"Let me introduce you. This is my friend, Shenhe," Qin Yu said.
Shenhe could sense that something had changed in Qin Yu, but she believed that no matter how Qin Yu acted, she would always be Qin Yu.
Was a mountain hidden by cloud mist no longer a mountain? That made no sense.
Shenhe calmly said, "My name is Shenhe. I'm Qin Yu's... her friend."
The old woman peered at the white-haired girl before her. Though her eyesight was failing, she could still discern that this was a beautiful young woman.
"Have you two made up?" she asked.
Made up? Qin Yu was slightly puzzled, but... Well, I suppose that's one way to put it.
"Yes, there's no need to worry," Qin Yu replied.
The old woman sighed in relief. "That's good. You should clear up misunderstandings as soon as they arise. Don't wait until conflicts fester and become irreparable. That would be one of life's greatest regrets."
"I know," Qin Yu said.
Elderly people tended to be a bit long-winded, and Qin Yu was long accustomed to it.
"Oh my, you used to get so angry when I said things like that," the old woman chuckled.
Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat. She quickly corrected herself, "I'm not a child anymore."
"That's true, we've all grown up. Little Yu has become a big fish, but this fool is still the same as ever. Sigh... If I were gone, who would look after you?"
Li Ren felt a knot of unspoken frustration tightening in his chest, unable to voice his thoughts.
Come to think of it... Given Qin Yu's family background, could she be forcing herself to act this way? Yanfei suddenly felt a pang of belated realization and regret.
The old woman turned her gaze to Shenhe and Qin Yu. "Has Little Yu caused you any trouble, Miss Shenhe?"
Shenhe shook her head. "Not at all. On the contrary, she's been very kind and considerate towards me."
"Oh? So this girl can actually care about others! That's wonderful."
The old woman continued, "Miss Shenhe, Li Yu has a rather peculiar personality. Others would directly express their affection, but not her. She always takes the roundabout route. She claims she doesn't want to be fussed over, but deep down, she's the one who craves attention the most. She's quite troublesome. I hope you'll continue to look after her in the future."
Hmph, so that's what the Li family's granddaughter is like. Qin Yu thought to herself. We're completely different in that regard.
Shenhe nodded. "I will."
After speaking, Shenhe turned her gaze to Qin Yu.
"Why are you looking at me?" Qin Yu asked.
Shenhe felt a flicker of surprise. Qin Yu would never speak so bluntly under normal circumstances. She had said earlier that she was acting, but her performance was remarkably vivid, even her subtle expressions differing from her usual demeanor.
She had even asked not to be disliked for acting this way.
Having witnessed it firsthand, Shenhe felt not a trace of displeasure. Qin Yu was worrying needlessly.
"She is my first and most important friend. Her place in my heart will never change. I will cherish this hard-won friendship with her."
[Evaluation: C (Shenhe)]
Yanfei felt a twinge of embarrassment. So direct? But if Qin Yu said those words to me... it might not be so bad after all.
What are you saying in front of others?! Qin Yu's ears burned crimson.
Unable to bear it any longer, she seized the opportunity to retort. "Y-you... what are you saying! Aren't you embarrassed?"
Shenhe tilted her head in confusion. "Why should I be embarrassed? My words come straight from the heart. If they're genuine, why feel awkward? I don't understand."
"You're just the type to..."
"To what?" Shenhe asked.
Qin Yu threw her hands up in exasperation. "Ugh, whatever!"
Shenhe looked even more puzzled.
After a moment of surprise, the old woman's face softened into a kind smile. "What a sweet girl, Li Yu. Shouldn't you say something at a time like this? Now that you're grown up, you should know how to respond to kindness."
"Don't question me," Qin Yu snapped.
"Sigh, still the same as ever," the old woman sighed, shaking her head.
The old woman then invited Shenhe to join them for a walk, but to everyone's surprise, Shenhe declined.
Why would she refuse?
"Didn't you come to town to see me?" Qin Yu asked.
"Yes, but... not entirely."
Not entirely?!
Shenhe deliberately concealed her true purpose, vaguely stating, "I just wanted to find out some things."
"Then why not just ask me?" Qin Yu said, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"I can't... I can't ask you about this."
"Even I can't know?" Qin Yu muttered, clicking her tongue. "Tch, fine, whatever. Do as you please," she said casually. "Alright, see you next time then."
"Mm, don't force yourself," Shenhe replied.
Force myself? Qin Yu scoffed inwardly. "There's no need for that."
This is exactly what I'm best at—playing myself! How could this be forcing myself? If anything, it's a blast!
Even if I can't say everything I want, it's still more liberating than usual! Qin Yu mentally stuck her tongue out at Shenhe.
Shenhe closed her eyes. "Good. You're kind-hearted. I thought you might feel guilty."
Hmph, as if you understand me at all. Everything I show you is just a facade. What could you possibly glean from that?
Qin Yu crossed her arms. "No need to worry. Go do what you want."
"I understand. Until next time."
"Ah-huh, until next time."
