That night, Qin Yu arrived at Ningguang's bedroom as promised, ready for their chess match.
Whether it was her imagination or not, Qin Yu couldn't shake the feeling that Ningguang was staring at her. But when she glanced up, she found Ningguang's gaze fixed on the chessboard, her expression serene and unremarkable.
Was it just my imagination...? Qin Yu casually picked up a dessert from the table and took a bite.
"...You've won. You played remarkably well, showing greater improvement than ever before," Ningguang said, unstinting in her praise after the match.
Qin Yu's heart swelled with joy. "It's all thanks to your guidance, Lady Ningguang," she replied with a smile.
Evaluation: C-
"Such modesty. Very well, let's take a short break before the next match." Ningguang rubbed her temples, as if feeling slightly weary.
Already tired? I haven't even had my fill yet.
But oh well, stopping while ahead is one way to maintain a good mood. It's just a casual game anyway, so no harm done! Qin Yu approached Ningguang from behind, her spirits high.
"Lady Ningguang, are you tired? Would you like a massage?"
"If you wouldn't mind."
With permission granted, Qin Yu began massaging Ningguang's shoulders and neck.
Feeling the pressure of her fingers, Ningguang exhaled deeply, relaxing her muscles.
"I apologize. I came here to play chess, yet I'm burdening you with these trivial tasks," Ningguang murmured.
"Not at all. I'm used to it."
Qin Yu said the words aloud, but inwardly scoffed, Isn't it always you who insists on having your hair combed and massages? Why are you saying this now?
Ningguang thought to herself that rushing things would only backfire. While she wanted to get straight to the point, matters of the heart require the right atmosphere. Progress would only come smoothly when the atmosphere was just right.
I'll just have to be patient and take things one step at a time.
Fortunately, time was on their side, ample time... Ningguang placed her hand on the back of Qin Yu's hand and sighed, "You've been by my side for quite a while now, haven't you?"
The warmth on the back of her hand made Qin Yu feel at ease. She nodded in response.
"Yes, it's been many days."
Ningguang continued, reminiscing, "I never imagined things would turn out this way. Do you still remember when we first met?"
"Of course I do."
Is tonight going to be about reminiscing about the past? Qin Yu wondered as Ningguang's hand gradually slid down, her fingertips gently tracing the back of Qin Yu's hand and her fingers, sending shivers of ticklishness through her.
"Speaking of which, you once said something to me. I wonder if you still remember it."
"Said something?"
Ningguang turned her head slightly, a smile playing on her lips. "It was a compliment that left a lasting impression."
"A compliment..." Qin Yu felt puzzled. She was quite confident in her ability to flatter others—she'd complimented everyone she knew countless times. How could she possibly remember what she'd once said to Ningguang?
She wished Ningguang would give her more of a hint or simply state it outright instead of playing these riddles.
But Ningguang was deliberately making her guess.
If I can't guess, Ningguang will be disappointed, won't she? Qin Yu didn't want to see that side of Ningguang, so she continued to rack her brain.
Then, she had a hunch.
"Could it be because I called you 'cute'?" Qin Yu asked tentatively.
"Exactly. That's the one."
Uwaah, so it was! Qin Yu blushed with embarrassment.
Ningguang, while playfully hooking and pushing Qin Yu's index finger with her fingertips, said:
"Compliments like 'beautiful,' 'gorgeous,' and so on... As the Tianquan, I've heard them countless times, not to mention the harsh insults I've endured."
"But you're the first to call me 'cute.' Though it made me a little shy, it also made me incredibly happy."
With those words, Ningguang lifted Qin Yu's index finger and pressed a kiss to it. Instantly, that warmth seemed to spread to Qin Yu's cheeks, tinting them with a delicate blush.
Evaluation: C+
The crisp, refreshing atmosphere of their game had vanished, replaced by the usual hazy ambiance.
In the past, Qin Yu would have inwardly grumbled about this. But after being "trained" by Ningguang, she had grown accustomed to it and now felt only a slight surge of excitement.
"I genuinely meant it," Qin Yu said. "And later, I became even more convinced that I was right."
"Oh? How so?"
Qin Yu whispered into her ear, "Because Lady Ningguang is unexpectedly a bit childish. Complimenting you on being cute doesn't feel out of place at all."
Evaluation: B
A faint blush crept across Ningguang's cheeks, but she didn't deny it. Instead, she simply said, "I only act this way with you."
Evaluation: B+
Qin Yu paused, taken aback. Only with me?
Ah... that's right. It should be that way! If she acted like this with others, what would that make me? Qin Yu thought, feeling deeply pleased and content.
Ningguang then suggested, "I'd like you to massage my back. Let's go to the bed."
