Chapter 72: High Attack & High Defense vs. High Attack & Low Defense

"Still, it's so intriguing," Hu Tao murmured, perched on Qin Yu's back, stroking her chin as she thoughtfully watched Shenhe.

An Adeptus Clan disciple coming down from the mountains to shop in the city? Hu Tao wondered. Could her Adeptus Master need something? No, judging by the shops she's visiting—dessert parlors, jewelry stores, general stores—that doesn't seem likely.

So it's a gift after all?

If that were the case, Shenhe's purpose was glaringly obvious. Hu Tao clicked her tongue and shook her head inwardly. So predictable. But that's just Shenhe's personality—direct as can be.

Looking down, Hu Tao noticed Qin Yu's perplexed and worried expression. She hasn't figured it out yet.

What should I do then? After a moment's thought, Hu Tao had an idea.

"Let's follow her," she whispered in Qin Yu's ear, her voice like a devil's whisper.

"Follow her?!" Qin Yu exclaimed, her voice barely audible. That's so creepy! Even if I'm curious about what Shenhe's up to, I shouldn't be stalking her. Enough. I'll just ask her when the opportunity arises.

"That's not a good idea. I'll just ask her," Qin Yu said.

Besides, Shenhe was incredibly perceptive. If they got caught, she might grow to dislike them. And with Qin Yu's carefully cultivated image, how could she possibly justify stalking someone?

I need to be considerate. If Shenhe didn't want her to know, Qin Yu should simply pretend nothing was amiss.

Qin Yu resolved to reject Hu Tao's suggestion.

"So, she didn't tell you what she was planning?" Hu Tao suddenly changed the subject, her tone shifting abruptly.

"N-no..."

"Did you ask her?"

"I did... eventually," Qin Yu mumbled.

"Then she's hiding something from you." Hu Tao leaned closer, her soft whisper and warm breath tickling Qin Yu's ear. "Doesn't it bother you that she's keeping secrets even from you? You really want to know, don't you? And you probably don't think Shenhe would ever tell you the truth herself, do you?"

"I... I trust her."

"You can trust me too. With me around, your secret's safe. We didn't do anything wrong—we just 'happened' to see Shenhe and 'happened' to find out what she's up to."

Hu Tao raised her left hand and covered Qin Yu's eyes.

What's happening? Qin Yu felt a vague sense of tension and unease, but the warmth of Hu Tao's palm and the lingering breath on her ear brought a measure of comfort.

"Heh heh, how does it feel now? You can't see Shenhe anymore, can you? But you know she's secretly doing something behind your back. You're dying to see, aren't you? I know exactly how you feel—because I feel the same way. Whenever I can't see Fishy Treasure, I'm desperate to know what you're doing..."

So that's what Hu Tao's been thinking... Even though she's an unreasonable woman, if that's how she feels, maybe I should spend more time with her after I quit.

Of course, Qin Yu hoped Hu Tao wouldn't be quite so eccentric when the time came.

Evaluation: C-

Just as Qin Yu was feeling genuinely touched, Hu Tao continued, "So, why not come hang out at our parlor? Lie down? Reserve your final resting place? It's Crazy Thursday—all services are 30% off!"

Who wants your Crazy Thursday?! Qin Yu wanted to snatch back her moment of sentiment. It was always like this; the conversation inevitably veered back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

(TL Note: Anyone up for Hu Tao's crazy Thursdays?)

In a way, it was undeniably impressive dedication.

"I'm afraid I must decline," Qin Yu replied.

"Then you'll agree to follow Shenhe with me?" Hu Tao pressed.

"Well..." Qin Yu hesitated.

Hu Tao lowered the hand covering her eye and pleaded playfully, "Come on, it won't hurt you! And you're worried about Shenhe, aren't you?"

I'm only worried about what she's doing.

But Qin Yu couldn't deny her curiosity. Shenhe had descended the mountain alone and entered the city, and it didn't seem to be to find her... and Hu Tao kept trying to drag her into this.

If we get caught, we can always blame it on Hu Tao—ah, no, that won't work. My character wouldn't allow it. Tsk.

"If we get caught..." Qin Yu began.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you," Hu Tao assured her.

I don't need your protection, Qin Yu thought, but she smiled at Hu Tao. "No, let's just say I was the one who initiated the following."

"Wow, you're so kind! But relax, we won't get caught. Now, let's go! Shenhe's heading to the next place, and we can't lose her."

Hu Tao hopped off Qin Yu's back.

