It was supposed to be a holiday, but Qin Yu was stuck working overtime. Tomorrow, she had to accompany Shenhe, and after that, it was back to work. In other words, there was no rest for her this week.
Qin Yu trailed behind Ningguang, grumbling inwardly.
The day's work finally concluded late into the night. Perhaps it was just her bad luck, but Ningguang had an unusually heavy workload today, which inevitably spilled over onto Qin Yu as her personal attendant.
Fortunately, her request for a day off was approved without a hitch.
"So, you have plans for tomorrow... or rather, today? No wonder you were so willing to work overtime. Very well, your performance continues to satisfy me, so I will naturally grant your request."
Ningguang nodded and added, "Remember to rest well and replenish your energy."
"You too, Lady Ningguang. Please don't overwork yourself."
Having such an understanding boss was truly a blessing.
Compared to that, Shenhe was simply outrageous! Demanding Qin Yu wake up at the crack of dawn and rush to her side... Thank goodness her current physical condition far surpassed her former self, or she might have collapsed on the spot.
I really don't want to go at all.
With that complaint, Qin Yu quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Baishi knocked on her door.
"Wake up, Qin Yu! Didn't you ask me to wake you up?"
Qin Yu opened her deadpan eyes and replied in a strained, groggy voice, "Okay~ Thank you!"
Tch.
Scratching her sleep-tousled hair, Qin Yu yawned and trudged to the bathroom sink. Glancing in the mirror, she saw dark circles under her eyes.
Good thing this lifestyle won't last long, or my skin would definitely get rough.
After washing up, she combed her hair and applied makeup to conceal the dark circles. If Shenhe notices, she'll probably worry about everything.
Shenhe must already be waiting, but I'm not even ready yet. Well, she'll just have to wait!
A short while later...
Qin Yu arrived breathless, apologizing to Shenhe, "I-I'm so sorry I'm late."
"It's fine. I don't mind," Shenhe replied, shaking her head.
Huh? I sprinted all the way here, and you say you don't mind?
"Ahaha, that's good then..." Qin Yu forced a laugh.
Whatever. Time to get my act together.
If Qin Yu wasn't mistaken, Shenhe intended to introduce her to a new friend today. But where was the friend? Why was Shenhe alone? Were they supposed to wait for her? How presumptuous!
First, I'll grind for some Points, Qin Yu thought. Then I'll find a subtle way to suggest a gift idea.
With this in mind, Qin Yu smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Shenhe! I'm so glad to see you!"
"Why?"
Is this really the time to ask "why"? Qin Yu sighed inwardly. But this question gave her the perfect opening to work her charm.
Qin Yu stepped closer to Shenhe and grinned. "Because you're my dear friend, of course! Seeing a good friend always makes me happy. Doesn't it make you happy too, Shenhe?"
"I... I feel the same way. No matter how restless I am, seeing you brings me peace. I want to talk to you more... It reminds me how special you are to me."
That's why I want to give her a gift—to thank her for bringing this special bond into my life, Shenhe thought.
Qin Yu's face flushed, and her gaze darted away. To say something so cheesy first thing in the morning... I can't believe I actually said that out loud!
Evaluation: D
"R-right, what should we do next?" Qin Yu quickly changed the subject.
"Have you had breakfast yet?" Shenhe asked.
Who has time for that? Qin Yu thought.
"No, but if you're hungry, Shenhe, I can whip something up," Qin Yu said, patting her chest confidently. She was pretty sure she knew Shenhe's preferences by now. I'll win her over through her stomach for sure.
"No, I'll cook."
"Hmm?"
Qin Yu wondered if she'd misheard. Shenhe cooking? When she wasn't around, didn't she just eat medicinal herbs and such?
"Shenhe, you can cook?" Qin Yu blurted out in surprise.
"Yes. Is that so surprising? When I couldn't find medicinal ingredients, I'd roast meat. Of course, it wouldn't taste as good as yours."
"N-no, no, you're being too kind, haha."
Why would Shenhe suddenly decide to cook herself? Hmm... maybe it's just a whim, Qin Yu mused, accepting Shenhe's offer.
She couldn't wait to see what Shenhe would make.
Qin Yu watched as Shenhe began preparing the ingredients.
Poultry?... Could it be...?
