Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

"Whew, I'm stuffed!" Yanfei dabbed her lips with a handkerchief and leaned back contentedly on the sofa.

She ate every last bite so neatly. Not bad at all, Qin Yu thought with a satisfied nod. "I'll go wash the lunchbox then."

"No, no! You treated me to lunch—let me take care of this little chore!" Yanfei insisted, snatching the lunchbox and darting into the kitchen.

Qin Yu had intended to politely insist otherwise, but Yanfei didn't give her the chance.

Oh well, Qin Yu thought. Not like I really wanted to wash it anyway.

Moments later, Yanfei returned with the sparkling clean lunchbox. "Where should we go play today?" she asked with a smile.

"Ahaha, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I just focused on getting lunch ready so I could see you."

It was the truth. Qin Yu had spent the previous night preoccupied with planning her outing with Shenhe, and the morning rushing to prepare everything they needed. Before she knew it, noon had arrived.

After rushing to buy groceries and prepare lunch, Yanfei finally arrived.

She touched her neck, a little embarrassed. "Oh... I see," she mumbled.

So she was really that eager to see me?

Evaluation: C+

She's probably thinking, "Why is she so eager to see me?" But truthfully, she's just desperate to know what it feels like to touch a half-adeptus's horn.

Qin Yu asked impatiently, "By the way, about our previous agreement... do you remember?"

"Of course, I remember! I wouldn't forget. An agreement is a contract, and I never break contracts... But let me warn you, don't get your hopes up too high. Touching my horn really isn't that special! Honestly!" Yanfei insisted.

Hmm?

"Actually, I think you could change your request to something else..." Yanfei added.

Hmm...

Qin Yu nodded slowly, observing the faint blush on Yanfei's cheeks and her slightly averted gaze. "Perhaps you're right."

Yanfei's eyes lit up. Does this mean I don't have to let her touch my horn? 

Not that I'm opposed to it, but after that strange dream I had this morning...

If Qin Yu could be persuaded to drop the idea, the terms of their agreement could be changed!

After all, in non-binding "contracts" like this, the most important thing is what the parties involved actually want.

Yanfei had hatched her clever plan, but Qin Yu wasn't playing along.

I refuse! Qin Yu thought fiercely.

"Even so, I still want to do it," Qin Yu said hesitantly. "Yanfei... are you really unwilling?"

"Huh?"

First, a retreat.

Qin Yu gave a regretful smile. "If you don't want to, there's nothing I can do."

Now, an advance.

"I've always wanted to touch your horns, Yanfei. They're so beautiful and captivating. But of course, it's up to you."

Another retreat.

"If it's not possible, then..." Qin Yu trailed off, her words hanging in the air.

A perfect feint.

You can't back out now.

She's always wanted to touch my horns? Yanfei thought, surprised. Her desire was that strong? No wonder she agreed to be blindfolded in exchange, even though she's scared of the dark.

Yanfei felt a pang of guilt, her resistance melting away.

It's just a touch, she reasoned. No big deal. Besides, this morning's dream was just a dream. If I let it influence me, that's my own problem.

This might be the perfect opportunity to voice the request that had been lingering in her mind ever since she'd washed the lunchboxes earlier.

With renewed resolve, Yanfei smiled. "No, no, of course you can."

Great, that's settled...

"But I do have one request to make," Yanfei said.

Ha? She actually had a request of her own?

Why am I the one holding her to our agreement, only for her to turn around and ask something of me? What kind of situation is this? Does the debtor get to act like the boss?

Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, but she had already made up her mind.

No way.

"Is this some kind of trade? Yanfei, I don't think this is a good idea..." But mindful of her established persona, Qin Yu could only express her disapproval subtly.

Yanfei hastily explained, "A trade? No, no, you've misunderstood! You're absolutely free to touch my horns—that's what we agreed. But I just couldn't suppress this thought any longer and had to bring it up here."

Just that? No, not at all.

What exactly is she trying to ask? This is too suspicious. Qin Yu's wariness sharpened.

Although Yanfei didn't seem to be reneging on their agreement, it was best to proceed with caution. She would secure the agreed-upon action first, then deal with whatever else came up.

With that in mind, Qin Yu leaned forward, closing the physical distance between them.

"Then... can I touch them now?" she asked.

Yanfei's mind flashed back to her dream where Qin Yu had nearly kissed her. She recoiled dramatically, as if startled.

Why did she lean back so dramatically? Did I smell of sweat? No, I didn't think so. Qin Yu raised her arm and sniffed. There was no unpleasant odor.

Then why was Yanfei reacting so strongly?

Qin Yu was utterly perplexed, but more than that, she felt a surge of irritation.

Hadn't we agreed on this? Was she really going to break her word again?

If you dare go back on your promise, I'll make you eat salt! Next time I cook, I'll dump a whole handful of salt in your food and make you choke on it!

Just then, Yanfei realized her reaction had been excessive. Despite her lingering nervousness, she removed her hat, lowered her head, and leaned closer.

