The morning sun streamed into the room, landing squarely on Qin Yu's face.
She had initially positioned her feet toward the window, but fearing she wouldn't wake up easily, she had switched positions, turning her head toward the window in hopes the sunlight would act as her alarm clock.
Instead, Qin Yu simply rolled over, pulled the blanket over her head, and drifted back to sleep.
As it turned out, when someone truly wanted to sleep, nothing could stop them.
Even if she set a hundred alarms, she'd probably just groggily shoot them all dead.
But there was one phrase that could instantly snap her awake.
Knock, knock, knock! The head maid rapped on the door and called out, "Get up, Qin Yu, or I'll dock your pay! A maid of Lady Ningguang can't be sleeping in like this."
Qin Yu's eyes flew open.
Why does she have to be so mean first thing in the morning?!
Reluctantly dragging herself out of bed, she dressed and prepared herself, enduring the head maid's scolding as she made her way to the courtyard to join the other maids for morning assembly.
"As you all know, Lady Ningguang will be staying at this estate this week. Our daily duties will remain largely unchanged, but I will be enforcing stricter standards. If I find any negligence... you understand the consequences, right?"
"Yes, Head Maid!"
"Good. Dismissed."
Qin Yu stifled a yawn and turned toward the kitchen, but the head maid stopped her.
"Qin Yu, wait a moment."
Why me? I didn't do anything wrong, except maybe oversleep a little... Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, forcing a smile. "Yes, Head Maid? What can I do for you?"
The head maid nodded. "Lady Ningguang has requested breakfast in her room today. Once it's ready, take it there directly."
"Understood."
Breakfast in her room? Oh, right... I skipped breakfast because I woke up late. My stomach's growling...
Guess I'll just have to sneak something later.
"I made a little extra breakfast. You must have missed it since you woke up late, right? Eat it as soon as you're done delivering this. You don't want to make a mistake because you're hungry and lose your composure."
The head maid is so kind!
Enhanced by her Skill, Qin Yu prepared a flawless breakfast and carried it to the door of Ningguang's bedroom.
Holding the tray steady in one hand, she knocked with the other. "Breakfast is here, My M—"
Wait, her Skill was still active!
Qin Yu deactivated it and quickly continued, "...Lady Ningguang."
"Oh, it's you, Qin Yu. The door's unlocked. Come in."
"I apologize for intruding..."
She pushed the door open, stepped inside, and gently closed it behind her. Ningguang sat at her desk, gazing out the window as she idly turned her smoking pipe in her hand, seemingly lost in thought.
After placing the breakfast on the desk, Qin Yu wondered what to do next.
Ningguang casually remarked, "Just stay here. It'll save me the trouble of calling you again later."
Then I'll just stand here, Qin Yu thought. Speaking of which, I decided to try getting closer to Lady Ningguang, but how exactly should I go about it? My usual methods might not work... Hmm...
"Today's the second day," Ningguang suddenly asked. "How are you settling in?"
Qin Yu turned with a smile. "The work environment is excellent, and everyone has been so friendly. I'm really enjoying it!"
Ningguang smiled faintly. "You don't seem to have done this kind of work before. I didn't expect you to pick it up so quickly and become so adept at it. It's quite surprising."
"That's only because the head maid and everyone else have been helping me," Qin Yu replied modestly.
"Such modesty... By the way, come here. Lean down."
Though Qin Yu didn't understand Ningguang's intentions, she obeyed.
Standing beside Ningguang and bending over, Qin Yu felt her face flush. Ningguang narrowed her crimson eyes slightly, reached out, and gently placed her fingers on Qin Yu's chin. She tilted Qin Yu's head from side to side, examining her face with a thoughtful hum.
What is she doing? This is so embarrassing. Can she stop already?
[Evaluation: D-]
Tch... Ten seconds. If she doesn't let go after ten seconds...
Well, there's nothing I can do about it now.
Perhaps I should adopt this submissive approach with Lady Ningguang? Turn the tables and become passive... Qin Yu pondered the possibility of using this strategy to get closer.
But the idea was unpalatable. She had always been the one to take the initiative. How could she now passively accept someone else's actions?
Wait! Strategically speaking, retreat can actually be a form of advance!
Appearing compliant can itself be an offensive maneuver!
Qin Yu suddenly understood, feeling as if her understanding of strategy had deepened considerably.
Retreat is advance; acceptance can also be a form of rejection—it's all about luring your opponent into your own rhythm. I should borrow a book on military strategy from the bookstore next time I'm there. Who knows, maybe I'll have more insights like this.
"How have you been feeling lately?" Ningguang asked.
