Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

That night, Qin Yu returned to the bar.

It didn't really matter where she went to relax, but the thought of possibly running into that mysterious woman again drew her back.

If she could, she wanted to hear what had happened between the woman and her childhood sweetheart after their last encounter.

Qin Yu couldn't deny she was a bit of a gossip, but she figured anyone would be curious in her position.

Of course, if she didn't run into the woman again, there was nothing she could do. She wasn't even sure if the woman would return to the bar after Qin Yu's rambling conversation the last time.

"Could I have... Are you alright?" Qin Yu asked.

The bartender stared back with lifeless, fish-like eyes, dark circles so deep they looked like he hadn't slept in days. He shook his head, mumbled that he was fine, and asked what she wanted to drink.

He seemed a bit out of it. As a regular, Qin Yu hoped he would perk up.

After ordering, she smiled faintly. "Take care of yourself."

He nodded absently, then paused, looking confused, as if he'd already forgotten what she'd said.

Is he really okay? Uneasy, Qin Yu took her seat anyway.

Fortunately, the drink was perfectly mixed.

Such professionalism, Qin Yu marveled inwardly, savoring each sip. Though she considered trying something new, her love for the refreshing taste of her original drink won out in the end.

A moment later, Qin Yu felt someone sit down behind her.

"I didn't expect to see you again," the woman behind her said.

Qin Yu was equally surprised. She actually came! What a coincidence... But it was perfect timing. She was eager to hear the rest of the story.

Don't tell me you didn't do anything.

If she truly hadn't done anything, Qin Yu thought, she would almost certainly—no, definitely—look down on her.

But even if her opinion of this mysterious woman changed, it wouldn't matter. After all, it was someone else's business, and as an outsider, she could only offer a few casual words.

"I'm surprised too. I didn't expect to run into you again. Good evening."

"Yes, good evening," the woman replied, her tone tinged with amusement.

Oh? She seems to be in a good mood... Qin Yu ventured tentatively, "You seem particularly cheerful tonight."

"Really? Perhaps so. There's nothing specific I can point to, and it's hard to describe exactly why. But I do feel rather content."

What is this, a riddle?

Qin Yu was completely bewildered, but she still smiled. "That's good to hear!"

"Why?"

Don't you realize why?

"Because... of what you said earlier. And because I didn't feel like I was much help."

She's truly kind-hearted. Keqing inwardly praised the unknown woman once more, her curiosity about the other's identity growing stronger.

Ever since their first meeting, they had maintained this back-to-back, anonymous arrangement. It allowed them to interact without reservations, yet fostered an inexplicable sense of kinship, making their interactions effortless and comfortable.

Turning to face each other might shatter this delicate equilibrium.

It's best to keep things as they are... Keqing sensed the other woman shared this sentiment.

She hadn't forgotten her previous offer.

"It's alright. Your words genuinely helped me. As a token of my gratitude, I'll cover your order this time. Don't mention it," Keqing said cheerfully, flicking her ponytail.

Hmph, that's how it should be.

Qin Yu's mood brightened accordingly. However, the burning question remained unanswered. Judging by the other woman's buoyant mood, she might spill the beans soon.

True to form, after the woman behind her placed her order, she couldn't contain herself any longer.

"This afternoon, I ran into my childhood sweetheart by chance."

And?

"We talked for a while."

That's a rather vague description, Qin Yu noted. But some things are better left unsaid.

Qin Yu understood, but she was more interested in what happened next.

"Although it wasn't the most pleasant conversation, it helped me understand a few things."

"And then?"

"Then we walked back hand in hand. It felt like we were kids again. Even though she doesn't remember me, like you said, something else lingered."

Not bad at all!

Qin Yu nodded in satisfaction, as if she'd just finished reading a good story.

"Thank you," the woman behind her said sincerely.

"There's no need to thank me. I just offered a few words. You're the one who took action. It was your desire to hold her hand that made this possible," Qin Yu replied with textbook perfection.

Her inner thoughts, however, were far simpler:

Finally, some progress. Took long enough.

Seriously, this is driving me crazy. If it were Shenhe, she wouldn't be so awkward. She'd just...

No, better not think about her.

Lately, the mere thought of Shenhe stirred a subtle unease within Qin Yu. If Shenhe were to appear before her again, she might even run away. That's why she wanted to avoid seeking Shenhe out for now.

