Qin Yu had something rather embarrassing to admit.
She was broke.
Ever since rescuing the merchant and receiving the reward from the Millelith, she hadn't worked a single day.
She had to admit, it had been bliss...
No, that was precisely the problem!
Maintaining relationships required more than just words; occasional small expenses were necessary for gifts, return gifts, and daily life. Even self-improvement cost money.
Without a job, there's naturally no income, yet expenses continue to pile up. It's perfectly normal for my wallet to be growing thinner by the day.
Though I'd rather avoid it, there's no choice but to start earning money.
As mentioned before, completing quests from the Adventurer's Guild is a good way to earn quick cash. While they can be dangerous, even low-level quests can cover a day's living expenses.
Not bad at all.
Why not look for a normal job? The main reason is that I can't find anything suitable.
"My greatest weapon is this face and my increasingly perfect persona! If I play my cards right, I'm sure to make a fortune. So I need to find a job that leverages these assets."
Like a shop's mascot or a tavern bartender.
Ideally, something with a cute uniform...
But nothing's come up.
Maybe it's just bad luck. I check recruitment ads every day, but nothing fits. Left with no other options, I'll have to scrape by with quick cash for now.
Katheryne smiled. "Hello, adventurer. Long time no see. How have you been lately?"
"Very fulfilling," I replied.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly. Spending so much time getting ready every day just to go flirt with women—wasn't that a bit... empty?
"That's good to hear. By the way, you've reached Rank 8 now, taking another step toward becoming a great adventurer. The Adventurer's Guild has prepared a quest for someone like you."
"What kind of quest?"
"Ruins cleanup."
Katheryne explained briefly: monsters had appeared in some ruins, preventing archaeologists from entering. Someone was needed to clear them out.
This sounds dangerous, Qin Yu thought. Ruins and monsters...
Considering her safety, she should probably decline and choose an easier quest. It wasn't like she had to take this risk.
"The reward is quite a lot of Mora."
"I'll take it!"
As the old saying goes: "Money can make even ghosts grind the millstone"—and it certainly held true.
But when she actually stood before the entrance to the ruins, Qin Yu hesitated. Was this really necessary? The entrance alone radiated an eerie, ominous aura.
I really don't want to go in there.
No, it'll be fine. I've upgraded my skills and become stronger.
And I have companions with me.
Yanfei hesitated, then spoke, "Miss Qin... no offense, but are you sure you want to go in there? It just feels ominous."
"N-no problem at all! If anything happens, I'll protect you, Miss Yanfei!" Qin Yu seized the opportunity.
"Protect me? Isn't that reversing our roles?"
Qin Yu smiled. "I don't think so. It's perfectly normal for friends to protect each other. You're an important friend to me, Miss Yanfei, so of course I'll look out for you."
An important friend?! Yanfei was surprised by Qin Yu's high regard for her. But people don't usually emphasize "important" like that... Is she implying I'm special?
So that's what she meant? But between two women...
Yanfei's mind began to wander again.
This habit of hers seemed incurable, growing worse with each passing day. Any deliberate or casual remark from Qin Yu could send her spiraling into hours of overthinking.
[Evaluation: D]
Hmph, just as I thought—an easy woman to handle.
Fortunately, Yanfei quickly regained her composure. She cleared her throat and said, "That might be true under normal circumstances, but I have a quest to fulfill. It's absurd for the one being protected to end up protecting the protector! Please, rely on me completely."
"No, just stay with me and help me grind points."
Qin Yu thought to herself, but outwardly she grasped Yanfei's hand and flashed a bright smile. "Then I'll have to trouble Miss Yanfei."
Yanfei's cheeks flushed slightly. "O-of course."
[Evaluation: D+]
With the warm-up complete, it was time to enter the ruins.
The ruins were nestled deep within the mountains. The entrance led into a gloomy, dimly lit space. Qin Yu's throat tightened, and she instinctively grabbed Yanfei's sleeve, hiding behind her.
"Miss Qin? Are you alright?"
"Huh? Ah... ahaha, I'm fine! I'm just a little afraid of the dark. But don't worry about me!"
Yanfei was surprised. She hadn't expected Qin Yu to be afraid of the dark. This won't do at all.
Fortunately, Yanfei possessed a Pyro Vision. While she couldn't wield it with masterful skill, conjuring a flame was effortless.
Now's my chance to shine! With a flick of her wrist, a ball of fire erupted from Yanfei's palm, illuminating the surroundings.
It also blinded Qin Yu, who had just activated her Vampire Magic Eye.
