Going out in public... Qin Yu wasn't worried about running into anyone she knew. After all, she just needed to act completely ignorant afterward.
No one would pay any mind. Even if they inquired later and learned that the family's granddaughter resembled her, they'd likely dismiss any suspicions.
But running into Shenhe and the others would be a completely different story.
What if they overheard their evaluation?
For example:
"Shenhe, I was just acting earlier."
"Ah, I see. I'm relieved, because I didn't like the way you were behaving at all."
Just the thought of it made Qin Yu cringe.
Still, since the old woman wanted to go for a walk together, Qin Yu had no choice but to humor her.
I just hope we don't run into them!
Qin Yu bowed before the Rex Lapis statue in the old woman's home, desperately praying inwardly: Please, Rex Lapis, don't let us encounter them!
Rex Lapis, I beg you!
Not long after they left the house...
Shenhe: "..."
Shenhe had appeared.
Rex Lapis, why?! Is my faith not strong enough? That's impossible! Qin Yu nearly buried her face in her hands.
And of all people, it had to be Shenhe...
Wait, that's it! I can use my current identity.
She was currently pretending to be the Li Family's granddaughter. While her personality was mostly her own, if she could secretly communicate with Yanfei and get her to play along, they might be able to deceive Shenhe into thinking she was just a woman who looked similar to Qin Yu.
Besides, with such a stark contrast in personality, no one would suspect they were the same person, right?
Having made up her mind, Qin Yu adopted a slightly aloof demeanor, radiating an entirely different aura than her usual self.
Now she'll definitely think I'm someone else...
"Good morning, Qin Yu. What are you doing here?"
I was instantly exposed.
She recognized me so quickly? Not that I'm happy about it!
How did she figure it out so fast?
The old woman looked puzzled. "Qin Yu? Li Yu, when did you get that name?"
"Li Yu? No, she's Qin Yu," Shenhe said, shaking her head.
"What nonsense! She's clearly my granddaughter, Li Yu. What's this 'Qin Yu' talk?"
Yanfei cursed inwardly, realizing her bad luck. She'd run into someone who knew her! What should she do?
Maybe... maybe there's still a chance! Qin Yu thought anxiously, forcing herself to say, "You've got the wrong person. My name is Li Yu. Who's Qin Yu? I don't know anyone by that name—"
"I could never mistake you. No matter what. Why are you saying this?" Shenhe stepped closer, her gaze fixed intently on Qin Yu's face. The moment Qin Yu denied knowing her, Shenhe's heart lurched violently. The emotion that surged within her threatened to shatter her composure.
I don't want her to say that... The thought echoed in her mind.
Meanwhile, Qin Yu was panicking. Too close! Too close! Get away from me!
There was no escape.
"Come with me for a moment."
Qin Yu grabbed Shenhe's hand and led her around the corner.
The old woman looked puzzled. "What's wrong with Li Yu? Why is she so flustered? And who's that white-haired girl?"
Yanfei quickly explained, "She's Li Yu's friend. They just had a little misunderstanding..."
"Oh dear, did they have a falling out? They need to make up!"
Finally managed to cover that up... Yanfei breathed a sigh of relief. But she'd never seen Shenhe act like that before. Qin Yu must hold a truly special place in her heart.
But... I feel the same way! Qin Yu means just as much to me!
Still, this isn't something to be competitive about, is it? Yanfei mused distractedly.
Meanwhile, after leading Shenhe around the corner, Qin Yu tried to release her hand, but Shenhe's grip remained tight.
Come to think of it, Shenhe said holding my hand makes her feel secure... Well, there's nothing I can do. After all, I was in the wrong. Qin Yu pondered how to begin.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
An apology first.
"Why did you say it?" Shenhe asked.
Qin Yu briefly explained the situation, telling her that she was currently pretending to be the Li Family's granddaughter.
After listening, Shenhe lowered her head slightly. "I see... It was my fault for not realizing. I apologize."
"Don't apologize," Qin Yu said, shaking her head. "It just makes me feel worse. It's not your fault; I was the one who didn't think things through properly. And Shenhe, I was actually really happy when you said you wouldn't mistake me for her. Thank you..."
Though it was only a fleeting moment of joy.
Shenhe finally seemed at ease, murmuring, "Mmm."
[Evaluation: D (Shenhe)]
...We were still holding hands. Oh well, since I was the one who messed up first, letting her hold on a little longer wouldn't hurt.
"But I don't understand why you went to such lengths," Shenhe said. "If it's just about making that man fulfill his responsibilities, I could have taken care of it."
Sensing danger, Qin Yu cautiously asked, "How exactly would you have handled it?"
"I would have grabbed him and dragged him straight to his grandmother to make him swear an oath."
Just as I thought! Shenhe always resorts to the simplest, most direct methods.
Not that it wouldn't work, but... it still wouldn't do.
"That won't work at all!" Qin Yu protested.
"Why not?"
"Sometimes, making someone feel guilty is more effective than force! Uh, no... It's because that grandmother probably wants her grandson to return with some dignity," Qin Yu explained with a wry smile.
Shenhe closed her eyes. "Family... I still don't quite understand why you're pretending to be his granddaughter."
"Because this is for the best—at least, that's how I see it."
"But... isn't this deception?" Shenhe opened her eyes, puzzled.
Of course it was.
Yet, at that very moment, I was deceiving Shenhe myself.
Qin Yu thought of this and forced a smile. "Yes, it is. But if we keep up the act and she never finds out, wouldn't that become a kind of truth? Perhaps it's a beautiful lie."
Shenhe pondered Qin Yu's words.
A beautiful lie? It sounded complex and difficult to grasp. But since Qin Yu believed it was the right thing to do, she would accept it.
"I understand. What's your plan now?"
"I need your cooperation. Would you mind helping me out?" Qin Yu asked.
Shenhe nodded slightly. "Alright."
"Thank you."
[Evaluation: D+ (Shenhe)]
Holding Shenhe's hand brought Qin Yu a sliver of reassurance.
"I won't say things like that again," Qin Yu said guiltily.
"I don't mind anymore."
You should mind! Otherwise, what's the point of my guilt?
Qin Yu cursed inwardly, forcing a dry laugh. "But I do mind, so I swear I won't speak like that again."
"Mm."
"Also, my tone might sound different from usual, since I'll be acting. Don't think it's strange."
"I understand."
Good.
Just remember that this version of me isn't the real me. From the very beginning, this persona was created for you, to be the best friend you deserve, your closest confidante.
Shenhe, that's all you need to see.
"And... please try not to hate it too much, okay? My acting isn't very good."
Shenhe shook her head. "I won't hate it."
How can you be so sure when you haven't even seen it yet? Qin Yu asked, "Really?"
"I won't hate Qin Yu. You accepted me, so I'll accept you too."
Ha? More of those words? Aren't you embarrassed? Tch, you're as infuriating as ever, saying things like that without a single flicker of emotion... Who would believe you?
I certainly don't. If you're so confident, then prove it with your actions!
But I won't give you that chance.
Qin Yu smiled. "Hearing you say that makes me really happy... By the way, about my hand..."
"I want to hold it a little longer."
"O-okay."
I have things to do, but ten more seconds shouldn't hurt.
[Evaluation: C- (Shenhe)]