Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

"Lady Ningguang, are you awake?"

It wasn't Qin Yu's voice. It was Baishi.

If Qin Yu were still here, she would have been the one to wake me.

Ningguang sat up and replied, "I'm awake." After a moment of silence, the agitation and restlessness that had been building inside her, now that she realized Qin Yu was gone, dissolved into a sigh.

So, I couldn't convince her after all.

Though she was certain they would meet again, their connection as master and servant had been severed. Their future interactions might remain superficial, never reaching deeper.

With Qin Yu no longer her maid, Ningguang could no longer touch her so casually.

I wonder if Keqing felt something similar when she decided to avoid Qin Yu and conceal their childhood friendship... Ningguang mused, her thoughts tangled as she dressed and tidied her hair.

Though she hadn't fully composed herself, she couldn't afford to let her emotions show. Such vulnerability would be a weakness.

Baishi was waiting outside Ningguang's bedroom.

"Lady Ningguang, are you feeling better?"

Ningguang nodded slightly. "The accumulated fatigue seems to have vanished completely. I've never felt so refreshed."

"That's all thanks to Qin Yu's devoted care!"

Ningguang paused, then replied casually, "Yes, indeed."

The time she had spent with Qin Yu yesterday had been relaxed and pleasant, like a warm dessert melting in her heart. No amount of Mora could buy such moments—their uniqueness made them priceless.

Lost in thought, Ningguang fell silent.

"Lady Ningguang, you seem troubled."

"Hmm? No, that's not the case. Please prioritize today's schedule and yesterday's pending matters, and report them to me one by one. It's bound to be a busy day."

"But what about breakfast?"

Finding herself without appetite, Ningguang brushed it off. "I'll eat later."

Wait, isn't that a bit ungrateful? Baishi hesitated, but Ningguang had already entered her office. Settling into her chair, she began reviewing the reports and documents prepared by Baishi and the other assistants.

Seeing this, Baishi decided not to disturb her further.

Still, it was best to inform her. "Lady Ningguang, may I excuse myself briefly?"

"Mm, go ahead."

Come to think of it, where was Qin Yu's resignation letter?

Ningguang searched through the documents but couldn't find it. She was puzzled. Had Qin Yu left in such a hurry that she forgot to write it? Or had she entrusted it to Baishi and the others?

Amidst her confusion, Ningguang felt a faint sense of relief she hadn't even consciously acknowledged—seeing the letter would only have made her mood worse.

She decided to set the matter aside for now and ask Baishi and the others later.

After quickly skimming the contents of the files, Ningguang hummed thoughtfully.

Footsteps approached.

"Lady Ningguang, good morning! Please enjoy your tea."

Still deep in thought, Ningguang simply assumed Baishi had returned. Did she leave just to make tea?

"Baishi," Ningguang called out.

No response.

"Baishi?"

"Senior Baishi hasn't returned yet," someone replied.

Ah, I see.

Wait a minute—not back yet? Then who was standing beside her right now?

The familiar voice and tone instantly snapped Ningguang out of her reverie. She looked up and met Qin Yu's gaze.

"Qin Yu?" Ningguang exclaimed in surprise.

"A-ha-ha... y-yes, it's me," Qin Yu replied, her eyes darting around nervously, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

"Why are you still here?"

Did she come to submit her resignation letter? Ningguang's brow furrowed slightly.

Wow, did she really have to put it like that?

But it was strange, wasn't it? Qin Yu had been itching to quit for so long, yet here she was today, back in her uniform, standing beside her employer as if nothing had changed.

"Um, well..." Qin Yu stammered, struggling to find the right words.

How should I explain this? Can't we just pretend nothing happened? No? Of course not. That's what I thought. Qin Yu grew increasingly awkward, avoiding Ningguang's gaze.

Ningguang already had a hunch, but she kept her suspicions to herself, unwilling to voice them. She wanted Qin Yu to confess.

"Qin Yu, tell me why you're still here," Ningguang said, her tone carrying an unspoken expectation that neither of them could ignore.

Is this some kind of interrogation? Qin Yu felt cornered, with no way out.

Fine, I'll just say it! Resigned to her fate, Qin Yu took a deep breath and blurted out, "I want to work for one more month."

Evaluation: D

"Ah, but don't misunderstand! It had nothing to do with what happened last night. It was just because..." Qin Yu averted her gaze, her mind racing through excuses.

