After that, Qin Yu and her group continued to show Shenhe around Liyue Port, enjoying the simple pleasure of spending time with friends.
As evening approached, it was time to part ways.
Hu Tao announced that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had work to attend to that evening and she couldn't stay any longer. However, she warmly welcomed them to visit the parlor anytime.
Not a chance.
Yanfei offered to continue accompanying them, but Qin Yu felt tired and wanted to go home to rest. After politely declining, Yanfei smoothly changed the subject, mentioning she needed to memorize the newly released Law provisions that night.
"I'll walk you home," Yanfei offered.
Qin Yu shook her head with a smile. "No need, it's just a short walk."
Shenhe spoke up. "I'll take her."
"That works too. I feel much better knowing she's in good hands. See you tomorrow! If anything comes up, don't hesitate to reach out!" Yanfei waved cheerfully.
"Okay! Today was wonderful, all thanks to Miss Yanfei and Hu Tao."
"You flatter me! I didn't do much. But I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves. I must take my leave now." With that, Yanfei turned and departed.
Hu Tao nodded. "I should be going too. Shenhe and Fishy Treasure, feel free to drop by the parlor sometime."
"N-next time for sure!"
Watching them leave, Qin Yu secretly exhaled in relief.
Multitasking is exhausting... I must be running on a single-core processor.
If there had been only one target, it would have been much easier. But this time, all three potential "bonding partners" were together! Still, this meant she could look forward to a substantial point reward tonight.
The bonding evaluations for all three had already reached B-grade or higher. The quality wasn't great, but the sheer quantity would surely compensate.
This must be the reward after all the hardship, she thought with a smug smile. Not bad at all.
But spreading her attention equally among them had proven difficult.
Looks like I still have much to improve, she mused. When I get home, I'll review my performance and reflect on what I could have done better. If I didn't do well enough, I need to reflect, strategize, and learn!
Being the perfect young girl wasn't easy.
Qin Yu glanced at Shenhe, thinking she could try to improve her evaluation on the way home. She couldn't manage all three, but focusing on one person—especially Shenhe—would be no problem at all.
Plus, she wanted to ask Shenhe some questions anyway. It would be a win-win.
"Shall we head back too?" she asked with a smile.
"Mm."
Under the setting sun, the two strolled down the thinning streets, their shadows stretching long behind them.
At this hour, many shops had already closed. A touch of wistfulness crept into Qin Yu's heart as she realized their day of fun was officially coming to an end.
Qin Yu couldn't let her emotions show. Emotions were contagious, and there was no need to complicate things.
Smiling, she asked, "We went to so many places today, Shenhe. What did you think?"
"I saw many things for the first time. It was quite interesting."
She must be happy, Qin Yu mused, but Shenhe's expression remained as unchanging as ever.
"Really? That's wonderful! I was worried you might find it unpleasant. Looks like I was overthinking things."
Good, ask me now! Ask me how I feel! This was the perfect moment for Shenhe to ask about her own feelings.
True to form, Shenhe didn't disappoint. Instead, she countered with, "I didn't find it unpleasant. What about you, Qin Yu? Are you happy?"
There it is! That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Qin Yu beamed a charming smile. "Of course! If you're happy, Shenhe, then I'm happy too!"
"I see..."
Shenhe trailed off, her expression unreadable.
Here it comes again, Qin Yu thought, that strange, recurring feeling from earlier in the day.
But the two feelings were different. One was vaguely unpleasant, while the other was its complete opposite. I just don't understand, Shenhe thought, gazing into the distance.
[Evaluation: B+]
At that moment, an elderly woman approached. "Isn't that Little Yu? Out for a stroll? Oh my, is this your friend? You two seem to get along so well! Please take good care of Little Yu. She's such a good child—always ready to help us whenever we're in need."
Shenhe nodded. "I will."
Throughout their outing today, many people had stopped to greet them, praising Qin Yu's virtues and asking Shenhe to look after her. Their sincerity was palpable.
