stay here...
Stay in this house.
That was enough.
This room is my home, Qin Yu murmured inwardly, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
It's wonderful.
Seeing Qin Yu's smile, that hazy yet fervent emotion welled up in Shenhe's heart once more, as if straining against the Red String that bound it, threatening to burst forth.
She recalled Ningguang's words.
Even so, I still want to hear Qin Yu's confession, to hear and feel her heartfelt feelings expressed.
Whether it's romantic love or not, as long as it's Qin Yu's true feelings, Shenhe wants it all.
I want to hear Qin Yu confess her feelings through her voice and actions, expressing her affection, trust, and reliance on me...
That's all I want.