Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

"Huh? Lady Ningguang is sick?!"

Qin Yu nodded solemnly. "Yes, but I've convinced her to rest. The problem is today's schedule..."

Baiwen sighed. "Looks like we'll have to handle it ourselves."

"Let me double-check... hmm, this workload should be manageable for us," Baishi said.

"Lady Ningguang actually got sick. You haven't told anyone else about this, have you?" Baixiao asked.

Qin Yu quickly reassured him, "Of course not! I'm well aware of the consequences. I've only informed the three Seniors so far."

"Good," Baixiao said, relieved.

Baixiao paused thoughtfully, then said, "We need to assign tasks. Baiwen, Baishi, and I will handle Lady Ningguang's affairs. Qin Yu, you'll take care of Lady Ningguang personally."

It was a perfectly reasonable arrangement.

Qin Yu's professional skills might not be quite on par with theirs, but her efficiency and meticulousness in managing daily needs and handling miscellaneous tasks made her ideal for tending to Lady Ningguang.

"Um, actually, I'd also like to take care of Lady Ningguang..." Baishi mumbled awkwardly, shifting her weight.

"One person is enough," Baixiao replied indifferently.

"Alright."

Baiwen asked, "Should we call for a physician?"

"About that—" Qin Yu scratched her cheek and began to explain.

Earlier, while Lady Ningguang was having breakfast, Qin Yu had asked if she should summon a doctor. However, Lady Ningguang firmly refused, insisting that her usual medication would suffice.

Qin Yu considered this too risky and stubbornly tried to persuade Lady Ningguang otherwise.

The outcome was predictable. Despite her wealth, Lady Ningguang's lifestyle surprisingly resembled that of an ordinary household.

"Did you manage to convince her?" Baixiao asked.

"I was just about to go to Bubu Pharmacy. I only stopped to inform you three of this urgent matter."

Baiwen nodded. "We understand. Hurry along then."

"Right!"

Qin Yu swiftly left the pavilion, rode the Floating Platform back to the ground, and hurried to Bubu Pharmacy. After obtaining the prescription and medicinal ingredients, she rushed back to the Jade Chamber to brew the medicine.

She had intended to check on Ningguang in her bedroom, but seeing her in her office, Qin Yu felt a pang of frustration.

Why isn't she resting properly?

"Lady Ningguang, here's your medicine. Please drink it and get some rest," Qin Yu said with a gentle smile.

Ningguang shifted her gaze from the intelligence wall and nodded. "Thank you for your concern. I simply can't seem to settle down."

She took the bowl and murmured, "I'm always busy with something. Having a completely free day like today is rare, and it makes me feel slightly uneasy."

The medicine had cooled to a comfortable temperature, but Ningguang still furrowed her brow deeply as she drank it.

"This intense bitterness... Mr. Baizhu must have prescribed this," she sighed after finishing.

"Ahaha, yes, he did."

Qin Yu had previously visited Bubu Pharmacy herself for remedies to regulate her health. While Mr. Baizhu's prescriptions were highly effective, their overwhelmingly bitter taste could make one's face contort in disgust. Qin Yu understood Ningguang's reaction perfectly.

I never want to drink this again!

"But it's very effective, so you'll recover quickly. Now, please go and rest. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll do everything in my power to satisfy you!"

"Satisfy me..." Ningguang murmured.

Why did that phrase elicit such a strong reaction? Qin Yu felt a vague sense of unease.

Let me clarify: anything impure or strange is off-limits—everything else depends on the specifics.

"Of course, strange things are still... not ideal," Qin Yu stammered.

"What do you mean by 'strange things'?"

Who would actually say that out loud?! Qin Yu inwardly grimaced, forcing a smile as she brushed off the question. "W-well, that's just how it is. Lady Ningguang, is there anything you'd like me to do?"

Things I'd like Qin Yu to do? Ningguang's mind raced, several ideas springing to mind.

This could be an interesting period of rest.

Ugh, this woman has that look like she's already thought up a whole list of things for me to do.

I won't let that happen...

"Ahem," Ningguang cleared her throat.

...For now, I should just let her rest.

Qin Yu sighed inwardly and asked with feigned concern, "Shall we go back to your room first?"

"I've thought of something I'd like you to do."

Here it comes! Qin Yu tensed.

