"This is Qin Yu, our new maid. Please take good care of her," the head maid announced to the dozen or so maids assembled before her, standing ramrod straight with a serious expression.
How strange to see so many maids in a place like Liyue, Qin Yu mused. But really, they were just servants in different clothes with a different title.
Especially these mismatched, ill-fitting uniforms... Qin Yu sighed inwardly, forcing herself to endure it.
I can't exactly tell Ningguang this outfit is ridiculous, can I?
"Hello everyone, my name is Qin Yu! I hope we can all get along!" Qin Yu flashed her most radiant smile.
The morning assembly was a daily routine, and this introduction took place during one of them. Once it concluded, their official work hours began.
This was one of Ningguang's many estates, a vast complex with expansive grounds. Yet the staff numbered only eighteen.
It's going to be exhausting for the next few days while I learn the ropes, Qin Yu thought.
Ningguang herself rarely visited this particular estate, seemingly using it only for entertaining guests. But that didn't mean the maids could slack off. The head maid conducted daily inspections throughout the property to ensure everything was in order.
If Qin Yu made even the slightest mistake, the head maid would undoubtedly scold her for a full hour.
And to make matters worse, this head maid was notoriously strict.
She noticed every tiny detail, making Qin Yu wonder if she was a reincarnated scanner.
"Qin Yu, you're responsible for cleaning the second-floor corridor," the head maid instructed. "But don't touch any valuables, especially the porcelain. If you break anything, you might never be able to repay it in your lifetime."
"Understood," Qin Yu replied.
Rich people's houses are terrifying!
No matter, Qin Yu decided to use this opportunity to exchange for two new skills.
[Part-Time Maid 1: Designate a target as your "Master." Based on the Master's assets, this skill comprehensively enhances your attributes and Production Skills. The greater the Master's wealth, the larger the enhancement.]
[Maid's Path 1: When designating a target as your "Master," you gain the "I Am the Maid!" skill. Activating this skill temporarily upgrades all your Production Skills for the duration. However, while active, you are compelled to address the designated Master as "Master."]
So... who exactly is Ningguang?
"The wealthiest woman in Liyue!"
And she was also one of my "clingy targets," perfectly meeting the requirements for the "Part-Time Maid 1" skill.
The second skill, "Maid's Path 1," directly upgraded all my active Production Skills. "Cooking Proficiency 1" and "Cleaning Proficiency 1" both leveled up, indirectly saving me the Points needed to upgrade them to level 2.
With these skills, my work efficiency would skyrocket!
As for the second skill's side effect... Hmph, it's just a change in how I address someone. No big deal. As long as my acquaintances don't find out, there's no problem.
I exchanged the skills and designated Ningguang as my "Master." Instantly, a surge of power coursed through my body.
All my attributes increased by 10.
Impressive! Strength, Constitution, Agility... and Sensitivity?
Wait a minute, why did this utterly useless attribute also increase?
Qin Yu clutched her head in silent anguish. A 10-point increase in Sensitivity meant she could instantly die if she stubbed her toe on a table corner!
Tch, careless. That attribute I'd always ignored had come back to bite me...
Oh well, at least it won't take effect during combat.
I just need to be careful in daily life not to get injured.
"Anyway, let's get to work..."
Since it's cleaning time, I'll activate this skill.
Cleaning Time!
I sense it... there's grime!
Qin Yu entered a cleaning frenzy. The hallway, regularly swept, had minimal dirt, but the priceless porcelain and other artworks lining it were a different story—dust and grime had accumulated in hidden crevices.
Unacceptable!
Simultaneously, the "Maid's Path" skill spawned its derivative, "I Am the Maid!"
"Cleaning Proficiency 1" instantly leveled up to 2. In a split second, her mind formulated the perfect method for cleaning these delicate treasures.
Let's do this!
Some time later...
Qin Yu gazed at the spotless, gleaming hallway and patted her chest. "As expected of me—perfect..." Wait a minute.
A vague sense of unease lingered. Qin Yu furrowed her brow, trying to recall something, then paled.
"You're in charge of cleaning the second-floor hallway, but don't touch the valuables," the head maid had instructed.
Qin Yu slapped her forehead.
Stealthily, she glanced at the porcelain, paintings, and other artworks... They were completely revitalized, like new.
She looked again. They looked practically brand new... She rubbed her eyes and peered closer.
"Aha! Fresh off the assembly line!"
"Oh, I'm doomed."
It wasn't that the result was bad; being able to perfectly handle these priceless objects actually proved my competence.
But the Head Maid had explicitly told me not to touch them, and I'd gone ahead and done it anyway. That's a direct violation of orders!
No matter how well I'd done, disobedience was still disobedience.
A scolding would be bearable, but if the Head Maid branded me as a troublemaker, she'd make my life hell.
