On the final rest day of the first month of the new era, deep in the night, Qin Yu suddenly jolted awake in bed, drenched in a cold sweat.
"Haah... It's happening again."
Ever since participating in the battle against Osial, Qin Yu had been plagued by nightmares. Without fail, they all featured her trapped in a cold, dark environment, haunted by eerie whispers that sent shivers down her spine.
Could it be the recent stress?
But her work was going smoothly, Lady Ningguang was pleased, and her daily life remained unchanged, with nothing particularly stressful. So where was this pressure coming from?
Unable to pinpoint the cause, Qin Yu simply drank some water and lay back down.
Staring at the ceiling illuminated by the lamp, she found herself inexplicably thinking of Shenhe.
She rolled over and glanced at the space beside her. Naturally, the pillow and thin blanket Shenhe had used were no longer there. Perhaps due to the lingering effects of the nightmare, Qin Yu couldn't help but recall that night they had shared.
If Shenhe were here... No, no, don't think about it. Just sleep.
She surrendered her consciousness to the heavy pull of slumber.
This time, Qin Yu dreamt nothing at all.
It wasn't until nearly noon that she finally roused herself. Rubbing her sleep-tousled hair, she leisurely got out of bed, washed up, and prepared to head out.
Today, she was going somewhere specific: Heyu Teahouse.
She had lied to Yanfei earlier, claiming she was going to audition for Liyue Opera roles to fulfill a friend's request.
This was, of course, complete nonsense.
But having already spoken the words, Qin Yu knew she had to change her attitude and properly research Liyue Opera to avoid exposing her true intentions and arousing suspicion.
Moreover, if Ningguang were to quiz her later, she'd be able to answer at least some questions and avoid making a fool of herself.
Perfect.
As luck would have it, Liyue's renowned Yun-Han Opera Troupe was scheduled to perform at Heyu Teahouse that very day. Qin Yu had taken the time the previous day to reserve a front-row seat, determined to watch the performance closely.
Truth be told, she had never been particularly interested in this kind of opera. Not that it was bad—she simply lacked the interest. But now that she had a compelling reason to understand it, she felt motivated to learn.
"Hopefully, this troupe will be more engaging than the last one I saw..." Qin Yu murmured, applying minimal makeup before slipping into her newly purchased white dress, donning a hat, and grabbing her bag as she headed out.
Upon reaching the top floor of Heyu Teahouse, Qin Yu presented her reservation confirmation and was shown to her front-row seat.
First, watch the performance attentively and try to truly experience it.
Then, visit a bookstore to find relevant books.
And if the opportunity arises, visit the opera troupe to learn more about the industry...
With her plan laid out, Qin Yu nodded in satisfaction and took a sip of her tea.
Scalding hot!
Casually setting down the cup, Qin Yu heard a familiar voice.
"Oh? It's you."
Qin Yu turned to see Zhongli pulling out a chair and sitting across from her at the table.
"Mr. Zhongli, it's been a while," Qin Yu said with a polite smile.
"Indeed, it has. I see you've also come to hear Miss Yun Jin perform."
Yun Jin—just hearing the name evoked the image of a refined young gentleman. But Qin Yu knew this title actually referred to a woman: Yun Jin, the current head of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe and Liyue's most celebrated star.
I've heard she's quite charming.
"Ahaha, yes. I was curious and decided to listen in."
As the teahouse attendant served their tea, Zhongli slowly lifted his cup, first inhaling the aroma before taking a sip.
Ugh, just like an old man.
After savoring the sip, he remarked, "Fine tea pairs well with fine opera. Not bad."
But it hasn't even started yet.
Come to think of it, Hu Tao had mentioned that when Zhongli wasn't lecturing, he spent his time wandering around, either drinking tea and admiring flowers, listening to storytellers, or strolling, playing chess, and teasing birds.
He doesn't seem like a young person at all.
And his knowledge of obscure trivia...
Well, whatever. He's not a Target . No matter how peculiar he is, I just need to handle him like any other NPC.
After chatting with Zhongli for a while, Qin Yu soon heard excited voices from the other patrons.
"Miss Yun Jin is here!"
"We've been waiting so long!"
Qin Yu turned toward the stage, where a gorgeously dressed, familiar black-haired girl stood at its center.
Wow, she's really cute... Wait, isn't she the person I saw at the Rite of Parting? Qin Yu stared at the girl's hat, which reminded her of a tricolor dumpling, her thoughts filled with surprise.
Target List Updated
Target: Yun Jin
Yes, yes, yes.
Yun Jin executed an elegant bow, immediately launching into her performance without another word.
"Can—you—hear—?"
She started singing right away!