"P-please, go ahead," she stammered. "But I should warn you, even just touching my horns... I'll feel it. Both mentally and physically. I know that sounds silly—you wouldn't be rough anyway—but I still hope you'll be gentle..."

What a strange thing to say! Yanfei immediately regretted her words.

Qin Yu, however, found nothing odd about it. She was simply surprised by the revelation.

I guess this is one of the downsides of being a half-adeptus. I wonder if Ganyu ever feels this way?

"Hmm..." Qin Yu found herself catching Yanfei's nervousness, feeling slightly tense herself.

Qin Yu reached out, hesitated, and then gently touched Yanfei's horn with her fingertip.

Yanfei suddenly shuddered violently.

Evaluation: B-

"Whoa?!" Qin Yu startled and quickly withdrew her hand. "Sorry! Are you alright?"

"I... I'm fine," Yanfei stammered, shaking her head. "I just got a little startled. Don't worry."

In truth, her reaction stemmed more from the strange, subtle emotion swirling within her, leaving her utterly bewildered.

Well, it was just a light touch. Nothing to worry about.

Still, Yanfei seemed unusually tense.

Qin Yu glanced at her again. Yanfei clutched her removed hat in both hands, resting it on her lap. She remained hunched over, her face hidden from view unless Qin Yu leaned down to look.

Something feels off...

Qin Yu cautiously placed her hand on Yanfei's head.

"E-eh? Wait, Qin... Qin Yu, that's not a horn..." Yanfei stammered, flustered.

Her mind went blank, her limbs growing numb. Only the warm, soft sensation on her head remained vividly clear.

I'm not blind. Of course I know that's not a horn.

"If anyone's to blame, it's you for striking such a pose," Qin Yu thought. "If you just turned your head, I could easily reach your horns. Bending down like this makes it harder."

After all, Yanfei's horns were tucked beneath her hair, curving downward.

As Qin Yu mentally justified her actions, she gently stroked Yanfei's head.

She'd been patted on the head before, but this was the first time she'd ever patted someone else's... or at least, she thought so. She had a hazy memory of perhaps having patted Keqing's head as a child.

Yanfei involuntarily held her breath.

Qin Yu's gentle touch carried a vivid sensation, the warmth from her palm incredibly comforting.

Yanfei couldn't help but exhale deeply, then inhale again, drawing into her body a fullness and satisfaction she'd never experienced before. It seemed to spread as a warm current through her entire being.

Just a head pat shouldn't feel this way... something must be wrong with me, she mused.

But the overwhelming sense of contentment left her no room to resist.

So what if there's something wrong? It's not like I'm committing some heinous act!

Having convinced herself, Yanfei closed her eyes, surrendering her mind and body to this sudden yet profoundly soothing warmth.

Evaluation: B

Qin Yu felt increasingly awkward. It wasn't that she disliked the situation—after all, she was earning points.

But Yanfei's attitude, with her overly compliant demeanor, made Qin Yu uneasy.

It felt less like stroking hair and more like petting fur—an odd, hard-to-describe sensation.

Now that she's relaxed, can I finally touch her horns?

Thinking this, Qin Yu gently withdrew her hand.

Yanfei paused, then sensed the receding touch. Without hesitation, she straightened slightly and leaned forward, nuzzling her head into Qin Yu's palm as if chasing after it.

N-no way, is she still not satisfied? Wait, I came to touch your horns, not your head!

Is Yanfei... acting coy? But I'm not her older sister or mother... Qin Yu felt deeply uncomfortable.

Though she didn't hate it, she felt utterly ill at ease.

Withdrawing her hand now would be tantamount to rejecting Yanfei, making the atmosphere even more awkward.

Fine, it's just a head pat.

Qin Yu sighed inwardly in resignation, continuing to gently stroke Yanfei's head.

I'm not a child anymore. Why am I still doing this? And to a "friend," of all people... But isn't this kind of thing common between women? Qin Yu wondered.

Yanfei had braced herself for rejection, but as she relished the comforting touch, her anxiety gradually faded away.

Of course, I can't let Qin Yu see my blushing face.

How long is she going to keep petting me?

Evaluation: B+

Well, a little longer wouldn't hurt.

Qin Yu glanced at Yanfei, who remained hunched over, completely still.

The word "docile" came to mind. Though it could describe people, it more readily evoked images of animals. Qin Yu thought it perfectly suited Yanfei in this moment.

She's like a big, friendly dog.

After a few minutes, Yanfei finally pulled her head back and adjusted her hat.

"No more headpats?" Qin Yu teased.

Yanfei shook her head without looking up.

"I... I'll go make some tea."

"Huh? Oh, um, thanks."

Yanfei seemed to deliberately avoid Qin Yu's gaze, turning away with her head lowered and hastily retreating to the kitchen. This left Qin Yu feeling equally awkward.

Phew, finally over.

I came here to touch her horns, but ended up patting her head instead. Honestly, I didn't even get a proper chance to touch her horns. Ugh, whatever, I've lost interest.

Yanfei's reaction was truly bizarre.

