"Speak from my heart?"
Ningguang nodded. "Exactly. Since you said you were tired, let's begin."
Qin Yu grew wary. What did Ningguang mean by this? Did she want to hear her innermost thoughts? Could her act have been exposed? Impossible.
Regardless, she remained highly vigilant, cautious in her response.
"Your eyes flickered slightly. Are you on guard against me?"
Of course I am.
She couldn't let anyone see through her act, least of all Ningguang.
Even if she had to reveal her true feelings, what means did Ningguang have to verify their authenticity? More importantly, how could she be sure Qin Yu was telling the whole truth, not just a portion of it?
She just needed to choose her words carefully.
"I simply don't understand why Lady Ningguang is doing this," Qin Yu said.
"Didn't I tell you? This is a punishment."
"You call this a punishment?"
Ningguang nodded. "Naturally. Everyone has unspoken thoughts they'd rather keep to themselves, don't they? Forcing someone to do what they don't want to do is a form of punishment."
That made sense, but was this woman really the domineering type?
"Hmm... you seem to be lost in thought again. Speak up—remember, this is your punishment."
Qin Yu stammered, "I was just wondering... does Lady Ningguang particularly enjoy being so assertive?"
"I won't deny it."
She won't deny it?!
"But people have many faces. How can you be certain I don't have a vulnerable side? Naturally, I don't know all your facets either. However, based on your actions, I surmise—you're trying to change yourself, aren't you?"
Change myself? What's she talking about...? Oh, I get it.
Qin Yu thought, She probably knows I didn't have any friends before and rarely socialized. She's curious about how I suddenly transformed, actively reaching out to others and even becoming the 'friendly girl next door'.
However, Qin Yu hadn't anticipated that she was merely playing a role, not truly changing herself.
A socially awkward young girl had suddenly transformed, as if by magic, into someone who enthusiastically interacted with others, earning the affection of people of all ages. It was like something out of an inspirational story.
Unfortunately, there was nothing genuinely uplifting about it.
Everything was an act, a carefully crafted persona designed to please Shenhe and the others. Her warmth and openness were deliberately cultivated to be universally appealing.
But Qin Yu remained Qin Yu at her core, unchanged.
Qin Yu felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, Lady Ningguang's rumored ability to "see through people's hearts with a single glance" wasn't as formidable as legend suggested. Her deductions were still based on observed reality, not on any psychic intrusion into her mind.
Qin Yu smiled. "Changing myself... you could say that."
"For others, the reason behind your determination and actions might not matter. But I'm genuinely curious—what prompted you to embark on this path?"
Why? To cuddle with Shenhe, of course! Qin Yu thought.
Only by earning Points could she grow stronger, and only by growing stronger could she protect herself. Shenhe and Yanfei had both promised to protect her, but Qin Yu didn't believe them.
For my friends, Qin Yu thought, as she answered, "For my friends!"
Being a good friend, a true confidante—that was the best she could do for them. To achieve this, she had to play a role, making sure they didn't dislike her. And judging by the results, she was doing quite well.
Ningguang pondered, "Friends... So that's it. Not bad. I find myself increasingly fond of you."
Huh? Oh, well, that makes sense. I did sound like I cherish my friends deeply.
"So, you want to strengthen your bonds with your friends?"
Why has she been asking such girly questions ever since we started talking?
"Qin Yu, you're still being punished. You must reveal your innermost thoughts."
Qin Yu finally felt the full weight of her punishment. Even this? Helpless, she twisted a strand of hair between her fingers and voiced her inner confusion.
"You think my questions are like gossip? Heh, perhaps they are. But opportunities for such candid conversations are rare."
Qin Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Is that so?"
"Surprising, isn't it? But consider my position and status."
"The Tianquan Star... Ah."
Qin Yu finally understood.
Seeing her realization, Ningguang smiled faintly. "It seems you've grasped it. In my position, opportunities for casual conversations like this are rare. It's a welcome respite from the usual formalities."
"If that's all, I'd be happy to indulge you anytime. Ouch!"
Ningguang pressed a finger to Qin Yu's forehead.
"This was merely a whim. Besides, could you usually keep me so thoroughly entertained?"
"You seem eager to please me, yet unlike most who approach me with ulterior motives—seeking favors or advantages—you appear genuinely intent on earning my favor. I don't dislike it, but it's not quite satisfying."
"E-eh? So, am I satisfying you now?" Qin Yu asked.
Ningguang withdrew her hand. "Not yet up to par. You haven't passed the test."
I figured as much. The evaluation hasn't even popped up yet.
"Now, let's get down to business. Do you wish to deepen your friendships?" Ningguang crossed her legs, her qipao accentuating the gesture as her thigh became more visible.
Qin Yu didn't dare look up, giving a small nod. After all, the closer you were to someone, the more intimate your bond became.
"Is it Yanfei, Director Hu Tao, and that white-haired woman?"
"Ah, yes, that's right."
"Then let me teach you some techniques."
Teach me? Qin Yu blinked. The Tianquan Star wanted to teach her how to interact with friends? She couldn't shake the feeling that Ningguang was taking an inexplicable interest in her... Surely it wasn't just her imagination. But why?
"What's wrong? Don't you want to learn?"
"No, I do. I just don't understand why you're being so kind to me."
Ningguang produced a smoking pipe from nowhere, twirling it as she spoke. "Why be kind? Perhaps because we've both weathered difficult times. And I admire your drive and dedication."
Difficult times... she must be referring to their harsh pasts. That was certainly true; just a month ago, Qin Yu had been surviving on foraged wild vegetables.