"You're quite popular," Shenhe remarked, watching the elderly woman's retreating figure.
"That's just because everyone here is so kind. But for me, Shenhe will always be the most special one!"
It's so good I prepared beforehand, Qin Yu thought. With all these allies, how could I fail to make a good impression?
Shenhe pressed a hand to her chest. "You keep saying things like that..."
"Because it's true."
"True... Yes, I know. You're the same for me."
You didn't need to say that last part! Qin Yu thought. Saying such things with a straight face is infuriating. She touched her cheek—good, not too flushed.
"Anyway, as long as you had fun!" Qin Yu steered the conversation back on track.
"But—" Shenhe suddenly stopped and grabbed Qin Yu's hand.
What's going on? Why is she holding my hand? Qin Yu noticed Shenhe's tight grip, the warmth of her skin seeping through the fabric.
"Shenhe? What's wrong?" Qin Yu forced a smile.
"..."
Don't just stand there silently!
No, this isn't the time to freeze up. I need to respond directly! Qin Yu placed her other hand over Shenhe's.
"It's okay, you can tell me. I'll listen to anything you say," she said earnestly.
Shenhe's eyes flickered with hesitation before she finally spoke.
"Next time... let's go together again."
Huh? That's it? That's nothing...
"Just the two of us."
...Eh? Ah? Oh... HAH?!
Qin Yu's mind spiraled into chaos. What does that mean? No, it's exactly what it sounds like. But if it means what it sounds like—does she really have feelings for me? No, no, no, that's impossible!
She just wants to hang out with me alone.
She just wants to hang out with me alone!
She just wants to hang out with me alone...
Could that have been her plan when she came over at noon?
Inviting Hu Tao and Yanfei along would surely dash her expectations! Ugh, that's definitely a minus point—how could I have missed that?!
Fortunately, she doesn't seem to mind having four people together.
"Is that alright?" Shenhe asked, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
"It's not impossible... uh, I mean, it's fine!"
After all, it's a great opportunity to earn points. There's no reason to refuse. Yes, that's all there is to it.
"Um, Shenhe..."
But there's something I need to make clear.
Shenhe's inner turmoil had calmed with Qin Yu's response, but she wasn't about to let go. Hearing Qin Yu's soft call, she tilted her head slightly and asked what was wrong.
Qin Yu cleared her throat and said with utmost seriousness, "Impure relationships are not what I seek! You must remember that... alright?"
Shenhe looked utterly perplexed. "Impure relationships? What does that mean? But if you insist, I'll keep it in mind... though I still don't understand."
So she really doesn't have those kinds of feelings!
Qin Yu stammered awkwardly, "Never mind. Just forget I said anything."
"Why would you think our relationship showed signs of impurity?" Shenhe asked, her mind still churning.
"Eh? Ah, ahaha, it was just a reminder!"
Stop thinking about it already!
"A reminder? Hmm... Alright, I understand. I'll remember. I won't do anything you dislike."
This woman is really something! Qin Yu wanted to go home right now, not wanting to stay in this place for even a second longer. She just wanted to go back, lie in bed, and sleep soundly.
But her hand was still being held.
"Shenhe, my hand..."
"Your hand? Do you not like being held?"
"It's not that..."
"Then I want to hold it a little longer."
"Huh? Uh, why?"
Shenhe looked at Qin Yu and said softly, "Because it makes me feel secure."
"...O-okay."
Whatever, whatever... whatever! Qin Yu gave up trying to understand. If Shenhe felt this was right, then so be it.
After all, she's got a point, she's got a point, she's got a point!
Ah, no, my head's a mess.
[Evaluation: A+]
Get out of here.
"By the way, why did you choose Yanfei as your protector?"
"It all started with a letter..."
Qin Yu explained the situation to Shenhe. After listening, Shenhe simply said, "I understand. I'm different from her. I'll protect you forever even without a quest."
"Ahaha... Then I'll leave it to you, Shenhe."
Protect me forever? Why would she say that? I can't believe it... Don't make me believe it.