"Ugh, why is work piling up even more at a time like this?"
During her break, Qin Yu collapsed onto the sofa, looking utterly defeated.
Seeing this, Shenhe picked up a cookie and held it to Qin Yu's mouth.
Well, if you're offering, Qin Yu thought, and took a bite.
Evaluation: B (Shenhe)
Ganyu covered her mouth with a yawn and murmured softly, "It's probably because the Lantern Rite is approaching, which makes things so hectic."
"Is everyone rushing to meet their targets at the last minute...?" Qin Yu sighed helplessly.
No wonder Ganyu needs two days to finish everything, even if she doesn't sleep! Qin Yu realized. All the accumulated work has been dumped on her. But with me here, she doesn't need to push herself so hard.
When it comes to efficiency, few can match me these days, Qin Yu thought smugly. After working so hard, a little reward wouldn't be too much to ask for, right?
With this in mind, Qin Yu hinted slyly, "Sister Ganyu, I've been working really hard lately, you know."
Ganyu smiled gently and patted Qin Yu's head. "Yes, you've done wonderfully. Thank you for your help."
Evaluation: B (Ganyu)
Ganyu's gentle touch brought a deep sense of comfort to Qin Yu.
Too tired to care if her hair got messed up, she just wanted to be praised.
"Shenhe, you've worked so hard too," Ganyu said. "All these chores must have exhausted you."
Shenhe shook her head. "It's fine. I'm okay. After we finish here, you're going to look for the Adeptus you mentioned earlier, right?"
"Mm-hmm. Will you come too, Shenhe?" Qin Yu asked eagerly.
"Yes," Shenhe replied.
Shenhe's answer eased Ganyu's tension.
While it was a bit disappointing she couldn't spend time alone with Qin Yu, she had already experienced what it was like with all three of them together. It wasn't so bad after all, Ganyu thought.
Besides, to find the Adeptus's whereabouts, they would have to ask Cloud Retainer and the other Adepti. After all, this legendary Adeptus sounded exactly like one of them.
But interacting with Cloud Retainer, especially with Qin Yu present, meant avoiding one critical thing—being exposed.
Shenhe wouldn't want to be exposed either, which meant they were on the same side now!
Ganyu nodded inwardly. Since we're on the same side, Shenhe will definitely help me then.
Otherwise, Cloud Retainer might suddenly change the subject:
"I suddenly remembered when Shenhe was little—"
"And Shenhe at that age reminds me of Ganyu when she was young..."
That must never happen!
Ganyu exhaled softly and continued stroking Qin Yu's hair.
"E-enough, enough. You don't need to pet me anymore," Qin Yu finally said, flustered.
"Ah, right..."
Recalling how Qin Yu had touched her horn earlier, Ganyu couldn't resist sitting beside her and lowering her head.
"Could you... touch my horn again?"
Evaluation: A- (Ganyu)
Before Qin Yu could respond, Ganyu quickly added, "I've been working really hard too! I know it's my duty, but... could I have a little reward?"
She's being so clingy again. Even though she's supposed to be the older sister... oh well.
Qin Yu was already used to Ganyu's behavior and had been wanting to touch her horn anyway, so she indulged her and began stroking it.
Evaluation: A+ (Ganyu)
"Mmm..." Ganyu closed her eyes in blissful contentment.
Drawn by Qin Yu's refreshing scent that she loved so dearly, Ganyu instinctively leaned closer, burying her face against her chest.
Surrounded by the comforting aroma and soothed by the slightly quickened heartbeat near her ear, Ganyu felt utterly at peace, her consciousness gradually blurring as if she were about to drift off to sleep.
"Sister Ganyu?"
"Mmm?" Ganyu mumbled in response.
Is she falling asleep? Realizing this, Qin Yu fell silent, careful not to disturb Ganyu's rest.
At that moment, Shenhe silently leaned closer.
Could it be...? Qin Yu glanced at Shenhe and gently stroked her head a few times. Shenhe nestled even closer, pressing against her shoulder.
Evaluation: A- (Shenhe)
Shenhe's affection warmed Qin Yu's chest slightly.
"You've worked hard too, Shenhe," she murmured, continuing to stroke Shenhe's head.
"Mm," Shenhe responded softly.
Evaluation: A+ (Shenhe)
The break was over, and it was time to get back to work.
Clutching a stack of documents, Qin Yu hurried to Ningguang's office.
"Ningguang, the documents you requested are here."
Ningguang smiled. "Thank you for your efforts."
"Then I'll head back now."
Ningguang set down her pen and called out to stop her. "I've heard from Keqing that you'll be working alongside Ganyu for the next two days?"
"Yes, what's wrong?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
Ningguang beckoned her closer and took her hand.
"I just feel a little lonely."
Evaluation: D
Qin Yu's face flushed, thinking, Here we go again.
Ever since crossing that line, Ningguang had become increasingly brazen and opportunistic, constantly pushing boundaries. If Qin Yu wasn't careful, she'd find herself swept up in Ningguang's rhythm.