"Because I'm worried Lady Ningguang will overwork herself again," she finally said.

Yes, that was it. Nothing more.

Just one more month! With two months' salary, I can definitely find a better place to live. Perfect! Qin Yu nodded to herself.

"I see," Ningguang replied. She had expected Qin Yu to stay longer, but Qin Yu only agreed to one more month.

Still, Ningguang was quite pleased with her answer.

Moreover, she had finally pinpointed Qin Yu's weakness: the desire to be needed. Ningguang was genuinely surprised that Qin Yu harbored such a sentiment, but she felt no aversion. Instead, she found it even more endearing.

Rather than simply being likable, Qin Yu possessed a bewitching quality.

One exception would inevitably lead to another.

And Ningguang could test that theory later today by coaxing Qin Yu into breaking her rules a second time.

Ningguang's mood soared. It seemed her efforts last night hadn't been wasted. Recalling the conversation now, Ningguang felt a twinge of embarrassment.

But her gamble had paid off, and that was all that mattered.

Evaluation: D+

Why is Ningguang's reaction so bland? What does "I see" even mean?

In contrast, Qin Yu grew increasingly displeased, though her self-imposed restraint prevented her from showing it. Whether happy or angry, couldn't she express herself more fully?

Never mind, I wasn't expecting anything anyway.

Ningguang took Qin Yu's hand, and Qin Yu's body instantly tensed.

"Thank you for staying for my sake," Ningguang said.

Evaluation: C

How can she say something like that without embarrassment? Qin Yu thought.

She pursed her lips and gently squeezed Ningguang's hand in return.

Thinking back to Ningguang's words from the previous night, Qin Yu found them almost laughable. Surveillance? Who even talks like that? And I'm way too lazy for such a bothersome task.

Still, the phrase "only wants to touch me" sounded utterly bizarre!

Does Ningguang really not have any... inclinations in that direction?

Qin Yu desperately wanted to ask, but it felt even stranger than not asking. And if Ningguang said "yes," what would she do?

Run?

They had already agreed to stay another month. Where could she even go?

Am I walking into a wolf's den? Qin Yu's mind spiraled into frantic thoughts.

"Lady Ningguang, I actually made breakfast. You should at least have a few bites. You've worked so hard to recover—don't let your health suffer again. Everyone would be worried."

So she was the one who made breakfast.

Hearing this, Ningguang stood up with a smile. "Then I must certainly try it. I'm very much looking forward to today's breakfast."

You're going to be disappointed, Qin Yu thought with a silent grimace. It's already cold. Serves you right for not eating it earlier.

"No, please let me reheat it properly. It must have gone cold by now..."

What a waste of time waiting there.

If I had just woken Ningguang up myself, none of this would have happened. But... well, I needed some mental preparation, right?

At least I thought I did.

So she entrusted the task to Baishi.

And here she was, reheating the breakfast herself... Qin Yu sighed inwardly. The day had barely begun, yet she already felt exhausted.

Was staying here a mistake?

After finishing her reheated breakfast, Ningguang praised lavishly, "This is delicious."

Evaluation: C+

Mmm.

Qin Yu nodded absently.

"And thanks to you, I've fully recovered."

Oh.

Qin Yu unconsciously twirled a strand of hair draped over her shoulder.

"If you have nothing else planned, come to my room at noon."

Why did the conversation suddenly take such a turn?!

Qin Yu forced a strained smile. "W-why?"

"I want to reward you for your devotion to me yesterday."

I—don't—want that!

"That won't be necessary," Qin Yu said.

Noon, Ningguang's bedroom.

"You've come," Ningguang said with a gentle smile.

In the end, Qin Yu had come after all.

It wasn't that she had been insincere earlier, but rather that Ningguang's attitude—an unspoken "I've already decided; whether you come or not is your choice"—carried an invisible force that compelled Qin Yu to appear.

"Lady Ningguang, I really don't need any reward," Qin Yu blurted out hastily. "As your maid, tending to you is my duty. Performing my duties properly is simply my obligation..."

"Then consider it a whim on my part to give you a reward."

Couldn't you be a little less capricious? Qin Yu thought, feeling increasingly uneasy. What kind of reward requires me to come to her room? Whatever it was, she absolutely wouldn't accept anything improper!

She'd rather jump from the Jade Chamber than compromise her integrity.

"Is there anything you'd like?"

Huh? She's actually asking me? Qin Yu's surprise quickly gave way to profound relief.

