Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

Later that afternoon, Ningguang woke up.

Looking around, she noticed Qin Yu sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed and reading.

Staring at Qin Yu's back, Ningguang felt an inexplicable sense of contentment. She reached out and gently touched the back of Qin Yu's hair.

Whoa! What was that?!

Qin Yu startled and turned around, then sighed in relief.

What was that about? You scared me! Despite her silent grumbling, Qin Yu smiled warmly. "You're awake. Are you hungry?"

"A little."

Qin Yu stood up and touched her forehead to Ningguang's. The fever seemed to have subsided slightly. She asked Ningguang how she was feeling, and Ningguang replied that she felt a little better.

"You're not fully recovered yet, so you should rest more. I'll make you something to eat. What do you want?" Qin Yu asked.

"Anything is fine, as long as it's not too extravagant," Ningguang replied.

If you want something fancy, I'm not making it. Those dishes are a pain to prepare.

"Then I'll make some porridge," Qin Yu suggested.

"That sounds good," Ningguang nodded gently.

Qin Yu smiled, excused herself, and went to the kitchen. After preparing the porridge, she carried the tray back to Ningguang's bedroom.

Ningguang had changed into her casual clothes, but perhaps because she didn't need to go out, or simply wasn't in the mood, her hair remained loose and unbound. Qin Yu always wondered how someone with such long hair managed to maintain it. It looked beautiful, but surely it must be exhausting to care for.

Sitting by the window, bathed in sunlight, Ningguang rested her cheek on her hand and gazed into the distance.

"It's ready, but it's a bit hot. Let it cool down before you eat," Qin Yu said, placing the bowl on the table.

"Thank you," Ningguang smiled faintly, her complexion and spirits noticeably improved from earlier that morning.

Ningguang glanced at the teapot, and Qin Yu immediately cautioned, "It's best not to drink tea while you have a cold."

"You're being more attentive than usual," Ningguang observed.

It's all your fault

Qin Yu smiled gently. "It's one of my duties."

"Duties..." Ningguang mused. Not entirely, but there's no need to press the issue. She gestured for Qin Yu to sit down.

Qin Yu moved the chair from the dressing table to face Ningguang and sat down as instructed.

"How are Baiwen and the others progressing?"

As expected, Ningguang would ask about them. Qin Yu had anticipated this question. "They visited at noon and said everything was proceeding smoothly."

"Good. That's excellent."

Ningguang glanced at the steaming, appetizing congee on the table, then at Qin Yu, who stifled a yawn. Qin Yu is unusually docile and gentle today, she thought. If I asked her to do something out of the ordinary, she'd probably agree. In that case...

"Come sit closer to me."

What is she planning now? Qin Yu's wariness flared, but she ultimately complied, moving her chair nearer to Ningguang.

"I'm even hungrier now. It's time to eat."

Then eat!

Seeing Qin Yu's lack of reaction, Ningguang said casually, "Qin Yu."

"Hmm?"

She's calling me by my name... Could it be...?

Just as Qin Yu had anticipated, Ningguang delivered a line with unnerving calmness, almost theatrically:

"Serve me."

In other words, Ningguang wanted Qin Yu to feed her.

"Huh? Why me?" Qin Yu protested inwardly. Though her reluctance didn't show on her face, her hesitation prompted Ningguang to speak again.

"You don't want to?"

Of course not! Why would someone with perfectly functional hands and feet need to be fed? Qin Yu retorted silently.

Hearing no response, Ningguang sighed softly. "Very well. It seems I'm asking too much of you."

So, her patience isn't limitless after all.

Seeing Ningguang's uncharacteristically vulnerable demeanor, Qin Yu couldn't help but soften. She exhaled silently and picked up the bowl.

"No, that's not it. I was just thinking... this side of you is quite rare."

Deliberately trying to tease Ningguang, Qin Yu chuckled. "It's almost like you're acting a little... spoiled with me."

Ningguang averted her gaze. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, whether from her cold or embarrassment, Qin Yu couldn't tell.