"But we see each other every day," Qin Yu protested.
Ningguang dismissed this with a shrug. "Even if we meet every day, I can still feel lonely. Haven't you ever felt that way, Qin Yu?"
Evaluation: C-
"Of course not!" Qin Yu wanted to say, but two reasons held her back. First, it would be a lie, and second, Ningguang would inevitably become dejected.
Not wanting to see Ningguang in such a state, she averted her gaze.
"Just a little bit."
"Just a little?" Ningguang knew Qin Yu was prone to stubbornness, but she still couldn't help but frown slightly.
Qin Yu, challenged by Ningguang's question, couldn't help but grumble, "You never come looking for me!"
Ningguang was taken aback. "Me?"
"Exactly! You hardly ever initiate visits. When we go out, it's usually when work is temporarily on hold," Qin Yu complained.
So that's how it is, Ningguang thought. It seems Qin Yu has been harboring this discontent for quite some time.
How utterly adorable, Ningguang thought gleefully. The more Qin Yu complained about this, the more pleased Ningguang felt. It proved Qin Yu cared deeply for her.
Or rather, cared deeply for us, Ningguang corrected herself.
With that thought, Ningguang stood up and took Qin Yu's hands in hers.
"I'm sorry I've made you feel lonely."
"I'm not!" Qin Yu immediately protested.
"Next time we have the chance, let's go out together, just the two of us. How does that sound?" Ningguang asked gently.
Half of Qin Yu's lingering unhappiness vanished instantly.
That's more like it.
"Hmm," Qin Yu nodded.
Evaluation: C+
Qin Yu belatedly felt embarrassed. What on earth did I just say?
No matter how much she denied being lonely, her words painted a picture of someone very lonely indeed.
I'm not lonely, just dissatisfied.
Yes, that's all there is to it!
Convincing herself, Qin Yu said, "I should probably get going. I have a lot to take care of."
"Stay a little longer. It won't be long."
Ningguang's words were a request, but her tone clearly meant, "You're not allowed to leave now."
"And what if I can't?" Qin Yu asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Then I'll cry."
Evaluation: B
"Eh?"
Qin Yu panicked. Cry? Ningguang? She couldn't imagine it at all.
"I-I understand! I was just joking. But really, I can only stay a little longer! I'm swamped, even with the festival coming up. Why is there still so much work?"
Hearing Qin Yu's sudden shift to complaining, a radiant smile bloomed on Ningguang's face.
"I was joking too."
"Ha?"
Just as Qin Yu felt a flicker of annoyance, Ningguang pressed a kiss to her forehead, instantly dispelling the lingering irritation.
As a faint warmth flushed her cheeks, Ningguang continued with a smile:
"I certainly wouldn't cry over something like that."
I figured as much, Qin Yu thought.
Even the destruction of the Jade Chamber hadn't brought tears to Ningguang's eyes, let alone something like this... But if that's the case, what would make Ningguang cry? Qin Yu wondered, her curiosity piqued.
Of course, she would never actually try to find out. She much preferred seeing Ningguang smile.
"Then what would make you cry?" Qin Yu couldn't help but ask.
Ningguang paused thoughtfully for a moment, then leaned in close to Qin Yu's ear.
"Perhaps... when you leave me unable to get out of bed."
Evaluation: A-
Qin Yu covered her ears, her face burning crimson. "How can you still remember that? And I told you to control yourself! Stop thinking about such things all the time."
Having successfully teased her, Ningguang purred with satisfaction. "I've told you before, I find it difficult to restrain myself around you."
"Of course, this is just a little payback for all your teasing," Ningguang added, her tone shifting.
"Petty," Qin Yu muttered, but let out a sigh of relief. She'd been afraid Ningguang was feeling that familiar urge again.
"But—"
Ningguang gently placed her hand on Qin Yu's chest and chuckled softly. "Since I haven't truly experienced such things myself, I can't say for certain whether I would become that way. Even I can't fully understand myself."
"Therefore, if you're willing to try, you'll know if I would become like that..." Ningguang's lips parted slightly, her voice carrying a warmth that seemed to melt Qin Yu's mind.
Evaluation: A+
Qin Yu was utterly flustered.
Huh? Would she become like that? Like what? Cry? I kinda want to see... Wait, this is a trap! Qin Yu realized this, but what came out of her mouth was something else entirely.
"I'm not in the mood right now..."
"I understand. I'm just telling you about the possibility," Ningguang said.
"You're so cunning, always scheming to get me to accept whatever you want to do to me."
Ningguang gently embraced Qin Yu. "You're just as cunning, aren't we both?"
"Well, you're not wrong..."
Besides, Qin Yu felt no aversion whatsoever.
The reason was simple.
"I would never do anything you hate," Ningguang murmured softly.
"I know. Because... I understand your feelings better than anyone else."
That's why she felt no aversion.
In fact, Ningguang might even have been enjoying it. After all, the more Ningguang acted this way, the more Qin Yu could sense her interest.
It's good that she's interested.
Of course, the "enjoying it" part was just a possibility.
Just maybe.