Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

A few days prior, Shenhe visited her master, Cloud Retainer, after the Adeptus emerged from a period of secluded meditation. She hoped her master could offer guidance on a question that had been troubling her for some time—a question, naturally, concerning Qin Yu.

"Master," Shenhe began, "you once said that friendship shouldn't be a one-way street, with one person constantly giving and the other only receiving."

"But what if the other person insists they don't want anything in return? Should I simply take them at their word? I've pondered this for ages, but I still can't quite grasp it..."

Cloud Retainer, in her crane form, cast a profound glance at Shenhe. I never imagined the day would come when Shenhe would struggle with something like this, she mused. She truly values her friend.

"What exactly did she say?" Cloud Retainer asked.

Shenhe repeated Qin Yu's words verbatim, as if they were etched in her memory: "'If our friendship makes you happy, that's the greatest reward I could ever ask for.' That's exactly what she said."

Cloud Retainer shook her head gently.

"She probably said that because she has her own reservations," Cloud Retainer remarked, tilting her head as if she saw through everything.

Shenhe murmured softly, "Reservations? Why would she?"

"You saved her twice. To a mortal, whose life is so fragile, a life-saving debt is immeasurable."

Is that really the reason? Shenhe frowned slightly, surprised. I never even thought about it...

If her Master was right, Qin Yu might still feel obligated to repay her kindness, even now, and Shenhe had simply never noticed. She pondered this.

It would be so much easier to just ask her directly, instead of guessing like this.

But that was precisely the problem—she couldn't. Qin Yu would undoubtedly withhold the truth. Friendship... who knew understanding each other could be harder than mastering Adeptus techniques?

Cloud Retainer nodded gently. "Therefore, telling her you want to reciprocate her kindness will only add to her pressure."

"So... was that wrong of me? Should I not have expressed my gratitude?" Shenhe's confusion deepened.

Cloud Retainer was deeply gratified. Ever since she had tied the red cord around Shenhe's wrist, the girl had become withdrawn, seemingly indifferent to the world. Yet, against all expectations, her connection with a mortal had sparked a transformation within her.

Truly, the workings of fate were wondrous and beyond comprehension.

Cloud Retainer gently probed, "Following your true heart, what do you wish to do?"

"I want to... thank her."

"That desire is what matters most. Listen carefully, Shenhe. No one dislikes a thoughtfully prepared gift."

Shenhe pondered this. "Is that so..."

"Indeed. Even if she says she doesn't need it, how can you be certain she's telling the truth?"

Shenhe's eyes flickered at these words. A lie? But she remembered Qin Yu saying...

"Master, she said, 'I've always spoken honestly to Shenhe'..."

"And how can you verify whether that statement is true or false?"

Shenhe realized this might be the case, but if so, wouldn't she have to doubt every sincere word Qin Yu had ever spoken? A friendship riddled with constant suspicion could never endure.

Yet if she couldn't prove whether it was a lie, what should she do?

Cloud Retainer chuckled. "Are you wondering how a friendship riddled with suspicion can endure?"

"Yes, I don't think it can last..." Shenhe shook her head, growing increasingly confused as she pondered. "But if that's true, what should I do?"

"Then stop being suspicious," Cloud Retainer replied.

"Stop being suspicious?"

Cloud Retainer nodded. "If you can't be certain of her true intentions, simply trust her."

"Trust..." Shenhe felt a sudden clarity.

Exactly! If I can't verify her feelings, I should simply trust her. Trust that she cherishes this bond as much as I do, that we both value each other, and that every word she speaks is genuine.

"But if that's the case, wouldn't her claim of not expecting any reciprocation also be true? Then..."

"Pay no mind to what she says," Cloud Retainer interrupted.

Pay no mind?

Meeting Shenhe's bewildered gaze, Cloud Retainer explained, "As I said before, no one dislikes a thoughtfully prepared gift. She can say whatever she wants; you just do what you feel is right."

"I'll do what I feel is right..." Shenhe felt her mind clearing considerably.

Yet doubt soon crept back in.

"But what if she resents it because of that..."

"Ah, impossible," Cloud Retainer said, shaking her head. "That kind of problem only arises when your gift is utterly inadequate—like offering a roadside pebble as a present."

Of course, that was unthinkable. After Cloud Retainer's words had stirred her, Shenhe had resolved to give the very best gift she could.

But now a new question arose.

What truly constituted the best gift? She knew the worst—the "roadside pebble" her Master had mentioned—but what was its opposite? A precious gem?

Yet Shenhe knew little of worldly possessions. Choosing which gem to give, and how to present it, remained a perplexing mystery to her.

She decided to consult her Master again. "Then... what would be best to give?"

"This is something you must ponder for yourself. The only advice this Adeptus can offer is this: give her what you cherish most. That would be a fitting gesture."

Seeing Shenhe deep in thought, Cloud Retainer added, "Any gift imbued with your heartfelt sincerity will surely be well-received."

What do I cherish most? A gift imbued with heartfelt sincerity?

Shenhe still couldn't quite figure out what to give, but she had plenty of time. She would ponder it carefully and, if necessary, descend the mountain into the city to observe how mortals exchanged gifts.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I have learned much," Shenhe said.

Cloud Retainer nodded in satisfaction. "If there's nothing else, this Adeptus must resume her research into new mechanisms. You may return now."

"Understood."

But just as Shenhe was about to leave, Cloud Retainer suddenly remembered something. She hadn't asked Shenhe for her friend's real name yet.

"Ahem... By the way, Shenhe, this Adeptus seems to have forgotten to ask—what is your friend's true name? What does she call herself?"

Shenhe turned back, realizing her master had indeed never asked. "Her name is Qin Yu," she replied.

"Ho... Does she have amber-colored eyes?"

"Master, you know her?" Shenhe asked in surprise. She never expected Cloud Retainer, who showed little interest in the mortal world, to know Qin Yu.

Cloud Retainer hummed thoughtfully. "I recognize her, though she no longer remembers me. Perhaps it's for the best. Memories best left buried should remain buried."

What a strange twist of fate, Cloud Retainer mused inwardly.

The difference was that their previous encounter hadn't ended well, while this new connection seemed promising.

Given that girl's nature, she wouldn't harm Shenhe.

Shenhe took her Master's words to heart, but whenever she asked for more information, Cloud Retainer evaded the question and instead instructed her, "Don't mention to her that I know her."

Though she didn't understand, Shenhe naturally obeyed her Master's command.

"Oh, and one more thing. How effective have those conversation techniques that Adeptus taught you been? The ones about tracing back to shared memories, reminiscing together..."

Shenhe pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Very effective."

"Hmm, just as I expected," Cloud Retainer said with satisfaction.

"Qin Yu... perhaps something happened to her in the past that I don't know about."

But this wasn't the time to dwell on such things.

Shenhe snapped out of her reverie and returned to the present.

She surveyed the crowded surroundings, the sheer number of people making her uneasy. If Qin Yu were by her side, she might find some peace.

But it was best to keep her gift plans a secret for now.

Just endure a little longer, she told herself. I should be fine.

Speaking of which, what would be the best gift? Shenhe valued this opportunity to express her gratitude immensely, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that nothing she considered was quite good enough.

She had even skimmed through that book earlier, hoping for inspiration.

But to her dismay, the entire volume was filled with meaningless drivel. With no other choice, she would have to rely on her own instincts.

I'll check out the other shops, she thought. Maybe I'll find something there... With that, Shenhe moved on to the next store.

Little did she know that the shopkeeper had already been in contact with Qin Yu.