Shenhe left.
Seriously, what does she plan to accomplish by entering the city alone? Qin Yu's curiosity burned. She desperately wanted to know, but abandoning her current task midway was impossible.
Besides, Shenhe clearly didn't want her to find out.
Never mind. If it's her secret, I should let her be. I've already warned her about everything she needs to know, so she should be fine on her own.
The old woman sighed wistfully. "You two have such a wonderful relationship."
Our relationship is good, but... is it too good? Qin Yu couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off, but deep friendships were a blessing! And one shouldn't make baseless assumptions about other people's friendships.
"You must cherish her dearly," the old woman added.
"I do."
Qin Yu's heart tightened with guilt.
The thought of pretending to be the old woman's granddaughter weighed heavily on her. Projecting a perfect persona as a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance was one thing, but impersonating someone's family member? That felt fundamentally different.
There was also a tinge of envy.
No matter what Qin Yu said, the old woman simply smiled indulgently and brushed it aside. How comfortable must it be for Li's granddaughter to be so readily accepted and forgiven...
Qin Yu shook her head inwardly. Stop dwelling on such trivial thoughts. I need to keep up the act.
At this point, the only thing she could do was make this old woman truly believe her granddaughter had returned, bringing her genuine joy.
But just then...
"Hmm? Big brother and Grandma?"
A young girl who looked remarkably like Qin Yu stood before them.
Li Ren stared in disbelief, Yanfei gasped in surprise, and the old woman looked utterly bewildered.
"Li Yu? There are two of you? Am I dreaming?"
"Li Yu, why have you returned—"
Li Yu scoffed. "What, am I not allowed to come back? I was just out adventuring. Anyway, who are you? You look quite a bit like me."
Qin Yu felt a surge of panic.
So this is the Li Family's granddaughter herself. She's returned at the worst possible moment... What should I do? No, the most important thing is Grandma...
The old woman raised a trembling finger, pointing at the two girls.
"My granddaughter... split in two?"
"Huh?" Qin Yu and Li Yu exclaimed in unison.
Understanding dawned on Li Yu, her expression darkening. "So you've been impersonating me to deceive my grandmother!"
Qin Yu instinctively wanted to protest, but with her identity compromised, she could no longer reveal her true self. She had no choice but to put on her "mask" once more.
"Th-there's a reason for this..."
She's back to normal! Yanfei thought, realizing Qin Yu must be deeply agitated.
Yanfei stepped forward, shielding Qin Yu. "You've misunderstood," she said. "Let's find somewhere quieter to talk this through properly."
"I don't believe it! You're just trying to swindle an old woman out of her money. And you, Big Brother—how dare you, Char Siu, conspire with outsiders to deceive your own family? I truly misjudged you!"
So this is the Li Family's granddaughter... Yanfei mused. I still think Qin Yu is cuter, even when she's acting. With a sigh, she frantically strategized how to defuse the situation.
Clearly, the granddaughter was furious and incapable of rational conversation.
Oh dear, this is going to be a headache! Yanfei recalled past cases with similar clients—stubborn and impervious to reason, requiring Herculean efforts just to get a single word across.
Li Ren stammered, "Sis, listen to me—"
"What's there to explain? If you're not trying to scam my grandmother, then who am I? A mud figure that popped out of the ground?"
"Perhaps..." Li Ren muttered weakly.
"You little brat! Grandma, come over here—they're ganging up to trick you!"
The old woman pressed a hand to her forehead. "I have two granddaughters? This is truly... wonderful!"
Huh? Li Yu exclaimed in shock. "Grandma, what are you talking about? You only have one granddaughter—me!"
"Perhaps... you're twins," the old woman mused, as if she had figured everything out.
"That's impossible! Ah, the old lady's getting confused again... Oh well, guess we'll just have to play along."
Li Yu pointed at Qin Yu. "What's your name?"
"...Qin Yu."
"Similar names and appearances... but when it comes to inner character, I'm definitely better than you. I challenge you! Let's see who truly deserves to be Grandma's granddaughter!"
Has this woman lost her mind? Shouldn't she be reporting this straight to the Millelith?
Still, those words were infuriating. Better than me inwardly? True, I'm not exactly a saint... but that doesn't mean I'll take this lying down! Qin Yu exhaled sharply.
"I accept."
"Huh? She's actually accepting? Why?!" Yanfei whirled around in shock to stare at Qin Yu.
Qin Yu's expression turned grave. "But I must clarify beforehand: this has nothing to do with Yanfei or Mr. Li. I'm forcing them into this entirely of my own volition."
Li Ren stared in disbelief. "Miss Qin, how could you—"
"Qin Yu, what are you saying?!" Yanfei gasped, her face paling.
I can't let them get dragged into this.
Li Yu couldn't see through Qin Yu's scheme and instead believed her. "Forcing you... you're such a wicked woman!"
Qin Yu was speechless.
I am a wicked woman, that's true... but what's wrong with that? Whether it's you, Yanfei, or Shenhe... I'll deceive you all!