Inside the Jade Chamber, Yanfei grumbled about the inconvenience of visiting as she scanned the platform for Ningguang.
Soon, she spotted the Tianquan Star.
Ningguang's long, white hair danced in the wind currents, draping over her exquisite qipao, which accentuated her graceful figure. Beneath the hem, one caught glimpses of legs as rare and captivating as precious jewels.
But judging her by appearances alone would be a mistake. Tianquan Ningguang was Liyue's foremost merchant, shrewd and calculating.
In a way, she was also Yanfei's "rival."
Yanfei excelled at finding loopholes in the Law, offering her clients "clever" advice, while Ningguang consistently enacted new laws to patch those very loopholes.
One drilled holes, the other plugged them. But even as they plugged, new holes would emerge, and Yanfei would be right there to exploit them.
This endless cycle kept expanding Liyue's legal code, much to the dismay of fellow practitioners who felt like innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of a divine battle.
Ningguang spoke first. "Yanfei, here to discuss the case?"
Yanfei nodded. "More or less. There's something else I wanted to ask you. Do you have a moment? It won't take long."
"Oh? That's unusual," Ningguang replied. "Go ahead, ask. Though if it's something I can't answer, I'll have to apologize in advance."
"Don't worry, it's nothing like that. I remember you mentioning wanting a maid. Are you still looking? I have a friend who'd be perfect for the job. She's cheerful, kind, and quite skilled. I just wanted to recommend her."
Ningguang turned around, her red eyes gleaming with thoughtful contemplation.
Yanfei's friend? Ah, I see. Ningguang understood. "Is this about that young lady named Qin Yu? The one who's been with you so often lately?"
"You know about her?" Yanfei asked, surprised.
"I've heard bits and pieces. The street children adore her; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she's universally beloved. She's changed so much since before."
Yanfei looked puzzled. "You know about her past?"
"A little, not much. Why? Does it concern you?"
Ningguang's keen perception easily saw through Yanfei's thoughts.
Yanfei was indeed deeply curious. Qin Yu had never spoken of her past, and Yanfei hadn't dared to ask.
Ningguang suddenly changed the subject. "However, that's someone else's secret. It's not mine to reveal."
"All I can say... Hmm, I suppose she was just born unlucky. Her biological family, the teacher who adopted her, and her best friend—they all left her, one after another, leaving her completely alone."
"Considering everything, she's doing alright now. People can't be chained to the past," Ningguang sighed.
Best friend? Who could that be? Shenhe? No, they get along so well.
Yanfei was deeply puzzled. She thought she knew Qin Yu well, but now realized she had only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg. The rest remained a mystery.
"Um, what about her friend?"
"She's fine, alive and kicking. Let's get back to the matter at hand—Qin Yu wants to be my maid? That's perfectly acceptable."
Yanfei breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared Ningguang would reject the idea outright.
But the ease with which Ningguang agreed felt odd. Shaking her head, Yanfei abandoned her lingering doubts.
Working for Ningguang would undoubtedly mean plenty of Mora. Qin Yu's goal was within reach.
"I want to conduct the interview myself. Once we've finished discussing the case, have her wait at that mansion below," Ningguang said, pointing to a residence below.
A personal interview? Could it be that she's particularly fond of Qin Yu...? Yanfei tapped her temple, sighing inwardly. Qin Yu really is too likable!
Upon learning that Ningguang herself would conduct the interview, Qin Yu exclaimed in disbelief, "Huh? The Tianquan Star herself will interview me?"
What have I done to deserve this honor?
Yanfei encouraged her, "I know you're nervous, but this is a huge opportunity! Make a good impression on Ningguang, and more doors will open for you in the future."
"Do you really think I can do this?" Qin Yu asked anxiously.
Ugh, I'm already trembling with nerves, and I haven't even met her yet!
Hello, my name is Qin Yu... What should I say next? Why would someone so important care about someone like me...?
Maybe I should just go live in the mountains with Shenhe instead.
