Upon arriving at Guyun Stone Forest, Qin Yu quickly noticed the newly installed Guizhong Ballista positioned along the coast, heavily guarded by numerous Millelith soldiers.
Among them stood Keqing.
"Keqing? What are you doing here?" Qin Yu asked, surprised.
Keqing was equally surprised to see Qin Yu and Ganyu.
"Qin Yu? And Ganyu... I didn't expect to run into you both here. I'm here to supervise. Are you here to check on the progress of the preparations?"
"Yes," they replied.
"Perfect! I can give you the update directly. Just be sure to relay it to Ningguang later," Keqing said with a faint smile.
According to Keqing, a significant portion of the Millelith's forces had already been deployed to the area, and most components of the new Guizhong Ballista had been transported by sea and were currently being assembled.
Progress was proceeding smoothly, and the preparations would soon be complete. All that remained was to await the opportune moment.
"I already heard about this from Ningguang. I didn't realize Liyue Harbor was being targeted again," Qin Yu said.
Keqing flicked her ponytail. "While I don't believe there will be any real trouble—we don't need to rely on the Adepti; we can overcome this challenge with our own strength—to ensure that, we must ensure every preparation is foolproof."
"In short, Keqing's still worried," Qin Yu summarized.
"I won't deny it."
Keqing suddenly remembered the mark within Qin Yu's body, which had been activated by Osial's divine power.
Although she knew Qin Yu no longer carried the mark formed from the Remnants of a god, concern still lingered.
"Qin Yu... are you alright?" Keqing asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Alright? What's wrong?" Qin Yu replied, completely bewildered.
Ganyu explained, "I think she's worried about your health. Your mark activated previously due to proximity to a God's divine power, so she's concerned you might feel unwell facing the God's followers."
So that's it! Qin Yu realized.
Feeling Keqing's concern, she beamed and declared, "No, no, I'm perfectly fine!"
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
"Really?" Keqing pressed, her expression still anxious.
"Keqing, don't you trust me?"
Keqing replied earnestly, "You've pushed yourself too hard before. I just want to be absolutely sure."
Qin Yu suddenly felt awkward.
"Ahem... well, that's... true."
Just then, a sudden shout and commotion drew Qin Yu's attention.
"What's happening?" Keqing frowned.
A Millelith soldier rushed over. "Report! Lady Yuheng, the elevator's crane has malfunctioned. We can't transport the latest batch of Guizhong Ballista components up."
"Any injuries? None? Good. No injuries are the priority. Get the crane repaired immediately and transport the remaining components."
Qin Yu patted her chest. "Leave it to me!"
In situations like this, she had a quick and effective solution.
Ganyu exclaimed in surprise, "Qin Yu, could it be that you know how to repair machinery?"
"Not yet."
After all, she didn't have any specialized skills, and it wasn't something she needed in her daily life.
"You don't know how? Then what's your plan?" Keqing asked, her face etched with confusion.
Qin Yu didn't answer immediately. Instead, she strode over to the large crate containing the Guizhong Ballista components, gripped it with both hands, and effortlessly hoisted it into the air.
The surrounding Millelith soldiers stared in stunned disbelief.
"She just hoisted something that heavy like it was nothing..."
"Isn't that Little Yu? Her strength is truly boundless!"
"I bet she could knock me flying with a single punch..."
Holding the crate aloft, Qin Yu sprinted up the slope, placed it at the designated spot, and quickly dashed back.
She repeated this process three times, moving all the remaining components into place.
Returning to the still-astonished Keqing and Ganyu, Qin Yu brushed a strand of hair aside.
"How's that?"
I told you I'd handle it. Shouldn't you be saying something now?
Like, "Qin Yu, you're amazing!" or "Qin Yu, you're so powerful!" Qin Yu eagerly awaited their praise, but instead received only Keqing's request.
"Qin Yu, extend your arm."
"Huh? Oh, sure."
Not even a compliment first? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly as she extended her arm. Keqing then began prodding and squeezing her arm and forearm.