Having the choice made her feel much better.

"I..."

"I won't accept answers like, 'I want Lady Ningguang to like me.'"

Tch.

"Then..."

"Answers like, 'Let me rest for a day,' are also unacceptable. I would have given you time off anyway—in fact, I'd give you plenty, as long as you perform to my satisfaction."

Whoa.

"So..."

Ningguang interrupted, "Qin Yu, you can be bolder."

Who's calling me timid now?!

Qin Yu seethed inwardly, recalling how this woman constantly touched her. A pat on the cheek was one thing, but messing up her hair? If not for her carefully maintained public image and social standing, Qin Yu would have retaliated long ago.

Retaliation?

Qin Yu's eyes lit up. That's it! I'll do this!

"I've decided!"

"Speak," Ningguang nodded, her curiosity piqued.

What could Qin Yu possibly ask for?

"I want to touch you," Qin Yu blurted out without hesitation.

Ah, crap.

"Qin Yu... let me just ask this hypothetically," Ningguang began, then trailed off, struggling to find the words.

What I just said was so strange! Qin Yu deeply regretted her words, utterly at a loss for how to salvage the situation, and spiraled into confusion.

"W-what's wrong?"

Ningguang crossed her arms and remained silent for a long time, occasionally glancing at Qin Yu, then down at the ground, then closing her eyes in deep thought. Is it really that hard to say? Qin Yu felt increasingly tense and bewildered.

Ningguang finally exhaled.

"Do you... have any particular feelings... towards members of the same sex?"

Huh?

Qin Yu's face flushed crimson, and she nearly blurted out, "What are you saying?!" Fortunately, she reined herself in, swallowing the words but mentally bombarding herself with a hundred questions.

Who's the one with those kinds of feelings?!

If she had to put it into words...

"I was about to ask you the same question, Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu replied, suppressing her irritation.

"Me?" Ningguang's eyes widened.

How can she be so oblivious?

Qin Yu's frustration deepened, though she kept it hidden. "Lady Ningguang, you're always wanting to touch my face and lean in to whisper in my ear."

Ningguang closed her eyes. "Do you find that strange? I don't. In fact, I think it's perfectly normal."

She's actually playing that card! "If you think it's weird, that's your problem, not mine"—as expected of a member of the Liyue Qixing, always scheming.

"Then why did you ask me that question?"

"The reason is simple: you always claim you only want my affection, and you even offered physical touch as a reward earlier. If you truly believe this is normal behavior, why don't you act this way in our daily interactions?"

How utterly shameless!

Qin Yu retorted, "Because I am your maid."

"Ah, so you're concerned about our respective positions? Well, let me assure you directly: you needn't worry about that at all. You should have voiced these desires the moment they arose."

Ugh—this is infuriating!

No matter how Qin Yu countered, Ningguang always parried with another argument and struck back.

Why waste all this accumulated skill and experience on such a pointless exchange?

Qin Yu could barely contain her temper. "Then would you act this way with others too?" she snapped. "Since you claim it's perfectly normal..."

"If it were truly normal, then it wouldn't be just me touching others—you would be touching others too."

So everything you said last night was a lie.

Liar.

Depending on Ningguang's response, Qin Yu would decide whether to retract her earlier statements and simply run away.

If Ningguang can lie, why can't I?

What about my "character"? My character is someone who doesn't stifle her anger until she explodes!

Ningguang couldn't see the righteous anger bubbling inside Qin Yu, but she understood that this was the most critical question.

And this was the only answer she could give.

"No, I wouldn't do that to anyone else."

...Just like that.

Qin Yu's anger subsided somewhat. Though she still struggled to accept Ningguang's denial, continuing to seethe would only make her seem childish.

Come to think of it, there's no real reason to be angry, is there?

Being angry would make her seem strangely invested in what she had said to Ningguang last night.

Hmm... Better not dwell on it. Stay calm. There's nothing to be upset about... Tsk.

My personality really isn't the best.

The question Ningguang had intended to ask now hung unspoken.

"Come here."

"Huh?"

"I grant your request."

Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat, and a peculiar warmth flushed across her face.

Evaluation: B

Is she serious? Ningguang's expression was serious, almost incapable of jesting in such a moment. Yet Qin Yu desperately wished it was a joke.

Though if it were, she'd undoubtedly find herself secretly fuming again.

Am I just a difficult woman? Qin Yu mused absently, unable to make up her mind.