"Eh? Oh, okay."
Ningguang rose and slowly lay face-down on the bed. Qin Yu carefully sat on her back, gently parting her long, smooth white hair before beginning to massage her back.
"I think Lady Ningguang should get more exercise," Qin Yu said.
"Is that so? Thanks to your meticulous care, I have no physical ailments—no, that's not entirely accurate. Sometimes my legs feel a bit sore and tired, perhaps from sitting for too long lately."
Qin Yu secretly pursed her lips, annoyed that Ningguang had only mentioned this important matter now.
"Yes, you're right. You've been sitting for far too long. Let's take a stroll during our downtime to clear our heads. We haven't been able to walk much these past few days. Allow me to massage your legs first," Qin Yu said.
"Very well, thank you for your trouble."
Ningguang turned and sat up. Qin Yu moved to the side and began massaging her legs and feet.
"Mmm..." Ningguang closed her eyes, savoring the moment for a while before opening them again and gently stroking Qin Yu's hair.
The more Qin Yu touched her, the harder it became to resist, but it wasn't time yet. She still needed to proceed cautiously, one step at a time.
Making a decision requires boldness and swiftness, but executing it demands caution and meticulous planning.
"All done, Lady Ningguang. Do you feel more relaxed?" Qin Yu asked, exhaling softly.
"Much better," Ningguang replied, leaning forward to press her lips against Qin Yu's forehead. Though intimate, the gesture didn't cross any boundaries, failing to trigger Qin Yu's vigilance.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "This is your reward."
Evaluation: A
Qin Yu's ears flushed hot. Not my face, but my forehead? Well, if it's just points, it doesn't matter.
"By the way, since we have this rare opportunity, why don't I give you a massage? You've always been the one massaging me; it's time for me to return the favor."
Startled, Qin Yu quickly protested, "No need! This is my duty."
If Ningguang massages me, who knows what might happen?
"Don't you trust me?" Ningguang asked.
Of course not.
"It's not that, Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu stammered. "It's just that massaging you is only natural, since I'm your maid—"
Before she could finish, Ningguang pressed her index finger against Qin Yu's lips.
"In that case, I command you to lie down," Ningguang murmured.
Evaluation: S-
Ha?!
Is she going to do something weird to me if I lie down?
Qin Yu tensed up immediately, her mind racing with countless possibilities that made her expression stiff.
Pushing Ningguang's hand away, Qin Yu blurted out, "Really, no need! I just want Lady Ningguang to be healthy, successful in everything, and happy every day!"
"Are you preparing for the Lantern Rite's celebratory verse recital?"
Impossible! Qin Yu thought to herself. Ningguang, however, smiled. "Don't worry," she said, "I won't do anything you'd dislike."
Qin Yu hesitated.
It wasn't that she didn't want to trust Ningguang, but when she recalled Ningguang's past actions toward her, she couldn't muster much confidence.
"This..."
"Are you remembering what I did to you before?" Ningguang asked.
"No."
Ningguang continued, "I know I'm not exactly... trustworthy to you, at least in this regard. But you must understand: you're the person I favor most, my right-hand woman. Why would I risk your displeasure by offending you?"
That actually makes sense... Qin Yu thought.
Ningguang seized the moment, adding, "I barely have time to dote on you as it is. Why would I ever want to make you dislike me?"
Evaluation: S+
Dote on me? Don't say such nonsense!
Qin Yu felt a surge of annoyance, but she also realized Ningguang genuinely wouldn't do anything to upset her again. After a moment of internal struggle, she slowly nodded.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Then lie down."
Qin Yu lay down somewhat tensely, meeting Ningguang's gaze as she sat beside her. Ningguang leaned down, brushed aside a strand of hair, and drew closer.
Qin Yu instinctively closed her eyes. The familiar sensations washed over her in waves, the invading warmth quickly churning her mind into a whirlwind, leaving her lost in the moment.
Evaluation: SS
Evaluation: SSS-
After a long while, Qin Yu opened her eyes, wiped her mouth, and complained, "This... this isn't a massage at all! Weren't you going to avoid things I dislike?"
"So, do you dislike it?"
"....."
Qin Yu felt a surge of irritation. It wasn't that she disliked it, but Ningguang's sudden move, despite the fact that she held the upper hand, irritated her.
Moreover, even though there was no physical reality to it, she had promised Keqing... Qin Yu suddenly realized that, if she stuck to that promise, she shouldn't be doing this with Ningguang anymore.
Suddenly, the reality of the situation hit her.
Confused and flustered, Qin Yu saw Ningguang leaning in again and hastily raised her hand to block her.
Rejection.
Ningguang clearly sensed Qin Yu's refusal, and a surge of displeasure rose within her.