Keqing, puzzled, asked, "You don't have that much muscle, Qin Yu. How did you lift that thing so effortlessly?"
Is that what she's focused on? Tsk.
Qin Yu secretly pouted, dissatisfied with Keqing's reaction. Asked such a question, Qin Yu lost all interest in answering seriously and simply blurted out, "With sheer willpower!"
Keqing retorted, "If sheer willpower could lift it, we wouldn't need cranes."
Seeing Keqing continuously kneading Qin Yu's arms, Ganyu, though feeling a bit gloomy, grew curious and also started poking and prodding.
Qin Yu grew even more exasperated.
"Qin Yu is so reliable," Ganyu praised, patting Qin Yu's head.
Evaluation: SS- (Ganyu)
Qin Yu's spirits instantly brightened, her face lighting up with a smile. "It's nothing, really. I'm still far behind Shenhe."
Hey, don't mess up my hair!
Seeing her girlfriend being praised and petted by Ganyu, looking utterly content, Keqing's heart grew restless.
She quickly interrupted, "Qin Yu, you did exceptionally well. Thanks to you, the construction of the Guizhong Ballista wasn't delayed at all."
Qin Yu turned away, unimpressed by Keqing's praise.
Just compliment me properly! Why bring work into it? A simple compliment would have sufficed.
"Keqing."
"Hmm?"
Qin Yu grumbled, "You're such a blockhead."
"Eh?"
Keqing blinked in confusion, then a spark of insight flashed through her mind.
Ah, that's what she meant! Understanding Qin Yu's intention, she declared confidently, "I get it now!"
Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
"You deserve a proper treat. How about we go out for dinner together after work?" Keqing suggested with a smile.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
Fine, you asked for it! Don't blame me later when I eat you out of house and home, she thought, nodding to accept Keqing's invitation.
But the more she thought about it, the more determined she became to get back at Keqing later.
Keqing thought to herself, I knew I was right all along! Qin Yu wants to spend some private time with me.
Now that we're officially lovers, we really should spend more time together alone.
"Let's invite Sister Ganyu too," Qin Yu suggested.
Keqing froze.
Together? With Ganyu? Wasn't this supposed to be just the two of us?
"Ah, if you don't mind, I'd be happy to join," Ganyu replied.
"Great! And let's invite Shenhe too."
Four people?!
Keqing turned to Qin Yu, carefully confirming, "Qin Yu, you want all four of us to go together?"
"Yes, what's wrong with that?"
It seems Qin Yu never even considered wanting to spend time alone with me, Keqing thought. Seeing Qin Yu's confused expression, she sighed helplessly.
"Nothing," she replied.
She couldn't exactly call it a date now.
But the more she thought about it, the more dissatisfied she became. She couldn't resist muttering, "Blockhead."
Ha?
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Why did that pop up now?!
Just as Qin Yu was about to mentally grumble, Keqing's gaze fell on the sea.
"All that's left is to wait now."
Sensing Keqing's tension, Qin Yu encouraged her, "It'll definitely work out! And no matter what happens, I'll protect both you and Sister Ganyu."
Evaluation: C+ (Keqing)
Evaluation: SS (Ganyu)
Keqing's anxiety dissipated under Qin Yu's comforting words.
"Just don't push yourself too hard," she said gently, her eyes softening. "You have me too."
Ganyu said, deeply moved, "Qin Yu... please rest assured, I will fight alongside you all."
"Huh? But I thought Adepti don't usually..." Keqing asked, surprised.
"I want to face this together with everyone."
Keqing smiled. "If you've made up your mind, then I have nothing more to say."
Ganyu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Keqing's reply. The more she interacted with Keqing, the more she realized how understanding and reasonable she truly was.
"That's wonderful, Sister Ganyu!" Qin Yu said sincerely.
"Mm... it's all thanks to you."
The two exchanged a warm smile, while Keqing, standing between them, looked utterly bewildered.
What are they even talking about?