"Ah, of course, I don't mean that in a bad way," Qin Yu quickly added. "It's just... new. And... I think it's kind of cute!" She tacked on the last word deliberately.

Evaluation: B-

You're being a little spoiled, so I'm just returning the favor. That's fair, right? Qin Yu laughed inwardly.

Ningguang lowered her head, propped it with a hand, and let out a deep, silent sigh.

Indeed, my actions do seem rather spoiled...

Is it because she's being so gentle and accommodating that I had this thought? That reasoning doesn't quite add up.

Was it because I wanted to see how far she'd let me go? Ningguang thought, knowing Qin Yu would consider such a motive childish.

Or was it simply because I felt like it? This explanation was even more flimsy than the previous two.

Silence is golden. It was better to remain silent than to answer directly.

Besides, the impression had already been formed. Nothing she could do now would change it.

Should she take back her earlier actions? No use... Ningguang felt a pang of regret.

Qin Yu scooped up a spoonful of porridge, blew on it gently, and carefully fed it to Ningguang.

"How is it?"

"It tastes good."

"After all, it was made by Big Sister Qin Yu—sorry, I was just teasing!" Qin Yu quickly added, her survival instincts kicking in.

Ningguang, unable to calm her restless thoughts, casually replied, "I didn't mind."

"Ahaha, thanks... Huh?"

Just as Qin Yu was about to offer another spoonful, there was a knock at the door.

"Ningguang, are you asleep?" Keqing's voice called out.

She must be here to check on me.

Qin Yu set down the bowl. "I'll get the door," she said.

"Go ahead."

Though it was only a fleeting thought, Ningguang couldn't help but feel, This really is bad timing.

Qin Yu opened the door.

"Oh, you're awake... Hmm? Qin Yu? What are you doing in Ningguang's room?" Keqing stepped back, confirming that it was indeed Ningguang's bedroom, and couldn't help but ask.

"Good afternoon. I'm taking care of Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu replied.

Keqing's expression softened with understanding. That makes sense, she thought. After all, Qin Yu was still Ningguang's personal maid. If Ningguang was ill, Qin Yu would naturally be the one to care for her—it would be a dereliction of duty otherwise.

Still, a hint of irritation lingered. Did she really need to be in her room?

Keqing lifted the basket she was carrying. "I brought some get-well gifts—fruit."

"Come in," Ningguang said.

"Sorry to disturb you," Keqing replied evenly as she entered the bedroom.

She placed the fruit-filled basket on the table and asked with a touch of concern, "Are you alright? As one of the Qixing, you should take better care of your health."

"I didn't expect you to be concerned," Ningguang remarked.

"We're colleagues, after all. I was wondering why only your secretary was working outside, then I learned you were ill. You look better than I expected, so I'm relieved. Well then—"

Having accomplished her purpose, Keqing turned to leave when she noticed an empty chair placed very close to Ningguang's bedside.

Remembering that Ningguang and Qin Yu had been alone in the room earlier, Keqing's expression grew subtle. She hesitated to ask what had happened outright, as that would seem too strange.

"Qin Yu, come with me for a moment."

"Huh? Oh, okay."

Keqing took Qin Yu's hand, ready to lead her out of the room.

Ningguang spoke up. "There's no need for suspicion. She was simply attending to me earlier."

"Attending to you?" Don't phrase it like that!

Qin Yu chuckled. "I was just taking care of Lady Ningguang."

"How exactly were you 'taking care' of her?" Keqing pressed, refusing to let it go. Unlike before, as childhood friends, she felt entitled to ask.

Objectively speaking, being fed wasn't particularly odd, Qin Yu thought. She answered truthfully.

"You... you fed her?" Keqing blurted out in astonishment.

"Yes, that's right. Is there anything strange about that?"

Keqing asked nervously, "Did you... did you feed her willingly?"

Ningguang turned to Qin Yu, eager to hear her response.

"Y-yes..."

A lie. But what else could she say? If she admitted Ningguang had requested it, Keqing might think the Archon was being capricious, which would ruin Ningguang's dignity.

Ningguang smiled contentedly.

Excellent. She chose me over Keqing, her childhood friend.

Evaluation: B (Ningguang)

"How did my evaluation go up?" Qin Yu muttered, utterly bewildered.

Had Ningguang somehow transformed into Yanfei?

"So that's how it is... Though I suppose it's only natural," Keqing murmured, refusing to believe Ningguang would ever request such a thing.

Yet this realization only deepened her frustration.

When Keqing was ill as a child, Qin Yu would always visit and care for her. Perhaps because Keqing was so young then, she would often act spoiled and demanding around Qin Yu, who was so gentle with her when she was sick. She even insisted on being fed.

Keqing knew Qin Yu wouldn't limit this kindness to her alone; she would extend the same warmth to future lovers or close friends. But to think that Ningguang—of all people—was the recipient of such treatment!

A wave of wistful melancholy washed over Keqing.

It was one thing for her childhood friend to address a colleague as "Master"—though she still hadn't asked Qin Yu the real reason behind it—but to feed her porridge too?

Unable to contain herself, she whispered in Qin Yu's ear, "Isn't feeding her a bit much?"

Qin Yu's ears flushed slightly at the unfamiliar warmth of Keqing's breath, and she mentally scrambled to maintain her facade. "Lady Ningguang is unwell. I must take good care of her."

"That may be true, but isn't that going a bit too far?" Keqing countered.

"It's all Ningguang's fault," Keqing muttered under her breath.

She tried to keep Ningguang from hearing, but Ningguang had already anticipated her response. "This is Qin Yu's heartfelt gesture. Do you find it inappropriate, Keqing?" she asked bluntly.

"Not exactly..."

The thought that Qin Yu had only ever done this for her—such words were impossible to voice aloud.

Besides, Qin Yu was a woman, and so was Ningguang. Objectively speaking, there was nothing improper about one woman feeding another. Yet Keqing couldn't bring herself to accept it.

There was no other choice. 

Keqing cleared her throat. "I'll replace her."

"Huh?" 

Ningguang blinked. "Replace?"

"Yes. Anyone can feed you, can't they?" 

Qin Yu lowered her gaze.

It was true—anyone could perform this task. Even a personal maid. If it didn't have to be her, then why did Ningguang insist on keeping her close? The more Ningguang clung to her, the more Qin Yu doubted her own necessity.

A cunning dilemma.

To say "yes" risked hurting Qin Yu; to say "no" would childishly imply "it must be Qin Yu." 

Ningguang decided to follow Qin Yu's method: choose option C when presented with A and B.

"That won't be necessary. I intend to rest now. You may leave if there's nothing further," Ningguang said, effectively dismissing them.

Keqing raised an eyebrow. "Then I'll borrow Qin Yu for a while, okay?"

"Huh?" Qin Yu exclaimed in surprise.

Ningguang maintained her composure. "Oh? Why?"

"Weren't you about to take a nap? It's perfect timing—I wanted to talk to her about something anyway. Is that a problem?" Keqing retorted.

Ningguang was left without a response. Instead of pressing the issue, she silently turned to Qin Yu, awaiting her decision.

Sensing Ningguang's gaze, Qin Yu inwardly sighed. Why does this always happen to me?

Ningguang wants to rest? Impossible. She just woke up. But I can't just send Keqing away after she came all the way here to check on her. And now they're putting the decision on me!

As Qin Yu struggled to find the right words, Ningguang spoke first. "Qin Yu, stay with me."

See? She's not really sleepy, Keqing thought. Who needs company to sleep? Refusing to be outdone, she swiftly added, "Qin Yu, come with me."

Ugh, why does it always have to be a choice between them? Qin Yu sighed inwardly.

"Qin Yu, I need you," Ningguang blurted out, unable to hold back.

Evaluation: B+ (Ningguang)

Not only Qin Yu but even Keqing was taken aback by Ningguang's vulnerability. It was the first time Keqing had ever seen Ningguang in such a vulnerable state.

"It's like I'm the bad guy here," Keqing sighed.

