Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

After breakfast, Ningguang reviewed her schedule for the day. With some time before her next appointment, she returned to her private chamber.

Although Ningguang hadn't explicitly stated it, Qin Yu recalled her earlier comments during breakfast. Am I supposed to follow her?

And enter her room?

C-could it be... she's planning to... do that to me? Because my resolve to resign is unshakable, she's resorting to such desperate measures?

N-no, I must be overthinking this.

But what exactly was she planning? Anxious and uneasy, Qin Yu nervously trailed behind Ningguang into her bedroom.

Qin Yu wasn't unfamiliar with Ningguang's private quarters. She occasionally entered to clean or retrieve items at Ningguang's request.

Yet, perhaps due to her earlier wild imaginings, the delicate fragrance that permeated the room now made her distinctly uncomfortable. Every nerve felt exposed, as if Ningguang's very essence had enveloped her completely.

Stay calm... Breathe...

Ningguang stood with her back to Qin Yu, silently twirling her pipe.

"Is there something you need?" Qin Yu asked tentatively.

"Yes. Close the door first."

Ha... ha?! I'm not ready for this—wait, ready for what? Who does that so early in the morning? No, not at noon or night either! In fact, never, no matter the time or place!

"What's wrong?" Ningguang asked, puzzled.

Qin Yu snapped back to reality and shook her head. "Nothing."

Reluctantly, she closed the door.

"Undress."

Is this a joke? Qin Yu's ears burned as she blurted out, "Here?"

"Behind the screen."

That's no different!

Qin Yu's mind reeled in confusion. "Lady Ningguang, I don't understand what you're trying to do..."

Ningguang turned around. When Qin Yu's gaze met hers, Qin Yu recoiled as if shocked by electricity.

Ningguang slowly approached Qin Yu, extending a hand. The moment her fingers brushed Qin Yu's cheek, Qin Yu instinctively seized Ningguang's wrist.

"Hmm?" Ningguang murmured, slightly surprised. This seemed to be the first time Qin Yu had visibly recoiled from her touch.

But then she reconsidered, thinking she understood.

She must think I'm up to something strange. Calling her into my bedroom, asking her to undress, and then touching her—it's certainly enough to cause a misunderstanding.

Still, letting this misunderstanding linger for a while might be amusing.

"What's wrong? You seem tense."

What a pointless question! Qin Yu gently gripped Ningguang's wrist, her voice strained. "It's just... I don't quite understand Lady Ningguang's intentions."

"That proves you don't know me well enough yet. We haven't spent enough time together. If you stay by my side and work diligently for me, you'll learn more. Then you'll understand the meaning behind my actions."

I can't let my guard down for even a moment.

Qin Yu's body remained rigid. "How long would that take?"

"Several years, perhaps even a decade or more."

That's far too long!

You want me to stay by your side for years, maybe even a decade? Don't even think about it.

Qin Yu thought to herself, but aloud she said, "That's..."

Before Qin Yu could finish speaking, Ningguang gently pressed her thumb against her lips, silencing her. The warmth of Ningguang's fingertip against her skin sent a wave of confusion through Qin Yu.

Evaluation: C-

"I understand. I won't force you."

Huh? Then what are you doing right now?

"Then what is Lady Ningguang doing...?" Qin Yu asked nervously, exhaling in relief as Ningguang removed her thumb.

Ningguang didn't answer. Instead, she delicately traced the contours of Qin Yu's face with her fingertips, as if admiring a precious work of art. It tickled. Then she pressed her palm against Qin Yu's cheek, feeling her skin with her entire hand.

A faint blush rose on Qin Yu's cheeks, and she averted her gaze, feeling slightly nauseated.

Evaluation: C+

Stop popping up. Who asked for this? Oh, Ningguang... Tsk, what an unreasonable woman.

But it didn't seem like she intended to do anything else... Qin Yu hesitated, then released her grip on Ningguang's wrist. It's just touching my face, after all. I'll get used to it. As long as she knows her limits.

"I'm touching you."

I know that. You didn't need to tell me.

"Hmm..." Ningguang murmured thoughtfully.

What's her game? Just say what you mean.

As if responding to Qin Yu's unspoken thoughts, Ningguang smiled faintly. "You really are quite beautiful."

"I think Lady Ningguang is even more beautiful."

Still, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a little pleased. After all, who doesn't enjoy being complimented on their looks?

Evaluation: B-

"So, take it off."

Why are we suddenly jumping to this topic?! Qin Yu wondered if Ningguang had lost her mind today. First the flattery, then this...

This woman is shameless.

Ningguang watched Qin Yu's expression closely as her hand slid downward.

She couldn't deny that she wanted to test how far Qin Yu would tolerate her advances.

Her fingers traced from Qin Yu's face to her chin, then down her neck to her collarbone—at which point Qin Yu took a step back.

"Lady Ningguang, this doesn't seem like you..."

Ugh, what is she doing?!

Sensing it was time to stop, Ningguang retrieved a garment from the wardrobe and handed it to Qin Yu.

"Change into this," she said.

The unexpected turn of events left Qin Yu momentarily stunned.

"What's this?"

"There's a banquet tonight, and I'll be attending as a guest. As my personal maid, you'll naturally accompany me. I'm not entirely sure if this outfit suits you, so try it on for now."

So that's what this is all about.

Qin Yu felt relieved.

No, wait... Did she plan to tease me from the very beginning? How utterly shameless.

Just because she's rich and powerful? Don't think I won't run off to Keqing instead.

Though inwardly grumbling, Qin Yu forced a smile. "Ah, I see! Lady Ningguang, you should have explained earlier."

"Why?" Ningguang chuckled merrily.

She's still laughing.

Unlike Ningguang's amusement, Qin Yu's displeasure grew. It was clear this was another trap, another piece of bait. She wouldn't take the hook.

"It's nothing... but do I really have to change here?"

Can't I just go to my own room?

"You don't have to, but I'm eager to see you in this outfit as soon as possible."

Evaluation: B

Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat.

Well, if I changed in my room, I'd have to walk back. It's hardly appropriate for Ningguang, my employer, to wait outside. But changing in Ningguang's bedroom...

Fine, I'll change. Just don't peek.

Qin Yu reluctantly retreated behind the folding screen, considering telling Ningguang not to peek. But the thought struck her as odd, so she kept silent.

What even is this outfit?

Qin Yu pinched the corners of the garment, lifted it up, and her lips twitched.

It was a black qipao.

Now she understood why Ningguang had suddenly asked about her favorite color that day.

She'd planned this all along.

Why didn't she ask me first? If I had a choice, I'd never wear something that shows so much leg... Still, the fabric and design are undeniably exquisite.

But looking good and feeling comfortable were two different things.

Can't I just refuse?

"Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "may I please wear my usual attire?"

"No."

Just as I thought.

Still, Qin Yu pressed her luck. "B-but why? I'm just Lady Ningguang's personal maid. I don't need to dress so formally, do I?"

"That's a valid point."

A glimmer of hope? Qin Yu quickly seized the opportunity. "So..."

"Logically, this is entirely unnecessary. But for me, it's different. You're my lovely maid, and I want to see you in elegant attire, standing by my side. Isn't that reason enough?"

"Alright..."

How annoying, Qin Yu thought, but there's nothing I can do.

She sighed softly.

Evaluation: B+

Just get it over with.

Still, once today and tomorrow are over, I can quit. Following Ningguang's instructions wouldn't be so bad.

But a qipao...

Qin Yu recalled Ningguang's own attire, with slits that nearly reached her waist, and her reluctance grew. Resigned to her fate, she unbuttoned the dress.