The opera troupes I've seen before always say a few words before starting... but getting straight to the point is good too. As Qin Yu pondered this, she noticed the complete silence around her, broken only by Yun Jin's soaring voice.
I should listen properly too.
The opera told the story of Rex Lapis. When it concluded, Qin Yu joined the audience in thunderous applause.
To be honest, I didn't quite understand it, but it was amazing!
Her expressions shifted seamlessly, and her breathing remained steady and controlled throughout the performance. Technically, she was incredibly skilled... but Qin Yu's reaction was more intuitive than analytical.
And, of course, she thought Yun Jin was very pretty.
No ulterior motives, just a simple observation. As Qin Yu mentally defended herself against nonexistent suspicions, she set down her teacup.
"Hmm..."
A sudden wave of dizziness washed over her for no apparent reason.
"Are you alright?"
Snapping out of her daze, Qin Yu noticed Yun Jin had appeared beside her without her realizing.
Whoa, when did she get here...?
Come to think of it, most of the audience has already left. Did I really zone out for that long? Qin Yu didn't quite understand what was happening to her, but seeing Yun Jin's concerned gaze, she forced a smile.
"Yes, I'm fine, just a bit out of it. Thank you for your concern, Miss Yun Jin!"
Yun Jin smiled. "No need to be so formal. Besides, you don't need to be so respectful with me. Compared to you, you're the one who's famous throughout Liyue."
Yun Jin extended her hand.
Qin Yu grasped it.
"As the saying goes, 'Seeing is believing, better than hearsay.' It's an honor to finally meet you in person today. You probably already know, but I'll introduce myself anyway. My surname is Yun, and my given name is Jin. You can just call me Yun Jin—no need to be so formal." Yun Jin's warm smile was truly genuine.
This girl really seems like a good person.
Qin Yu returned the smile. "I'm Qin Yu. Your performance just now was truly magnificent, Yun Jin! Not only was your technique flawless, but your emotions were perfectly integrated into the story, flawlessly expressed through your singing. I was deeply moved!"
Flattering artists with this kind of praise is always a safe bet.
"Thank you for your kind words. I'm delighted you enjoyed it."
Evaluation: D-
To make a better impression on artists, you really have to start with your work. Hmm-hmm, no surprise there, considering who I am. Even on our first meeting, I effortlessly earned some Points.
After Yun Jin released Qin Yu's hand, she continued, "You may be meeting me for the first time, but I've heard so much about you from so many people."
"Hu Tao also thinks highly of you. I often wondered, 'Is this person truly as beautiful, kind, and interesting as everyone says?' Now that I've met you, I can confirm it's all true."
Wait a minute.
"Hu Tao? You know her?" Qin Yu asked.
"Yes, we're friends. She mentions you often. At first, I kept thinking, 'Who is this Fishy Treasure?'" Yun Jin said with a smile.
"Ahahaha..."
Yun Jin's smile faded, and she asked with genuine concern, "You mentioned spacing out earlier, but spacing out for this long is quite unusual. If you don't mind me being nosy, would you like to visit Bubu Pharmacy and get some medicine?"
What a kind soul! Qin Yu shook her head. "I think I just didn't get enough sleep today."
"I still think it would be best for you to get some medicine."
Zhongli suddenly interjected, startling Qin Yu.
He's still here?
Why does everyone keep telling me to see a doctor and get medicine? It's nothing serious! With my body having undergone multiple enhancements, there's no way I could get sick now.
Qin Yu grumbled inwardly as Zhongli placed a prescription slip on the table.
"Get these ingredients and decoct them according to the instructions. Take twice daily for three days, and your condition should improve," Zhongli said calmly.
"Eh? Ah, um, thank you..."
Do I really need to take this medicine? Qin Yu thought, but she accepted the prescription anyway.
A quick glance revealed it contained only common herbs.
However, the brewing instructions were complex, with some steps seeming rather strange. Could this really work?
But Zhongli was a knowledgeable man; perhaps it would be effective.
I can't let Shenhe and the others worry. I don't want them worrying about me, so I need to get rid of these mysterious symptoms.
With that thought, Qin Yu resolved to follow the instructions.
"Does Mr. Zhongli know what these symptoms might be?" she asked curiously.
"No, I only know that this remedy can alleviate your condition. The precise cause remains unclear to me for the time being," Zhongli replied calmly.
He doesn't know? Is that really true?
Well... never mind. I'll just go get the prescription filled.
Qin Yu stood up to leave, bidding farewell to the pair.
"Then I'll head to Bubu Pharmacy. See you both again!"
Yun Jin smiled and waved. "Please do come back and enjoy our performances again!"
"Mhm!"
Zhongli watched Qin Yu depart, lost in thought.