About an hour later, Keqing and Ningguang concluded their initial discussion and left the room.
Keqing had never truly clicked with Ningguang as a colleague, but she couldn't deny Ningguang's exceptional abilities. Whether it was handling major affairs or minor details, Ningguang managed them all with flawless precision.
She had already begun meticulous preparations for the upcoming Rite of Descension.
If only she could shake this obsession with Mora, Keqing thought, shaking her head with a sigh. She treats Liyue like her personal marketplace.
And that outrageous claim that Qin Yu had spontaneously started calling her "Master"—how utterly absurd!
This is unbearable.
"Next on the agenda is... hmm?"
Keqing noticed someone approaching the door. Looking up, she was surprised to see Qin Yu.
Still in casual clothes, was she heading out somewhere?
If Yanfei were with her, there wouldn't be much to worry about. Yanfei was honest, reliable, and cheerful, not to mention a half-adeptus with a Vision.
When Keqing first heard street rumors that someone was targeting Qin Yu, she had immediately considered who might protect her best—someone who could also be a good friend.
Strength, intelligence, and personality—all three were essential. Across Liyue, only a handful of people possessed these qualities while also meeting Keqing's exacting standards. Yanfei was one of them.
Moreover, their official duties occasionally required them to meet and discuss matters, providing the perfect opportunity to inquire about Qin Yu's well-being. Protection, companionship, and information gathering—it was like killing three birds with one stone!
Thus, Keqing sent Yanfei an unsigned letter, commissioning a quest. Fortunately, Yanfei accepted. Finding another suitable candidate would have been a real challenge.
Come to think of it, Qin Yu had changed so much since that day. She hadn't smiled since... This transformation had occurred even before Keqing entrusted Yanfei with the quest, and yet she remained remarkably popular with the people.
Could she have met someone special?
If so, Keqing would owe them a debt of gratitude.
With this thought, Keqing closed her notebook.
What does Qin Yu's daily life look like now? As a child, she had always loved reading those strange, fantastical tales filled with demons and spirits. What could she possibly find so appealing about those monsters?
"Now that I have some free time, I'll follow her and see for myself."
Of course, this wasn't stalking. It was simply observing how her childhood friend was living her life now! Keqing nodded firmly to herself.
Without hesitation, Keqing left the mansion, maintaining a discreet distance behind Qin Yu as she meticulously observed her every move.
"Oh, Granny Ping! Hello! Out for a stroll? Huh? An apple? Really? Thank you! I'll make you some apple juice later—I promise it'll be delicious!"
"Hmm? Sorry, I don't have any candy on me, but if you help me with something, I'll treat you."
"Ah, you're giving me this? Haha, thank you! I'll come and pig out at your shop next time. Don't worry, I won't gain any weight!"
What's with this terrifying social ability? Everyone—men, women, young, and old—seems to adore her... Keqing was too stunned to speak.
She used to hide behind me whenever we met strangers as kids.
Keqing's heart swirled with mixed emotions. She was happy for Qin Yu, but also a little wistful. She feared she might never see that shy version of her childhood friend again.
You've changed into someone I barely recognize, Qin Yu.
Still, wasn't this for the best? People need to grow. I'm moving forward, so of course Qin Yu wouldn't lag behind.But... are the memories we were supposed to share now mine alone?
Keqing pulled out the toy ring.
Does she still have that ring?
Clutching the toy ring tightly, Keqing shook her head.
There was no way to confirm it now. It was best to keep it for herself. Even if the matching ring had vanished, this one remained her precious treasure.
Oh no, I've been lost in memories for too long. Where's Qin Yu?
Snapping out of her reverie, Keqing realized Qin Yu had disappeared without a trace.
Knowing she had lost sight of her, Keqing felt a pang of frustration. How could I let my focus slip like that? If this happened at work, it could cause serious problems. I need to reflect on this.
"Um..."
Where could she have gone? There are so many people, I can't see her... Should I ask around?
No, if someone mentioned this to her later, it might arouse her suspicions. And if I asked them to keep it a secret, they might think it's something serious. That wouldn't do...
"Lady Yuheng?"
