Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

I shouldn't have asked her.

Qin Yu now deeply regretted her impulsive question. If she'd simply ignored Ganyu's reaction and pretended not to notice, none of this awkwardness would have happened.

I'm just like a fish that took the bait. How stupid of me, Qin Yu lamented inwardly.

If pressed, even a tactful refusal wouldn't be a problem.

After all, we'd only met once before, and our relationship wasn't particularly close. Rejecting her wouldn't cause much psychological pressure, nor would it have any significant consequences.

I'm sure Ganyu was well aware of this too.

But what would happen if I accepted instead?

Ganyu would likely be pleased, and my evaluation in her eyes would improve.

Even though she serves as secretary to the entire Liyue Qixing and rarely has time for personal interactions, leaving a good impression could earn me some "points" if we happened to meet again in the future.

It seemed like a win-win situation.

Except for the awkwardness. How should I put it? Calling a woman who looks roughly my age but is actually older than my great-great-great-great-grandmother "Sister"?

There's just something... peculiar about it.

This isn't the same as calling random middle-aged women "Sister"!

Besides, I only called her "Sister Ganyu" when I was a child, and we only met once back then. Now that I'm all grown up, wouldn't it seem childish to use that old title?

Mood is everything!

"Well, this is..." Qin Yu stammered, finally managing to speak.

"Ah, if you're not comfortable with it, there's nothing to be done..." Ganyu's smile held a hint of regret.

Whoa, she's actually making that kind of face... Qin Yu realized in a new light that Ganyu, like Shenhe, was no ordinary woman.

She glanced at Ganyu—her expression hadn't changed. She looked again, and it still hadn't.

Ah, really... Oh well! I already call Ningguang "Master," what's one more "Sister"?

Resigned to her fate, Qin Yu swallowed her original words.

"Ganyu... Sister."

Ganyu froze for a moment, then her face lit up with a radiant smile. "Mm."

Evaluation: B

Hmph, at least give me an A.

Qin Yu exhaled sharply, never expecting a simple errand to lead to this. Time was running late; if she didn't hurry back, Ningguang would soon begin her daily schedule.

That would be a dereliction of my duties as a maid! Determined to secure her paycheck, Qin Yu straightened up.

Just as she was about to say goodbye, Ganyu approached, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

What are you doing? What are you going to do? Qin Yu's gaze fell on Ganyu's outfit, immediately reminding her of Shenhe. This, in turn, brought back memories of Shenhe's actions that night, triggering an involuntary flinch as Ganyu approached. Panic rose in her chest.

Ganyu placed her hand on Qin Yu's head and gently stroked her hair a few times.

Whoa?! Qin Yu startled, heat gathering at the base of her ears, making her uncomfortable. Won't this mess up my hair? But her persona demanded restraint, so she couldn't directly object.

Yet "stroke" wasn't quite the right word. Ganyu was more like smoothing Qin Yu's hair, her gentle movements creating a faint tickling sensation. It felt... odd.

Ganyu quickly withdrew her hand, glanced at Qin Yu's hair, and nodded in satisfaction.

"There, all done. It's getting late... You should focus on your work now. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."

"As the Tianquan's secretary, I'm technically your senior," Ganyu added with a cheerful smile. "Looking after juniors is part of my duty."

So she was just fixing my hair? My bad for misunderstanding.

But she should have said something first! Made me think she was about to do something weird again... Qin Yu muttered inwardly.

And something about Ganyu's tone left Qin Yu feeling vaguely irritated.

You're not really my sister, so why are you talking to me like that? We only met briefly a long time ago, and I just happened to remember you today.

Strictly speaking, we're just acquaintances.

Qin Yu's heart was in turmoil, but she maintained a flawless smile. "Thank you, Senior Ganyu! You're so dependable!"

"Oh, it's just from years of experience working here... Hmm? When did you start calling me that?"

She noticed.

Qin Yu regretted her slip but made one last attempt to defend herself. "Well, you are my senior... I thought it was more appropriate to address you that way in a professional setting."

A perfect response.

"Why...? Please go back to calling me what you used to," Ganyu said, her eyes drooping slightly at the corners.

"Understood, Miss Ganyu!"

She didn't specify which title I should use.

Ganyu understood Qin Yu's intentions. Surprised and slightly annoyed, she couldn't help but think Qin Yu was a bit mischievous. She countered, "Then, as your senior, I ask you to correct how you address me..."

Whoa, she's got a trick up her sleeve too?! Could this woman be more cunning than she lets on?

"I-I was just joking! I'm sorry."

"Really? Then... I should apologize too. I got a bit carried away. I didn't mean to pressure you; I was just teasing. I wouldn't actually do that."

What a despicable woman.

"If you were just joking... then could you call me 'Sister Ganyu' again?"

What a despicable woman!

She's definitely not just an ordinary girl. No, that's not quite right—everyone uses tricks to get what they want. But Qin Yu still found it hard to accept.

She was cornered, with no way out.

Enough. Just finish this and get out of here. With that thought, Qin Yu forced herself to say, "Sister Ganyu."

"Mmm... I'm a little embarrassed."

Ha? Then why did you insist in the first place? Seriously... Qin Yu wanted to leave immediately, but remembered she still had something to say.

"Still, I'm so glad I remembered. Why would I forget something like that? I should at least have some vague memory of it..." Qin Yu tried to pry for information.

Ganyu quickly replied, "It's probably because it wasn't a particularly special experience for you."

She didn't take the bait... Oh well, this is still an opportunity!

"Hmm... but Sister Ganyu thinks this is special, right? Then if that's the case, it's special to me too!"

"Ah... thank you for thinking that way."

The joy of having an event she considered special being seen the same way by Ganyu filled Qin Yu with a warm sense of contentment, a feeling of being cherished.

Evaluation: B+

Evaluation acquired! Qin Yu's mood instantly brightened.

She opened the door, turned back to Ganyu, and said, "Thank you so much for today. Goodbye, Sister...Ganyu... ."

Still doesn't feel quite natural.

"Ah—" Ganyu's reaction was more of surprise than acknowledgment.

What's wrong?

Qin Yu turned back and found herself face-to-face with Keqing.

"...Whoa?!"

"Wait, don't just shout like that! You scared me..." Keqing stepped back, clutching her chest.

Qin Yu suddenly remembered her earlier slip of calling Ganyu "Sister Ganyu," which Keqing must have overheard. She felt an overwhelming urge to shoot herself.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm fine now! I'll take my leave. Wishing you both good health. Goodbye!"

Qin Yu spoke at lightning speed. Before Keqing could even react, she had darted away.

Has her physical fitness improved? Keqing wondered, staring dumbfounded as Qin Yu's retreating figure disappeared around the corner. She shook her head. Qin Yu's improved health was a good thing.

But... had she just called Ganyu "Sister Ganyu"?

Keqing sighed, entered her office, and closed the door.

"What was that about? Has she regained her memories?" Keqing asked gravely.