Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

Qin Yu woke up in the late afternoon. Before long, dusk began to settle in.

Logically, she should have started preparing to head back by now.

But Shenhe asked, "Could you stay a little longer?"

Stay longer? Qin Yu found the request odd. Why would she want me to stay? Still, if it was just for a little while, it couldn't hurt...

"Mm, since you asked, Shenhe, I'll stay a bit longer," Qin Yu said with a smile. "I'd actually like to talk to you more anyway."

Shenhe nodded slightly. "I'm glad you agreed."

But it's only for a little while!

Qin Yu felt utterly exhausted, not physically, but emotionally. She still couldn't shake off the embarrassment of Shenhe having seen her in such an unflattering sleeping position.

After spending some time with Shenhe, the sky had grown completely dark.

Shenhe lit the lantern she had bought at the market and placed it on the table. The light wasn't very bright, but it was enough to reassure Qin Yu.

It's time to head back, Qin Yu thought.

Unexpectedly, Shenhe said, "Please stay here for a while."

Ha? I can't leave yet? And she's actually planning to leave me alone here... Qin Yu forced a weak smile. "W-what's wrong? Do you have something you need to do?"

"Yes, but it won't take long."

No matter how short it is, she shouldn't be leaving me here alone at this hour, Qin Yu grumbled inwardly. Yet, true to her public persona, she could only feign understanding and acceptance of Shenhe's actions.

Besides, despite her lingering unease, it was undeniable that Shenhe had stayed by her side and cared for her. Qin Yu didn't know what Shenhe needed to do, but leaving her alone wasn't in Shenhe's nature—it must be something truly urgent.

Qin Yu's gaze drifted slightly.

"I understand. I'll wait."

"I'll be back soon."

Don't act like I'm anxiously awaiting your return.

Seeing Qin Yu's gentle nod, Shenhe left the cabin alone.

Should I follow her to see what she's up to? No, better not. Even with the Optical Camouflage, I'd probably get caught... Besides, I'm not the type to stalk people.

Qin Yu banished the thought from her mind and let out a deep sigh.

"It just feels..."

The cabin suddenly felt eerily quiet.

Come to think of it, did Shenhe's new friend ever show up? Or did they already leave? Shenhe's such a good person; she deserves a truly good friend who's a better match for her.

Someone better than me, that's for sure.

Of course, as long as Shenhe wanted it and Qin Yu still needed the Points, she would continue playing this role flawlessly, never letting Shenhe see through her facade.

Qin Yu's thoughts wandered as she gazed out the window, where the Milky Way was now visible in the night sky.

Still not back yet?

Just as Qin Yu was thinking this, Shenhe returned. She pushed open the door and met Qin Yu's gaze, who had instinctively turned around.

A moment later, Qin Yu averted her eyes and smiled. "All settled?"

"Not quite. There's one final step, and I'd like you to come with me."

Qin Yu asked in surprise, "Me?"

What could this be? I'm only good at shooting things. But my Evaluation is still only A. If there's a chance to improve it, I should give it a try.

Qin Yu smiled. "Alright. What do you need me to do?"

"You'll understand... when we get there."

Why the secrecy again? What is it that even I can't know? No... she said I'll understand when we arrive. But where exactly are we going?

Bewildered, Qin Yu followed Shenhe out of the cabin.

The moon was bright that night, and the quiet mountain darkness didn't make Qin Yu uneasy. Shenhe led the way, while Qin Yu followed behind, carrying a lantern.

"Where are we going?" Qin Yu ventured.

"I... can't say yet," Shenhe replied after a pause.

"Why not?"

Shenhe didn't answer her question, simply saying, "Don't stray too far."

No idea what her purpose is, no clue where we're headed. I really can't figure out what she's up to.

Qin Yu vaguely remembered that this direction led to...

Before she could recall exactly where, Shenhe suddenly stopped. After a moment's hesitation, she turned around, produced a black cloth from seemingly nowhere, and approached Qin Yu.

What is she planning to do?!

Alone with Shenhe in the mountain forest, and now this black cloth... Qin Yu's heart raced. Could Shenhe's true target be me? Did she bring me here to... to do that to me?

Absolutely not!

"Shenhe? Why are you holding that cloth and coming closer?"

"Cover your eyes."

Starting with this right away?! Qin Yu shook her head frantically. "I don't think this is a good idea!"

"What's wrong with it? I don't understand... Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I just want you to experience... a more intense sensation."

A more intense sensation? True, she'd heard that when some senses are blocked, others become heightened. But even if they were going to do something like that, shouldn't they start with something simpler?

Besides, Qin Yu knew perfectly well she had no interest in such things.

Of course, she felt the same way about men.

No way. I have to resist.

"This really isn't okay..."

"It's important," Shenhe said, making no move to force Qin Yu.

Important? A blush spread across Qin Yu's face. "How important?"

"This will be important to me for the rest of my life," Shenhe said.

Her whole life?!

Qin Yu was completely thrown into disarray. Could something like this really hold such significance in Shenhe's existence?

"I-I understand, if you put it that way... but you won't do anything weird, right?"

"No," Shenhe replied.

Alright, I'll trust you for now.

Qin Yu silently nodded. Seeing this, Shenhe's calm returned. She had worried Qin Yu might refuse given the sudden request, but acceptance came.

Now she could proceed with her plan. I hope she likes it.

Shenhe moved behind the tense Qin Yu, unfurled the black cloth, and gently covered her eyes, tying it with care.

"Tight?"

Whoa, her voice is so close! Qin Yu's heart pounded, her breath hot. Maintaining composure, she nodded. "It's fine."

"Good... Give me your hand and the lantern. I'll guide you."

Don't make it sound like we're doing something weird!

Reluctantly, Qin Yu extended her right hand. Blindfolded, she soon felt warmth envelop her palm as Shenhe's familiar fragrance surrounded her.

"Walk carefully."

"Ah, okay..."

"There's a slope to your left. Stay close, or you might fall."

"Huh? Uh, okay..."

Is this some kind of torture? Qin Yu thought, walking blindfolded through this rugged mountain forest. At least the moonlight was bright tonight, and Shenhe was right beside her, so she wasn't afraid of the dark.

Still! What was Shenhe thinking? Would a normal person do something like this?

If I ever get the chance, I definitely won't let you off easy.

Qin Yu muttered to herself, pressing as close to Shenhe as she dared.

"Are you alright?"

What do you think?!

"Ahaha, with Shenhe here, I'm fine."

"Hmm, I won't let you get hurt."

Then stop scaring me! Qin Yu sighed deeply to herself.

Shenhe walked slowly, and Qin Yu kept pace. Aside from the constant anxiety, it wasn't too bad.

Shenhe warned her about any hazards along the way, guiding her around them, and frequently asked how she was doing, showing genuine concern.

Could it be that Shenhe was a little uneasy herself?

If that's the case, hmph, then you only have yourself to blame! Qin Yu thought, her mood lightening slightly.

"We're here," Shenhe announced, stopping abruptly. Qin Yu followed suit.

She couldn't see what lay ahead, but the air was thick with icy cold. Was there ice nearby? Where exactly were they? Qin Yu was utterly bewildered until Shenhe removed the blindfold from her eyes.

Her vision was initially blurred. Qin Yu blinked a few times, and as her sight cleared, she beheld the scene before her.

The lake's surface had frozen into a crystal-clear mirror, radiating frigid air yet shimmering brilliantly under the moonlight. It reflected the Milky Way above, a breathtaking sight that left Qin Yu mesmerized.

"It's so beautiful..."

"I'm glad you like it."

Shenhe noticed the ice beginning to melt. She immediately activated her Vision, refreezing the lake's surface into a pristine mirror once more.

Qin Yu snapped out of her reverie, incredulous. "Did you... did you do this, Shenhe?"

"...Yes."

Qin Yu knew this wasn't the time for such questions, but she couldn't help herself. "Why?"

"I once asked you what you wanted. Though you insisted you needed no reward, I still wanted to express my gratitude for your acceptance of me all this time—for being my friend."

"So you brought me here..." Qin Yu murmured.

Even though I told you it wasn't necessary.

I don't deserve any of this gratitude or repayment. Why won't you just listen to me?

Do you think this will make me happy?

"I thought long and hard about what to give you, but I couldn't decide on a suitable gift. As someone from the mountain wilds, I'm not well-versed in such matters."

Shenhe looked at Qin Yu and continued, "But when I descended the mountain to investigate in the city, this idea came to me."

Investigating in the city?

"Handmade gifts, I believe, carry more heartfelt meaning. And you appreciate beautiful things... The most breathtaking sight I've ever seen in the mountains is the Milky Way against the night sky."

"According to the forecast, it won't rain today."

"That's why I invited you to spend the day with me. I froze the lake into a mirror, reflecting the stars and drifting clouds. Consider it one of your gifts—I hope you like it."

Qin Yu stared blankly at Shenhe. So, the "new friend" doesn't exist at all? From start to finish, Shenhe only wanted to give me a gift? Was it all my misunderstanding?

Indeed, this is how it is.

Qin Yu had vaguely sensed this all along, but she hadn't wanted to believe it. Now that Shenhe had spoken the truth aloud, a tight knot formed in her chest, her emotions swirling in a complex mix.

Happy... I never imagined she would prepare such a thoughtful gift.

This is unbearable... I'm deceiving her, yet she's giving me such a special gift? How can she give such a precious gift to a bad woman like me?

Overriding all these thoughts were feelings of gratitude and guilt.

There was no doubt that Shenhe had poured her heart into this gift. She had revealed her sincerity, pure and unadulterated, without any pretense. She was genuinely happy about their friendship and cherished it more than anything else.

Yet I was still acting... still deceiving her.

Should I reveal my true self now? No, what if she hates me? But if I don't, what can I do? How can I face this heartfelt gift?

Why put me in such a difficult position? Did she ignore my words simply because she wanted to give it? How annoying...

This was no longer just a minor misstep.

Qin Yu's emotions were in utter turmoil, clouding her thoughts. Finally, gritting her teeth, she said, "I... I don't deserve such a gift."

"Deserve? I don't understand."

"...I'm not... the good woman you think I am. That's why I don't deserve it. I'm touched by your sincerity, but... I'm sorry."

That was all Qin Yu could say.

She was certain this would disappoint Shenhe, but perhaps that was for the best. Rather than reveal the full truth and risk Shenhe hating her completely, it was better to disappoint her now and keep her at arm's length.

Shenhe was utterly bewildered, unable to grasp Qin Yu's meaning. Unworthy of acceptance? Not the good woman I see? None of it made sense.

Still, she could respond.

"Actually, besides this gift... I gave another one as well."

"Another one?" Qin Yu asked in surprise. Where?

Shenhe hesitated, finding the words inexplicably difficult to utter.

"It's... everything I am now."

"Huh?!" Qin Yu exclaimed, stunned.

Shenhe pressed a hand to her chest, savoring the strange emotions swirling within, and continued slowly, "Perhaps that's not entirely accurate. It's hard to summarize... But Master once told me..."

"'If you wish to give her what is most precious to you, that would be a fine way to express yourself.' That's what she said."

"The Milky Way's nightscape is the most beautiful sight I've ever seen, but it's not the most precious thing I possess."

"I pondered for a long time. While devising this gift, another one came to mind."

Seeing Qin Yu's face flush crimson and her gaze waver, Shenhe averted her eyes briefly, her voice softening.

"That's all I have to offer," she murmured.

"The little cottage, the simple meals, the daily routines... sharing my life with you—that's the gift I truly wanted to give you."

"But... it hasn't gone quite as planned. My life is supposed to be dull and monotonous, and that's exactly the version of myself I intended to show you. Yet your presence has seeped in like water, changing everything."

Wait, stop. Don't say any more.

"Like the grilled meat I make and the congee you cook, your presence has added a certain warmth and flavor to my life..."

