Beware of Liyue Women (Genshin Impact)

Ganyu shook her head at Keqing's question. "No, she hasn't fully regained her memories... or rather, not completely."

Keqing's confusion deepened. Had Qin Yu remembered or not? Her earlier reaction didn't suggest any recollection of their shared history...

Ganyu clarified, "She only remembers the day we first met. That's all."

"Our first meeting? I remember you mentioning that Qin Yu mentioned it too."

When Qin Yu was still a child, she casually mentioned giving one of the blue flowers to a "strange older sister" while presenting flowers to Keqing.

Keqing vividly remembered feeling a pang of jealousy at the time.

Later, when she grew up and was discussing Qin Yu with Ganyu, she happened to mention this incident. It was then that she learned that the "strange older sister" Qin Yu had referred to was none other than Ganyu herself.

"Is that really all there is to it?" Keqing asked anxiously. "Did she mention who she wanted to give the flower to?"

Ganyu hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the truth. Even if Keqing understood it intellectually, her emotions might still be disappointed.

Humans were complex—a lesson Ganyu had learned from living among them for so long.

"I see. She did mention it," Keqing deduced from Ganyu's silence.

With no way out, Ganyu reluctantly confessed, "Yes."

Keqing's heart tightened.

"But she only remembered wanting to give it to her teacher. Although she knew there was someone else, she couldn't recall the person's name... Rest assured, when she asked me, I didn't tell her the truth," Ganyu said, watching Keqing carefully.

For a fleeting moment, a lonely expression crossed Keqing's face before she quickly regained her composure.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing. It was our agreement, a 'contract.' I would never break it," Ganyu replied. She took contracts very seriously, and Keqing trusted her word.

Keqing exhaled softly and murmured, "She didn't see you that day. She probably won't remember."

"I suppose so..." Ganyu nodded gently.

"...That's good."

Keqing seemed to relax, her expression softening slightly, though not entirely from relief. A hint of wistfulness lingered.

So that's why. Qin Yu called Ganyu "Sister" because she remembered their first meeting. Keqing had assumed Qin Yu wouldn't want to use such childish terms now that they were adults.

Yet she still did. What thoughts drove her to do so?

And last time, she'd actually called Ningguang "Master"!

Ningguang claimed Qin Yu had chosen that title herself. Keqing hadn't believed her then, but now she couldn't help but doubt Ningguang's truthfulness.

I just can't understand Qin Yu anymore.

Still, calling Ganyu "Sister" was certainly better than calling Ningguang "Master"!

Besides, Qin Yu was apparently resigning in a few days, freeing her from Ningguang's side. No, that might not be such a good thing after all.

Keqing mused that while Ningguang had her flaws, she was a woman who had single-handedly climbed to the position of Tianquan. Surely she could protect Qin Yu well.

If Qin Yu left, it wasn't necessarily for the best...

But Keqing reminded herself that she had no right to make decisions for Qin Yu.

It was true that Keqing and Qin Yu had been childhood friends, but Keqing had willingly abandoned that role, always treating Qin Yu with indifference.

Qin Yu probably thought Keqing had a difficult personality.

But this was necessary.

Still, whenever Keqing recalled Qin Yu calling Ganyu "Sister Ganyu" and reminiscing with her, she couldn't help but take a deep breath, trying to quell the sudden surge of bitterness.

She had more memories with Qin Yu than anyone else.

Yet, unlike Ganyu, she couldn't share those memories with her. Serves me right...

No, I shouldn't dwell on this. This isn't like me! I need to pull myself together. Keqing slapped her cheeks, forcing herself to focus.

"I'm glad you're alright. Let's get back to business. I came here to assign you some work."

"Ah... right. Please, go ahead."

Ganyu watched Keqing. Despite their conflicting views on Rex Lapis, the Archon of Liyue, and the resulting tension between them, she couldn't help but worry about Keqing when it came to Qin Yu.

"Um... are you okay?" Ganyu asked.

Keqing looked surprised. "Why do you ask? Thank you, but there's no need to worry. I'm perfectly fine."