Does she really need me? Anyone could do this... Ningguang was unwell, and Keqing didn't have anything particularly important to say. She'd only suggested talking on a whim.

Besides, she was still on maid duty today.

Qin Yu offered a complicated smile. "Understood."

"...Well, never mind. Please take care of my colleague for me. Let me know if you need anything," Keqing said, folding her arms and giving Qin Yu a polite smile.

"Thank you!"

Though a lingering unease remained, Keqing took her leave.

Qin Yu closed the door and stole a glance at Ningguang. The Lady Ningguang wasn't looking at her, but gazing out the window. Naturally, Qin Yu couldn't bring herself to mention what had just happened.

...Forget it.

Qin Yu pushed the matter aside and returned to Ningguang's side.

"Shall we continue eating?"

"Yes. And I'm relieved you're on my side."

What's with this talk of "sides"? That's such a strange way to put it.

I only said that because it's my duty. Nothing more.

And I only agreed to help because you're unwell... Don't misunderstand. Qin Yu sighed inwardly, not responding to Ningguang's words, but simply raising her spoon.

That evening, Qin Yu prepared Ningguang's medicinal brew.

Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao returned exhausted. After reporting their progress to Ningguang, they dispersed to rest.

They must be worn out. Thank goodness I wasn't responsible for any of that, Qin Yu thought with relief. But then she realized that, from another perspective, her own work was just as insignificant.

Anyone could replace me.

"I need you." But what exactly does she need me for? Qin Yu couldn't figure it out.

Once the brew was ready, Qin Yu carried the bowl to Ningguang's bedroom.

"The medicine's ready, Ningguang. Drink it later."

It's about time this ended, Qin Yu thought. It's almost bedtime.

Time to sleep. Tomorrow, I'll quit and find my own place.

"It's getting late. Tomorrow..."

"I haven't stated my condition yet."

What condition?

Ningguang, fearing Qin Yu had forgotten, reminded her, "The condition I mentioned this morning. I haven't told you."

Ah—Tch! Why now?

I can't just say, "Haha, I don't remember." Fine, I'll treat this as my final task. As long as it's not too unreasonable, I'll accept it.

Still slightly uneasy, Qin Yu asked, "Have you decided then?"

"I have."

Ningguang sat up in bed.

Qin Yu held her breath, bracing herself. Bring it on!

Ningguang smiled faintly. "Read to me."

"Huh?"

"I'm not sleepy, but perhaps if you read to me, it might help me drift off."

So that's it? She wants me to be white noise? No, using my voice as white noise is going a bit too far, isn't it?

Still, it's not entirely unwelcome.

Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "Is that all?"

I thought it was going to be something extraordinary.

Even though I wasn't expecting much, I still feel a little let down... Is this some kind of reverse psychology? Well, I'm not falling for that.

Qin Yu smiled. "I understand!"

"You can pick any book you like from that shelf over there."

Qin Yu nodded and walked over to the bookshelf, giving it a quick scan.

Wow, so many academic texts. Are there any novels here? Or would something dry and boring be better?

For some reason, Qin Yu imagined Ningguang listening intently, her mind racing with ideas that kept her awake, and chuckled to herself.

Oh? Here's a fairy tale collection. I'll go with this.

Qin Yu pulled out the book and returned to the bedside. Ningguang had already finished her medicine and settled back down.

"I'd like to read this. Is that okay?"

"A fairy tale?" Ningguang replied with a peculiar tone. "Hmm... I suppose it's acceptable, though it does make me feel like I'm being treated like a child."

Ningguang had been so capricious today, acting almost childish.

Qin Yu thought to herself, This must be just for today. It's probably because Ningguang isn't feeling well.

Tomorrow, she'll be back to her usual self.

"Shall I start reading?"

"Go ahead."

Come to think of it, I'm actually reading a fairy tale to my superior to help her fall asleep. Wow, no matter how I look at it, it's utterly bizarre.

But Ningguang often doesn't treat me like a subordinate...

At least, that's how it feels.