Yanfei gripped Qin Yu's shoulders firmly. "I believe in you! Just be yourself, as always, and Ningguang definitely won't dislike you."
"Yanfei... thank you! Thanks to you, my courage is steadily rising!" Qin Yu smiled.
"That's right! Keep it up!"
"Yanfei really is someone you can rely on. She always makes me feel so secure."
"Th-thank you... I'm glad I could help," Yanfei stammered, her face flushed crimson.
[Evaluation: C]
My true self? Ha! As if anyone would like that version of me.
Now that I've come this far, there's no turning back. I just have to grit my teeth and get through it.
Rumor has it that Ningguang's insight is extraordinary. A half-baked act like mine would surely be exposed. This one-on-one interview is terrifying, but if I look at it positively, I can treat it as a test of my acting skills.
If I can fool Ningguang, it means my acting has finally matured.
Alright, time to psych myself up and get serious.
Since this is an interview, first impressions are crucial! Otherwise, she'll instantly sense my lack of sincerity and reject me outright.
And since it's Ningguang we're talking about, her standards must be sky-high.
This outfit... No, not this one either. What about this? Time's running out! Why can't I stop time? Wait, the System has it... but the Points requirement is ridiculously high!
In a frantic rush, I finally picked an outfit.
Outfit: OK.
"Ahem, hello, Lady Ningguang..."
Voice: Check. Makeup: Check. Smile... must be perfect! Qin Yu took a deep breath, grabbed her bag, and rushed out the door.
Half an hour had already passed. Even at full speed, it would take another ten minutes to get there.
Thank goodness I'm not wearing heels, or I'd definitely trip... Qin Yu thought with relief as she quickened her pace.
Finally, she arrived at her destination.
Before her stood an elegant mansion, its architectural style more reminiscent of foreign lands than Liyue. Yet no matter how she looked at it, it exuded an undeniable air of opulence.
Taking several deep breaths to calm herself, Qin Yu smoothed her wind-tossed bangs with trembling fingers, carefully pushed open the heavy gate, and stepped cautiously inside.
"We've been expecting you, Miss Qin Yu, correct?" a woman in a maid-like uniform greeted her from the side.
"Whoa!? Uh, yes, that's me."
What's with this maid outfit? Qin Yu thought, her expectations plummeting. It's like a bizarre, ill-fitting mishmash of Liyue styles.
Is this what's considered fashionable these days? I just don't get it...
"This way, please. Lady Ningguang has already arrived."
Qin Yu's expression shifted. She's already here? That means I'm late.
Late to meet Lady Ningguang of all people...
A headache began to throb behind her eyes.
But she had no choice but to proceed. She needed to think of a way to salvage her first impression.
Okay, first, no excuses. Honestly admit my mistake... If she rejects me outright because of this, there's nothing I can do.
Still, Yanfei recommended me. It's one thing if I lose face, but I can't let her down.
I have to take full responsibility for this.
So what if it ruins my image? This isn't the time to worry about vanity.
Though Qin Yu tried to remain calm, she couldn't help but feel increasingly nervous.
"Lady Ningguang is waiting in this room. I'll take my leave now."
"Thank you."
Qin Yu took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Then, she bowed solemnly and earnestly. "My deepest apologies, Lady Ningguang. It's entirely my fault for mismanaging my time and pressuring Yanfei to recommend me to you—"
"Qualified."
"...Huh?"
Confused, she straightened up.
The white-haired, red-eyed woman smiled charmingly. "I said you passed. That's settled. No need for explanations. I didn't set a time limit, so how could you possibly be late?"
Qin Yu was thoroughly bewildered.
"I... passed?"
"Yes."
Silence. Confusion. Bewilderment... then shock.
Huh??? What kind of joke is this? But hey, at least I'm getting paid now. Thanks!
Finally, a sense of emptiness.
...What am I even doing?
[Target List Updated]
[Target: Ningguang]
Oh.