Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

Yanfei and Hu Tao secretly watched the scene unfold.

"Do you really think this will work?" Yanfei whispered anxiously.

"Probably," Hu Tao replied.

"Just 'probably'? By the way, what exactly did you show Shenhe earlier?" Yanfei asked. During their preparations, she had noticed Hu Tao handing Shenhe a piece of paper but hadn't had time to ask about it. Now seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Hu Tao pulled out a book.

"Ta-da! A Step-by-Step Guide to Charming Others—it's the new book by that super popular author! I copied out all the best parts and gave them to Shenhe to follow," Hu Tao announced, pointing to the book's cover.

"Isn't that the new book by that author who writes endless drivel? Ninety-nine percent of it is just filler—what 'best parts' are you talking about?" Yanfei exclaimed in disbelief.

"You just don't get it," Hu Tao declared. "Trust me, this will definitely work!"

"But didn't we agree to let them have a proper conversation?" Yanfei sighed.

Hu Tao shook her head. "Hey, this is a conversation! Relax, I've got this covered!"

"Well, there's no going back now. Let me see that book."

Yanfei took the book Hu Tao offered and quickly flipped through it.

Before long, she felt goosebumps rising all over her body. Could this really win anyone over? The book was full of cringeworthy lines about "wall slams" and other hopelessly unromantic nonsense. Qin Yu certainly didn't strike her as someone who would fall for this kind of thing.

In fact, Qin Yu wasn't.

Faced with Shenhe's uncharacteristically awkward and nonsensical lines, Qin Yu felt utterly bewildered and uncomfortable.

Why would she say something like this? she wondered. It's so corny it's embarrassing. And couldn't she at least put some emotion into it? This is worse than reading a script aloud!

To make matters even stranger, both Shenhe and Qin Yu now had leaves stuck in their hair and on their shoulders, adding to the surreal absurdity of the scene.

Regaining her composure, Qin Yu thought, Shenhe would never come up with this on her own. Someone must have tricked her. And it probably wasn't Yanfei...

A suspicion formed in Qin Yu's mind, and she immediately activated her Wave Detection ability to investigate.

Hu Tao and Yanfei were hiding behind a rock.

So it was you after all, Hu Tao! Qin Yu thought, a surge of annoyance washing over her as her suspicions were confirmed. Hu Tao, I could understand... but Yanfei, why are you getting involved in this scheme against me?

And Shenhe, how could you go along with Hu Tao's bizarre plan? I was going to come find you after today anyway! How am I supposed to salvage this situation? Qin Yu couldn't help but glance repeatedly in Hu Tao's direction.

"Your eyes should be on me, not wandering elsewhere," Shenhe continued, her voice low and steady.

Does she really want to keep this up?

Should I play along? But it's so cheesy. Or should I refuse? But Shenhe seems so earnest.

Qin Yu hesitated, torn between conflicting impulses.

Whatever, I just need to say something.

"W-what's wrong, Shenhe? This doesn't sound like you at all," Qin Yu stammered, brushing leaves from Shenhe's hair and shoulders.

"I am who I am, the one you've always deeply loved."

Ugh, how nauseating. Please stop this already!

Unable to endure any longer, Qin Yu blurted out, "Shenhe, you don't have to say things like that. I... I won't run from you anymore."

Not that I could even run now, pinned against the wall by Shenhe's grip.

Shenhe's lips trembled slightly. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke again:

"There's nowhere left for you to run. I've already locked you away... in my heart."

"Enough already!" Qin Yu felt a wave of heat rising to her skin, but this time it wasn't from embarrassment, but from sheer awkwardness.

Pfft—hahaha...

Qin Yu faintly heard laughter.

That Hu Tao... Wait, is that Yanfei laughing too? You two... Enough! Don't even think about coming near me for the next few days! Her humiliation and indignation coalesced into burning anger.

"Shenhe, it's really okay now. Please, change back to normal," Qin Yu said wearily.

"...I understand."

Yes, that's exactly how it should be! Qin Yu's mood brightened considerably.

Shenhe withdrew her hand from the tree trunk. With the clean back of her other hand, she brushed leaves from Qin Yu's hair and shoulders, but her other hand remained clasped around Qin Yu's.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Shenhe murmured.

"Your hand."

"My hand?"

"The other one. Give it here."

Shenhe extended her other hand, and Qin Yu gently wiped away the dirt with her handkerchief.

"Does it hurt? You punched your hand right into the tree."

Shenhe shook her head. "It doesn't hurt. But..."

"But?"

"I'm losing control of myself. After all my training, I shouldn't be like this, but... the thought of you avoiding me, of the distance between us growing wider, makes me anxious. My strength becomes difficult to manage."

Shenhe's heartfelt words made Qin Yu's chest flutter, a pure warmth gathering in her cheeks.

