Ningguang had noticed that Qin Yu's mood had been unusually cheerful lately, her every movement carrying an extra spring in her step.
This piqued her curiosity. Had Qin Yu encountered some good fortune?
After finishing her paperwork, Ningguang leaned back in her chair and asked, "Qin Yu, have you encountered some good fortune recently? You've seemed unusually cheerful these past few days."
"Eh? Is... is that so?" Qin Yu replied, puzzled.
She hadn't even realized it herself.
But if she had to call it good fortune, it certainly qualified.
My first successful confession! To her, this was a monumental blessing, and even days later, the joy and relief still hadn't faded.
Moreover, her interactions with Yanfei had been going surprisingly well. She was gradually getting used to Yanfei's presence, and they hadn't clashed at all.
The only thing was... Yanfei had been acting a bit strange lately.
But Yanfei always acted this way when they were alone together, so Qin Yu didn't pay it much mind.
Qin Yu continued, "Yes, but rather than encountering something good, it's more accurate to say I accomplished something good—at least, it's a very good thing for me."
Hearing this, Ningguang's interest grew even stronger.
"Oh? Would you care to elaborate?"
"Well..."
"Is it something you can't share?" Ningguang pressed.
Qin Yu shook her head, tidied the documents on Ningguang's desk, and served her tea.
"It's not that I can't say, it's just... a bit difficult to explain."
A good thing that's difficult to explain? Ningguang grew even more perplexed, but determined to get to the bottom of it, she took Qin Yu's hand.
"It's nothing serious," Ningguang said. "Tell me what's on your mind."
Even if you say that... Qin Yu struggled with how to explain, still having not fully confessed everything to Ningguang.
Of course, she intended to confess eventually, just not right now.
Preparations for the Jade Chamber's reconstruction were nearly complete; in about four or five days, the project would officially begin.
Qin Yu didn't want to burden Ningguang with her personal affairs during this crucial period, deciding to wait until after the reconstruction was underway to have a proper heart-to-heart.
Moreover, if she performed well during the reconstruction efforts and earned Ningguang's favor, bringing up the issue afterward would greatly reduce the risk of problems.
Qin Yu wasn't one to cower, but her inherent anxieties lingered, a trait deeply ingrained in her personality. She still preferred to be fully prepared before confessing.
Even after successfully confessing to Yanfei, she didn't want to "capitalize on her momentum" and rush to confess everything else in one go. A more measured approach seemed wiser.
Seeing Qin Yu's continued silence, Ningguang frowned slightly, her tone shifting. "Even I can't know?"
Evaluation: D
Ugh, don't suddenly start acting so clingy.
"It's not like that! It's just really hard to explain. If possible, I'd prefer to tell Lady Ningguang after the Jade Chamber is rebuilt, since it concerns both of us."
"Concerns both of us?" Ningguang asked, surprised.
What could it possibly be?
Ningguang couldn't make heads or tails of it.
She had no idea what Qin Yu did in her daily life, and without sufficient information, she couldn't deduce or judge. She could only sigh softly.
"Then so be it."
Hearing Ningguang's sigh, Qin Yu suddenly felt a twinge of unease.
Is she displeased?
But Ningguang's expression remained composed, no different from usual, making Qin Yu uncertain if that was the case. She couldn't bring herself to ask directly.
...Oh right, I haven't done that yet this week.
The thought naturally lifted Qin Yu's spirits. Her weekly "contact" had seemingly been etched into her body and mind.
"Lady Ningguang."
"Hmm?" Ningguang had just looked up when their breaths mingled.
Evaluation: C
After a moment, Qin Yu gently pulled back, taking a soft breath that carried the unfamiliar fragrance from her lips deep into her body.
Though her face and ears were flushed crimson, perhaps growing slightly accustomed to the closeness, her mind remained remarkably calm.
As she tucked a stray strand of Ningguang's hair behind her ear, she whispered, "It's my fault for not explaining myself properly, but please don't be upset, Lady Ningguang."
"How do you know I'm displeased?" Ningguang replied, though she still seemed reluctant to move on from the subject.
"I don't know for sure, but I don't want to see you upset."
"...Why wait until the Jade Chamber is rebuilt to tell me?"
Qin Yu hesitated, then answered, "This is a personal matter. I didn't want to bother you with it. I thought it would be best to wait until Lady Ningguang has more free time to discuss it properly."
"I see. That's thoughtful of you. But there's no need. Rebuilding the Jade Chamber is also a personal matter to me. Of course, in this day and age, it may hold broader significance... but at its core, it's simply what I want to do."
