Upon learning that Qin Yu was to become Ningguang's personal maid, her colleagues at the mansion decided to celebrate at the tavern that evening.
But "celebration" was just a polite way of saying Qin Yu would be footing the bill—she was treating everyone.
Tch, these guys...
Though Qin Yu had anticipated this possibility, she couldn't help but grumble inwardly when it actually happened. One person rises to the top, and everyone else lines up with their plates, ready to freeload.
"No, let me pay," the Head Maid unexpectedly declared.
"Huh? Are you sure?" Qin Yu asked, surprised.
"It's fine, but I'll be keeping a close eye on your drinking. We still have work tomorrow, so no excessive alcohol."
"Oh no..." The other maids groaned in unison.
"So, are you coming or not?" the Head Maid pressed.
"We're coming!"
"Then you'll follow my instructions. As long as it doesn't affect tomorrow's work, eat whatever you like. But for the sake of your health, try to avoid spicy or sour dishes as much as possible..."
The Head Maid launched into another lecture.
The other maids clearly had no interest in her droning sermon, but they endured it patiently, fearing that a single word of complaint might bring forth even more stringent rules.
Qin Yu was deeply moved.
What a saint! Thank you for saving my wallet, Head Maid!
Yet, as she contemplated leaving this place, a bittersweet ache settled in her heart.
Even though I have to wake up early for work, most of my colleagues are around my age, and we get along pretty well. The atmosphere is nice too... I wonder what Ningguang's three secretaries are like.
That evening...
"Lady Ningguang's personal maid? Sounds prestigious, but the work pressure must be even greater than ours."
Not that I could refuse anyway.
"I never expected Lady Ningguang to take such a liking to Little Yu. Could it be that she... hmm, better not say it. The Head Maid's gaze is downright terrifying."
Qin Yu nodded inwardly.
No, I understand what you mean. I've always wondered if Ningguang has... certain inclinations. Now that I'm becoming her personal maid, is this a little dangerous?
...No, that's ridiculous. I must be overthinking things.
As long as I'm not that kind of woman, I'll be fine!
"Speaking of which, Little Yu is so pretty. Do you have someone special?"
Why did the conversation suddenly turn to this?!
Qin Yu tried to change the subject. "N-no, not really. Actually—"
"Really? No one?"
"Well, I heard you and the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor used to—"
That was ages ago! Qin Yu forced a smile. "That was just a joke. Hu Tao and I are just friends."
"What about suitors?"
Ugh, more and more people keep asking about this. Can't we talk about something else?
I really don't understand what's so interesting about talking about romance.
"I'm not really sure..." Qin Yu glanced at the Head Maid, subtly hinting for her to intervene. Please, make them stop.
But the Head Maid seemed genuinely interested in the topic. "While it's still early to be thinking about marriage at your age," she said, "if you want a happy and lasting relationship, starting to look for someone now wouldn't be a bad idea..."
You too?!
Ugh, I don't want to hear this! My ears are suddenly failing me—pretend I can't hear anything! Qin Yu thought, forcing a dry laugh as she awkwardly deflected her colleagues' teasing.
"I heard there's a really handsome Honorary Advisor at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
Oh.
"That young master from the Feiyun Commerce Guild is quite charming..."
Mm-hmm.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly. Maybe it's better to drink alone after all. Even if it's just a sugary alcoholic beverage.
Speaking of which, I wonder what that mysterious woman I met by chance at the bar last time is up to now...
If I ever need a drinking buddy, someone like her would be perfect.
"So, Little Yu, what kind of partner do you think is ideal?"
Huh? How did we suddenly jump to discussing my ideal partner? Qin Yu snapped back to reality, realizing all eyes were on her. A bead of cold sweat trickled down her back.
"Do I really have to answer that?" she asked.
"Absolutely!"
"We'll be sure to introduce you to someone nice when we meet someone suitable."
No need!
Qin Yu had never even considered marriage, let alone dating. She couldn't care less if someone was handsome, beautiful, rich, or powerful; if she wasn't interested, she simply wasn't.
Hmph, I'll never fall for anyone, Qin Yu thought, but she still had to say something.
Just rattle off whatever comes to mind.
"Someone with a lot of tolerance, I guess," Qin Yu said casually.
"Oh my, that's quite unexpected..."
What else did you expect me to say? Even though she wasn't interested in romance, if she had to choose, she'd prioritize inner qualities. Reputation, status, wealth... those things didn't matter at all.
Qin Yu smiled. "Really? I think being able to understand and accept each other is what matters most."
Perfect response. Fits my persona perfectly.
"...Little Yu, marry me."
Wow, someone's brave!
After the gathering with her colleagues, Qin Yu returned to her room to pack.
Although she was only serving as Ningguang's personal maid for two weeks, she had to follow Ningguang everywhere during that time, which meant she needed to relocate.
Ningguang had prepared a room for Qin Yu in the Jade Chamber, telling her she could move her luggage in the following morning.
Bright and early the next day, Qin Yu arrived at the Jade Chamber. After settling her belongings in her new room, she headed to Ningguang's office.
"You're here. How do you like the room?" Ningguang asked.
"I'm very satisfied. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady Ningguang. I'll work my hardest for you during these two weeks!" Qin Yu replied with a radiant smile.
At first, Ningguang found Qin Yu's words pleasing, but the mention of "two weeks" instantly dispelled her momentary contentment.
That's right... Ningguang swirled her pipe, pondering how to convince Qin Yu to stay longer.
Mora could only provide temporary convenience, and genuine relationships shouldn't be overly tainted by money. Ningguang had seen countless relationships crumble due to greed. Besides, Qin Yu didn't strike her as the type who would stay solely for financial gain.
"Hmm... this is truly vexing," Ningguang muttered to herself.
"Is something the matter?" Qin Yu asked.
Why haven't I received any feedback yet?
Could it be that I didn't express myself clearly enough? Or perhaps my flattery fell short? Qin Yu wondered. She stepped forward, leaned into Ningguang's line of sight, and offered a gentle smile.
"If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know! I may not be very reliable yet, but I still want to assist Lady Ningguang and make you happy."
Surely this should work now, right? What a difficult woman...
Ningguang casually replied, "Then stay by my side for another month."
"Ah... that might be a bit..." Qin Yu's gaze flickered uncertainly.
Just as I thought. Ningguang shook her head. "You need to grow enough to shoulder some of my burdens. And growth takes time... As you are now, you're not ready to share my responsibilities."
"I understand. I'm sorry," Qin Yu said dejectedly.
"So—"
"I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang, my mind is made up..."
Is there really no way to convince her? No, there must be something I can do... It's best not to push her too hard for now. Ningguang sighed and decided to shelve the matter temporarily.
"Back to the matter at hand, I'll introduce you to my three secretaries. You won't have specific duties like them, but you might need to collaborate occasionally, so it's good for you to get acquainted."
"Alright."