What a terrifying woman! Yanfei marveled inwardly. Fortunately, her will was strong. Even if she was momentarily flustered, she could still regain her composure.
Besides, they were both women. Why was she so flustered?
But this talk of "needs" and "satisfaction"... Could Qin Yu's secret interest in her stem from some unusual preference? No, no, even if that were true, it would still be normal—people are different! It's not a big deal... Hmm.
Yanfei took a deep breath.
Calm down!
"Here you go. Please be careful, it's hot."
"Ah, thank you." Yanfei blew on her tea a few times before taking a sip.
Qin Yu sat across from Yanfei, her expression puzzled. "Um, what did you mean by 'I'm being targeted'?"
Yanfei nodded, pulled a letter from her bag, and handed it to Qin Yu. "Read this first."
"A letter? Okay..."
Qin Yu took the letter, opened it, and scanned the words. Her expression grew increasingly peculiar.
Someone had paid a fortune to hire this legal expert to protect her? That was absurd! Why a lawyer of all people?
Could lawyers even fight?
Wait a minute... Yanfei wasn't just a Vision holder; she was also a half-adeptus, far from ordinary. Choosing her might not be entirely unreasonable.
Still, it felt strange.
No, that wasn't the main issue. The real question was: who had commissioned Yanfei to protect her? Someone who could spend such a vast sum must be a powerful figure.
And that was the problem. Qin Yu couldn't recall ever knowing anyone like that.
Five million Mora a month, with the tone implying it was a trivial amount... She had no memory of associating with such wealthy people.
A friend of my teacher? Qin Yu pondered this possibility.
It would make sense if a friend of her deceased teacher wanted to look after her, but as far as she knew, the teacher who adopted her had no such social circle.
This is utterly baffling.
Yanfei said earnestly, "What do you think? Does the sender's name ring any bells? If they want to protect you, they might be someone you know."
"No, I don't recognize it. After all, someone like me could never possibly associate with someone like that."
That's not necessarily true, Yanfei thought. After all, this is the first time I've ever met someone so... bewitching. Who knows how many unexpected and terrifying connections she might have? Maybe even someone from the Liyue Qixing is keeping an eye on her...
While Yanfei's mind wandered, Qin Yu's gaze returned to the letter.
Even though she couldn't guess the sender's identity, what was this feeling?
It was overwhelmingly nostalgic.
The handwriting, the tone, the very essence of the words—everything about the letter evoked a profound sense of longing. Yet, simultaneously, confusion and bewilderment washed over her.
Something's wrong. I feel like I know the sender, but no matter how hard I try, I can't place them.
Who could it be? Qin Yu bit her index finger, desperately searching her memory for any relevant recollection, but found nothing.
Or is it just my imagination?
Yanfei continued, "Do you have any thoughts about your current situation? For example, is there anyone who might be watching you?"
"Recently, someone's been pestering me, but I don't think it's related."
After all, she had already "politely" asked them to leave.
Yanfei hummed thoughtfully. "It doesn't seem connected..."
The man in question had already been threatened by a mysterious woman in black.
"Anything else?" Yanfei pressed.
"I don't think so... Um, Miss Yanfei, are you considering taking this quest to protect me?" Qin Yu asked.
"Yes. While it's outside my usual scope of work, personally, I'd like to accept it."
If this is something only I can do, then I have no choice but to accept, right?
Qin Yu thought to herself: Protect me? In the end, it'll only be temporary. But if she takes the quest, even temporary safety isn't bad.
No, it's best not to let my guard down. In the end, I can only rely on myself for protection.
"Still, I'd like to ask about the situation," Yanfei said with a smile.
"I see. But I truly have no leads, neither on the sender of the letter nor on whoever's targeting me. What about you, Miss Yanfei?" Qin Yu countered.
"I've identified one possible scenario with certainty!"
Qin Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Really?"
She's already deduced a possibility? Impressive! Time for a quick compliment.
"Miss Yanfei, you're amazing! My mind's completely blank. Hearing you say that puts me at ease!"
"Eh? Oh, it's not as impressive as you make it sound. It's just a matter of having different information. You're the one who's remarkable, Miss Qin Yu. Being able to get along so well with so many people is extraordinary in my eyes."