The fairy tale itself was unremarkable—just whimsical ideas woven into a simple story. Normally, Qin Yu would never choose to read something like this; there were far more engaging books for leisure.

Glancing at Ningguang, she didn't seem particularly interested either.

Still, from the perspective of lulling her to sleep, it was probably the right choice.

"'You are essential..."

Essential...? Should I ask Ningguang why she said that?

Qin Yu's hesitation caught Ningguang's attention.

"Qin Yu."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I'll continue reading."

"That's not necessary. Just talk to me instead."

She's changed her mind again? Oh well.

Qin Yu closed the book, set it aside, and smiled. "Of course. Did you have a topic in mind?"

"Not at the moment. What about you?"

"Me? I..."

Might as well ask.

"I do have one."

Ningguang wasn't surprised. She had deliberately waited until this "final moment" to reveal her condition, wanting to take advantage of this special time to talk with Qin Yu.

"What is it?" Ningguang asked calmly, subtly urging her on.

"Why... why is Lady Ningguang so insistent on keeping me here?" Qin Yu whispered, her voice tinged with unease and confusion.

Ningguang had almost assumed Qin Yu wouldn't ask this question. Perhaps Qin Yu had been suppressing her thoughts as much as possible?

Ningguang exhaled softly and countered, "Then I'd like to ask, why does that confuse you? Do you believe there needs to be a specific reason to want someone to stay?"

Qin Yu could vaguely sense Ningguang's invisible hand reaching out, attempting to encroach upon her personal space.

Instinctively, Qin Yu resisted, "I don't think so."

Ningguang watched her in silence.

Following the conversation is itself a form of resistance.

In an instant, Ningguang understood, saw through her. Qin Yu might appear unguarded, but she was guarded beyond measure, layer upon layer of intricate defenses.

Perhaps someone with genuine sincerity could tear through the layers and reveal the truth beneath.

Ningguang finally felt she had glimpsed the hazy figure beneath Qin Yu's carefully constructed exterior. But how could she delve deeper?

Some might shatter those defenses with unwavering sincerity, but Ningguang didn't believe she possessed such strength. After all, she had only just begun to peel back the first layer of Qin Yu's meticulously crafted facade.

Ningguang sat up abruptly, startling Qin Yu. "Come, sit here on the bed. Then I'll tell you why."

Qin Yu's eyes flickered with hesitation, but she eventually sat down on the edge of the bed. Ningguang shifted closer, lowered her legs, and settled beside her.

Qin Yu suddenly regretted her decision, feeling it would be better to stop now. "Ah, I almost forgot! I have something else I need to do..." she stammered, desperate to escape.

"Your most important task is fulfilling my request."

Ugh... Qin Yu felt cornered, trapped with no way out. If I had known it would come to this... But what could she have done differently?

"Now, lean closer."

Absolutely not.

"Lean closer, and I'll tell you everything."

I don't need to know. Even if I did, it wouldn't change my mind.

"Lady Ningguang, perhaps this isn't necessary after all."

As soon as the words left her lips, Ningguang reached out and gently pressed Qin Yu's head against her shoulder.

Wait! What kind of forceful move is this?! Qin Yu's face flushed, and the fragrance of Ningguang's hair made her even more flustered, causing her breathing to become erratic—short, quick breaths punctuated by long, awkward pauses.

"Hmm..." Ningguang suddenly made a subtle sound.

What's going on? Qin Yu's mind went blank, momentarily forgetting to pull away.

Evaluation: A

Ningguang remained silent for a moment. Qin Yu's irregular breathing unconsciously drew her attention, and when Qin Yu's breath brushed against her neck, that attention amplified the sensation.

What a peculiar feeling.

"There's no need to be so tense. Just relax."

Ha?! Isn't this your fault...? Ah, her body temperature is a little higher than I expected.

"Lady Ningguang, perhaps you should rest first. We can discuss this tomorrow," Qin Yu suggested.

"No, this won't take long."

Ningguang's voice was close. Qin Yu shrank back slightly. "O-okay..."

Now that we're here, I might as well hear what Ningguang has to say.

