Let it be known, she didn't fall on purpose.
But the moment her foot slipped and she began to topple forward, her mind already flashed with the idea of exploiting this accident.
Shenhe caught Qin Yu, thinking this was the second time. She didn't dwell on it, simply considering the person might be a bit clumsy.
The opportunity had come! Unbeknownst to Shenhe, Qin Yu had already made up her mind. Without hesitation, she took advantage of the situation to embrace Shenhe.
Being both women, this was possible. If it were a man, he'd have been punched away in the next instant.
[Evaluation: B-]
Shenhe's eyes widened slightly. Panic was an emotion she'd thought long forgotten, yet now faint ripples of it surfaced within her. Though small, they couldn't be ignored - for normally, her emotional fluctuations were minimal.
Before Shenhe could ask, Qin Yu released her hand.
"This is..."
Qin Yu smiled brightly. "My answer!"
Shenhe pressed a hand to her chest, turning her face away.
Moments ago, she had reached out to confirm Qin Yu's intentions. Had Qin Yu taken her hand, it would have signified acceptance as a fellow traveler. This was the response she sought to confirm Qin Yu's acceptance of her.
Yet if this were a test, the response had far exceeded any expectation.
The stumble had been accidental, but the subsequent embrace was not. Though fleeting, the sensation lingered.
Shenhe couldn't comprehend why Qin Yu would go to such lengths.
They'd met fewer than five times, known each other less than ten hours. Was this the kind of "late meeting of kindred spirits" story sung in mortal tales? But she felt no such connection...
No, perhaps she simply couldn't perceive it.
As Shenhe pondered, Qin Yu turned away, fanning her face with her hand to cool its blush.
Ah, so embarrassing— She'd done this despite not being friends. Won't she think I'm a flirt?
But given the circumstances, such an extreme response had been necessary... The most effective way to breach her defenses, to advance their relationship more quickly.
Fortunately, being female meant this gesture—though borderline improper—remained within socially acceptable bounds between women.
Still, the mortification remained undeniable.
"So you accept me as I am, then?"
"Huh?"
Shenhe said earnestly, "I didn't quite understand what happened earlier. Of course, I didn't dislike it. So, tell me what you were thinking."
Ha? I'm still trying to cool down here, and you're asking me to do that? Are you trying to kill me? Qin Yu thought unhappily, but her expression remained perfectly composed.
"What was I thinking...?" Qin Yu laughed. "You asked earlier, remember? That's exactly what you asked."
"My life pattern is extremely inauspicious," Shenhe said.
"But I've been divined before! My life pattern is excellent!"
"I rarely come down the mountain," Shenhe said. "I don't know many common worldly things."
"I can teach you!"
After hearing this, Shenhe replied mildly, "So... you really are a strange person."
[Evaluation: B]
You don't have any right to call me strange. If anything, you're the strangest person I've ever met, Qin Yu thought, secretly pleased about the rise in evaluation.
"Then from now on, you can come whenever you like. We're already friends, even though we haven't spent much time together. But I'm very grateful for how you've treated me."
Qin Yu's gaze drifted. "Friends, huh..."
She felt a little guilty, but as she'd decided earlier, she'd make up for it later.
"Of course, I'll be a good friend," Qin Yu said with a smile.
I'll make sure you don't spot even the slightest hint of my true intentions.
Shenhe nodded, not suspecting anything. "I feel the same way. If you have any opinions or suggestions, just tell me. Even if I don't understand, I'll still listen to you."
"Huh? Oh, no need for that. Just do whatever you think is best," Qin Yu replied with a forced smile.
Wow, those words... Qin Yu thought, they're incredibly effective. For someone craving control, it's practically heaven-sent.
But what makes a friend isn't something she could decide.
Normally, daily interactions would suffice. Those who get along naturally smooth out their differences and tolerate each other's quirks. For those who don't, forcing it would be pointless. Such things can't be forced.
Right, they can't be forced because personalities will inevitably clash... But as long as I play my part well, there won't be any problems.
Shenhe's expression seemed to soften. "Well, even so, if I truly make a mistake, I hope you'll speak up."
"No problem~ But could you tell me where you live? Having to call you every time is a bit..."
"Right this way."
Shenhe led Qin Yu to a secluded log cabin in the woods. Though called a cabin, it was more accurately a humble shelter - barely enough to block wind and rain.
This really does look like a cultivator's dwelling... Qin Yu marveled silently.
"Remember the path?"
"I have a vague sense of it. After a few more visits, I'll know it perfectly."
Shenhe nodded slightly. "That's good. But I won't be staying here often. If you come and I'm not present, feel free to return."
"Ah ha ha, if I return now, I really won't see you at all."
"But you might have to wait for a while."
Qin Yu smiled. "No problem. If the wait becomes unbearable, I'll head back myself."
"Understood."
After some casual conversation inside the humble shelter, Qin Yu finally prepared to take her leave.
Though the sky remained bright, returning now would bring her home at dusk. Any later would mean traveling through the night - a risk best avoided given her current capabilities.
"I should head back then?"
Shenhe glanced beyond the forest before turning back. "The path may harbor malevolent spirits. Let me escort you."
"Ah~ In that case, I'll gladly accept. Thank you!"
"You're welcome."
Though still weary from maintaining her act, Qin Yu genuinely worried about potential dangers on the road. With Shenhe accompanying her, she felt considerably safer.
They could continue their closeness during the journey, but considering the significant progress made today, Qin Yu decided not to push further. Instead, she conversed with Shenhe as they walked.
"This is far enough," Qin Yu said, smiling as she stood at a crossroads. "Millelith patrols become much more frequent ahead."
"Mm, farewell."
"Farewell~" Qin Yu waved goodbye to Shenhe.
Returning to Liyue Port, she let out a sigh of relief. Upon entering her rented room, she exhaled deeply before collapsing onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow and reveling in the profound sense of relaxation.
"Ah, utterly drained~"
Mentally drained, that is.
But today's progress was tremendous! Excellent! And with her evaluation now at B-grade, the settlement points must be substantial. Just thinking about it brought satisfaction.
She rolled over, absently scratching her exposed smooth belly.
"Shenhe... Not an Adeptus, yet living like one."
It was precisely because she had secluded herself in the mountains, with little human contact, that her defenses were so easily breached. This realization made Qin Yu inwardly scoff: I'm truly a despicable woman.
But she had succeeded.
Her performance had succeeded! Qin Yu let out a triumphant hum, her efforts not wasted.
So this is what men desire - a vibrant, energetic young girl who takes the initiative.
With this experience, she could undoubtedly refine her act in the future. But if her deception were ever exposed, their relationship might come to an abrupt end...
She couldn't let that happen.
I won't let you see through me.
Don't even entertain the thought.
-
Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS