"Haah—I'm exhausted."
Qin Yu returned to her rented apartment and immediately collapsed onto the bed, letting out a deep sigh.
She had originally set out to find Shenhe, but unexpectedly ended up in a life-and-death struggle with bandits. Had Shenhe not intervened again to save her, even if she'd survived by some miracle, she would have needed months of recovery time.
Not to mention the soul-shaking medical bills that would have followed.
Can't afford to get sick, can't afford to get hurt!
Still, she hadn't come away empty-handed.
"Heh heh."
First: She'd secured permission to meet with Shenhe again!
Second: The rescued merchant had rewarded her with a substantial sum of Mora!
Third: The quest had been completed perfectly.
With these thoughts, Qin Yu took out the bulging pouch of Mora and shook it by her ear. The symphony of clinking coins brought her a sense of peace and contentment.
What a beautiful sound.
Now she could pay this month's rent, next month's, and the month after that with ease. Not only that, but she could treat herself to several restaurant meals.
-
After Shenhe left, Qin Yu didn't depart either. Instead, she stayed to watch over the two unconscious figures until they regained consciousness. Though not out of genuine concern, it wouldn't do to simply leave them there, so she had no choice but to wait.
Later, the pair expressed their gratitude to her.
The merchant-dressed man even took money from his own pocket, producing a pouch of Mora which he called a return gift. Qin Yu thought it would be improper to accept, so she politely declined.
But the man insisted that he too needed to maintain his dignity, urging her to take it. After some back-and-forth, Qin Yu sighed, "Then I'll have to thank you," and finally accepted. Not only had she preserved her carefully crafted persona, but she'd also acquired a legitimate sum of money.
It was perfect.
Tomorrow I'll treat myself to a good meal!
...No. Qin Yu gazed at the ceiling, thinking that even when using money, one should do so wisely. Before regaining her memories, she had been too reckless with her expenses, lacking any financial management skills, which nearly led to her personal bankruptcy.
She must learn from this mistake.
"Come to think of it, how was my performance?"
Playing a role required both skill and experience. If one lacked either, they could compensate with natural talent.
But Qin Yu lacked both, leaving her dependent on whatever talent she possessed.
Others could see through her facade better than she could. What she might consider a successful performance might actually be riddled with flaws, more holes than a spiderweb... Just thinking about it made Qin Yu feel immense anxiety.
If you play your part well, no one will notice, because no one will discover the truth.
If you play your part poorly, it becomes mere pretense.
Qin Yu sat up, carefully reviewing every action and every word she had spoken that day.
Remembering, thinking, reflecting, refining... Only through this process could she become the perfect young girl, could she blend in seamlessly.
"Ah, now that I think about it, there were quite a few moments that felt stiff and unnatural."
She felt like smashing her head into a block of tofu.
Qin Yu lay back down, realizing she lacked both acting skills and experience. Experience required time to accumulate, something she couldn't rush. But skills could be learned - with dedication and effort, she could progress faster.
And there were many ways to learn these skills.
She recalled there was a theater troupe in Liyue. But those actors had trained since childhood, building solid foundations. Could she possibly match them? No, though perhaps matching wasn't necessary...
"Hmm... I should start by reading some books first."
Having gathered numerous acting manuals from the Wan Wen Bookstore, Qin Yu spent the rest of the day seated at her desk, studying intently. She occasionally practiced her expressions in front of the mirror.
And as a result...
Her face ached from overusing her muscles.
As the saying goes, "Visitors should bring gifts." Whether visiting relatives or friends, bringing a present is always a good idea. Showing up empty-handed can be embarrassing.
Of course, those with thick skin or close enough relationships don't need to worry about such things.
But Qin Yu and Shenhe's relationship couldn't be described as close. It was only slightly better than strangers.
You could call them "half-familiar acquaintances" without exaggeration.
So going to visit without a gift would be too embarrassing.
What should she bring? When it comes to gifts, food and drinks are usually the go-to options. But Shenhe seemed so detached from worldly affairs, Qin Yu had no idea what to choose.
Then Qin Yu remembered that Shenhe had mentioned needing medicinal herbs...
"Medicinal herbs? That might work."
Herbs could be brewed into medicinal soups to cure illnesses, or used in nourishing medicinal dishes.
Even an Adeptus wouldn't refuse such treasures, would they? With this thought, Qin Yu felt reassured.
She would bring medicinal herbs.
After preparing her gift, Qin Yu left the city again.
Perhaps due to yesterday's attack, there were more Millelith soldiers on the main roads today. But she took a small path instead, entering the bamboo forest.
Shenhe had said to call her name when entering the forest, but Qin Yu found the act of shouting somewhat distasteful. Even in deserted places, she would keep her voice hushed to avoid drawing attention.
Still, she had no choice but to shout.
"Shenhe—!"
The cry echoed through the bamboo grove.
Qin Yu felt a blush creeping up her neck. "I'm growing more grateful for the invention of telephones by the minute."
After waiting in place for a moment, footsteps approached.
Shenhe emerged from behind a bamboo stalk, studying her. "So you really came."
Qin Yu immediately switched to her most charming smile. "Yes, I'm here! I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"Not at all. I'm free right now... You're Qin Yu, aren't you?"
"That's right. Qin is my surname, Yu my given name. You remember me?"
Shenhe's gaze shifted sideways. "I've never met someone like you before. It would be hard not to remember."
True enough... Such a persistent woman. Qin Yu chided herself.
She steadied her composure and maintained her smile. "In any case, I'm so glad to see you. Ah, this is a small token of my appreciation for saving me earlier. Please accept it."
Qin Yu took out the medicinal herbs she had purchased from her backpack and offered them to Shenhe.
Shenhe refused to accept, shaking her head. "I've already told you there's no need for a return gift. I didn't save you with any particular intention; punishing evil and eliminating wickedness was merely a casual act."
"Then giving you these herbs is also a casual act on my part."
Qin Yu insisted, forcefully pressing the herbs into Shenhe's hands.
"...Strange person," Shenhe muttered.
Despite her words, Shenhe accepted the gift and said, "Thank you. These herbs are exactly what I use regularly. The extra types can be used elsewhere."
"Using medicinal herbs regularly... You're truly an Adeptus, aren't you?" Qin Yu marveled.
Shenhe gazed at her in silence.
Qin Yu grew flustered. Had she said something wrong? Why this sudden silence?
Better change the subject! Qin Yu forced a smile. "Ah, right! Speaking of which—"
"I'm not an Adeptus."
"Huh?"
Realizing she'd spoken rudely, Qin Yu quickly corrected herself. "Uh, what?"
Shenhe stated matter-of-factly, "I'm not an Adeptus. Like you, I'm human. I've simply cultivated in several Adeptus sects."
"Ah—so that's how it is—so that's how it is—not an Adeptus after all—"
I want to bury myself in the earth!
I've been mistaken from the beginning! No wonder she gave me that extra look back then. I actually called her 'Adeptus Sister'—what kind of Adeptus? She just has a mere Adeptus aura, that's all.
"What's wrong? Your face suddenly turned very red," Shenhe observed.
"It's not... ahem, just that I feel so hot today, ah ha ha..." Qin Yu's eyes darted about as she fanned herself with her hand.
Shenhe turned to one side and said, "Follow me."
"What's wrong?"
"If you're feeling hot, I know a place that's cooler."
Qin Yu felt both flattered and bewildered by Shenhe's unexpected concern. Since the other woman had made the suggestion, it was best to go along with it—this would help things develop further.
"Thank you!"
Shenhe's expression remained impassive as she nodded. "Let's go."
-
Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS