The interior of the Jade Chamber wasn't the ostentatious spectacle Qin Yu had imagined. While priceless artifacts adorned every corner, they blended seamlessly into a unified, ancient aesthetic, exuding an understated elegance.
This feels great! Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
But where was Ningguang herself? She wasn't on this floor.
A central staircase led downstairs. After a moment's hesitation, Qin Yu decided to descend.
The lower level had many rooms branching out in all directions. Peeking out from behind a pillar, Qin Yu quickly spotted a doorless chamber.
A long table overflowed with scrolls, and a bulletin board was plastered with papers. That must be Ningguang's office.
But where was she?
She summoned me here only to disappear? Even a powerful figure shouldn't behave like this. Perhaps she's busy with urgent matters. Should I wait here...?
As Qin Yu pondered, a voice came from behind.
"You've arrived."
Whoa! Qin Yu jolted, her whole body trembling, and whirled around to find Ningguang standing before her, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Tch, don't scare me like that.
Qin Yu clicked her tongue inwardly but maintained a cheerful smile. "Good morning, Lady Ningguang. I've come as you requested. It's a pleasure to see you again!"
Annoying as this is, I still need those points.
"Hmm, hearing you say that has improved my mood somewhat. Come in."
Evaluation: D
Following Ningguang into her spacious office, Qin Yu's gaze was inevitably drawn to the board plastered with documents.
What's this...?
"Intrigued by the board?" Ningguang remarked, noticing Qin Yu's fixed stare.
"Ahaha, well, I've always heard rumors about it. Whenever there's a major shift in Liyue's business world, 'snowflakes' are said to flutter down from the Jade Chamber—shredded fragments of these very documents."
Thankfully, there aren't too many papers here. If she shredded everything and scattered it, some passerby might choke on the confetti while yawning... What am I even thinking?
Qin Yu felt a surge of nervousness, her mind racing with absurd thoughts.
"Do you believe these rumors?" Ningguang asked.
"Would Lady Ningguang really do something like that?"
Ningguang chuckled. "Yes, though the rumors are exaggerated, such theatrics are remarkably effective—both as a release for pent-up frustration and as a way to seize public attention. When all eyes are on you, controlling the narrative becomes far easier."
"Then I'll take your word for it," Qin Yu said with a smile.
You ask if I believe you? I'm right here. Why not just ask me directly?
"It's been a while since we last met. I see your way with words has improved. Not bad at all," Ningguang remarked, nodding in satisfaction.
[Evaluation: D+]
Ningguang probed further, "But what if I refused to answer you? What would you say then?"
"I'd say I don't know. If I'm uncertain, I'm uncertain. Jumping to conclusions might displease you," Qin Yu replied.
But the truth was far simpler:
Ha! If you want to play riddles, go find a sphinx. I'm not playing along.
"Of course, anything I'm certain of, I'll tell Lady Ningguang truthfully. For example, I'm absolutely certain that you're a kind person. I've always believed that."
A flawless answer.
As expected of me—a true genius.
Even Ningguang was briefly taken aback. Then, she reached out her hand.
Qin Yu's ears flushed. Here we go again, she thought. She's probably going to pinch my cheek again. But it's happened so many times now. I should be used to it by now.
Right. No big deal.
Come on!
But instead of pinching her cheek as before, Ningguang's hand landed gently on Qin Yu's head and gave it a soft pat.
Huh?
"Your eloquence is truly remarkable. You possess a talent for winning people over that even I find astonishing."
It took Qin Yu three seconds to process what had just happened.
Huh? Wait a minute, why are you patting my head instead of my face? Are you really Ningguang? Or is this someone wearing her skin? Unbelievable...
Stop patting my head! Qin Yu's lips twitched slightly as she forced a smile. "Lady Ningguang, why the head pat?"
Why my head of all places? My hair's a mess now.
"Dissatisfied?"
Very—
Evaluation: C
...Satisfied.
Is this evaluation system just nitpicking? It always pops up at the weirdest times.
Qin Yu suppressed her rising irritation and muttered, "A little. It messes up my hair."
"Hmm... you're right. How about I fix it for you?"
Don't push your luck, you woman.
"Th-that's not necessary. It's fine, I have a comb. I'll fix it myself." Qin Yu pulled a small comb from her bag and quickly smoothed her hair.
Perfect.
"If the head's off-limits, then let's switch back to your face. It's so smooth and pleasant to the touch."
Can't you just keep your hands to yourself?!
Qin Yu's cheeks flushed slightly. "I think we should get down to business."
"Very well, let's get back on track... But before we do, I have a minor question—what do you think of the Jade Chamber?"
Qin Yu exhaled softly, finally feeling a sense of relief.
"What do you think of the Jade Chamber?" It was an odd question, and terribly vague. But Ningguang probably didn't want any flowery language; she just wanted a simple, straightforward answer.
With that in mind, Qin Yu replied truthfully, "I think it's beautiful, and the atmosphere is quite unique."
"It seems you truly admire it. As the Master of the Jade Chamber, that pleases me."
Ningguang twirled her pipe and said, "But did you know that the Jade Chamber was initially only the size of a single room?"
"Is that so?" Qin Yu was surprised. She had assumed it had been built to its current scale from the start and then floated into the sky.
"Indeed. It was through countless Mora and relentless effort that I nurtured it into its current form."
"I believe every entity possesses inherent potential. I have no doubt that one day, the Jade Chamber will blot out the skies of the Seven Nations. And I also believe that you possess the talent to rise above the ordinary."
Me? Qin Yu was utterly astonished.
Did I display some talent that Ningguang found particularly appealing?
A talent for cleaning? A talent for cooking? Not that such skills couldn't lead to success, but surely that wasn't what she meant.
Qin Yu was puzzled.
"As I mentioned earlier, you have a natural gift for winning people over. In fact, that itself is a talent."
Ha?
Qin Yu felt a prick of irritation. Talent? That was all her own hard work.
The "magic" she had forged through tireless effort, constant self-reflection, and relentless refinement of her skills—to summarize it with the word "talent" made it sound so effortless.
Unable to contain her annoyance, Qin Yu forced a smile. "That's... just the result of hard work."
"You don't seem to care for that term, but I trust you understand what I mean. In other words, you possess potential."
"The potential to rise above the crowd?"
Ningguang nodded. "Exactly. You're well-liked by many. Consider how likely you'd be to succeed in business with them."
Qin Yu finally understood. Humans aren't purely rational beings; they're swayed by emotions and personal preferences. Ningguang had previously shared how her own shrewdness in negotiations had alienated some potential partners, driving them to choose others.
But Qin Yu wouldn't face the same outcome. On the contrary, even with slightly weaker bargaining chips, her natural likability might still secure collaborations. With each successful venture growing larger, she could potentially climb into Liyue's top five wealthiest.
If Ningguang saw this potential, perhaps it truly existed. Though, in truth, Qin Yu had already reached her own conclusion on this matter long ago.
Ningguang continued, "I want you to become my personal maid. This would allow you to learn invaluable skills and knowledge from me, which would greatly benefit you. What do you say?"
"I accept," Qin Yu replied, "but I have no desire to rise above the crowd."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? You don't want to?"
"That's right."
"And what might your reasons be?" Ningguang asked with a smile, her voice genuinely curious and showing no trace of displeasure at Qin Yu's answer.
Qin Yu replied earnestly, "I'd be honored to serve as Lady Ningguang's personal maid..."
Just for this month, though!
Once this is over, I'm grabbing my bucket and running for the hills!
This job is exhausting. I have to wake up at the crack of dawn every day. Can't I at least sleep in a few more hours?
"...but that's only because I hold genuine affection and respect for you, Lady Ningguang. Nothing more."
Don't misunderstand. My affection is... well, purely platonic. The kind friends have for each other.
As for respect? After all, you're a powerhouse who climbed to the Tianquan position through sheer determination and built the Jade Chamber into what it is today. How could anyone not admire that?
"Most importantly, as the saying goes, 'When you drink the water, don't forget the well-digger.' My being here with you today is all thanks to my friends..."
To be precise, it's thanks to the Points I earned from getting close to them. But they still deserve the credit.
"I decided to become stronger to better support them and repay their friendship. Once this assignment is done, I want to dedicate my time to them."
Perfect!
After all, no one can protect me forever... I need to become stronger myself. Only by growing stronger can I avoid being hurt by others and survive without relying on protection.
"The opportunity you offer to rise above others is truly monumental, and I understand its significance perfectly."
"If you wish, I'm certain I could become that person. But this form, this persona, was fundamentally created for my friends—a 'magic' born from my desire not to be disliked by them."
