That evening, Qin Yu, tense and anxious, stood before Ningguang's door.
She reached out to knock, then hesitated. Do I really have to go in?
But it's true that I made a mistake. I haven't even worked here for a month yet; I can't afford to be fired.
I must be overthinking this. Lady Ningguang, one of the esteemed Liyue Qixing, would never have such... inclinations! And even if she did, she wouldn't force me.
I'm not the kind of woman who can be bought for a million—no, ten million mora!
After giving herself a mental pep talk, Qin Yu finally knocked. "Lady Ningguang, I'm here as you instructed."
"Qin Yu? Come in."
"Understood," Qin Yu replied.
She gently opened the door, slipped into the room, and closed it behind her. Only then did she notice Ningguang sitting on the bed, idly turning a golden wine cup in her hands.
Why is she sitting on the bed? Qin Yu wondered. And that golden wine cup... it seemed like an antique, radiating an ancient aura.
Ningguang noticed Qin Yu's gaze fixed on the golden cup and smiled. "What's wrong? Are you curious?"
"Is it an antique?" Qin Yu asked.
"Indeed. Someone gifted it to me a few days ago, claiming it was crafted by artisans from ancient Liyue using Mora. The workmanship is exquisite, but after handling it for a while, it's already lost its appeal."
Ningguang spoke with disinterest. "As expected, no matter how priceless such things are, they only bring fleeting joy upon acquiring them."
Truly befitting the wealthiest woman in Liyue, Qin Yu thought.
If it were me... Qin Yu considered, then shook her head inwardly. Even if someone gifted her such a treasure, she wouldn't feel genuinely pleased. After all, she had no real interest in antiques.
Ningguang handed the golden cup to Qin Yu, instructing her to place it in the display cabinet. Qin Yu carefully complied, tiptoeing to reach the cabinet's top shelf.
"If it were you, what kind of gift would you prefer to receive?" Ningguang asked casually.
It's not about the gift itself, but about the person giving it, Qin Yu thought. If it were from someone I disliked, I wouldn't accept even the most extravagant present. But if it were from someone I cared about, I'd gladly accept even the simplest token.
Though, admittedly, there's no one I care for at the moment.
For someone in between... a practical gift would be best.
Shampoo, bath bombs, cosmetics—things like that! Snacks would be ideal, saving me a trip to the store.
Qin Yu replied, "If Lady Ningguang were to give me a gift, I'd be delighted with anything."
A flawless response.
"I see," Ningguang said. "But I never said I was giving you a gift. And I trust you haven't forgotten why I summoned you? This is a punishment, not a reward."
So she won't let me off the hook that easily.
It seems punishment is inevitable now. As long as it's not too outrageous, I should be able to endure it... might as well seize the opportunity to rack up some Points while I'm at it.
Otherwise, Qin Yu would feel like she was losing out.
A tactical retreat is actually an advance. To retreat is to advance. Now is the time to abandon the offensive and accept the situation! Qin Yu recalled her newly learned techniques for intimate contact.
"I haven't forgotten, and I willingly accept," she said.
"Hmm? You seemed somewhat reluctant earlier. What changed your mind?" Ningguang asked curiously.
Isn't it because you said I had no choice?!
"Because I was worried Lady Ningguang would come to dislike me."
Ningguang replied calmly, "I am indeed displeased that you failed to complete the task I assigned you. I hired you, and you accepted. Therefore, you should strive to do your best for me within the scope of your abilities."
"And I assure you, the Mora I pay you is worth that effort."
Unarguable. This is even harder to endure than a scolding from the head maid.
"Although this situation is exceptional and I can overlook it this time, if it happens again, I, as your employer, would inevitably lose face. What kind of servant disobeys their master? If word got out, we'd become a laughingstock."
So the punishment is just a lecture? If that's all, it's manageable.
Qin Yu said earnestly, "I promise I'll never make that mistake again!"
"Really?"
"Yes. I don't want Lady Ningguang to dislike me."
If the Liyue Qixing disliked her, she'd probably have to leave Liyue altogether.
Ningguang studied her for a long moment before smiling faintly. "Very well, I believe you. Don't betray my trust."
[Evaluation: B-]
Great! Finally, the punishment is over!
"But I still need to punish you."
Huh?
"Huh? Wasn't that lecture just now the punishment?"
Ningguang replied, "Of course not. That was merely some straightforward instruction."
Are you even human?!
Qin Yu, who had finally relaxed, tensed up again. "Lady Ningguang, could the punishment wait until tomorrow? I'm a little tired right now..."
Please, spare me. I have work early tomorrow. What if I'm too exhausted to get up?
Wait a minute... That's not what she meant. The word "punishment" just brought physical punishment to mind. Could she really make me stand here all night? Working for the wealthy is so difficult—I don't want to do this anymore.
Ningguang simply smiled. "Rest assured, I won't ask you to do anything you're uncomfortable with."
What kind of punishment could it be? Qin Yu wondered. Could it be a pay cut?!
No way! I'd rather stand all night than have my salary docked! Qin Yu's resolve hardened. I won't let her touch my paycheck, no matter what.
"Could it be about my salary...?"
Ningguang shook her head. "It's not a pay cut. Our relationship is that of employer and employee. If I devalued your hard work by docking your pay, wouldn't that breed resentment toward me?"
Thank goodness.
Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
Ningguang continued, "The punishment is simple: while you're working as a maid, you must address me as 'Master' whenever you see me. Is that acceptable?"
Of course not!
I only call you 'Master' because my Skill is still active! Don't let it go to your head, you conceited woman! No way, absolutely not!
You wish! I wouldn't even call Rex Lapis 'Master' if he were here.
"This is a little..." Qin Yu stammered.
"If you're unwilling, then take off that uniform."
"I'm willing!"
Qin Yu's nature always leaned toward compromise. She hated the thought of calling Ningguang "Master," but stripping off her uniform was even less appealing.
Tch, that underhanded woman. I misjudged her.
So what if she has a little money? I'll finish this month and get out of here. Hmph.
Ningguang exclaimed in surprise, "I wasn't finished! I simply wanted you to try on a new maid outfit, but if you're willing, that's good enough."
Huh? Couldn't she have just said that properly?!
Damn it, this is infuriating.
Qin Yu's lips twitched. "Ahaha..."
Ningguang mused, "I was just testing your limits, but you're surprisingly tolerant."
Still, she'd never encountered such an amusing maid before. It wouldn't do to push too far and make her angry.
"Just kidding," Ningguang said with a smile.
Huh? I braced myself for punishment, and she says she was joking?!
Ningguang chuckled. "Some things can't be forced, whether with Mora or anything else. There will always be those who desire what they cannot have. Now, come sit beside me."
"O-okay."
Whoa, sitting next to her? Is that the punishment?!
Slightly uneasy, Qin Yu sat down beside Ningguang.
Ningguang gently cupped Qin Yu's cheek, guiding her gaze to meet her own. Qin Yu's eyes darted nervously, her face growing warmer.
"There's only one true punishment."
Qin Yu squeezed her eyes shut.
"From now on, no matter what I say or do, you must speak from your heart."
Qin Yu's eyes snapped open in surprise. Ningguang had already withdrawn her hand, a knowing smile playing on her lips.