Evaluation: D+ (Shenhe)

It wasn't surprising that Shenhe felt this way.

It was all Qin Yu's fault. She had promised to be good friends, yet a simple cheek kiss had spiraled into this mess. She felt utterly childish.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Qin Yu clasped Shenhe's hands tightly.

"How do you feel now?"

"Very calm."

So it's true—holding Shenhe's hand really does calm her down. Am I her extra red string of fate?

Evaluation: C (Shenhe)

Qin Yu knew she needed to apologize properly.

Seizing the moment, she stole glances at Shenhe as she mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"I don't mind anymore, because you're right here with me now."

You really didn't need to add that last part!

Evaluation: B- (Shenhe)

What's going on? This evaluation is rising so fast... Qin Yu was bewildered, but since it was a good thing, she decided not to dwell on it.

While Shenhe's words deepened Qin Yu's guilt, they also brought her a sense of relief.

Ningguang calls me pure, but isn't Shenhe the truly pure one?

"Still, I don't quite understand why you've been avoiding me," Shenhe said, her sincerity palpable. "If I did something you disliked, please tell me."

I really don't want to talk about this.

But an explanation was necessary. Lying about the reason would be wrong.

But I really don't want to say it. "Because you kissed my cheek, I don't want to see you for a while?" How ridiculous does that sound?

Yet that was the truth.

Fine, I'll just say it. Just don't laugh. Though Shenhe would never laugh anyway—she hasn't even smiled once. How devious.

I'm the only one making a fool of myself.

Qin Yu realized Yanfei and Hu Tao mustn't overhear. She tugged on Shenhe's hand.

"Lean in."

As Shenhe leaned closer, Qin Yu whispered, "It's... because you kissed my cheek... That's all."

Okay, I know you want to ask, but please don't.

Evaluation: B+ (Shenhe)

Are you trying to provoke me?

Unfortunately, Shenhe betrayed Qin Yu's silent plea, tilting her head in confusion. "Why? I don't understand."

Duh, because you're overthinking nothing!

"Wasn't that an expression of gratitude? Why would it make you want to avoid me?" Shenhe pressed.

Qin Yu knew that if she firmly refused to answer, Shenhe would drop the subject. But leaving the explanation incomplete felt dishonest.

"Actually, that gesture can mean many things..."

"Please tell me," Shenhe said, waiting for Qin Yu's answer with the earnestness of a diligent student.

Just kill me already! Qin Yu's gaze flickered momentarily. Gritting her teeth, she explained softly, "Sometimes it can also express romantic feelings. I know you didn't mean it that way, Shenhe, but I still feel a little embarrassed, so I..."

"So you...?"

"So I just... wanted to be alone for a few days to calm down before seeing you again," Qin Yu said with a resigned sigh.

Evaluation: A (Shenhe)

Haha, if you pop up at another weird moment, I'll slaughter you.

Shenhe listened quietly, then fell into thoughtful silence.

So that's another possible meaning? Qin Yu was the only person who had ever done that to her, so she had naturally never considered it. Besides expressing gratitude, it could also convey romantic feelings.

Romantic feelings?

What exactly are these so-called "romantic feelings"? Perhaps the me from long ago understood, but now I only feel confused and bewildered.

Wanting Qin Yu to stay by my side forever—is that what romantic feelings are?

If that were the case, then logically, human emotions must be multifaceted, with joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure each having its own spectrum of nuances. What kind of affection, then, did she harbor for Qin Yu?

Shenhe couldn't fully untangle her thoughts, but the one thing she was certain of was her general feelings toward Qin Yu.

"I think I understand now," she said.

That's good, Qin Yu sighed deeply in her heart.

But then, Shenhe gently pressed her lips to Qin Yu's cheek.

".........Huh?" Qin Yu's mind froze, unable to process the situation or the sensation of Shenhe's soft lips against her skin.

Evaluation: S- (Shenhe)

The touch was fleeting.

As Shenhe grappled with the strange new emotions churning within her, she confessed honestly, "Though I don't know exactly what kind of affection I feel for you, I think wanting you to stay by my side forever... that feeling must be affection."

Qin Yu pressed her hand to her cheek, feeling dizzy and disoriented.

Evaluation: S (Shenhe)

Again? She kissed me again? And what she said... Does Shenhe like me? Qin Yu's mind reeled in confusion, the heat rising in her chest threatening to melt her brain.

"Qin Yu... what do you think?" Shenhe asked again.

"I... me? Ah..." Qin Yu's tongue twisted uselessly, unable to form a coherent response. But she had to say something.

"I don't dislike it"? That was the safest answer, but it wouldn't do. It wasn't what she should say now.

Ever since Shenhe had given her that gift that night, Qin Yu had resolved to be an even better "good friend" to her, to create wonderful memories in return.