"Though I'm just an outsider," Ganyu said slowly, "I wonder if you might consider treating Qin Yu differently? There's no need to dwell on the past so intensely... After all, perhaps she still hopes to rekindle your childhood friendship."

Keqing knew Ganyu spoke out of genuine concern, which surprised her slightly and prompted her to express her gratitude. However, she neither agreed nor disagreed with Ganyu's suggestion.

The mere thought of Qin Yu threw Keqing into confusion. Why did Qin Yu call Ningguang "Master," yet willingly address Ganyu as "Sister Ganyu"? Keqing couldn't understand it, nor could she figure it out.

All she knew was the Qin Yu from their childhood—a girl who existed only in the past.

That was all.

The following evening, Ningguang set down her documents. "Your work for today is finished," she said. "You've worked hard. Take some time to rest."

Yes! Qin Yu cheered inwardly.

She had braced herself for more work, expecting to accompany Ningguang on her rounds. To her surprise, it was over so early. What luck!

Ningguang granted her free time, releasing her from her duties as a personal maid.

Thank you so much—wait, I feel like my mind and body have been completely taken over by work... Qin Yu shuddered at the thought. If I stay here any longer, will I turn into a full-fledged maid, body and soul?

"That's terrifying! So dangerous, so dangerous."

Hmph, after all the hard work I've put in, I deserve some rest.

Qin Yu reframed her perspective, thinking, Most people are already off work at this hour, and suddenly felt much lighter.

But it was still a bit early for bed. What should she do?

Just as Qin Yu was pondering where to unwind and recharge, Ningguang suddenly asked her a question:

"White or blue? Which do you choose?"

What's this? Is she trying to bribe me with a gift to make me stay? Now's not the time for daydreams.

"I think they're both lovely," Qin Yu replied with a smile.

Ningguang gave her that subtle, probing look again.

"Here it comes, the nonexistent third option... Sigh. Let me rephrase: what's your favorite color? And don't even think about saying 'I like them all,' 'I don't mind,' or 'I like whatever Lady Ningguang likes'—those answers won't fly."

Ugh.

Qin Yu had planned to say "I like them all" to end the conversation quickly, but Ningguang's explicit demand shattered her plan.

Ningguang watched Qin Yu closely, silently awaiting her answer.

My favorite color...

"Purple."

For some reason, that word just slipped out.

"Purple? That's unexpected... It doesn't quite suit you. Anything else?"

Why ask for another? What even qualifies as "suitable"? Qin Yu sighed inwardly, forcing a smile. "If not purple, then I suppose white."

"White..."

Ningguang absently twirled a strand of her snow-white hair.

Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not complimenting your hair. It's a little... unnerving. Qin Yu realized Ningguang's hair was precisely the color she'd mentioned, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

I should have said black or red.

"Then black it is," Ningguang finally concluded after what seemed like deep contemplation.

Huh? What does that even mean?

"Excuse me, but what's going on here...?" Qin Yu asked, bewildered.

"Nothing. It's just a personal matter. You should rest and not overwork yourself."

If I do overwork myself, wouldn't you feel responsible? Qin Yu shook her head inwardly.

And why ask me about my favorite color if it's a personal matter? She must have some ulterior motive... But if she won't tell me, I'll never know.

Whatever. I'll just ignore it.

Qin Yu nodded. "Understood. Please take care of yourself as well, Lady Ningguang."

Lately, Ningguang seems a little tired... Is that just my imagination? Yet she remains as sharp as ever. I should at least remind her to rest.

"I don't want to have to take care of you if you get sick or something," Qin Yu muttered. "I really don't want to do that."

Ningguang smiled in response. Had she even heard a word Qin Yu said?

After changing into casual clothes, Qin Yu left the Jade Chamber and returned to the surface.

The night breeze was refreshing, but the air felt rather dry.

Right, time for a drink! Well, technically, it was just that alcoholic beverage from last time.

Might as well go back to that bar.

I wonder if I'll run into that mysterious woman again.