In a corner of Wanmin Restaurant, Keqing silently picked up the menu.
Her gaze swept over it aimlessly.
In reality, her attention was already elsewhere.
Someone had just mentioned... Qin Yu.
"..."
Could it be that person?
The pen pal she had always wanted to meet.
For this, she had extended invitations many times.
But each time, the answer was...
For various reasons, it was inconvenient to come.
"Excellent."
Keqing's eyes flickered slightly.
Since Qin Yu was unwilling to come and work overtime together.
Then she would have to take the initiative.
With full execution, Keqing dared to think and dare to do.
Anyway, Inazuma's isolationist policy would be lifted soon.
She was already planning a strategy to intercept him.
"Welcome, two guests!"
Just then, a girl rushed over energetically.
The girl's name was Xiangling, a renowned chef.
Her cooking skills were even praised by a certain retired individual.
"G-G-Gobo."
Behind her, a round "little raccoon" followed.
Seeing Ganyu, it seemed very affectionate.
As it hopped, it waved its little short hands.
"Hello there, Guoba."
Ganyu smiled and patted Guoba.
"Xiangling, the usual, please."
Keqing held the menu, somewhat distracted.
"Okay! Sizzling Shrimp Rolls, and..."
Xiangling nodded, diligently taking notes.
"It'll be right up."
"Wait a moment, Xiangling."
Keqing called out to Xiangling, who was about to leave.
"What is it?"
Xiangling blinked her eyes and sat down curiously.
"Wanmin Restaurant is very busy, you must know..."
Keqing pursed her lips, choosing her words carefully.
"Know what?"
Xiangling's interest was piqued, and she rested her chin on her hand.
What would the esteemed Yuheng Star inquire about?
It must be something very important and serious.
"About Qin Yu."
Keqing said casually.
She held the menu, not knowing what she was looking at.
In any case, it blocked her face.
Only a pair of cat ears made of purple hair was visible, swaying back and forth.
"Qin Yu? Oh... I think many people have talked about him."
Xiangling recalled for a moment and slapped the table.
"Qin Yu from Inazuma, right!"
"Yes, that's him."
Keqing quietly put down the menu, her beautiful eyes lighting up.
"Why are you suddenly asking about him?"
Ganyu blinked her eyes, curiously asking.
"Cough, well, of course... to understand Inazuma."
The menu in someone's hand became crumpled.
It was estimated that if the questioning continued, it would be shattered.
Just as Ganyu was about to press further.
On the other side, Xiangling thought of something.
"Hmm, Qin Yu, Qin Yu..."
Keqing subconsciously held her breath.
What news would her pen pal have?
She wondered if he was doing well now.
He had always been the one to inspire her.
He would share interesting stories.
They would brainstorm together through difficult challenges.
He would reply with encouragement to her complaints during work.
Keqing had long regarded Qin Yu as an important person.
Only he could understand her.
If Qin Yu wasn't happy...
Then she would bring him to Liyue to start a new life.
Anyway, her house was quite large.
It wouldn't be a problem to accommodate one more person.
For a moment, the girl's thoughts drifted.
At the same time, Xiangling spoke:
"Qin Yu, the one dating the Inazuma Princess."
As soon as she finished speaking, the air froze.
There was a "crack" sound.
The crumpled menu in Keqing's hand turned into fragments.
"Wh-what..."
The warmth that had just risen in her heart vanished.
Had she misheard?
Dating?
Qin Yu? With whom?
He had never mentioned it in his letters.
In an instant, a feeling she had never experienced before surged through her.
It was like...
The land she had long set her sights on, suddenly snatched away by someone else.
And then even carelessly plowed over.
She had arrived first!
"No, no."
Xiangling frowned, shaking her head.
"..."
Keqing's eyes lit up again.
So she had misunderstood.
She had been working overtime recently precisely to go to Inazuma.
How could Qin Yu be with other women...
"It seems there's also the eldest daughter of the Hiiragi family."
"?"
"I heard the Inazuma Archon also values him highly!"
"??"
Xiangling recounted Qin Yu's deeds one by one as if listing treasures.
Keqing's gaze completely darkened.
So that was it.
This was why Qin Yu had been delayed in leaving.
He had experienced many things, even challenged the Archons.
These were legendary deeds that many could not imagine.
But at the same time.
My best pen pal...
Was also entangled with two young ladies.
Were they the ones who made you happy and satisfied?
"Keqing, are you alright?"
Ganyu and Xiangling exchanged glances and asked with concern.
"I'm fine."
Keqing shook her head slightly.
Just a little uncomfortable inside.
How strange.
...
Keqing, suppressing her anger, still left.
She didn't even eat her favorite Sizzling Shrimp Rolls.
Returning home.
"Miss, you..."
"I'm tired."
With a "bang," Keqing closed the door.
Taking off her black stockings and changing into a nightgown, she buried herself in the bed.
After a moment of silence.
The girl reached out and hugged the nearby dolls.
A Morax doll.
And also...
A Raiden Shogun doll sent by Qin Yu.
"Hoo."
Keqing gently hugged the two dolls.
Her watery eyes looked out at the starry sky.
She wondered what Qin Yu was doing.
Qin Yu: Ice cream is so sweet.
"..."
Keqing glanced at the sword hanging by the head of the bed.
With her decisive nature, she would never stop moving.
Tomorrow, she would go to carry out the salvage work.
After that, she would head directly to Inazuma.
"I will find you, Qin Yu."
"And those two young ladies, right?"
"The stories of the young ladies not mentioned in the letters."
"Then I'll settle it face to face."
"...You can't escape."