The idea was good, but reality proved frustrating.
Despite all my preparations, without actually meeting anyone, it was all pointless.
Based on my deductions, Shenhe's movements were limited to the mountainous areas outside Liyue Port. To see her, I'd have to take a long journey and leave it to fate.
Now that I had combat capabilities, I might as well try some related work to earn some pocket money.
For example, becoming an adventurer and taking quests from the association.
True, taking risks voluntarily was somewhat... but compared to other industries, this method paid out faster.
Of course, with her current level, it was impossible for her to receive major quests. On a typical day, she could only collect materials here and there or hunt ordinary-grade monsters.
If luck wasn't on her side, she'd end up doing odd jobs like finding lost cats and dogs, repairing streetlights, or clearing sewers.
You could say it was fine for a part-time job, but better to just wash up and sleep if it's your main gig.
The registration process wasn't too complicated, and Qin Yu quickly became a proud temporary adventurer.
New adventurers started at rank 1. By completing quests, accumulating experience, and building strength, they could level up. But Qin Yu had no plans to develop in this field, so she didn't pay much attention to that.
She'd just do it when she felt like it.
Don't get any wrong ideas - it's not that kind of thing.
As for the quest she took, it was simple: Collect 5 bottles of slime extract.
The association provided the bottles, but there were only 5. If one broke along the way, they wouldn't charge her, but she'd have to buy a new one out of her own pocket to complete the quest.
Qin Yu spent what little Mora she had left on a map.
From childhood, she hadn't ventured far from Liyue Port. Even when she left the city, she never went too far.
So despite being a local, her understanding of Liyue's terrain and landmarks remained limited.
"I last saw her around here... Though it's unlikely I'll find her there again, it doesn't hurt to check," Qin Yu murmured thoughtfully.
The association's receptionist, Katheryne, smiled. "Going on an adventure? Stay safe on your way."
Qin Yu's expression shifted like Sichuan opera face-changing as she beamed. "Okay~! Thanks for your concern, Sister Katheryne!"
One more look.
The System remained unresponsive. So Katheryne wasn't a target either.
I'd been wandering the streets since early morning, but still hadn't found anyone besides Shenhe. It seemed there were only a handful of people who could earn me points.
Ah, what a pain! If any random person would do, I'd just get a part-time job to save up money, then hire someone to stick close to me! That way, money would breed power, and power would breed more money - wouldn't that be perfect?
[This action cannot earn points.]
Qin Yu protested, "Huh? Why not?"
[This action is not proper.]
"Proper? What's improper about it? I have money, she loves money, so doesn't that mean she loves me? We're a perfect match. Who are you to object? As long as two beautiful young girls stick together - whether it's for business or genuine affection - people will always accept it!"
[This action cannot earn points.]
Qin Yu clicked her tongue. "What's wrong with that...? Ah, but all this assumes I can choose anyone I want."
The current situation was that only specific people could earn points by interacting.
Why can't things be simpler? Qin Yu rubbed her neck and sighed deeply.
"Speaking of which, is it okay to approach this with such a utilitarian mindset?"
[No problem at all.]
"Hmm..."
She should have felt reassured, but for some reason, Qin Yu couldn't shake off a sense of unease.
Typically, systems that rewarded points through building favor often led to disastrous outcomes, creating bitter rivalries... But since both parties involved were women, surely nothing untoward could happen, right?
That being said, forming friendships with ulterior motives was inherently problematic.
But nobody could truly protect me. I can only rely on myself, so I need to become stronger... At worst, I'll just be the perfect best friend as compensation.
As these thoughts swirled through her mind, a scream suddenly pierced the air:
"Save me—!"
Huh? What's going on? Someone's in trouble?
Qin Yu's mind immediately presented two options:
1. Rush over to save them immediately.
2. Call for backup first.
Without hesitation, she chose... 2!
After sprinting back a distance, Qin Yu called out to a patrolling Millelith soldier: "Millelith brother, someone seems to be in danger over there!"
"W-what... Alright, I'll go check right away."
Watching the Millelith soldiers depart, Qin Yu wiped the sweat from her forehead.
Perfect.
When facing danger, the first instinct shouldn't be to charge recklessly. After all, her capabilities were limited. Acting rashly and getting herself killed would be counterproductive.
Though this was true, she couldn't shake the feeling that the Millelith soldier seemed somewhat nervous.
Is everything alright? she wondered. He's alone... and there's no other Millelith soldiers nearby. Hmm... I should check on him.
Absolutely not because I'm afraid they might die.
Just in case, Qin Yu prepared her Short Firearm and rushed toward the source of the commotion.
As she arrived, she saw the Millelith soldier sent flying by a hammer strike.
"Huh, so weak..."
She turned to look at the enemy - a group of masked men and women.
"Huh, so many..."
Bandits.
Lying unconscious on the ground alongside the soldier was a merchant dressed man.
"Hmm? Another one?"
She'd been noticed!
"But she looks so poor..."
What?! Qin Yu thought, her anger flaring. Though it was true, having the truth spoken so bluntly still stung.
She was poor, but poor with dignity! She'd rather be broke than resort to thievery like these bandits!
"Still, she's quite pretty. We should sell her to someone who wants her. Hurry up - let's take what we can before the other Millelith soldiers arrive."
As three bandits approached with weapons raised, Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat. She tightened her grip on the Short Firearm's stock.
No turning back now.
She lifted the weapon, aimed, and pulled the trigger.
The projectile struck a bandit's thigh with a crack.
"Ugh!" He collapsed.
The second shot found its mark elsewhere.
"Aaah—" He clutched his groin.
Though not her intended target, at least she'd hit something.
The third shot struck the final bandit's chest, but his armor deflected the blow. He staggered momentarily before charging forward with bloodshot eyes, axe raised.
Not enough damage! Qin Yu wanted to weep. The weapon's automatic reload was still in cooldown, leaving her defenseless. She threw herself to the side just as the bandit's axe came down. As she scrambled up, the reload completed.
A sharp crack echoed as the projectile buried itself in the bandit's knee. He crumpled to the ground.
"Phew..."
Qin Yu's relief was cut short by a whistling arrow. The fourth bandit—the one giving orders—had loosed a crossbow bolt.
She couldn't react. The arrow was already upon her.
But then—a sharp crack as the bolt shattered mid-air.
A gentle breeze brushed her face.
Shenhe stood before her, resembling a War God incarnate. She drove her spear into the ground and turned slightly to say, "Looks like you're unharmed."
Qin Yu blinked, momentarily dazed. "Ah, yes, I'm fine..."
"That's good."
With those words, Shenhe kicked her spear into the air. Her figure blurred as she charged toward the last enemy.
Using the spear like a staff, she struck the man's knee with brutal force, eliciting a pained scream. A second strike swept upward, striking his jaw and knocking him unconscious.
The battle concluded in three seconds.
Shenhe scanned the area, confirming no more enemies remained. She sheathed her spear and turned to leave.
Only then did Qin Yu react. Glancing at the fallen crossbow arrows, she realized this stranger had saved her life.
This was the second time... No, no time for daydreaming! If she didn't speak now, he'd be gone. Their next meeting might be in another moon, another year.
"Wait!"
Shenhe halted mid-step, not turning her head. "What is it?"
"I... I came to see you!"
Shenhe turned around. "Hm? See me? Why? If it's because I saved you and you feel indebted, there's no need for that."
Wait, how should I answer this? Qin Yu thought. She had called out to Shenhe without thinking, but now she was being asked these kinds of questions...
If she said she wanted to be friends, it might seem like she had ulterior motives. If she said she wanted to thank her again, Shenhe would probably just nod and leave.
Seeing Qin Yu's prolonged silence, Shenhe said, "Well... I'll be going then."
No, I have to say something or this conversation will fail completely.
In desperation, Qin Yu blurted out, "Can I see you again?"
"Why would you want to see me?"
"Uh, ah, this... I'm not really sure..."
I want to cuddle with you!—How could she possibly say that?
Shenhe stared at Qin Yu, as if pondering something. Under that intense gaze, Qin Yu broke out in cold sweat, her heart pounding with "Aba, aba, aba" as she feared her true intentions might be revealed.
"The mountain forest."
"Hm?"
"If you call my name in the mountain forest nearby, I should hear you."
Qin Yu's eyes widened slightly. Did this mean she agreed? Was she willing to meet with her?
Ha? Why? The words still sounded suspicious! Want to see you— if she heard this, she'd definitely think the other person had ulterior motives.
Rather than joy, Qin Yu felt more unease and confusion.
But at this moment, she should act happy, and it had to fit her "character."
How should an energetic young girl express her delight?
The answer was simple!
Qin Yu "couldn't help but" rush forward, grab Shenhe's hand, and beam with a radiant smile: "Really?! Is that okay?!"
Shenhe instinctively twitched her hand, thinking this person was a bit too enthusiastic... But seeing her "pure" smile, she didn't find it annoying, so she didn't say anything, just nodded slightly.
"Thank you!"
[Evaluation: D]
Hey, shouldn't it be higher?
-
Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS