Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

"Qin Yu, wake up."

Qin Yu opened her dead fish eyes, sprawled inelegantly across the bed in a large, ungainly pose.

Just five more minutes...

But she reluctantly replied, "Okay~"

Ugh... I don't want to work.

Qin Yu hugged her blanket and rolled around on the bed, muttering repeatedly, "I don't want to work." But eventually, she grudgingly climbed out of bed.

After washing up, brushing her hair, and changing, she sat before her vanity mirror to check her appearance.

"Ah... hmm."

Voice: Okay.

She rubbed her cheeks; her complexion looked decent enough.

Expression: Okay.

"Sigh..."

Spirit: Not okay.

But that's just how work goes. No matter how much you loathe it, you still have to do it.

Fortunately, this grind was finally nearing its end! Determined not to contradict Ningguang's words from yesterday, Qin Yu slapped her cheeks, forcing herself to perk up.

Ningguang had given her a day off yesterday, so she needed to appear more energetic today.

Leaving her room, Qin Yu headed straight for the kitchen.

By now, she was thoroughly familiar with her duties as a personal maid. Household chores came easily, and cooking was no problem at all.

But considering her freedom would return in just two more days, she decided to throw herself into her work with extra vigor, aiming for perfection.

It was her way of repaying Ningguang for her kindness.

Naturally, the thought of earning a few extra Points hadn't escaped her mind either.

"Oh? Qin Yu, your skills have improved again. Not bad, I'm quite satisfied." She might just say that, and my Evaluation would go up.

This feels promising!

With that thought, Qin Yu upgraded her Cooking Proficiency and Cleaning Proficiency to level 2.

Then, she activated the Maid's Path skill, and both proficiencies instantly jumped to level 3.

"Ma... Lady Ningguang has been feeling rather tired lately. Breakfast doesn't need to be too extravagant, but something nutritious wouldn't hurt. I'll make a congee with medicinal herbs."

This skill could be really annoying sometimes. She was thinking of Ningguang, but her mouth spoke of "Master." Thankfully, no one was around.

Ningguang didn't seem to care much about gourmet food. Despite her high position, she preferred simple home-cooked meals.

So, cooking for her was actually quite easy for Qin Yu.

Not that Qin Yu couldn't prepare a Manchu Han Imperial Feast if she really wanted to, but that would be an incredible amount of trouble—she'd rather die than exhaust herself just to create a feast that would be devoured in a single evening.

Oh, and she should also make some desserts for Keqing while she was at it.

It wasn't just about earning Points. Although her memories were still fragmented, Keqing was Qin Yu's childhood friend.

After their teacher passed away, Keqing was the only person who had shared Qin Yu's childhood.

Family—that didn't quite feel right.

Qin Yu had used that word when discussing Keqing at the bar, but that was before she realized she was personally involved. As an outsider, it had seemed straightforward, but now that she knew she was a player in the story, the term felt awkward.

Qin Yu still hadn't figured out how to act around Keqing. She had forgotten too much, and they hadn't seen each other in ages.

Did she attend the teacher's funeral? Qin Yu wondered absently.

She didn't remember seeing Keqing there. Was she watching secretly from somewhere?

Like settling old scores, a flood of grievances surged in Qin Yu's mind.

Yesterday, she had decided to let Keqing's actions slide. But today wasn't yesterday. Today, she could hold her accountable.

Petty rationalization? So what.

Keqing had lied to her, kept her in the dark for so long, and hurt her by not cherishing the treasure Qin Yu held dear. She had every right to be angry, didn't she?

"I definitely have the right to be angry!"

Qin Yu's chopping became more aggressive.

But given the persona she was maintaining, she couldn't afford to lose her temper. Besides, Keqing seemed to realize she'd made a mistake...

Unable to shake off this lingering frustration, Qin Yu channeled it into her chopping.

Thump-thump-thump! The sound of the cleaver striking the cutting board echoed loudly.

Keqing is my childhood friend... Hmm, that didn't sound bad at all.

But another question arose: Should she continue to maintain her facade around Keqing? Keqing only remembered her as a child, unaware of who she truly was now. Yet their bond was undeniably special.

Thump! The cleaver fell.

No, what am I thinking? Of course I can't reveal my true self.

Just because Keqing was her childhood friend didn't guarantee she'd accept the real Qin Yu. Besides, Keqing seemed to prefer the persona Qin Yu had cultivated—perhaps there was some overlap between this crafted character and her childhood self?

I don't understand.

Best not to dwell on it. Just stick to the plan.

Qin Yu abandoned her musings, resolving to stick to her established role. After all, making pastries for Keqing was exactly what her persona would do.

Don't overthink things.

While the congee simmered, Qin Yu began preparing small pastries. Once both were ready, she carried the congee to the dining table and carefully wrapped the pastries.

Wiping her hands on her apron, Qin Yu thought it was time to wake Ningguang. She untied her apron and went to Ningguang's bedroom door.

She knocked.

"Ma—Lady Ningguang, are you awake? Breakfast is ready."

I almost forgot to deactivate my Skill.

Qin Yu exhaled slowly, letting the heat flush fade from her face. From inside the room came Ningguang's slightly languid and husky voice.

"I'm already awake. Give me a moment to change."

"Understood."

It's such a relief I don't have to help her dress as her personal maid.

After a short wait, Ningguang, impeccably dressed as always, opened the door and stepped out.

Hmm? For some reason, Qin Yu felt that Ningguang seemed more tired than usual. Yet the usual sparkle in her eyes remained undiminished, leaving Qin Yu unsure whether her perception was accurate.

"Is something the matter?" Ningguang asked.

"Lady Ningguang, are you feeling tired?"

"Hmm... I'm perfectly fine. Why do you ask?"

Qin Yu stammered, "Ah, it's nothing. I was just a little worried. I'm relieved to hear you're alright, Lady Ningguang."

It must have been my imagination.

Ningguang reached out and instinctively patted Qin Yu's head.

Ha? What are you doing! Didn't you say head pats mess up my hair?!

Qin Yu desperately wanted to glare at Ningguang, but propriety forbade it. Instead, she averted her gaze.

"While caring for one's employer is part of a maid's duties, I still want to thank you," Ningguang said with a gentle smile. "I've warned you before about the dangers of overworking yourself. I'll be more careful too."

Good. That'll save me from extra work.

If Ningguang fell ill, Qin Yu would have to nurse her, and caring for the sick could be quite troublesome. Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, but maintained a polite smile.

"Very well. Please do take care."

Evaluation: D

Ningguang found herself increasingly fond of Qin Yu's thoughtfulness. Seeing her in the morning never failed to lift her spirits.

However...

Ningguang gently smoothed Qin Yu's hair, her hand gliding down the silky black strands until it came to rest on her cheek.

Here it comes again.

Despite having grown somewhat accustomed to it, Qin Yu still felt a pang of nervousness whenever she sensed Ningguang's body temperature, so different from her own.

Ningguang likely wanted to discuss something.

As expected, Ningguang softly asked, "You still don't want to stay for a few more months?"

She was referring to work.

"No... my mind is made up. I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu replied, giving the same unwavering answer she had given before.

This wasn't the answer Ningguang wanted.

Over the past two weeks, she had tried numerous tactics, offering various inducements to persuade Qin Yu to change her mind, but all her efforts had failed. Qin Yu's steadfast resolve filled Ningguang with mixed emotions—admiration tinged with frustration.

How could she convince her to stay? Repeated attempts, each ending in failure, had finally led them to this moment.

Counting today and tomorrow, Qin Yu had only two days left before submitting her resignation.

After that, she would step down as Ningguang's personal maid and leave her side.

In this matter, Qin Yu seemed utterly impervious to persuasion.

Even Ningguang felt her heart sink upon hearing Qin Yu's reply. Her earlier cheerfulness vanished instantly, replaced by a faint unease.

What exactly is your weakness? Ningguang stared intently at Qin Yu's face.

"Um... if we don't eat soon, breakfast will get cold," Qin Yu stammered, growing uncomfortable under the intense gaze.

"Hmm."

Ningguang withdrew her hand, allowing Qin Yu to secretly exhale in relief.

I never expected Lady Ningguang to be so insistent on keeping me here... Qin Yu touched her ear and noticed it felt slightly warm.

Too bad. No matter what, I won't change my mind.

This girl's making a bucket run!

Ningguang sat down at the dining table, and Qin Yu followed suit.

The three secretaries were absent. Qin Yu rarely saw them having breakfast with Ningguang; it was usually just the two of them.

Though often referred to as a "personal maid," their relationship was purely professional. There was no rule requiring servants to wait beside their mistress while they ate, and Ningguang would never impose such a requirement.

Qin Yu watched Ningguang take a spoonful of porridge and asked, "How does it taste?"

"Delicious. I didn't realize your skills had improved so much."

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

"I can't be of much help to Lady Ningguang with her official duties, so I've focused on what I excel at. Hearing you say that makes me very happy!" Qin Yu replied with a smile.

Perfect.

Ningguang listened and gave a faint smile. "I'm pleased to see my subordinates growing. As encouragement for your self-improvement, I will award appropriate bonuses."

She paused abruptly, changing her tone.

"However..."

As if deliberately building suspense.

A trap. A fishhook.

This is so annoying. Why can't she just get to the point? Qin Yu wanted to ignore it—Ganyu was already doing enough fishing—no, scratch that, no one should be trying to reel her in. She hated this.

But as a maid, she had to play along with her mistress's whims, encouraging her to continue.

Forcing herself to be patient, Qin Yu asked, "Is there anything else on your mind, Lady Ningguang?"

"It's a pity I can only enjoy such exquisite cuisine for two more days," Ningguang said.

Could it be...?

"Qin Yu."

No.

Don't say it.

Ningguang looked directly into Qin Yu's eyes and said, "Continue making these dishes for me for a few more years. I've grown quite fond of them."

Evaluation: D+

Ah! She actually said it! Qin Yu wanted to bury her face in her hands and sigh.

Just hearing those words made her skin crawl. Doesn't she feel any shame? No, she showed no sign of it—truly an extraordinary temperament.

But Qin Yu felt no envy.

Instead, she was deeply irritated.

I want to say no, Qin Yu thought, to give her a cold, firm refusal. But she couldn't.

She forced a strained smile.

"Ahaha... I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang. I'm deeply gratified by your kind intentions, but my decision remains unchanged. Please forgive me."

This wasn't the answer Ningguang wanted to hear.

She shook her head slightly and continued eating her breakfast. The taste was divine, but... it wouldn't last.

Still, giving up so easily wasn't her style.

If she wanted something, she would find a way to obtain it. Even though Qin Yu wasn't an object but a person, the principle remained the same.

"Come to my room later," Ningguang said casually.

"Alright..."

"Hmm?"

What did she just say?