No acknowledgment... Tsk, why can't she just accept my praise? Has she heard this kind of thing too often?
Even though we're discussing serious matters, I can't let this opportunity slip away.
Qin Yu pressed further, smiling. "That's because everyone here is kind. And I mean it—you truly put me at ease, Miss Yanfei."
Yanfei's mind raced.
I make her feel at ease? By emphasizing it so strongly, isn't she implying I'm... special? No, no, it must just be my professionalism. Yes, experts naturally inspire confidence, even if I'm not that kind of expert.
But if she said that, could it mean she was actually anxious before I arrived?
That's understandable. Living alone can be like that—free, yet lonely and uneasy without companionship. But now that I'm here, she feels reassured. This sense of being relied upon isn't bad at all.
[Evaluation: C+]
I have to take the initiative to improve my evaluation? Did they finally fix that bug? Qin Yu felt a pang of regret.
"Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad to hear it. Ahem, let's continue. Based on the information I've gathered, I deduce that at least two parties are currently monitoring you!"
"Two parties?"
Whoa, whoa, whoa, is this for real?
Yanfei stated solemnly, "Yes. One is undoubtedly the sender of the letter. The other is the very entity the sender is wary of—likely the reason they sought my assistance."
Is it because I became famous that I'm being targeted? Can't they just leave me alone? I only wanted fame to impress Shenhe.
Is it my fault for being too beautiful and adorable?
"Um, you seem rather cheerful?"
"There's no such thing! How could I be, haha!"
"You're clearly delighted! Sigh... This is a serious problem, yet Miss Qin can still take it so optimistically. You're truly extraordinary."
Qin Yu averted her gaze. "Are those targeting me... suitors?"
"You changed the subject quickly, but that's certainly possible. Because—"
"Because?"
Yanfei cleared her throat. "It's only natural!"
Hmph, "only natural," huh? Does that mean the persona I'm playing is irresistibly charming? Why not just say it outright? No, this is a perfect opportunity. I have to make you admit it.
"Only natural?" Qin Yu feigned incomprehension.
"Exactly! It's only natural human emotion."
Qin Yu sighed. "Um... I don't quite understand what you mean. Could you put it more plainly? That young man keeps pestering me, and it's really bothering and confusing me. Why me of all people?"
Yanfei, unable to see through Qin Yu's act, couldn't help but say, "That's because Miss Qin is so likable! Every single thing I've heard about you has been glowing praise. It's only natural you'd attract admirers. It's just human nature."
"I see. What about you, Miss Yanfei?"
"Huh? Me? What about me?" Yanfei stammered, flustered.
Qin Yu asked expectantly, "Do you feel the same way, Miss Yanfei?"
"Th-that's a really difficult question to answer. Let's talk about that later. Right now, the priority is this quest—" Yanfei replied, feigning composure.
"...I understand. You're right, it's only our first meeting. But I really like you, Miss Yanfei! You're beautiful and reliable. If you're willing, I'd love to become good friends with you."
Yanfei was utterly stunned.
What a terrifying woman!
Just one sentence had completely stopped Yanfei's train of thought. Such direct words were something she had never heard before. The people of Liyue were typically reserved and restrained; they would never express affection so bluntly.
Yet this woman had said it without hesitation!
Did she truly mean it? It didn't sound like mere politeness... She likes me? Should I take her words at face value? No, as fellow women, it must be a purely platonic affection.
Considering her next sentence—that she hoped to build a good relationship with me—did that mean she wanted to become good friends? Was that it?
But then she said I was beautiful. Why suddenly mention my appearance? Does friendship require judging looks? No, that's wrong. She doesn't seem like the type to judge by appearances.
So, her affection isn't entirely platonic? Could it be... love at first sight?!
No, no, no, that's impossible. It's too sudden. We barely know each other. How could feelings develop so quickly? But why bring up my looks? Does my appearance simply match her preferences?
Yanfei was in turmoil, her earlobes burning. She couldn't meet the woman's gaze.
"I... I understand," she finally managed to stammer.
[Evaluation: B]
Easy.
This woman is so easy to handle.