So, she had no choice but to say this:

"Me too—ah, but it's... I like you as a friend!" Afraid Shenhe might misunderstand, Qin Yu quickly added the last part.

Her melting brain regained a sliver of clarity.

Yes, that's all I needed to say!

Phew, that was close. Shenhe's really getting bolder and bolder. Kissing my cheek out of nowhere, then saying such embarrassing things...

The main thing was that Shenhe herself didn't seem to think anything was wrong.

Qin Yu desperately wanted to be angry, but it was pointless now. Knowing Shenhe's nature, she could only feel helpless, wanting to sigh, and couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

Shenhe murmured, "Friendship... in the sense of friends..."

So, her feelings for Qin Yu were also just friendly affection?

Shenhe felt a sudden clarity, but regardless, Qin Yu was the most important person in her life, now and forever. That much was undeniable.

So, maybe none of this mattered after all.

It didn't matter.

"I... I don't really care," Shenhe said.

Ha? She didn't care?

"I just want you to stay by my side," Shenhe confessed calmly, revealing her true feelings.

"Ah... Um. I-I understand," Qin Yu stammered.

So, please don't say any more.

Evaluation: S+ (Shenhe)

Behind the rock, Yanfei squinted, trying to get a clearer view.

"What did they just do?" she murmured.

"Looks like they were whispering in each other's ears," Hu Tao replied, squinting as well.

Their angle wasn't perfect, so they missed a few crucial details. But those missing details were precisely what piqued their curiosity, leaving them with an irritating itch of curiosity.

"But the atmosphere seems much better now," Yanfei observed in surprise.

Hu Tao's plan had actually worked.

"Told you it would! I just didn't expect this book to actually be useful. Should I memorize a few lines myself? You know, to tease... I mean, to cheer up Fishy Treasure later?" Hu Tao chattered, already flipping through the pages.

Yanfei sighed, pinching her forehead. "I doubt this book had anything to do with it."

"Maybe it helped a little bit?" Hu Tao insisted.

Their reconciliation came from genuine sincerity, Yanfei thought, not from this embarrassingly cheesy book that makes my skin crawl!

At least, she hoped that was the case. Otherwise, her impression of Qin Yu would be shattered, and she'd worry that Qin Yu's easygoing nature might make her vulnerable to manipulation.

But Qin Yu isn't that kind of person, Yanfei reassured herself.

For some reason, instead of Qin Yu's usual gentle demeanor, Yanfei's mind conjured up that fleeting, wildcat-like expression she had glimpsed earlier—a fleeting, unforgettable moment like the ephemeral beauty of a night-blooming cereus.

Even though it was just an act, Qin Yu's disguise had left a deeper impression on Yanfei than her usual demeanor.

Yanfei herself was puzzled. Why did she... almost prefer seeing Qin Yu like that?

"Ugh!"

Hu Tao's disgusted exclamation snapped Yanfei out of her thoughts.

"What's wrong?"

"This is nauseating! Reading these words feels like chewing on fatty, greasy meat, or even worse, Xiangling's Clearheart Stir-fried Slime Condensate. Ugh! This couldn't possibly fool anyone, right?" Hu Tao pinched her nose and held the book at arm's length, as if the words themselves emitted a foul odor.

"No, it wouldn't," an unexpected voice came from above.

Hu Tao and Yanfei looked up to see Qin Yu standing on a stone ledge. Her hands were clasped in front of her, and despite her smile, they both sensed an undercurrent of anger.

"Qin Yu, th-this is—" Yanfei stammered.

"Fishy Treasure, are you actually mad?" Hu Tao asked, a rare bead of cold sweat trickling down her forehead.

Qin Yu took a deep breath. "...No. Though the approach was a bit odd, I'm grateful for your help. Since we're all together, let's go out for a meal."

Qin Yu glanced at Shenhe, who was approaching. Shenhe gave a slight nod.

Yanfei and Hu Tao exchanged relieved glances.

"Great, let's go!" Hu Tao exclaimed, practically leaping to her feet.

"I thought you'd be upset with us, Qin Yu," Yanfei said, standing up with a slightly embarrassed smile.

My temper isn't that short, Qin Yu thought. Besides, they had helped her, so treating them to a meal was only fair.

"Ahaha... but where did you learn those strange lines?" Qin Yu asked, genuinely curious. Could Hu Tao have taught them to Shenhe?

"I picked them up from this book! Want to take a look?" Hu Tao grinned mischievously, handing her a copy of How to Charm People: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Qin Yu recognized the title and author immediately. She had no desire to read further, but she took the book anyway and flipped through it briefly.

Then she snapped it shut.

Hu Tao, pleased by Qin Yu's subtle expression, smiled smugly. "Pretty awful, huh?"

"It's just... not really my style," Qin Yu replied tactfully.

Utterly dreadful.