Ryou's mother had spent enough time around Ganyu to get a read on her. She didn't push anymore—because once you overdo it, people notice something's off.
And Ganyu had her guard up. She kept watching Ryou's mother and Keqing like she was measuring their intentions.
If Ryou's mother tried to invite her out again after this, it probably wouldn't be easy.
Ryou's mother shot Ryou a hard look. "Brat, you hear that? Ganyu wants you to help her out. If you've got time, go lend a hand. She may be the Qixing's secretary, but she's capable and well-connected. You might need to ask her for help someday. Sometimes one sentence from her can do more than a thousand from you."
"How could it be that serious… I'm just a secretary," Ganyu said quickly. "It's not that big deal."
As she spoke, she realized she might've been overthinking it. Maybe they really did just want to be on good terms with her.
Ryou was talented, sure, but he was still new—he'd only just joined the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Plenty of things could end up needing her approval, or at least her help.
Thinking back to the look Ryou's mother had given her earlier, Ganyu decided she'd read too much into it. She knew what kind of people Ryou's mother and Keqing were.
Once that clicked into place, she relaxed a little. She wouldn't have many chances to interact with Ryou's mother in the future anyway—Keqing was the one she'd keep running into. She didn't want things to turn awkward between them.
"It's getting late. I should head back to Yujing Terrace and deal with work," Ganyu said, standing up to leave.
Even after talking herself down, she still couldn't fully settle when Ryou was in front of her. Her nerves refused to calm, and the flutter in her chest had lingered far too long. It was fading, slowly, but it still tugged at her in ways she couldn't ignore.
She couldn't stay. So she excused herself.
"Ganyu…" Keqing started, watching her go, still not understanding what her mother-in-law was trying to do. She almost moved to stop her.
"Keqing," Ryou's mother said, cutting in gently, "Ganyu has work waiting at Yujing Terrace. We can't hold her up. If we delay proper business, that's on us."
Then she looked at Ryou. "You—go see her out. She hasn't eaten anything. Bring her some pastries. Liuli Pavilion should already have them prepared. Just go pick them up. Ganyu's capable, and she's been the Qixing's secretary for years. Getting along with her only helps you. No downside. She'll absolutely be useful to you someday. What are you staring at? Go!"
Once he left the room, Keqing turned to Ryou's mother. "didn't you say today we were going to—Ganyu…"
"No." Ryou's mother shook her head. "She walked in already on edge. She refused alcohol, chose every word carefully, and kept watching us the whole time. I managed to clear away some of her suspicion just now, but if we try anything in that situation again, it'll be even harder to make it work."
She sighed. "I can't help you anymore after this. The rest is on you. I used to work at Yujing Terrace, so I could use a bit of face to invite her out once. This time, I did it for my son. Next time, I won't have a reason. I don't work there anymore."
"Mm… so that's why," Keqing murmured. "No wonder she was so nervous."
She lowered her head, thinking through what to do next.
Letting Ryou chase after Ganyu was never going to happen. That guy doted on her so much it was ridiculous—he barely even looked at other women, and he always kept his distance.
It made her happy… and it gave her a headache.
"All right," Ryou's mother said, patting her shoulder with a smile. "Don't think too hard. Let things happen naturally. There's plenty of time."
"And when you've got time, come home more often. I heard you practice Yunlai Swordsmanship. Your mother-in-law has a teacher too, you know. My swordwork isn't worse than anyone else's. Maybe we can spar—mother-in-law and daughter-in-law."
"Uh… I'm fine with that," Keqing said, wanting to agree and get closer to her. Then she thought of Ryou, and the words stuck. "It's just… I don't know if that guy will even give me the chance."
If Ryou kept "picking on" her the way he always did, she barely had time to go out at all—never mind practise swordsmanship. It sounded like a daydream.
Ryou's mother's expression went strange for a moment. Her brows lifted, full of envy.
She understood exactly what Keqing meant. She even knew Keqing was complaining because she was scared.
But still…
She couldn't help it.
Seriously—how could a father and his son be so different?
[End of chapter]
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