Ningguang casually brushed aside Qin Yu's worries.
Then she added, "So, you don't need to worry about anything. Just tell me. Whatever it is, as long as it concerns you, I want to know."
Evaluation: B-
Her ambiguous words made Qin Yu's heart race.
"You want to know everything? That's rather greedy," Qin Yu thought. But after a moment, she decided that even if Ningguang said that, she didn't have to comply.
After all, the upper hand was currently hers.
Best to wait until the dust settles, Qin Yu thought.
She pressed her index finger against Ningguang's lips and said, "Alright, I'll tell you, but not until after this."
Ningguang frowned again.
Knowing exactly what Ningguang wanted to say without even hearing it, Qin Yu continued, "Lady Ningguang, I've already made myself clear. It wouldn't be proper to press further, don't you agree?"
Ningguang pushed Qin Yu's finger away and sighed, "Such a sharp tongue."
"All thanks to your training, Lady Ningguang!" Qin Yu teased.
"Hmm, your verbal skills have certainly improved."
Ha?
The heat Qin Yu had just managed to suppress surged back, scorching her cheeks. What exactly is Ningguang trying to say?!
Evaluation: B+
"Lady Ningguang..."
"What? Did I say something incorrect? You admitted it yourself earlier. Whether you were trying to please me or tantalize me, you did it exceptionally well, worthy of praise," Ningguang said slowly.
No, no, no, Ningguang definitely wasn't talking about that just now.
If Qin Yu pointed it out directly, Ningguang would likely feign ignorance and say, "You've simply misunderstood my meaning."
But Qin Yu was tired of being teased like this.
Her dominant consciousness still lingered. With a pounding heart, she ignored her reason—kicked aside by her emotions—and whispered in Ningguang's ear, "Then, does Lady Ningguang still want more?"
Ningguang paused, then replied, "What if I said I did?"
"Then say, 'I want more.'"
"I want more."
And I want even more than that.
Evaluation: A
"Close your eyes," Qin Yu instructed.
Without hesitation, Ningguang closed her eyes. She could feel Qin Yu's breath, so close they were about to overlap, when Qin Yu suddenly moved downward, gently biting Ningguang's neck.
Evaluation: S-
Ningguang opened her eyes to see Qin Yu already retreating swiftly toward the door.
"Success!" Qin Yu exclaimed, her face radiant with a triumphant smile. "Alright, I need to go find Sister Ganyu now and handle the work you assigned me."
Realizing she'd been teased, Ningguang chuckled it off. "Go on."
"..."
"What's wrong?" Ningguang asked casually.
Why is Ningguang's reaction so... nonchalant? Tsk... Fine, I'll ignore it.
"Nothing," Qin Yu muttered dismissively.
With a touch of irritation, Qin Yu opened the door and strode out.
Left alone in the office, Ningguang touched her neck, feeling a twinge of regret mixed with a sense that Qin Yu was becoming increasingly "bold and reckless."
This was a sign of their deepening intimacy.
Realizing this, Ningguang couldn't help but wonder: Has the moment finally arrived?
It had been some time since she had acknowledged her feelings for Qin Yu.
Subtle hints, affectionate gestures, willful displays... she had made countless intentional and unintentional moves. And now, Qin Yu's relationship with her had grown even closer.
Did this mean she had a foolproof chance of winning Qin Yu's heart?
Ningguang took a thoughtful sip of her tea.
If that were true, then... it was time to confess her feelings.
At this thought, a wave of shyness washed over Ningguang.
However, Qin Yu seemed unwilling to let personal emotions intrude during this critical period, intending to discuss her private affairs only after the Jade Chamber was rebuilt.
Given this, any confession would have to wait—at least for now.
"Right," Ningguang mused.
Perhaps I should wait until the Jade Chamber ascends.
When the Jade Chamber finally took flight, Ningguang planned to host a grand banquet. She would invite her close friends, allies, and valuable connections to celebrate with performances, fine wines, and exquisite cuisine.
The banquet would be a spectacular affair.
After the festivities concluded, Ningguang envisioned spending a quiet evening alone with Qin Yu, sharing an intimate moment to confess her feelings.
Ningguang imagined this scenario and found it quite pleasing.
Not only was it highly feasible, but it would also imbue the Jade Chamber's return with deeper meaning. More importantly, Qin Yu seemed to adore seeing her in formal attire.
This would be the perfect occasion to wear it legitimately.
And if anything interesting were to happen that might dishevel her dress... well, that would become a most cherished memory to savor for years to come.
Indeed, quite perfect.
Satisfied, Ningguang nodded decisively.
"Let's proceed as planned."