As Qin Yu pondered this, Ningguang put away the pipe.
"Very well. Since you're willing to learn, I'll teach you a few things."
Qin Yu snapped back to attention. This was Lady Ningguang, one of the Liyue Qixing. Her teachings would undoubtedly prove invaluable. She needed to focus and learn diligently.
"Generally speaking, as long as you're sincere, there shouldn't be any problems. If there are, it simply means the two of you aren't a good match. But in reality, there are still some techniques involved."
"Techniques?" Qin Yu asked.
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Exactly. Just as maintaining eye contact is crucial when trying to intimidate someone, there are skills to be learned."
Wow, that sounds impressive. Qin Yu's excitement bubbled over. "What are they?"
"Perspective."
"Perspective?"
"Precisely. Stand up and see for yourself."
Qin Yu stood and looked at Ningguang. Ningguang lowered her crossed leg and placed her hands neatly on her lap.
"How do you feel looking down at me like this?"
The earlier tension had dissipated, replaced by an impression of quiet demureness. Qin Yu pondered this, then seized the opportunity. "You look adorable," she blurted out.
Ningguang replied calmly, "You always say things like that. It's a viable tactic—openly expressing your affection can be an effective offensive maneuver. But it's not enough on its own."
Has she developed an immunity already? Even a direct compliment like calling her cute barely elicits a reaction.
"As you can see, the angle from which you view someone influences your perception of them. Or rather, your position in their field of vision affects how they perceive you."
Ah! I think I've read about this before. Isn't it some kind of psychological principle?
Qin Yu smiled. "It's a psychological effect."
"Exactly. A low posture conveys submissiveness, putting people at ease and making them more receptive. A high posture, on the other hand, creates tension. That's why some people stand when scolding others, while telling them to sit first."
I see. I'll have to try this on Shenhe later. But she'll probably say something weird and embarrassing to throw me off my game again.
"What are you thinking about?" Ningguang asked.
"N-nothing. I was just wondering what to do if I lose my rhythm..."
"Rhythm? Why would you even worry about something like that?"
Qin Yu quickly changed the subject. "W-what's the next technique? Please teach me!"
Ningguang was intrigued by Qin Yu's talk of "rhythm." Did building friendships really require such calculated timing? Still, she continued:
"The next technique is simple. Sit back down."
"Okay!"
Qin Yu obediently sat back down like an eager student, prompting a faint smile from Ningguang.
"The next technique is—distance."
"Distance?"
"Exactly. But instead of just explaining it, let me demonstrate. Like this."
Ningguang suddenly leaned in close, her face mere inches from Qin Yu's.
"Waaah?!" Qin Yu's mind went blank. So close!
"The physical distance between people reflects the distance between their hearts. You understand now, don't you?" Ningguang asked, her voice soft.
"Y-yes, I understand..." Qin Yu stammered, her face flushed.
Ningguang straightened up, smiling. "Your face is quite red. You're a truly adorable maid."
Ha?! Me, adorable? Qin Yu twisted a strand of her hair, hesitating to speak.
This is definitely a punishment.
[Evaluation: B]
"People naturally maintain a distance from each other, a kind of 'personal space.' Directly invading someone's personal space can throw them off balance."
"Over time, they'll grow accustomed to your presence. Eventually, even if you enter their personal space normally, they won't be bothered. But timing is crucial... and of course, a little charm helps."
This is definitely a technique reserved for beautiful girls!
A man saying this, regardless of how handsome or ugly he is, would sound creepy... Wait, what if it's a delicate boy who looks like a girl? Would that still be creepy?
Qin Yu realized she'd been using this trick herself all along.
It was simply a sudden grasp of the other person's hand.
So that's how it works, Qin Yu thought. Now that I understand the principle, I feel like I can apply it more effectively.
Ningguang stood up and walked to the window. "These are the two techniques I can teach you," she said. "Of course, they aren't limited to these specific actions. Think carefully about other ways you can apply them. The most important thing is to make the other person accept you and grow accustomed to you."
"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Lady Ningguang," Qin Yu said gratefully.
But how does she know so much about this? Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "Lady Ningguang, are you very familiar with these techniques?"
"No. Today is my first time actually putting them into practice."
Her first time?! Qin Yu was bewildered. "But you..."
"I simply read about them in a book."
She's a theorist! Qin Yu thought, feeling slightly foolish for having taken Ningguang's advice so seriously. Though I do feel like it could be useful.
Ningguang turned her head. "Surprised?"
"Yes. I assumed you were an expert in this..."
Wait a minute, Qin Yu thought. She said it was her first time practicing, and she still completely threw me off balance. Am I just that bad? Qin Yu sank into deep self-doubt.
"I'm afraid I'm not," Ningguang said. "I didn't climb to this position through such methods, but through careful calculations. Deciding which businesses to pursue, who to invest in, what to sell... I believe that only knowledge and hard work will never betray you."
She paused, then added, "But sometimes, my shrewdness earns me resentment. In past deals, some have chosen other partners precisely because they dislike my calculating nature."
"I'm not very familiar with Lady Ningguang's professional demeanor," Qin Yu said, stepping closer and crouching down to gaze up at her with a smile. "But from the short time I've spent with you, I think you're a kind person!"
Ningguang looked momentarily surprised. "You... Heh, you're a quick learner. You're already putting it to use."
"Ahaha..."
Ningguang tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile radiant. "Thank you, my lovely little maid."
[Evaluation: B+]
B+! And it's that Ningguang's "clingy" evaluation!
I'm so powerful!
Keqing rated me A+, but I really don't want to relive that moment—whether it's the embarrassing parts or the disheartening truth.