Now there was no turning back. Everything was spotless—what else could I do? Dirty it again? The Head Maid would probably kick me into the sea to feed the fish!
Best to pretend nothing happened.
The Head Maid asked, "What happened here?"
"I don't know!" I'd reply.
She pressed, "Did you do this?"
"It must be a miracle from Rex Lapis! He must have done it!"
No! If Rex Lapis himself heard me, I'd be toast. No, Rex Lapis is magnanimous; he probably wouldn't mind... Ugh... I hope so.
Qin Yu sighed. Once she entered her manic state, her judgment completely abandoned her.
The task assigned by the head maid was complete. Time to report back.
Just as Qin Yu was about to head downstairs, she heard voices approaching.
"Hmm? Quite a thorough job. Yanfei's eye for talent hasn't failed her. She truly recommended an excellent maid," Ningguang remarked.
Ningguang and the head maid approached the second-floor corridor.
The head maid's expression remained neutral. "Indeed, she performed admirably... Hmm?"
Her gaze fell upon the porcelain artifacts lining the hallway.
Oh no.
First came surprise, then suspicion, followed by a piercing glare. Yet the head maid said nothing, simply closing her eyes and pretending not to see.
Ningguang also noticed the valuable artworks in her collection.
"Remarkably clean," she observed with amusement. "But to my knowledge, none of the maids here have the expertise to handle such delicate pieces, do they?"
"That's correct," the head maid replied.
Ningguang smiled, clearly pleased. "Then this must be your doing, Qin Yu? Excellent. I originally intended this as a favor to Yanfei, but it seems I've discovered an exceptional talent. You've saved me the Mora I would have spent hiring a specialist. Truly commendable."
[Evaluation: D]
"Huh? I actually earned evaluation points from Ningguang?"
"Thank you for the praise, Master... Ah."
Oh no! I forgot my skill was still active. I meant to say "Lady Ningguang," but when I snapped back to reality, "Master" slipped out instead.
Ugh, ugh... How embarrassing!
Ningguang seemed mildly surprised. "Master? Ah, I see. A maid's way of speaking, hmm. Heh, our master-servant relationship is merely a business arrangement—just a job."
"As long as you fulfill your duties properly, I have no complaints."
Ningguang slowly walked to the porcelain vase, gently stroking its surface to feel its texture. Satisfied, she withdrew her hand.
"However, your abilities have exceeded my expectations. And despite our bond being based solely on a contract, you still call me 'Master.' This devotion is commendable. Come closer."
What's going on? Qin Yu, puzzled, cautiously approached Ningguang.
"Heh, no need to be so tense."
Ningguang reached out and gently placed her gloved hand on Qin Yu's cheek. The warmth of human skin seeped through the glove, carrying a faint floral fragrance.
"Wait a minute, what's going on?" Qin Yu's body tensed instantly, completely bewildered by Ningguang's actions.
Ningguang gently stroked Qin Yu's cheek, whispering, "I'm quite fond of you."
Huh? Huh? Qin Yu's face flushed uncontrollably. Could Ningguang possibly have... those kinds of inclinations?
"But that alone isn't enough. If you wish to rise higher, you must prove your talents even further. Do you understand?"
Qin Yu blinked, confused. "Rise higher?"
"Exactly. Continue to prove yourself before my eyes. Only by demonstrating your worth can you truly thrive." With that, Ningguang poked Qin Yu's cheek with her index finger.
Then, she turned and walked away.
"I'll be staying here temporarily for the week. Now, prepare lunch immediately."
The head maid bowed deeply. "Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Ningguang strolled off leisurely, leaving Qin Yu and the head maid standing frozen in place.
The Tianquan Star, Ningguang, is fond of me? It was more shocking than surprising. Just because I did a good job cleaning? Unbelievable...
But undeniably, this was an opportunity.
A chance to get close to Ningguang!
It seemed impossible at first, but with her maid status and Ningguang's apparent interest in her, it might actually work. Even if it only lasted for the week Ningguang was staying here, it would still earn her a significant number of Points.
After all, if she was working, she couldn't spend all her time doting on Shenhe and the others.
Qin Yu didn't dwell much on other possibilities.
Climbing higher in the ranks? No thanks. She had already decided to be a good friend to Shenhe and the others, and anything that would take up too much of her time wasn't worth it.
This was the only way she could truly help them.
The head maid sighed. "Lady Ningguang seems quite pleased with you, but don't let it go to your head. While the outcome was satisfactory, you still disobeyed my orders. We'll discuss that later. Now, go prepare lunch in the kitchen."
"Head maid..."
"Gaining Lady Ningguang's favor is a rare opportunity. Seize it while you can." The head maid turned away.
This person is surprisingly kind! Qin Yu thought in astonishment, remembering to smile. "Thank you!"