Nor did she want Shenhe to find her.

Hopefully, she'll understand... In any case, things should return to normal soon. Human resilience is something to trust.

No, she should be more considerate. After all, if it weren't for her... Ah, stop thinking about it! You're not a child anymore!

Qin Yu took a sip of her drink and let out a long sigh.

Footsteps approached. Must be the bartender, she thought.

Keqing looked up and saw the bartender hurrying toward them with their drinks. Something felt off; he seemed dazed and disoriented.

The next moment, as if his consciousness had suddenly flickered out, the bartender collapsed to the floor with a crash. The glass shattered, spilling the drinks into a puddle.

"Whoa, what was that?!"

Qin Yu glanced down and saw the bartender sprawled on the floor. She quickly jumped up and knelt beside him to help him up.

"Are you okay?" "Are you alright?"

Their voices overlapped.

"Huh?" "Hmm?"

Instinctively, they turned to look at each other.

Their gazes met.

Pink eyes and amber eyes; purple twin-tails and shoulder-length black hair...

The moment they recognized each other, a chill swept through their bodies, freezing them in place. Even their hearts seemed to falter for a moment, as if frozen mid-beat.

A familiar face, a familiar expression...

Realization struck, and their frozen hearts resumed pounding with a sudden thump, beating faster and faster. Heat surged through their veins, yet their bodies remained stiff and motionless.

Why is she here?

Could it be...?

"You're the one..." Qin Yu murmured in disbelief.

"Behind me..." Keqing's eyes widened in shock.

That "she."

Wait, hold on...

If that's true, could the childhood friend she mentioned... be me?

The timing matches, her behavior fits, and she was there when she mentioned calling colleagues "Master" and "Sister." Plus, during our first encounter, she mentioned being forgotten, and I had also forgotten my own childhood friend...

Qin Yu's thoughts raced uncontrollably, like a runaway horse galloping into a chaotic vortex. If anyone could hear her now, they wouldn't be able to make out a single coherent word.

Keqing was in no better shape.

If she's the mysterious woman who's been encouraging me all along, does that mean she's heard everything I've said? My thoughts, my feelings...

Everything has been exposed to Qin Yu.

A distinct blush crept across Keqing's cheeks, her eyes wavering. Her throat tightened, and a wave of overwhelming shame left her dizzy.

At that moment, the bartender shook his head. "My jaw's a little sore, but I'm fine. Don't worry about it..."

His voice shattered the awkward silence.

Keqing's consciousness snapped back to reality.

"T-that's good. I have to go. Keep the change." With those words, she slammed the Mora onto the counter, turned, and bolted for the door.

I can't stay here any longer!

Seeing Keqing's desperate attempt to escape, the chaos of thoughts in Qin Yu's mind instantly dissolved, replaced by a single, overwhelming urge:

I have to chase her!

Qin Yu stood up. The instant Keqing took her first step, Qin Yu's hand shot out like a crab's claw, gripping Keqing's left wrist tightly and pulling her back with surprising force.

"Huh?" Keqing gasped involuntarily.

Qin Yu's grip tightened, so firm it bordered on painful. Their body heat intensified, and as they felt each other's feverish temperature, Keqing momentarily forgot to breathe. A hazy memory surfaced in her mind.

But what if we really get separated?

I don't know. But I'll chase after you. And then—whoosh!—I'll grab your hand like this! Qin Yu had gripped both of her hands tightly back then.

Keqing stiffly turned around.

"Ah..."

Qin Yu was now holding both of her hands, just like when they were children.

She had caught up.

The urge to flee that had been building in Keqing's mind vanished, leaving it blank. She couldn't string together a single coherent thought, only taking shallow, ragged breaths that felt like burning air in her lungs.

Qin Yu was equally speechless, her breathing still heavy.

But she had to say something.

The moment that thought formed, a torrent of questions surged through her mind. Why did you leave me? Why did you lie? Why...? But those faint voices were ultimately drowned out by a single question.

"Keqing... can I call you that?"

"Ah... um... sure," Keqing managed to stammer.

"Also, I want to get something to eat... with you."

Keqing gazed at Qin Yu's face. Qin Yu wore a faint smile, and the grip on Keqing's hand had softened considerably, no longer a firm hold but rather an invitation.

Keqing nodded slowly.

"Mhm."

Evaluation: B+