On the other side, by the lake, in a small wooden cabin.
"I'm back."
Qin Yu knocked on the wooden door with a complicated feeling.
Finally, it was time to be alone with the domineering CEO.
At least, for now.
"..."
The weather, which had been clear outside, grew increasingly gloomy.
Perhaps it was because Fufu was doing something with Xiangling.
In any case, it was about to rain.
Spring rain, mixed with the scent of earth.
Drizzling, moistening things silently.
"Come in."
A cold voice echoed from the shadows within the house, calm and emotionless.
Qin Yu: "..."
He suddenly felt treated coldly.
It made sense, though.
The atmosphere had been good at first; the domineering CEO had even tacitly allowed her little boyfriend to come for some affection.
Who would have thought that a bunch of people would suddenly show up for a meeting, disrupting everything?
Anyone in this situation would likely be angry.
It was already quite restrained that a divine war didn't break out on the spot.
Thinking this, he subtly glanced at the Tsaritsa.
At the same time, he pondered how to comfort her.
After all, the plan with Miss Yelan still required the Tsaritsa's agreement and cooperation.
But before Qin Yu could speak.
*Dudududu*
The familiar electronic music started, accompanied by the crisp sound of hands mashing buttons on a controller.
It was evident that the battle was fierce.
The Tsaritsa stared intently at the screen, a divine glint even flashing in her eyes.
"?"
Qin Yu smiled helplessly.
He had worried that the Tsaritsa might be upset.
Turns out, she had already retreated to the cabin to play games.
As expected of you, Your Majesty the Tsaritsa.
"Sit beside me."
The Tsaritsa looked up at Qin Yu, lifting her chin slightly.
She tilted her head, her soft, silvery-gray hair cascading loosely, her posture languid.
The faint reflection of the screen illuminated her face, highlighting her fair skin and exquisite beauty.
Whatever else, she would deal with it after clearing this level.
"Coming."
Qin Yu naturally wouldn't refuse this rare opportunity for companionship and sat in the empty space next to the Tsaritsa.
He tilted his head to look at the game console, preparing to spectate.
The console was big and white.
Watching the domineering CEO play games was a unique kind of fun.
The Tsaritsa glanced at Qin Yu, "Closer."
She seemed to be saying, "I'm about to show off my skills, watch carefully."
"Oh." Qin Yu, understanding her intent, moved his chair closer to the Tsaritsa.
Well, he might have moved a little too much.
No help for it, he decided to play along, sitting close enough to be physically touching the Tsaritsa.
Beside him, a pleasant, faint fragrance wafted, refreshing his senses.
He hoped his intentions weren't obvious.
Just as Qin Yu was feeling a bit smug.
"..."
The Tsaritsa's lips curved slightly, seeing but not saying.
The aloof and powerful domineering CEO was also happy to see her little boyfriend actively approaching her.
Who could refuse a quiet and warm time spent in companionship?
*Rumble—*
Outside the cabin, thunder echoed.
Rain pattered against the window.
The rain seemed to be getting heavier.
In such weather, if one could find one's own warmth...
Thinking this, the Tsaritsa lowered her gaze.
She tilted her head slightly.
"!"
Qin Yu's shoulder suddenly felt heavy, and he was taken aback.
He instinctively turned his head, looking at the beautiful woman so close to him, his eyes slowly widening.
Wait, was this it!
"Quiet, don't move."
The Tsaritsa raised her face, glaring at Qin Yu, whose eyes were wide with surprise.
Hmph, men.
Just this small benefit, and he's lost his bearings?
"Okay, I won't move."
Qin Yu's mouth couldn't stop curving upwards.
Naturally, he reached out and gently put his arm around the Tsaritsa's shoulder.
His boldness was increasing.
Hmm, he'd do it again next time.
"..."
The Tsaritsa said nothing, having already tacitly agreed.
The sound of rain outside, along with the tranquil atmosphere, became even clearer.
She curled up a little, moving even closer to Qin Yu.
A simple sense of security, ordinary yet warm.
Though unremarkable, it was exceptionally precious.
(ᗜ‸ᗜ)
The plush toy on the table silently witnessed it all.
"Want to play a two-player game with me?"
Qin Yu took out the game console and asked in a low voice.
"A battle-type game, let's go."
"Can't it be a cooperative, affectionate type?"
"Those are boring."
"But..."
The two argued briefly over what game to play.
It had eventually devolved into—
"Rock, Paper, Scissors!"
"I won."
Qin Yu showed a fist, a smug smile on his face.
"This doesn't count."
The Tsaritsa frowned, not wanting to admit defeat.
"No way, Your Majesty the Tsaritsa, are you trying to cheat?"
"Who says scissors can't break stone?"
The Tsaritsa's soul-stirring, serious question left Qin Yu momentarily speechless.
For a deity, it seemed that was indeed the case...
Wait, he was almost led astray!
How were he and the Tsaritsa acting like two children?
"I don't care, I won, so you have to listen to me."
Qin Yu put on a bold front.
"..."
The Tsaritsa rolled her eyes but finally nodded.
Perhaps the outcome of the victory or defeat was not important.
What was more noteworthy was the process.
"I'll listen to you."
The proud and powerful deity, rarely, showed a hint of gentleness in front of Qin Yu.
It was clear she was in a good mood now.
This was what happened when your little boyfriend managed to cheer up the domineering CEO.
...
And so, the two leaned against each other, peacefully enjoying their gaming time on the rainy day.
After an unknown amount of time.
"Go on, what is it?"
The Tsaritsa said softly, her eyes still fixed on the screen.
She had noticed Qin Yu's preoccupied state from the beginning.
"Ahem, well, our date plan for today... might be a bit difficult."
Qin Yu hinted indirectly.
Whether it was the Fatui Harbingers or the Narukami's group of friends.
Many people were watching.
"Stop beating around the bush, just say what you want to do."
The Tsaritsa rested her beautiful legs on Qin Yu's, her tone languid.
Anyone who dared to interfere would be dealt with directly.
"Actually, it's just for you to cooperate with me a little, and change your clothes."
Qin Yu explained.
"?"
The Tsaritsa frowned.
Change clothes? To impersonate herself with a disguise?
And then...
"Why must it be this one."
She stared expressionlessly at the sheer black silk material floating in front of her.
(ᗜ‸ᗜ)
"Ahem, it's so they'll have a more profound impression when they see it."
Qin Yu insisted that he was a proper gentleman.
Absolutely no other thoughts!
"Once everything is ready, we'll sneak out, alright?"
"...You go stand guard."
"Huh?"
"What, you want to stay in the room?"
The Tsaritsa gently nudged Qin Yu with her foot, pushing him out.
Her Majesty the Tsaritsa needed to change.
"Ah, alright."
Qin Yu looked regretful but obediently exited the small wooden cabin.
After closing the door, he raised his hand.
"Hey, Miss Yelan, can you hear me?"
He spoke to a bracelet.
This was a bracelet Yelan had lent Qin Yu, which she called a family heirloom artifact.
Its function was essentially a walkie-talkie.
"Is it my turn, Boss?"
A lazy voice echoed from the other end.
It sounded exactly like the Tsaritsa's voice!