"What's wrong, Qin Yu? Have you changed your mind?"

No, no, no. This is no time for hesitation. This time, I will get my revenge. I'll make you feel how I usually feel! Qin Yu steeled her resolve and walked over to Ningguang.

"Sit down. Standing must be tiring."

"Ah, um..."

Ningguang sat on the bed, and Qin Yu followed suit.

Ningguang turned her head, her crimson eyes reflecting Qin Yu's image. Her unwavering gaze and impassive expression gave Qin Yu a sliver of courage.

Qin Yu reached out, her fingertips brushing against Ningguang's cheek. The smooth, soft texture and Ningguang's body temperature made her instinctively hold her breath, wanting to withdraw her hand.

But Ningguang seemed unfazed, her expression unchanged as she continued to stare at Qin Yu.

She doesn't feel anything? Good... If she did, it would be too weird... Qin Yu pursed her lips, recalling how Ningguang usually touched her face, and gently began to mimic the gesture.

First, she slowly glided her fingers from forehead to jaw, her touch as soft and tender as if she were cherishing something precious.

A stray strand of hair brushing against Qin Yu's hand sent a slight tremor through her. She couldn't help but exhale softly, her breathing suddenly feeling heavy. She hoped Ningguang hadn't noticed.

Evaluation: B+

Then Qin Yu pressed her palm against Ningguang's cheek. The warmth she felt seemed to have intensified. Was it just her imagination? As she gently stroked Ningguang's face, the usually composed woman suddenly appeared strangely vulnerable.

Qin Yu began to understand why Ningguang always touched her face.

Her heart pounded in her chest. Why wasn't Ningguang reacting at all? Even a flicker of surprise would have been welcome. Otherwise, Qin Yu would be the one acting strangely. She glanced at Ningguang's eyes, still locked on hers.

But when Qin Yu's fingertip brushed against the corner of Ningguang's lips, her gaze seemed to flicker momentarily.

Qin Yu hesitated. Was she overthinking this? She pursed her lips and let her fingertip rest on Ningguang's lips.

Soft as cotton candy, with barely perceptible breaths... Ningguang suddenly averted her eyes. Qin Yu's heart clenched, and she jerked her hand back as if burned.

Ningguang grasped Qin Yu's wrist, guiding her hand to brush against her own lips once more before releasing it.

Evaluation: A-

Qin Yu's ears and cheeks burned with heat, yet she couldn't resist gently tracing her fingertips slowly across Ningguang's lips, transferring her own warmth.

"Lady Ningguang..."

As if returning the favor, Ningguang naturally cupped Qin Yu's cheek.

Evaluation: A

"Stay by my side."

But... I'm already here, Qin Yu thought, her gaze averted. She murmured, "I'm right here."

"I mean in the future," Ningguang said softly. "I want you to remain my maid next month, and the month after that."

How greedy, Qin Yu thought. Does she think that because I made an exception this once, I'll keep breaking my own rules?

Qin Yu wanted to politely decline, but the memory of Ningguang's words from the previous night, combined with the lingering sensation of her touch, made her hesitate.

"But..."

"I understand your thoughts," Ningguang said with a smile. "I'll grant you ample leave to rest and spend time with your friends. In fact, if you agree, I can immediately give you a half-month, or even a full month's vacation."

Qin Yu lowered her gaze. "You said I can offer you irreplaceable moments, ones only I can provide. But I don't believe that alone is enough to deserve your... kindness towards me."

"Then indulge me."

What strange things are you saying!

Ningguang chuckled softly and withdrew her hand. "Come with me for a while."

Where are we going? Qin Yu desperately wanted to ask, but she lacked the composure to speak. Forcing a smile, she nodded lightly and followed Ningguang outside the pavilion.

A gentle breeze swept across the expansive vista. Qin Yu gradually regained her composure.

What was that just now...? Qin Yu lightly touched her lips with a finger, her eyes drifting into thought.

No, no, no! Don't dwell on it!

Qin Yu shook her head, banishing the memory.

"Qin Yu, you once said you felt relationships were fragile, capable of shattering in an instant," Ningguang said suddenly, her voice cutting through the silence.

Qin Yu looked up, her expression puzzled. Why bring this up now?

"But to put it coldly and rationally, that's simply 'risk'. Only by taking such risks can one attain greater 'rewards'."