Ugh, stop it! Please, don't say another word!

Shenhe exhaled softly, her gaze fixed on Qin Yu.

Wait, don't look at me! Qin Yu hastily averted her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I'm not a very interesting person. But I'm truly grateful that you became my friend."

Shenhe whispered, "You've changed my life, so... this gift hasn't been entirely successful. If you like the other gift I have for you, I'll be content. Next time Master has some free time, I'd like to introduce you to her..."

Ugh... Qin Yu felt her brain melting.

"As for what you said earlier, I don't fully understand what you meant. But just as you accepted me, despite my Solitary Star Fate, I'll accept you too."

Easy for you to say! Qin Yu thought. I don't believe you. What do you even know about me that would make you accept me?

Qin Yu's eyes glistened with moisture as she said, rejecting Shenhe, "I... I lied to you!"

Now you'll finally be disappointed, right? This precious friendship tainted by a lie—it must be unbearable for you, Shenhe!

Ha, I get it. The more you crave a pure connection, the more nitpicky you become. You can't tolerate even the slightest flaw.

To deal with someone like that, you don't need explanations. All you have to do is shatter their expectations.

Shenhe fell silent.

Hmph, that should settle things, Qin Yu thought, suppressing her disappointment with a surge of smug satisfaction.

"Master warned me earlier that you might be lying."

"Huh?"

"I don't know what's true and what isn't. But I trust you. I trust every word you say—your genuine affection for me, your respect for our friendship..."

Don't believe it, Qin Yu thought. What's worth believing in a lie...?

Shenhe fell silent for a moment before approaching Qin Yu. Seeing her flushed face, which seemed to melt into a soft crimson, she unconsciously reached out a hand, only to retract it mid-air.

"May I... hug you?"

"What if I said no?"

"I won't do anything you dislike."

Everything you just said annoyed me, Qin Yu thought.

Qin Yu hesitated, then turned her face away and mumbled, "You can..."

Shenhe reached out again and gently wrapped her arms around Qin Yu's seemingly fragile frame. Her movements were delicate, causing no discomfort, only a palpable warmth.

Qin Yu's body is so hot. Does she have a fever? Shenhe thought with concern.

Shenhe's body is so cool, Qin Yu mused.

Evaluation: A+

"You'd believe any lie?" Qin Yu asked, sounding troubled.

"Staring at the sun hurts your eyes, but staring at the moon doesn't. Just as there are ugly truths that disgust us, there are beautiful lies that delight us. I believe your lies are like the moon—beautiful and delightful."

Don't act like you understand everything. All I've ever cared about is my own safety.

Qin Yu couldn't help but exhale softly.

"Mmm..." Shenhe suddenly shuddered.

"W-what's wrong?" Qin Yu asked.

"Your breathe... it tickles."

Ha? Ha!? What nonsense are you spouting?! Qin Yu tried to pull away from Shenhe's embrace, but Shenhe's next words made her reconsider.

"So this is what it feels like to embrace someone... incredible."

It was incredible. To find such comfort in another person's scent and warmth.

Qin Yu hadn't expected Shenhe to go back on her word. She had secretly prepared herself, forced the gift upon her, and babbled on endlessly... As a "bad woman," she shouldn't deserve any of this.

But since she had already told so many lies, what harm was there in telling one more?

As Shenhe herself had said, lies could be beautiful too.

Might as well carry this beautiful lie through to the end. After all, Shenhe had promised to believe everything Qin Yu said, even her lies. As long as she maintained this facade until death, Shenhe would surely believe it to be true.

For such a precious gift and heartfelt sentiment, Qin Yu could only repay Shenhe with a beautiful memory.

Shenhe's actions only reinforced Qin Yu's determination to never reveal her true self.

If I reveal my true self, Shenhe might like it, or she might hate it... I can't gamble on that possibility, even if there's a chance of success. It's better to choose the option that guarantees her approval.

Ha, I'm truly hopeless... Qin Yu thought to herself.

"Shenhe, um... thank you. I really love the gift you gave me. I said earlier that I couldn't accept it, but... I've changed my mind. I'd be delighted to accept it now!"