"Starting today, you can call me by my name directly. No need for 'Lady' or 'Madam'."

That's it?

Qin Yu was thoroughly perplexed. It wasn't something she couldn't do, nor was it something she disliked.

"Ningguang," Qin Yu ventured hesitantly.

It feels so odd.

"Hmm," Ningguang replied softly.

Evaluation: C-

My evaluation has improved! Now that I'll have more free time today and will be staying by Ningguang's side, it's the perfect opportunity to grind for Points. But... I guess I'll pass after all.

She's a patient, after all.

As Qin Yu thought this, Ningguang added, "There's one more thing I'd like you to do."

If it's just something like calling her by name, that should be fine.

"Alright, you... Ah, should I say 'you'? Anyway, please tell me."

"Wear the black qipao I gave you today," Ningguang said calmly, uttering a rather audacious request.

Are you even thinking straight?

Who would ever wear that dress again...?

"Cough, cough, cough..." Ningguang couldn't suppress another fit of coughing.

Sigh, fine, fine. I'll wear it.

Resigned, Qin Yu quickly returned to her room, changed into the black qipao, and reappeared before Ningguang.

This surprised Ningguang. She had expected Qin Yu to politely refuse, but instead, she had actually agreed.

Ningguang pondered this thoughtfully.

Does Qin Yu seem more obedient and gentle than ever before?

Not that she was usually unkind or disobedient, but it felt like she had reached a new level. It was as if she would agree to almost any request, as long as it wasn't too outrageous.

"Ningguang, it's time to rest," Qin Yu said earnestly.

This seemed to be her bottom line: Ningguang's own well-being.

Indeed, being addressed by her given name and spoken to in this slightly firm tone—one Qin Yu would never normally use—left Ningguang with a peculiar mix of discomfort and satisfaction. It was a truly delicate sentiment.

Back in her bedroom, Ningguang untied her hair, changed into her pajamas, and slipped under the covers.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to sit here," Qin Yu said, gesturing to a nearby chair.

Ningguang nodded gently. "Please do."

"Great! That way, I'll hear you right away if you need anything," Qin Yu said with a smile.

Once seated, Qin Yu immediately opened the novel she had brought and began reading. With nowhere else to go and boredom creeping in, books were her only refuge.

Leaning against her pillow, Ningguang gazed at the ceiling.

Flick... flick... The faint rustle of turning pages, barely audible unless one listened intently; the intangible presence of another's aura permeating the room—these subtle cues confirmed Qin Yu's presence.

Her sanctuary had been infiltrated.

"Qin Yu."

"Yes?"

"Come closer."

Qin Yu looked surprised. "But wouldn't that disturb you?"

"I can't sleep yet. Would you keep me company for a while?"

"Ah, I see... Alright."

Qin Yu moved a chair to the bedside and sat down.

The moment she sat, she felt Ningguang's gaze.

Ningguang was lying on her side, facing Qin Yu. Even though Qin Yu knew Ningguang wasn't looking at her legs, she instinctively covered the slit of her qipao.

This, however, only drew Ningguang's attention to it.

Ugh, am I an idiot? Qin Yu regretted her action, warmth rising to her cheeks and bringing a faint blush.

"It suits you very well," Ningguang said with a gentle smile.

"Th-thank you..."

Evaluation: C

Stop rising! This makes it seem like I'm caring for a patient with ulterior motives, Qin Yu grumbled inwardly.

Evaluation increase cannot be stopped.

Haah... Well, whatever.

Qin Yu decided to ignore it and started thinking about what to talk to Ningguang about—preferably something they had never discussed before. That would be best.

No, maybe it's better not to get too carried away?

Just a casual conversation should make Ningguang sleepy.

"There's something I've been curious about, and I'd like to ask you, Ningguang," Qin Yu whispered, deliberately keeping her voice soft and low.

"Come closer," Ningguang said.

How far will you go? Ningguang wondered, her curiosity piqued by Qin Yu's unwavering obedience. The urge to test her limits grew stronger.

This is rather childish of me, Ningguang thought with a wry smile.

Even closer? Fine.

Qin Yu shuffled a little closer.

"Closer still."

Ha? If I get any closer, I'll merge with the bed!

"Ningguang, this isn't really feasible..."

"Go get a stool, sit beside the bed, and lean your head over."

This woman... Qin Yu sighed inwardly. Is this some kind of flirtation? It doesn't seem like it. It's infuriatingly irrational, yet impossible to refuse.

Am I just too soft on sick people?

Muttering under her breath, Qin Yu fetched a stool from outside the room, swapped it for the chair, and sat beside Ningguang's bed. She rested her head on her hand and leaned against the headboard.

"Is this close enough?" Qin Yu asked.

If not, there's nothing more I can do.

"Yes, this is fine. What were you about to say?" Ningguang replied, her voice brimming with contentment. She was both surprised and gratified that her latest whimsical request had been granted.

With the physical distance narrowed, Qin Yu could hear even Ningguang's softest whispers with perfect clarity.

Their eyes met. Qin Yu stared at Ningguang, who lay sideways on the bed.

"I was wondering if Ningguang has a particular type of person she's drawn to."

"A type?"

Qin Yu smiled. "Yeah, you know, her preferences in a romantic partner. I heard yesterday that you have so many admirers, but you don't seem to reciprocate any of their feelings. It made me curious about what you're actually looking for."

"Ah, I see. A question about love... Quite a few people have asked me this before, wondering what kind of person I'm interested in. I didn't expect you to ask too."

"Oh, should I not have asked?" Qin Yu said anxiously.

Ningguang reached out and gently brushed Qin Yu's bangs aside.

Lying in bed and still fidgeting? Qin Yu wanted to sigh, but she silently tolerated Ningguang's touch. It's not a big deal, anyway.

"No, I'm just surprised. I didn't think you'd be interested in something like this."

I'm not interested in my own, but Ningguang's... that's a little different.

Ningguang continued, "My type? It's actually quite simple, just not what people usually expect."

Qin Yu perked up. "What is it?"

"Someone who can keep up with me."

What a peculiar way to put it.

Noticing Qin Yu's confusion, Ningguang smiled faintly. "I dislike anything 'finite' and refuse to be constrained by it. Just as the Jade Chamber has expanded from a small room to its current grandeur, I only cherish what is 'infinite.'"

"So, someone who can continuously grow?" Qin Yu ventured.

"That's part of it, but it's not the whole story."

Ningguang adjusted her sleeping position, causing the blanket to rustle softly.

"I firmly believe that one day, the Jade Chamber's influence will span all Seven Nations."

"To achieve that, I will continue to push forward relentlessly, taking strides as bold as possible. Anyone lacking sufficient resolve will inevitably be left in my wake."

Ningguang's fingertip brushed Qin Yu's cheek, her skin noticeably warmer than usual.

"To put it simply, I desire someone who can constantly grow and strive to keep up with me. Talent, willpower, trust—all three are indispensable."

Whoa, those standards are impossibly high! Who could ever catch her eye?

But Ningguang quickly changed the subject. "However, these are just my current thoughts. I've never been in love with anyone, so I don't truly know what kind of person I'm drawn to."

In other words, she was approaching it from a purely rational perspective. That seemed perfectly normal.

Ningguang seemed a little tired, her voice softening further. "What about you? I've shared my thoughts. Now I want to hear what kind of person you would choose."

"Ahaha, to be honest, I'm not really interested in that kind of thing," Qin Yu replied honestly.

"Oh? Why not?"

With a man? Absolutely not. With a woman? That feels strange... Besides, who would ever truly like me for who I am? Even Ningguang, who seems so friendly right now, might grow tired of me if she knew the truth behind this facade.

So, if Qin Yu were to express her true feelings, it would probably sound something like this:

"It all feels so fragile."

"Fragile?"

"Yeah... Friendship, love, family—they could all shatter in an instant, because of something, at some moment..." Qin Yu murmured softly.

Ningguang placed her hand on Qin Yu's cheek. "So that's how you see things."

Qin Yu felt a pang of embarrassment. This kind of conversation wasn't really her style, so she quickly changed the subject.

"Are you tired? If you are, you should lie down and rest."

Ningguang glanced at the window. The curtains were drawn, but the room was still faintly lit by the morning sun. It was still early. Knowing Qin Yu wouldn't be leaving until tomorrow, she relaxed and nodded.

"Call me if you need anything," Qin Yu said.

Hearing this, Ningguang closed her eyes.

Evaluation: C+

Phew.

Oh, she can't hear me anyway. Better just swipe this away before it pops up.