"It's ready," Shenhe announced.
It was grilled meat.
Are you serious? Who eats grilled meat at the crack of dawn? Qin Yu wanted to ask but hesitated.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Shenhe asked.
"...I'll eat."
Qin Yu took a skewer of grilled meat and bit into it.
Ugh, did she forget the seasoning? The taste was far from great... But Qin Yu couldn't discourage Shenhe, nor could she waste food, so she forced herself to finish it.
"How does it taste?" Shenhe watched Qin Yu's expression intently.
"It's not bad," Qin Yu replied. "But you shouldn't eat too much grilled meat, Shenhe. It's not good for your health."
She usually only eats medicinal herbs. Is it really okay for her to eat something like this? Qin Yu couldn't help but worry. If only I lived closer, I'd pack her three proper meals a day...
And rake in the Points.
Sensing Qin Yu's concern, a warm feeling spread through Shenhe's heart. She shook her head. "It's fine. I'm used to this way of life. Besides, I don't usually eat like this."
Evaluation: D+
"But you still mostly eat medicinal herbs, right?" Qin Yu asked.
"Yes," Shenhe replied.
After a moment's thought, Qin Yu added, "I'm not trying to criticize your cultivation methods, but if you ruin your health because of this, I'd be really worried."
"Worried... is that it? I'll be careful."
Will you really? Qin Yu wasn't entirely convinced, but since Shenhe had said it, she simply replied, "That's good."
"You should be careful too," Shenhe added, her tone shifting.
"Me?" Qin Yu was startled. Has Shenhe noticed how exhausted I am?
But Shenhe merely said, "You're different from me. You live in this bustling mortal world. You need to take better care of yourself than I do. If you're not well, I'll worry."
Qin Yu lowered her head and murmured, "I understand..."
Evaluation: C-
Wait a minute! Then why did you drag me here so early in the morning? She's such an unreasonable woman—oh, right, no one knows I tend to oversleep.
Well, there's no helping it then... Of course, telling her the truth is out of the question.
Qin Yu took a deep breath and stood up.
Eating only grilled meat for breakfast isn't exactly healthy. I should make something else to balance it out.
With that thought, Qin Yu smiled. "Just eating grilled meat doesn't feel right. I'll make something else this time."
"What will you make?"
"I still have some rice left over. I'll make some vegetable congee. Ah, Shenhe, you can just relax. Making congee isn't tiring at all."
Shenhe nodded. "Okay."
Qin Yu tied her hair into a ponytail, smoothed her bangs, and pulled the pre-cut vegetables from her bag. She began preparing the vegetable congee.
Shenhe watched her quietly, thinking, This isn't quite what I expected. But... I don't dislike it.
A short while later...
"Alright, the vegetable congee is ready, and the grilled meat is warmed up. Let's eat!"
Qin Yu sat beside Shenhe, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She blew gently on a spoonful of congee before putting it in her mouth.
Why is she staring at me like that? Qin Yu felt the weight of Shenhe's gaze beside her, a mix of surprise and nervousness.
She had deliberately avoided sitting across from Shenhe to avoid eye contact, but now it seemed her efforts had been completely futile.
Qin Yu smiled. "What's wrong? Aren't you going to eat?"
Just eat already! Stop staring at me—I can't eat you! Qin Yu thought irritably.
Shenhe finally averted her gaze and took a spoonful of congee.
"How is it?"
"It's warm."
Well, duh. It's hot, Qin Yu thought wryly. "Don't forget to eat the grilled meat you made too. We can't waste any food!"
"I understand. My Master always taught me never to waste food."
This Master of hers actually sounds pretty decent, even if the conversation skills she taught Shenhe were... questionable.
"That's why I can finish even the most bitter medicinal herbs."
"Haha..." Qin Yu could only manage an awkward chuckle.
Shenhe finished the porridge and grilled meat, then murmured as if discovering something new, "This..."
"Hmm?"
"The combination... it makes the grilled meat taste even better."
Really? Qin Yu thought. Well, as long as she's satisfied.
Seizing the opportunity, Qin Yu said, "I'm glad you like it, Shenhe."
To her surprise, Shenhe nodded. "Yes, I really enjoy your cooking. Thank you for always making meals for me."
You didn't have to say that!
Evaluation: C