"Everyone bears this risk when reaching out to others, yet that's how we accumulate countless memories."

That's true enough...

Ningguang turned around and extended her hand. "Qin Yu, take this risk for me."

Qin Yu's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Then pursue me relentlessly, striving to meet my expectations to the best of your ability. If you do that, I will never let you go. I won't allow anyone else to have you."

Wait, that's not how this works...

"Because I will need you even more."

Need me? A warmth spread through Qin Yu's chest.

"And then, I will lead you to new horizons, lands neither of us has ever seen before."

After hearing these words, Qin Yu sighed inwardly.

What an unreasonable woman, Qin Yu thought. Just yesterday, she had seemed so childlike and vulnerable, but today she was boldly declaring her intention to catch up to Qin Yu and meet her expectations, displaying a formidable strength.

Risk.

Upon reflection, Qin Yu realized everyone was indeed taking risks. Was she being too cowardly?

According to her established persona... No, Ningguang's gaze was too earnest. To continue acting according to a fabricated persona at a time like this would be utterly disgusting.

The thought filled Qin Yu with guilt.

Shenhe, Keqing, and now Ningguang... they were all treating her with genuine sincerity. Should she continue to maintain this facade? Qin Yu's chest tightened as if she were suffocating.

If only she hadn't interacted with them from the start. If only she had died there three years ago... If only she had died protecting Keqing back then... What was she even thinking? Dying to protect Keqing? Had such a thing ever crossed her mind?

Qin Yu's mind reeled, her thoughts racing chaotically, making it impossible to think clearly.

"Lady Ningguang... I have a question for you."

"Ask away."

"What is your perspective on lies?"

Though puzzled by Qin Yu's sudden question, Ningguang answered immediately.

"Lies are necessary," Ningguang said. "They're one of the ways we protect ourselves."

"But what if someone lies to you?" Qin Yu asked.

Ningguang countered, "For what reason? Your hypothetical should have considered that."

Or rather, why would Qin Yu even ask such a question? Has she ever lied to me? Ningguang mused. Hmm, she has. She always said she couldn't stay, yet here she is.

But perhaps it's not that simple.

Did Qin Yu lie to me? Ningguang pondered, her expression thoughtful.

"The reason..." Qin Yu hesitated.

She doesn't want to be disliked.

Qin Yu chuckled. "Let's call it mutual exploitation."

"Then let's exploit each other," Ningguang replied with an answer that was both unexpected and perfectly logical. If Qin Yu lied to me, so be it. Everyone has their own unspoken secrets.

And I believe Qin Yu is a person of good character.

"Ahaha, just what I'd expect from Lady Ningguang! Well, I've asked all my questions."

Qin Yu glanced at Ningguang's outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, then clasped it with both of her own.

"I understand! I'll do my best to stay by your side and work hard, Lady Ningguang!"

Not to catch up to you, mind you. Just to take my work seriously.

I don't believe a word you say, but we can still use each other... And remember our deal—my vacation time is non-negotiable! If you try to cut it short, I'm out of here.

Evaluation: A+

A+... Now that I've decided to rack up as many points as possible for myself, I should... No, should I really go through with this? But what other choice do I have if I want that S-rank evaluation?

Qin Yu steeled her courage.

Taking Ningguang's hand in hers, Qin Yu leaned in and gently kissed the back of her hand.

Ningguang hastily withdrew her hand, her words catching in her throat.

She hadn't anticipated such a gesture. The soft, warm sensation had left her strangely shaken.

Ningguang averted her gaze.

Evaluation: S-

Why isn't she saying anything? Ah, but maybe that's for the best! Don't speak! It was just a kiss on the finger—no need to dwell on it. Qin Yu twisted a strand of hair between her fingers, trying to calm her thoughts.

"Lady Ningguang, it's time... to return, isn't it?"

Please don't say no. Don't pull a Shenhe on me...

"Very well."

Whew... Qin Yu exhaled in relief. That's the right response.

"Qin Yu, you truly don't have any... unusual feelings toward me?"

How could I? It was just a kiss on the finger—perfectly innocent.

"Ahaha, no, no, it was just... a way of showing Lady Ningguang how much I trust her! And to live up to that trust, I'll work even harder!"

A flawless response.

As Qin Yu congratulated herself on her quick thinking, Ningguang stared at the hand Qin Yu had just kissed. Then, a smile spread across her face.

Regardless of the reason, it felt rather nice.

Evaluation: S