Why refuse? It doesn't seem to be out of shyness or aversion.
"Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu whispered, "that... you wanted the weekly kiss, right? You should be satisfied."
Ningguang gently brushed Qin Yu's hand aside, fixing her with a steady gaze.
"Lady Ningguang?"
"So you thought I was craving merely our weekly kiss? But what if I told you that wasn't the truth?" Ningguang saw Qin Yu's endearing face, and her displeasure softened considerably.
Not the truth? Qin Yu was bewildered.
"I don't quite understand what you mean..."
Ningguang didn't answer, instead abruptly changing the subject: "Qin Yu, is there something important you've been keeping from me?"
"Eh?"
Qin Yu tensed immediately.
Something important? Could it be—my true identity? Qin Yu felt a slight tightening in her throat. When did Ningguang realize?
"What kind of important thing?" she asked.
"Something concerning both of us."
Wah, so it really is... Qin Yu's thoughts instantly shifted to this matter. She had originally planned to tell Ningguang about it after the Jade Chamber's reconstruction was complete.
But she hadn't expected Ningguang to confront her first.
The tables had turned, from proactive to reactive.
Panic seized Qin Yu. "I-I didn't mean to hide anything from you! I was just waiting until the Jade Chamber's reconstruction was finished, until you could temporarily set aside your duties..."
"I see." Ningguang's eyes narrowed slightly. "You certainly know how to pick your moment. I appreciate you thinking of me, but matters of such magnitude and importance shouldn't be delayed. Just tell me directly next time."
"I'm sorry... I'm truly sorry..."
Qin Yu was both anxious and afraid, her eyes brimming with tears.
Ningguang paused, surprised by Qin Yu's intense reaction. Could it be that my tone was too harsh? But it shouldn't have been.
Regardless, Ningguang didn't want to burden Qin Yu with unnecessary psychological strain this night. She gently wiped the tears from the corner of Qin Yu's eye with her finger.
"I'm not blaming you, don't be afraid. I just want you to know that we don't need to hold back anything from each other. Just speak your mind freely."
"...I know, but... this is hard to say," Qin Yu replied, regaining a bit of her composure.
Being confessed to by your female childhood friend is definitely a difficult thing to talk about, Ningguang thought.
It's so hard to reveal my true self to Ningguang, someone I'm so close to, Qin Yu thought.
But now that things had come this far, she had no choice but to summon her courage.
"Actually—"
Finally, she's going to say it, Ningguang thought.
"I... my true personality isn't at all what you usually see, Lady Ningguang!" Qin Yu took a deep breath and declared earnestly.
"Hm?"
Still stunned, Ningguang could only watch as Qin Yu nervously continued, "From the moment we first met, I've been pretending, playing a role I created for myself—cheerful, lively, enthusiastic..."
"That wasn't the real me. It was just 'magic' to avoid being disliked by you, Lady Ningguang."
"I wanted to tell you the truth, Lady Ningguang, because I know you cherish me. I want to earn your affection for my true self, to continue interacting with you as my authentic self."
"But this might cause you unnecessary trouble, so I planned to wait until the Jade Chamber's reconstruction was complete before revealing it. I never expected you to see through me first... I'm sorry..."
Only then did Ningguang finally snap out of her daze.
So Qin Yu misunderstood my intentions, she realized. Instead, she revealed another truth she'd been hiding deep in her heart, bringing it to light prematurely.
No wonder she mentioned wanting to speak with me after the Jade Chamber's reconstruction was finished.
This must have been it.
Instead of the response she had anticipated, Ningguang had uncovered a deeper truth. After processing Qin Yu's revelation, she simply said:
"I see."
"Yes..."
Ningguang smiled warmly and kindly. "I'm so glad you shared this with me. It must have been difficult for you to bring up something you've kept hidden in your heart for so long."
Qin Yu's chest warmed, and she murmured a soft, "Mhm."
"But what I'm about to say might not be what you want to hear."
Ningguang gently stroked Qin Yu's lips, speaking frankly, "Whether you're pretending or not, it truly doesn't matter to me."
Ha?
Qin Yu asked, bewildered, "It doesn't matter?"
A wave of frustration washed over Qin Yu. Did I just bare my soul for nothing? What does Lady Ningguang really think of me?
"Don't misunderstand," Ningguang continued, her fingers tracing the line of Qin Yu's jaw, neck, and stopping at her chest. "What I mean is—namely, whether you think you're pretending or not, I see your true self. Where?"
"Naturally, in your everyday actions."
"But that's..." Qin Yu said, relieved yet still confused.
"...'Pretending,' isn't it? Qin Yu, you must understand: completely playing the part of someone fundamentally different from yourself is incredibly difficult."