"Uwa?!" Qin Yu immediately covered her eyes.
"Whoa!? What's wrong?" Yanfei jumped back in surprise.
"Fire! Fire!"
"Fire? Ah, are you afraid of fire? I'll put it out right away!" Yanfei hastily extinguished the flames.
Qin Yu finally managed to open her eyes, rubbing them and exhaling in relief. While Night Vision wasn't significantly affected by ambient light, a light source too close could still blind her.
My eyes feel so sore...
Yanfei slumped her shoulders, guiltily saying, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were afraid of fire."
She suddenly looks so dejected! No, I have to cheer her up, or how will we continue our cuddling?
"No, it's not that I'm afraid of fire. It's just that bright lights too close make it hard for me to see clearly... I don't think I've ever mentioned this to Miss Yanfei before, so it's not your fault at all. On the contrary—thank you for being so considerate. I really appreciate that about you!"
In short, showering her with praise was the way to go.
Thanks to her constantly improving acting skills, Qin Yu's smile was now flawless, instantly stunning Yanfei.
She really appreciates that about me? Does she mean my concern for her? Isn't that only natural? Yet she specifically emphasized it... Is she trying to comfort me? Yanfei felt a warmth spread through her heart.
This time, Yanfei wasn't mistaken. Qin Yu was indeed comforting her.
[Evaluation: C-]
But... could it be possible that the statement holds true even without that "little detail"? No, no, no, I must be overthinking things. But if it were true...
No, she was definitely mistaken.
[Evaluation: C]
Qin Yu was utterly confused. How had her evaluation inexplicably risen again?
Could this be another bug? Did Yanfei have a constitution that caused the System to glitch? If so, that would be amazing.
"What's wrong with your eyes?" Yanfei finally noticed Qin Yu's eyes.
They were wine-red, as dazzling and beautiful as gemstones. Strange—weren't they amber just moments ago? How had they suddenly turned red?
Hmph, good question.
Qin Yu closed her eyes, brushed her hand across them, and when she opened them again, they were amber once more.
So dark! Qin Yu suppressed her trembling and forced a smile. "T-this is one of my abilities. I can change my eye color. Miss Yanfei, could you please light a fire?"
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine! Just hurry!"
Yanfei reignited the flames.
With the light, Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief, her fear subsiding. "This ability gives me night vision when my eyes are red! That's why I couldn't see when the light was too close earlier."
"I see. That's quite a unique ability. Hmm, I'll keep that in mind from now on."
Qin Yu activated her Vampire Magic Eye.
Excellent, her eyes felt no discomfort.
"Your eyes are beautiful," Yanfei couldn't help but praise. "They're like deep, precious gems."
Already a captivating woman, her charm had only intensified with this transformation. Countless admirers would surely flock to her—provided she was willing to reveal this side of herself.
"Miss Yanfei's eyes are lovely too! I've thought so ever since we first met. Looking into them like this puts me at ease."
"At ease?"
Wait, was she ignoring what Qin Yu had said earlier?
Qin Yu mentally facepalmed. "Yes, because your eyes are so striking. Mine pale in comparison."
She's praising me again! Why does she keep complimenting me? It's so embarrassing... Could she really...? Yanfei's thoughts spiraled into confusion. This is progressing too quickly. It should be slower, like a gradual blossoming, a steady stream, a natural flow...
[Rating: C+]
Footsteps approached.
Someone was coming! Qin Yu instinctively wanted to hide behind Yanfei, but her mind slammed on the brakes, reminding her of the optimal solution.
Qin Yu stepped in front of Yanfei, adopting a "I'll protect you" stance.
Yanfei snapped out of her daze, touched by the gesture. She immediately moved in front of Qin Yu. "Get behind me. I'm the one who's supposed to protect you."
Good, that's exactly how it should be! Wait, why isn't there a rating?
Qin Yu retreated behind Yanfei and drew her revolver.
Then, someone appeared before them.
"Hmm? Wow, isn't that Fishy Treasure and Yanfei? I never expected to see you here! What a coincidence!"
It was Hu Tao... Qin Yu holstered her revolver.
Yanfei looked surprised. "Director Hu Tao? What are you doing here?"
Hu Tao sighed dramatically. "To be honest, it's like this—"
"—A valued client of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been kidnapped and brought here! We can't let outsiders know about this—it would be a disgrace. So, this Director had no choice but to personally come and retrieve them."
It was a kidnapping after all.
But why would anyone kidnap someone from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?