Qin Yu lowered her head. "I can't use this 'magic' solely for my own benefit. If I did, it would inevitably fail one day. And then, Lady Ningguang, you might be disappointed in me..."
Ningguang listened quietly, the smile at the corner of her lips growing more pronounced.
"I don't want to abandon my friends, nor do I want to ultimately disappoint you. That's why I can't accept the opportunity you've offered. But if you're offering me the position of a personal maid, I'd be delighted—after all, I'm already your hired maid!"
Phew, perfect. With such a flawless speech, there's no way she'll suspect anything.
Just finish this month and then make my escape.
Who wants to get involved in some business venture? What if I lose everything and can't even afford clothes?
Even as she said this, Qin Yu couldn't help but steal a glance at Ningguang, worried that her refusal might have upset her.
To her surprise and confusion, Ningguang showed no sign of displeasure. Instead, she smiled warmly at Qin Yu.
A mix of embarrassment and anxiety made Qin Yu's heart skip a beat.
W-what's going on?
"Is something the matter?" Qin Yu asked nervously.
Ningguang chuckled. "I'm simply quite surprised. It seems you've accepted half of my offer while rejecting the other half."
"Ahaha... If I've upset you..."
"Not at all. I'm quite pleased. No one could possibly take offense to what you said."
Qin Yu's eyes lit up with relief. "Really?"
[Evaluation: B-]
Thank goodness...
"Very well, I respect your decision. Starting tomorrow, you will serve as my personal maid, accompanying me everywhere. I will introduce you to my three secretaries tomorrow."
Will my salary increase? Qin Yu tentatively inquired, "Lady Ningguang, about the compensation..."
"What's this? You're more concerned about the starting salary than a chance to make a fortune? Don't worry, I'll double your Mora. And if you impress me, I'll give you a generous bonus—more than enough."
"Wow!" Qin Yu exclaimed sincerely, "Thank you so much!"
Rich women really are the best.
"However, I have another proposition I'd like you to consider."
"Huh? Oh, yes, please go ahead..."
Wait, why is she getting so close again?
Ningguang leaned in closer to Qin Yu. Qin Yu tensed, wondering if she was about to touch her head or face again.
You can touch my face if you want, but absolutely not my head.
"Lean in closer," Ningguang said with a smile, gesturing for Qin Yu to come closer.
"Can't you just tell me from here?" Qin Yu hesitated.
"I won't allow it."
This woman is really... Tsk.
Reluctantly, Qin Yu leaned in, pressing her ear close to Ningguang's mouth. Fine, I want to hear what else she has to say!
Ningguang pressed her lips near Qin Yu's flushed ear, her warm breath accompanying each word:
"Sign a contract with me and serve as my personal assistant from now on."
[Evaluation: B+]
"H-Huh?!"
"W-What does that mean?" Qin Yu stammered, utterly confused.
Is she really that kind of woman?
But I'm not that kind of woman!
"It means exactly what it sounds like. I've taken a great liking to you. You should know, I don't easily offer my praise to others..."
God, who the hell knows!
"Your loyalty pleases me greatly. It means you won't be swayed by others to betray my secrets, and you'll follow my every command. Moreover, you possess a talent... no, a 'magic' that even my three secretaries lack. You're perfectly suited to be my confidante."
Ah... wah... wah... wah... wah... Qin Yu's ears tingled as Ningguang's breath and soft whispers tickled them, her mind completely blank and unable to think straight.
[Evaluation: A-]
Ningguang gently turned Qin Yu's face toward her.
"Do you accept?"
"Ah... um... do I even deserve such an honor...?"
Ningguang looked surprised. "You seem to lack confidence. Don't worry, I'll assure you of your worth. Of course you do. True, you haven't yet reached the level I require, but fear not—I'll train you."
"Not in the skills to climb the ranks, but in the art of being my confidante."
"And whatever you desire, as long as it pleases me, I'll grant it. What do you say? Will you accept my offer and strike this bargain with me?"
"I..."
Just then, a frigid voice cut through the air.
"What... what are you two doing?"
Qin Yu snapped back to reality as if waking from a dream.
That was close! she thought. I almost agreed without thinking. I should thank whoever interrupted us.
But when she saw the figure standing in the doorway, Qin Yu froze.
It was Keqing.
-
Note: Obligatory It should have been me.gif