"No matter how hard you try, you'll inevitably leave traces of your true self in the smallest details."
Ningguang whispered softly in Qin Yu's ear, "You've been by my side for so long. Do you really think I can't see the kind of person you are?"
"You delight in my praise, worry about my health, pay close attention to me, even get jealous on my behalf, and accept and indulge my whims..."
"Admittedly, this is only a part of you. I wouldn't presume to claim I understand your entirety. But these subtle details in your behavior convince me that you're someone worth keeping by my side."
"Of course, you could dismiss it all as a facade. But how I perceive you is my own business. You might be able to deceive yourself, but you can't deceive me. So, if you want a response to your confession—"
Ningguang didn't finish her sentence. Instead, she answered with a different action.
Their breaths intertwined once more. After her initial surprise, Qin Yu felt a wave of relief wash over her. Ningguang's response, conveyed through that familiar warmth, made her heart race and her senses swim.
"I look forward to you continuing to stay by my side, showing your true self," Ningguang murmured softly.
"...Mm. Me too."
Ningguang shifted the topic. "But actually, that's not what I wanted to ask you about."
"Huh?" Qin Yu was stunned.
Not that? Eh? It wasn't?!
Embarrassment flooded her, and Qin Yu covered her eyes with her arm, muttering, "Oh my god."
So all that just now was... Tsk! Why couldn't Ningguang just say what she meant? Why drag it out like this? Was she playing with me? The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more embarrassed and indignant she became. She removed her arm and puffed out her cheeks at Ningguang.
"Lady Ningguang, you're so mischievous."
"But would you really be at ease if I didn't answer your question?" Ningguang teased back with a soft smile.
Qin Yu averted her gaze. She had a point.
"Th-then what did you want to ask, Lady Ningguang?"
Ningguang's smile faded, her tone turning neutral. "You seem to have received a confession from Keqing?"
Qin Yu gasped. "How did you know...?"
"I asked Baiwen and the others if you'd been troubled lately. They mentioned someone confessing to you, and based on the characteristics they described, Keqing is the only one who fits."
So that's how it is!
Qin Yu knew Baiwen and the others couldn't have helped it—after all, Lady Ningguang had asked. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little resentful. Next time we go out to eat, I'm definitely going to make them pay through the nose!
"Is that truly the case?" Ningguang confirmed.
"Mmm... I was confessed to."
As expected. Ningguang closed her eyes.
Her silence made Qin Yu slightly uneasy, unsure of what Ningguang would say or do next.
After a few seconds, Ningguang reopened her eyes and leaned in closer again.
The deeper, more intimate feeling overwhelmed Qin Yu, like a leaf caught in a whirlpool. Her thoughts and consciousness swirled downward, immersing and losing themselves in the depths.
In a daze, Qin Yu heard Ningguang's voice.
"Qin Yu, do you know that you are the one I desire?"
"Is... is that so?" Qin Yu stammered.
Ningguang's voice softened. "Yes. I want to grow old with you, to spend our lives together as lovers. I want you, Qin Yu, and I won't let anyone take you from me. What about you?"
"Do you... want me?" Ningguang whispered in her ear.
Qin Yu instinctively replied, "I do..."
Evaluation: SSS
"I see. I'm very satisfied. Then surrender yourself to me, and I will surrender myself to you." With those words, Ningguang pressed her full weight against Qin Yu.
The rising tide of emotion carried them, step by step, to the very edge of the boundary.
Just as they were about to cross the line, Qin Yu, with the last vestiges of her rationality, stopped abruptly.
"I... I can't... Not now."
Ningguang realized that Qin Yu wouldn't cross that final boundary, no matter what. Though disappointed, she understood and accepted Qin Yu's decision.
Even Ningguang herself felt a little nervous; how much more so Qin Yu?
After creating some distance between them, they fell silent.
"I... um... I'm sorry, I'll take my leave now!"
Qin Yu was utterly flustered, unsure of what to do. She didn't want to talk to Ningguang, nor did she want to stay in Ningguang's bedroom any longer. After straightening her clothes, she fled toward the door as if escaping.
"Qin Yu."
Qin Yu turned back, her face and ears flushed crimson. Ningguang found her utterly adorable.
She still wants it, after all.
Ningguang acknowledged her own desire, but she couldn't force Qin Yu. She suppressed her yearning, thinking, There will be plenty of opportunities later, countless chances ahead.
So she simply smiled and said, "Good night."
"...Good night," Qin Yu murmured, averting her gaze as she slipped out of the room.
Ningguang went to the window, savoring every detail of Qin Yu's reactions. She felt a pang of regret, but also overwhelming satisfaction.
I've won.