Shenhe responded softly, "Mm."

"And there's one more thing..."

Now's the perfect moment, Qin Yu decided. It's time to try that daring thing I've been thinking about.

Okay, here we go! Qin Yu mentally steeled herself.

She closed her eyes, leaned in close to Shenhe's face, and gently pecked her cheek like a little bird.

Shenhe hadn't anticipated Qin Yu's actions. The lingering sensation on her cheek was vivid, stirring a strange, unfamiliar emotion deep within her that left her utterly bewildered.

What exactly is this feeling...? Shenhe turned to Qin Yu.

Whoa, her face is so close! Whoa, I actually did it! Whoa, is that kinda gross? Shenhe's skin is surprisingly smooth... What am I even thinking?! Qin Yu's mind swirled with conflicting thoughts, plunging her into utter chaos.

She hastily disentangled herself from Shenhe's embrace, creating some distance, and began fanning herself with her hand.

"I-it's getting late. Look, even the frozen lake is starting to thaw. Let's head back."

Shenhe nodded, then asked, "Did you... did you just kiss my cheek?"

"Did I~?" Qin Yu's gaze darted around evasively.

Just forget about it, seriously. Hey, what about the Evaluation? There isn't one?

"Why are you avoiding the question?"

"Why do you keep pressing me about it?" Qin Yu asked, feeling cornered.

Forced to respond, she offered an awkward and embarrassed laugh. "It was just my way of thanking you, Shenhe. Nothing special!"

"An expression of gratitude..."

"Ahaha, um, I know it's not nearly enough to repay the gift you gave me, but... if it makes you uncomfortable—"

"It doesn't," Shenhe said, shaking her head.

If it was indeed an expression of gratitude, then... Shenhe had an idea. She leaned closer to Qin Yu.

Huh? What's she doing...?

Shenhe brought her face close to Qin Yu's and lightly pressed her lips against her cheek for a fleeting moment.

"......Eh?"

What just happened? Qin Yu touched her cheek. As realization dawned, a vivid blush visibly bloomed across her face like wildfire.

Shenhe said calmly, "I'm also very grateful to you... I hope you'll always stay by my side."

Evaluation: S

Ugh, how annoying. Get out of here. Why did you have to pop up now after not showing up earlier?

And Shenhe, you woman... Why do you never show any expression? Why? Oh, right—ding ding ding ding! The red string soul-binding technique.

With that, no attack can ever make you flinch, much less show any emotion.

Dang it!

This is infuriating... I'm so pissed off... Why is it always just you who looks so unfazed? Tch! Whatever! If Shenhe kissed Qin Yu's cheek while blushing crimson, Qin Yu would probably be even more flustered.

This is fine. No, it's not ideal. But it can't be helped.

"Shenhe, do you understand the meaning of what you did?"

"To express gratitude," Shenhe replied.

"A-anything else?"

"Is there... anything else?" Shenhe tilted her head in confusion.

Just as I thought, you haven't considered anything beyond that, you clueless woman.

"Of course there is, but if it's just about gratitude, then that's fine." Qin Yu sighed in relief.

"Qin Yu, do you mean something else? I don't understand these things very well."

Only a fool would think that! I'm not that kind of woman.

Though Qin Yu was reluctant to continue the conversation, she had to maintain her established persona. Calming the turmoil in her heart, she said, "I understand how you feel, and I... I feel the same way. I'll always be Shenhe's best friend!"

"Thank you. Having you in my life is my greatest blessing."

Stop it already!

Evaluation: S+

Don't pop up!

"Also, you shouldn't kiss others on the cheek like you did earlier," Qin Yu couldn't help but add, remembering Shenhe's lack of social awareness. "They might misunderstand."

"Misunderstand... I understand."

Good.

Yet, the memory of Shenhe's kiss warmed Qin Yu's chest, making her even more reluctant to meet Shenhe's gaze. Even being looked at by Shenhe made her feel strangely uneasy.

-

TL Note: Goddamn I was not expecting that.