"Perfectly healthy. Why do you ask?"
Ningguang withdrew her hand casually. "Nothing in particular, just checking on my subordinates. Speaking of which, have you been dreaming lately?"
"Dreams? Yes, I have."
"What kind of dreams?"
Qin En straightened up, racking his memory. What kind of dreams? Of course, it was the dream of living in a grand mansion with a vault overflowing with Mora.
But that didn't fit his persona—too vulgar. He needed a better way to put it.
"Very happy dreams."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Is that so? That's quite nice."
"Ahaha, it's just a dream. Reality requires hard work. Still, I'm grateful for your concern, Lady Ningguang. Even though we're merely master and servant through employment, I'll strive to meet your expectations!"
Perfectly phrased. As expected of me.
No reaction? None at all? Not even a word?
"I look forward to seeing your performance. But speaking of which, 'Lady Ningguang'?"
Ningguang shook her head slightly. "After just one night apart, you've grown so distant. I must admit, yesterday's form of address was much more pleasing to my ears. What was it again? I can't quite recall... even I have moments of forgetfulness. Do you remember?"
"You don't remember? How could you forget? I remember it perfectly! Don't tell me you've forgotten?"
Ah, I see. So you want me to say it again, do you? Well, you can dream on! So what if you're the richest woman in Liyue? Pfft!
Qin Yu forced a smile. "Lady Ningguang, please don't tease me. I've reflected on it, and I realize that way of speaking was rather odd. It wasn't appropriate. I should address you as Lady Ningguang like everyone else."
"I forbid it."
"Huh?!"
"You're my maid, hired with my own Mora. It's not unreasonable to ask you to fulfill such a simple request, is it?"
This woman... It seems none of the people she chooses as her targets are normal.
What's so simple about it? The last time was just a slip of the tongue—and I even volunteered it. This time, you're demanding it! The context is completely different.
If you're so desperate, why don't you just bribe me with Mora? Let's see... One million!
I'd say it for a million.
Qin Yu's inner monologue raced as she shook her head. "No, for me, it's still... too much."
"Are you saying you'll only do it for Mora?"
"I'm not that kind of woman."
"Take this."
Ningguang produced a pouch of Mora and tossed it to Qin Yu.
She's actually going to pay?!
I take it back! Everything I just thought was a joke! Some things are priceless! Qin Yu hastily caught the pouch, a cold sweat breaking out on her brow.
"Hehe, you look so tense. Don't worry, I'm giving you this bag of Mora to run an errand for me. It's just to cover your expenses."
"Whew..." Qin Yu sighed in relief.
But a flicker of irritation followed. What is this woman up to? Just because she's my mistress, she thinks she can toy with me whenever she wants! Qin Yu thought, forcing a polite smile.
"You can keep any extra Mora you manage to save. How much you get depends on your bargaining skills. Here's the list—please buy these items for me."
"Thank you!" Qin Yu's mood brightened instantly, like an actor switching roles mid-scene.
Taking the list from Ningguang, Qin Yu glanced over it and already knew exactly where to go. She recognized almost everyone in the market district, and haggling would be a breeze.
Having spending money is wonderful.
Qin Yu said earnestly, "I understand. I'll go right now!"
"No need to rush. Just make sure you have everything by the end of the day. And come closer."
"Is there anything else?"
Ningguang stood up and once again pressed her hand against Qin Yu's cheek.
Not again! Could she really have... that kind of tendency? Qin Yu's mind raced with wild thoughts.
"Hmm, looking at you really does remind me of my younger self... I also went through quite a bit of hardship back then."
"May I ask..."
Ningguang smiled. "Feeling flustered? Don't worry about it. I was just rambling to myself."
Even if you say that... Well, fine, I'll just ignore it.
"And I wasn't joking when I said I want you to keep addressing me that way."
Really?
"Of course, using Mora to order you around was just a jest. After all, true sincerity can't be bought with gold. Everything has its own intrinsic value, and most of the time, what's genuine is the most precious. Don't you agree?"
[Evaluation: D+]
Qin Yu's face flushed. She averted her gaze and stammered, "I-I don't know... No, even if it's a lie, as long as no one finds out, wouldn't it hold the same value as the truth?"
"Is that how you see it? How intriguing."
Ningguang chuckled softly. "Very well, you may withdraw now."
She withdrew her hand.
Qin Yu let out a silent sigh of relief. "Understood. I'll take my leave."
Ningguang settled back into her chair. "One more thing."
Again?!
"A guest will be arriving shortly. Please receive them."
"A guest? May I ask who it is?"
Ningguang glanced at her, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Yuheng Star Keqing."
Ah... That person.