No, she's always been a bit odd. It's just gotten even stranger now. Nothing to worry about...

But when Qin Yu recalled Yanfei's earlier reaction to her teasing and her deliberate request for a head pat just now, she couldn't convince herself it was nothing to worry about.

What's gotten into Yanfei? She's usually so reliable.

Qin Yu sighed softly, looking at her hand. She couldn't resist bringing it to her nose for a quick sniff.

The faint scent of Yanfei's hair lingered on it... What shampoo does she use? It smells really nice... Wait! This is just plain creepy.

Qin Yu quickly lowered her hand and tried to calm herself.

It's probably best to just forget about what happened.

A moment later, Yanfei seemed to have regained her composure and brought over the tea.

"Here you go," she said with a smile. "Be careful, it's hot."

"Thank you," Qin Yu replied, picking up the teacup and gently blowing on the steaming liquid.

"About what happened earlier..." Yanfei stole a hesitant glance at Qin Yu before continuing.

Qin Yu's hand trembled slightly, nearly spilling the tea.

Stop. Don't say another word.

"S-speaking of which..." Qin Yu stammered, awkwardly trying to change the subject.

But Yanfei didn't stop as Qin Yu hoped. Her cheeks flushed crimson, she continued, "I'm so grateful you accepted my impulsiveness. I don't know what came over me—I acted so foolishly. You don't... feel disgusted, do you?"

I told you to stop! Why won't anyone listen to me?

Qin Yu felt deeply reluctant, but her established persona wouldn't allow her to remain silent. She had to respond with at least a few words.

"Not at all! If anything, I found it quite novel! It's the first time I've ever seen you act like that, Yanfei. I was a little surprised, but you seemed genuinely happy. Were you, Yanfei?"

Qin Yu deliberately put Yanfei in a difficult position.

Yanfei thought, If I say I'm not happy, Qin Yu will definitely be upset. But if I say I am, it feels a little embarrassing.

With no time to devise a better response, Yanfei stammered, "I... I don't dislike it..."

Gotcha.

Qin Yu feigned disappointment. "So 'not disliking it' means you're not happy?"

"Ah, no, no! That's not what I meant at all!" Yanfei flustered.

"Then you are happy?"

Knowing there was no escape, Yanfei reluctantly nodded. "Yes, I'm very happy... Ugh, you win."

Easy peasy.

"To be honest, I've never felt anything like that before. My father used to pat my head, but... um, it felt completely different. It's hard to explain exactly how, but..."

It's a fishhook. Don't bite.

But her character demanded she say something. Qin Yu forced a strained smile. "But?"

"If... ahem... if you'd allow me to experience it again sometime, Qin Yu, I think I'd understand the difference better!" Yanfei said with mock seriousness.

Tch, I knew she wouldn't say anything nice.

Does she mean she wants me to keep patting her head? How presumptuous.

Evaluation: A-

Well, it's not like I have anything to lose.

Qin Yu smiled. "So, you want me to keep patting your head?"

"Um... well... I guess so. But only when the opportunity arises, of course!"

Why does she make head-patting sound like some bizarre, opportunistic act? Qin Yu wondered. Hmph, I could just snatch off her hat and create plenty of opportunities! She grumbled inwardly, but decided this arrangement was for the best. If Yanfei acted coy every time, Qin Yu wouldn't know how to react.

"Sure," Qin Yu replied with a smile.

Yanfei, however, was now puzzled. Qin Yu's easygoing response made her wonder if she even cared about what had happened earlier. And why hadn't she asked to touch her horns this time? Was head-patting enough for her?

If that's the case... does she just want to touch me? Anywhere at all?!

Evaluation: A

What an extraordinary woman... Sadly, I find this arrangement quite satisfactory too. Yanfei pressed her cheek and let out a soft sigh.

I bet some of my sanity just escaped with that breath, she thought.

That must be why she could bring herself to say what came next.

"Qin Yu, do you still remember the Li Family?"

Why this sudden question? Of course I remember. I could never forget them.

The Li Family's granddaughter and I had similar personalities, yet she had a family who accepted her completely.

Would Keqing accept me as I am now?

No, stop dwelling on pointless thoughts. It's best not to get my hopes up. Besides, maintaining the status quo is safer than risking rejection.

After all, Keqing seems quite fond of the persona I've cultivated.

Qin Yu snapped out of her reverie and nodded. "Yes, I remember. Why do you ask?"

"During that incident, didn't you adopt a different persona?"

Why bring that up again? Qin Yu grew wary and cautiously inquired, "That's right. Why are you mentioning it now?"

Yanfei took a deep breath and said earnestly:

"I know this request sounds strange, but I swear my feelings are genuine! I... I want to see that side of you again. So, I'm asking if you could act like that while we spend time together today. I'll treat you to a meal, or you can ask me to do something else—anything to make it worth your while!"

Yanfei, visibly anxious, rambled on incessantly. Qin Yu struggled to make out her words, her voice sounding distant and distorted.

Back then, I was just being myself—my true, authentic self.

Yanfei wants to see that version of me again?

Why?