Phew, she finally let go of my hands! Why does everyone insist on breathing in my ear? Qin Yu rubbed her ear, her face still flushed.

Unexpectedly, Hu Tao took her hand again.

"Whoa!?" Qin Yu startled. Why is she holding my hand? Perplexed, she glanced at Hu Tao beside her.

"What's wrong? You look like you want to say something," Hu Tao said with a smile.

"Do we really need to hold hands?" Qin Yu asked.

"Yes! Your hand is so warm and soft—it feels so nice!"

Hu Tao's straightforward answer left Qin Yu at a loss.

Well, it's just a handshake. No big deal. I just need to pull back if my palms get sweaty—that would be gross.

Still, being treated like this was starting to annoy her.

With a casual glance at the evaluation, Qin Yu returned Hu Tao's grip with a firm squeeze. Under Hu Tao's slightly surprised gaze, she flashed a sweet smile and replied, "Hu Tao's hand is just as lovely."

Ugh, that's so cheesy. I want to die, Qin Yu thought to herself.

Evaluation: C

Hu Tao averted her eyes, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh, you turned the tables on me! Well, if you're happy, I'm happy. Besides, this could serve as a disguise!"

"A disguise?" Qin Yu asked, intrigued.

"Don't you think we look like we're on a date right now?" Hu Tao playfully shook their clasped hands.

Ha? How could that be? Stop daydreaming in public!

Still, this was a perfect opportunity to strike back. She'd make Hu Tao experience the same embarrassment she'd endured. Qin Yu smiled sweetly, though her thoughts were anything but.

"Not exactly," she said.

Qin Yu deliberately released Hu Tao's hand. While Hu Tao was still puzzling over the gesture, Qin Yu took her hand again, this time interlacing their fingers.

Then, she lifted their clasped hands and cradled them in her other palm, enveloping them completely.

"This finally feels like a real date... Your hands are indeed warm, Hu Tao."

Hu Tao had no idea things would take such a sudden turn. The sensation of their fingers intertwined was completely different from simple hand-holding—a novel and peculiar experience that flushed her cheeks crimson.

How bold.

Evaluation: C+

Heh heh, victory is mine this time!

But Qin Yu wasn't finished yet; the combo attack wasn't over. Noticing Hu Tao's silent blush, Qin Yu leaned closer and asked worriedly, "What's wrong? Don't you like this?"

"E-eh? No, no, it's... actually quite nice. But... hiss... do you do this with everyone?" Hu Tao's heart tingled with this entirely new sensation. She wondered what other experiences might feel like.

Qin Yu pulled back slightly, smiling. "No. I only do this because it's you, Hu Tao."

Evaluation: B-

"Wow, you're quite the smooth talker! But I like hearing it, so let's just keep holding hands like this."

...Huh? Ha?

Qin Yu was startled. Hold hands like this? Impossible! What if people misunderstand? I'd never be able to explain it away, even if I jumped in the river! This was just supposed to be a little "revenge" against Hu Tao.

Hu Tao clearly had no intention of playing along with Qin Yu's thoughts, giggling mischievously. "Don't you like it?"

Of course not.

"Doing this in front of others is a bit..." Qin Yu said diplomatically.

"So you're saying it's fine when we're alone?" Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with twisted logic.

You're a genius of twisted logic. Qin Yu forced a smile. "Well, that depends—"

"Not in public, not in private... then why are you still holding This Director's hand? Are you just toying with my feelings? I might actually cry, you know."

"Toying?! How could I possibly—?" Qin Yu stammered nervously. "Right, we have important things to do. Uh, not exactly important things... Never mind, let's just not dwell on this for now!"

"Hmph, fine. We'll leave it at that for now." Hu Tao switched back to her original grip.

So, we still have to hold hands? Well, at least we're not interlocking fingers. That kind of grip would definitely lead to misunderstandings... Qin Yu sighed in relief, then noticed Shenhe walking away.

Oh no, I need to catch up.

Just then, Hu Tao tugged on Qin Yu's sleeve, leaned in close, and purred with a mischievous smile, "Then it's settled! We'll do that in private later, okay?"

Huh?! Don't push your luck... Shenhe's practically out of sight! Stop dwelling on this! Weren't you the one who insisted on following her? Why do you suddenly seem so disinterested?

Qin Yu's mind raced with silent complaints. She didn't want to continue this conversation with Hu Tao, but her persona prevented her from ignoring the girl completely. Stumbling over her words, she managed to stammer, "I... I understand. Just hurry up..."

"Alright, let's go!"