Still, best not to get my hopes up too high.

Ningguang's hand gently stroked Qin Yu's hair. Perhaps because she was already used to being touched this way, Qin Yu gradually relaxed a little.

"But still, I have to ask you—do you think there needs to be a reason?"

Qin Yu didn't want to answer.

Ningguang seemed intent on invading her personal space. Qin Yu's instincts resisted the question, yet she desperately wanted to know why Ningguang was so fixated on her.

"I think... there should be one."

Ningguang seemed to understand something.

All along, she had unilaterally insisted Qin Yu stay, assuming Qin Yu only wanted to resign out of loyalty to her friends. Perhaps that had been true initially—her motives had been simple enough.

But as Ningguang repeatedly urged her to stay, deeper reasons had emerged. Each plea emphasized Qin Yu's importance, leaving her confused and unsettled.

Why me? she must have wondered.

Ningguang finally understood.

Qin Yu didn't need Mora, knowledge, or skills. What she truly craved was a reason.

It was that simple.

"You're remarkably pure," Ningguang said with a smile.

Why this sudden conclusion? And calling me "pure" makes me sound like some naive fool who never thinks! I'm a manipulative woman who's been pulling the wool over everyone's eyes.

Qin Yu felt a surge of indignation, though she managed to keep her expression neutral.

"You're searching for a reason, aren't you?"

Qin Yu's heart wavered for a moment.

"Yes," she admitted after a pause, confirming Ningguang's observation.

"Then I'll tell you why I'm so insistent on having you."

Here it comes! Qin Yu held her breath, a flicker of instinctive anticipation rising within her. If she's this persistent, there must be a good reason, right?

"You're very likable."

Qin Yu felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on her.

I'm not a pet.

"You possess talents that Baiwen and the others lack."

Talents? Just because of that?

"You're gentle and vibrant."

It's all an act.

"You're pure-hearted, seeking only to earn my favor."

That's just my character persona and the Points system.

What a boring answer.

Each of Ningguang's impassioned words only chilled Qin Yu's heart further, leaving her disappointed. She couldn't help but resent herself for always building up her hopes, only to have them dashed.

I'm such an idiot. Why do I keep putting myself through this?

But perhaps there was nothing to expect in the first place. After all, she had only shown Ningguang the carefully constructed facade of her character.

How could Ningguang, who only saw the surface, possibly offer a reason that would convince even Qin Yu herself?

Qin Yu forced a smile. "I see... Thank you for the kind words, Lady Ningguang."

Ningguang immediately sensed something was amiss. While her reasons for wanting Qin Yu to stay were genuine, they clearly weren't enough to convince her.

Qin Yu stepped back and stood up.

"I'm truly grateful for your perspective, Lady Ningguang! I understand your intentions perfectly... I'll give them careful consideration, so please rest easy," Qin Yu said with a smile.

But Qin Yu's words only deepened Ningguang's confusion.

What is she really thinking?

"I'm feeling a bit tired myself, so please allow me to retire to my room," Qin Yu added, walking toward the door.

Ningguang needed to find the most compelling reason.

What does Qin Yu truly desire...?

She recalled their conversation from earlier that morning.

"It feels so fragile."

"Fragile?"

"Yes, friendships, love, family ties—they could all shatter in an instant, over some trivial matter..."

Perhaps what Qin Yu truly sought was to be:

"Unique," "special," "one-of-a-kind," "irreplaceable," "indispensable"...

Ningguang paused for a moment. Just as Qin Yu turned the doorknob, she spoke again.

"Most importantly, the time you've given me is irreplaceable. All I want is to cherish the person who can bring me moments like today—moments that no amount of Mora could ever buy."

"Only you can do that."

"If you don't believe me, then stay by my side and watch me closely."

Qin Yu stood with her back to Ningguang, her expression hidden from view.

After a moment, Qin Yu replied, "Thank you for saying those words. I'm very happy... Good night, Lady Ningguang."

Qin Yu opened the door, stepped out, and gently closed it behind her.

The next morning, Baishi woke Ningguang.