Although Yanfei had become her protector, her primary role remained that of a legal expert. She couldn't neglect her duties by focusing solely on this side job; too many people would suffer if she did.
Therefore, Yanfei proposed:
"There shouldn't be much danger within the city. If you stick to crowded areas, the Millelith will ensure your safety, so you won't need me to accompany you.
"Of course, I'll adjust my schedule to stay by your side as much as possible! But if you plan to venture into remote, sparsely populated areas, please inform me beforehand!"
With that, she produced her nameplate.
"This is my business card, with my address and contact information."
Yanfei raised her index finger and winked playfully. "Also, if you ever have any legal issues, please prioritize consulting me. As a special gesture for this quest, I won't charge you for the first two consultations! After that, I'll give you a discount. I guarantee my prices are very reasonable!"
Even in this situation, she didn't forget to promote her services—truly dedicated to her profession.
But as the saying goes, "Those who wander the world can't avoid getting cut." There might come a time when I need legal assistance, and then I can trouble this expert.
Of course, what Qin Yu really valued was the possibility of getting closer to Yanfei. Everything else was secondary.
Unknown sender, thank you so much for bringing this wonderful woman into my life, Qin Yu thought, silently thanking the mysterious person who had sent the letter.
"Alright, thank you, Miss Yanfei."
"Are you planning to go out now?"
"No, I'd like to stay home and read for a while."
Yanfei nodded knowingly. Qin Yu seemed quiet and bookish, so it wasn't surprising she enjoyed reading.
Yanfei herself loved books of all kinds.
Economics, law, folk culture, history—she had a solid grasp of everything a legal expert should know, and even subjects beyond her core expertise.
Qin Yu wasn't sure if her extensive knowledge would be useful for this particular quest.
But for casual conversation, it would certainly make things more interesting—as long as Yanfei didn't mind her being a chatterbox.
"I still need to discuss some things with my previous client. If all goes smoothly, it should take about an hour. After that, I'll be free! I'll accompany you wherever you want to go!"
"Ahaha, okay, I understand. Good luck, Miss Yanfei!" Qin Yu said with a cheerful smile.
"Hmm, I'm an expert. No problem at all."
As Yanfei stood up to leave, Qin Yu suddenly remembered that since she had decided to stick close to Yanfei to earn points, she couldn't neglect the necessary preparations.
The most crucial thing was information!
Since Yanfei was right here, why not ask her directly?
But she couldn't be too abrupt; she didn't want to arouse suspicion. In this situation, the best approach would be... yes, this topic.
Qin Yu asked curiously, "Will you be coming back later, Miss Yanfei? If so, I'd like to ask what you like to eat."
"Me? Of course, it's tofu! But why the sudden question?"
"An hour is about lunchtime. I'd like to personally cook a meal for you, Miss Yanfei!"
Personally? Why emphasize that word?
Normally, it would be fine to just say "I'll make a meal," right? Emphasizing "personally" makes it sound like this meal is something special. Asking what I like, then personally cooking it...
Does she really not mean anything by this? No, no, no, that's impossible. I must be overthinking it.
This entire train of thought flashed through Yanfei's mind. She snapped back to reality and said without hesitation, "Thank you! I'll pay for the groceries. I'd feel bad eating and drinking for free."
"No need. Seeing you enjoy the meal is my greatest reward, Miss Yanfei."
Sigh, no reimbursement... But that's the only thing she could say. Qin Yu felt a pang of regret.
Yanfei thought: My greatest reward is seeing me enjoy the meal? Enjoying the meal would naturally bring a smile to my face. So she wants my smile as her reward—but she specifically emphasized "personally," that she's making this just for me...
She just wants my smile?
"Also, is there anything you dislike? We can't eat tofu for every meal."
"Nothing in particular. If I had to pick, I'm not fond of cold dishes or leftovers. My dad always said food tastes best hot. Even when I came home late, he'd reheat the dishes..."
Qin Yu smiled. "Miss Yanfei, you have a wonderful father."
"Dad has his quirks too... Ah."
Yanfei remembered that Qin Yu had been adopted.
Having grown up in a loving and stable family, Yanfei wasn't sure if Qin Yu might be sensitive about the topic. If she ended up disliking Yanfei because of it, she wouldn't know what to do.
Qin Yu, on the other hand, was puzzled by Yanfei's abrupt change of subject.
Then she understood—how could she confide in someone she'd only just met about her father's quirks?
Seizing the opportunity to gracefully end the conversation, Qin Yu said, "Even so, I still think it's a wonderful thing. Well, I won't bother you any longer, Miss Yanfei. Good luck!"
"Ah, um..."
Why did Yanfei wear such an indescribably awkward expression?
Qin Yu didn't get a chance to ask. Yanfei practically fled, opening the door and leaving in a hurry.
The room fell silent once more, and Qin Yu let out a long sigh.
Finally, she's gone. I'm so tired—I don't want to move at all. But since I promised to make lunch, I need to start preparing now. At least I should go get some groceries. Not having a refrigerator is such a hassle; I have to shop every day.
Forget it. I'll just laze around for a bit first.
"Wait, I need to do this first."
Qin Yu picked up a notebook from her desk. If anyone else saw it, they'd be shocked by its contents.
Every page was filled with information about other people: gender, age, birthdate, likes, dislikes, known social circles... All meticulously recorded in elegant handwriting, some even accompanied by detailed portraits.
As she'd said before, to become a universally beloved young girl, one needed: a little effort, a little skill, a little patience, and a little charm...
Only then could she cast the magic to transform herself into a dazzling beauty.
This was merely the result of a "little bit of effort" and a "little bit of skill."
Having decided to fully embody her assigned persona, Qin Yu resolved to do it flawlessly.
"Ah, even a genius like me needs to work hard," she sighed, penning notes as she spoke.
"Name: Yanfei. Age: At least an adult. Birthday: (Leave blank). Likes: Fried tofu. Dislikes: Cold dishes and leftovers. Social circle: Father. Occupation: Law expert... I'll start with this and add a sketch later."
She could have recorded other details, such as Yanfei's easygoing personality.
But people change constantly. As the ancients said, "Treat a scholar with new respect after three days apart." If she wrote it down now, it might lead to preconceived notions and misjudgments later.
It was better to observe Yanfei directly and commit these nuances to memory.