Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

"Why do you want me to do this?" Qin Yu asked.

Compared to Yanfei's offer of compensation, Qin Yu was more concerned about her motives.

She's ignoring my polished facade to see that vulnerable version of me?

Is Yanfei a little... strange?

Yanfei thought, I knew she'd ask why. The reason—simply wanting to see it—sounded weak.

Choosing the fake over the real would imply the fake is better.

The best explanation is "interesting."

"I find that version of you fascinating!" Yanfei declared.

Is she messing with me?

I'm not your toy. You think it's "fascinating," so I have to play along? No way. Weren't you practically begging to see it just now? And now the only reason is this?

This is utterly absurd!

Qin Yu felt a surge of irritation. No matter how flawed her true personality might be, she refused to be a source of amusement for others.

Yanfei, realizing her misstep, quickly added, "Of course, I didn't mean to make fun of you—"

Qin Yu, anticipating Yanfei's next words, interrupted, "Wait, let me think about this."

Yanfei's intended remark—"I actually thought it might reveal even more admirable sides of you"—was cut short by Qin Yu.

Unable to continue, Yanfei fell silent, anxiously awaiting Qin Yu's response.

Should I not have made such a strange request? Yanfei wondered. But the words are out now. There's no going back. She felt a pang of regret, yet her genuine curiosity remained undiminished.

Qin Yu sighed inwardly.

Because it's amusing, that's why she wants to see it. The reason stung, yet it fit perfectly.

If Yanfei had sincerely said, "I simply want to see that side of you," Qin Yu couldn't imagine how she would have reacted. The thought defied her comprehension.

Qin Yu couldn't shake the feeling that it would have been best if this whole thing had never happened.

Despite her annoyance, she was relieved and grateful that Yanfei had framed her request in this way.

"Interesting" and "simply wanting to see" evoked entirely different emotions.

As for whether Yanfei genuinely felt that way?

Absolutely. Qin Yu refused to entertain any other explanation.

So, Yanfei was likely just seeking novelty. In such cases, acceptance might be wiser than rejection.

Repeated refusals might only pique her interest further. By agreeing, Yanfei would likely grow bored quickly, losing interest and never making such troublesome requests again.

Logically, Qin Yu had already made her decision.

Emotionally, however, she felt considerable resistance.

The previous incident had been unavoidable, driven by circumstances. This time, it was merely Yanfei's personal request, a matter of entirely different gravity.

Yet, lurking beneath this emotional turmoil were other, unspoken feelings.

Therefore, Qin Yu said, "Alright."

"Eh? Really? I know my request is presumptuous and strange, so if you're even slightly uncomfortable, just pretend I never said anything..."

Yanfei sensed she might be pushing Qin Yu too far, potentially straining their relationship. She began to backpedal.

Qin Yu's displeasure intensified. She gripped Yanfei's shoulders and abruptly closed the distance between their faces.

Yanfei's expression shifted between surprise and nervousness, her eyes widening slightly.

"I said yes. Don't ask again," Qin Yu snapped, her tone sharp.

Yes, yes, that's exactly the feeling! Yanfei's heart inexplicably leaped with joy, only to immediately chastise herself for finding pleasure in something so strange.

I need to control my emotions better.

With this thought, Yanfei nodded gently. "Thank you... Ah, has it already started?"

"Mm."

Qin Yu withdrew her hand and sighed deeply.

"What's next?" she asked listlessly.

Yanfei, on the other hand, suddenly felt invigorated. Her mind raced as she considered the best course of action.

Staying in the law firm all day would be unbearably boring, and with no cases scheduled, Qin Yu decided to head out into the city.

"Qin Yu, want to go out and have some fun?"

Ha? You want me to go out looking like this?

"No."

"Why not?" Yanfei leaned closer to Qin Yu.

Why are you getting so close?

Ever since earlier, Yanfei's demeanor had suddenly shifted, feeling strangely different. What's wrong with her?

Qin Yu felt a flicker of unease and shifted her position.

"Just because."

"So... you'd rather stay here with me?" Yanfei asked with a radiant smile.

"No. Keep your distance. You're being kind of gross right now."

Yanfei gasped in surprise. "Really?! I thought I was acting perfectly normal..."

Wait, maybe I am a little too excited. But repulsive? Feeling slightly hurt, Yanfei realized it was her own fault for getting carried away and gave an embarrassed chuckle.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I guess I got a little too worked up. Please forgive me."

Qin Yu was genuinely surprised. She had expected Yanfei to be upset by her harsh words.

Of course, a legal expert who constantly dealt with people would need a strong mental fortitude.

"It's alright, I forgive you"—Qin Yu was about to say those words when she suddenly realized they weren't appropriate for her current persona.

"Mhm, good that you understand," Qin Yu managed to say instead.

Even though she had stopped herself in time, the discomfort welling up inside her lingered.

Her fabricated persona was starting to influence her real self.

This personality she had painstakingly crafted for external interactions was now eroding her very core as its Master. How utterly detestable.

Qin Yu mused that perhaps it was because she had worn this mask for so long, only removing it when alone, that her true self now felt compelled to act in accordance with the persona when facing others.

She brought this upon herself, she thought.

But what choice did she have? Like Yanfei, once the initial novelty wore off, she would surely grow tired of this charade.

As Qin Yu resignedly considered this, Yanfei continued speaking with an endearing smile.

"Come out with me, Qin Yu! I'll treat you to the best food and drinks—everything's on me!"

"Go by yourself."

"That wouldn't be any fun at all. Come on, please? You won't be bored, I promise!"

Yanfei's getting this excited over someone who's just "acting." There must be something wrong with her, Qin Yu thought.

"I don't want to go."

"Then... we can just stay here together?"

"I'm going back."

"Wait, please! I swear to Rex Lapis, I'll treat you well... Ugh, just come out with me!"

If we're going out...

Qin Yu switched gears and smiled. "We can't possibly go out like this, can we? What if someone recognizes me? If we're going out, I'll have to change back to my original appearance."

Wouldn't that be better?

"No, no! I'll figure something out!"

She's actually going to "figure something out"... Is it really that big of a deal? Qin Yu thought, utterly baffled. She sighed inwardly.

But then she realized, perhaps it was necessary.

Not for Yanfei's sake, but for her own.

It was like seizing this opportunity to surface and catch her breath. To prevent her true self from being completely eroded by this act, she needed to interact with others as herself for a while.

And Yanfei was perfect for this.

Since Yanfei believed Qin Yu was just "acting," this request had come from Yanfei herself.

Even if Yanfei eventually grew tired of it, this brief respite would be enough to sustain Qin Yu's resolve to maintain her true self.

As for what the future holds, we'll worry about that when the time comes.

Qin Yu nodded slightly, thinking this.

"Alright, but I'd prefer to go somewhere less crowded."

Yanfei perked up, her eyes sparkling. "Mm-hmm! Leave it to me! Heh heh, I'll show you just how reliable I can be."

Not that I was holding my breath.