Should I just give up and head back?
As Keqing pondered this, she suddenly felt something soft and warm land on her shoulder. She turned to see... a hand!
"Ah!" Startled, Keqing quickly backed away.
"Who's there? You didn't make a sound—were you trying to scare me to death? Ah..."
Qin Yu had materialized before her, seemingly out of nowhere.
What are you talking about? I called your name several times! You just didn't hear me! Qin Yu forced a smile, inwardly cursing herself.
Awkwardly withdrawing her hand, she said, "I'm sorry, Lady Yuheng. You didn't seem to hear me, so I thought I'd..."
Keqing paused, surprised. "I didn't hear you?"
"Yes, I called out several times, but you seemed lost in thought, so I tapped your shoulder. I apologize if I overstepped," Qin Yu murmured, lowering her gaze.
It's my fault. Now it was Keqing's turn to feel embarrassed. She averted her eyes, avoiding Qin Yu's gaze.
"It's fine, don't worry about it," Keqing said, feigning composure. "By the way, did you need something?"
Need something? Of course I do.
I've been vaguely aware of being watched since earlier. I assumed it was just another clueless guy hitting on me, but when I checked, it turned out to be you.
Why are you following me? You don't even seem to like me very much.
Qin Yu smiled faintly. "Nothing in particular. I was just curious about what Lady Yuheng was doing here and thought I'd say hello."
"Work," Keqing replied evasively, feeling a pang of guilt.
Wow, does the Liyue Qixing's job description include stalking? How absurd! Wait a minute, this doesn't add up. She doesn't seem to like me, so why would she be following me? Unless... she was actually watching someone next to me? And I just happened to catch her eye? I've heard the Yuheng Star often joins crime-fighting operations. So... did I just brush shoulders with a criminal?
Cold sweat trickled down Qin Yu's back.
Oh my god, what have I done?!
Qin Yu suddenly panicked, blurting out, "I'm so sorry! It's all my fault for bothering you!"
Why is she suddenly so flustered?! Keqing thought, bewildered by Qin Yu's abrupt change in demeanor. "What are you talking about? I don't understand at all. Just stop apologizing."
At that moment, a man came charging from behind, barreling into Qin Yu and knocking her aside.
Keqing frowned, dodging the man's momentum. She immediately caught Qin Yu as she stumbled, her genuine concern surfacing. In a gentle voice, she asked, "Are you hurt?"
Qin Yu stared blankly. "No... Thanks to you."
"That's a relief. Honestly, he didn't even apologize after hitting you. Can you stand?"
"Mhm..."
Qin Yu straightened up, her brow deeply furrowed. Strangely, being held by Keqing had stirred a deep sense of longing, as if she had yearned for such an embrace before.
Where was that from...?
Something stirred in the depths of her memory, threatening to surface. But a sudden, sharp pain in her head brought it to an abrupt halt, leaving her disoriented and confused.
Keqing's tone was completely different from when they had arrived at the estate or when they were in the Ruins. It was deeply reassuring.
[Evaluation: D]
Qin Yu smiled, determined to express her gratitude properly. Instinctively, she clasped Keqing's hand and said, "Thank you for saving me!"
For a fleeting moment, Keqing's face registered surprise, followed by the briefest hint of a smile. But her final expression was one of calm seriousness.
"As a member of the Liyue Qixing, protecting the people of Liyue is my duty," she said, withdrawing her hand.
"Even so, I'm grateful for your protection."
Now's the perfect time to rack up some Points! Wait, what's with that expression...?
Keqing smiled with a sense of relief. "I managed to protect you... That's wonderful."
[Evaluation: D+]
Why is she making that face?
"Hey! Did you see a man with messy hair running by? He stole my purse!" A middle-aged woman stumbled over to them, her voice frantic.
Keqing frowned. "So that man was a thief after all. I can't let this go unpunished. Excuse me, I must leave now!"
"Huh? Oh, right."
Keqing nodded and strode off in the direction the robber had fled, her graceful figure resembling a valiant female warrior.
Yuheng Star Keqing... I can never quite shake my concern for her.
I should go lend a hand.
-
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