Chapter 73: I Command You to Present Yourself as a Gift to Shenhe

Qin Yu and Hu Tao trailed Shenhe at a distance, keeping her under observation.

Sigh, I'm actually stalking someone... Qin Yu sighed inwardly, but quickly reassured herself: This is just an investigation. I wouldn't actually do anything to Shenhe.

In the end, it was all Shenhe's fault for being so secretive! How could she keep things from even me?

Wait... haven't I been equally secretive with her? If I can't bring myself to share personal details, how can I expect her to? That would be downright hypocritical.

Maybe it's best to just give up.

"Hu Tao, I think I should..."

"Shhh. She went to the bookstore."

"Huh?"

The bookstore?

Hu Tao's words completely diverted Qin Yu's attention.

Shenhe had climbed the stairs and now stood before the Wanwen Bookhouse, thoughtfully scanning the shelves.

Was she planning to buy a book?

Shenhe pulled one off the shelf. Qin Yu squinted, trying to make out the title. But the distance was too great; she couldn't even read the title, let alone the contents.

Wait a minute, I have just the thing... Qin Yu completely forgot her earlier thoughts, pulled out her anesthetic rifle, detached the scope, and used it as a telescope to get a closer look at the book in Shenhe's hand.

Hu Tao shielded Qin Yu's actions with her body, preventing passersby from noticing her peculiar behavior.

"See it?" Hu Tao whispered.

"Umm... no..."

The Wanwen Bookhouse was unexpectedly crowded today, with customers coming and going in a dizzying stream. To make matters worse, someone was leaning against the railing, completely obstructing Qin Yu's view.

I can't see anything at all! Move along, move along!

Perhaps Qin Yu's silent plea had worked, because the person actually stepped aside. Unfortunately, Shenhe had already returned her book to the shelf, shook her head slightly, and left the bookhouse.

A missed opportunity.

Sighing, Qin Yu reluctantly put away her scope, feeling utterly foolish for using it to spy like some sort of stalker.

Maybe I should just shoot myself with the Medical Pistol to really calm down.

"Hu Tao, maybe we should..."

Hu Tao snapped her fingers. "If we can't see her, let's just ask someone over there."

That... wasn't actually a bad idea. Wait, no.

"Still, that might not be the best approach."

"Hmm? But you really want to know what she was up to, right?"

"Well..."

Hu Tao grabbed Qin Yu's hand and grinned. "Come on, stop hesitating! Let's go. Oh, and we can grab some snacks while we're at it. A full stomach always lifts the spirits!"

With that, Hu Tao pulled Qin Yu toward the Wanwen Bookhouse.

"Excuse me, what was that white-haired woman reading just now? It looked quite interesting," Hu Tao inquired.

The shop assistant recognized the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and, though slightly apprehensive, replied, "If I'm not mistaken, it was the newly stocked Teach You How to Deepen Relationships with New Friends! It's over on that shelf."

Teach You How to Deepen Relationships with New Friends...? New friends?

Could it be that Shenhe had made a new friend?

Qin Yu suddenly realized that all the shops Shenhe had visited earlier were places where one could pick out gifts.

Indeed, giving gifts was a good way to strengthen bonds with new friends. A thoughtful gift could certainly enhance one's impression.

So that's what this is all about.

Shenhe had a new friend... Well, that's wonderful! She truly needed a real friend, someone she could confide in wholeheartedly.

"The author of Teach You How to Deepen Relationships with New Friends! previously wrote the two-volume Step-by-Step Guide to Bridging the Gap Between Same-Sex Friends series. Oh, she's quite a famous author," Hu Tao remarked as she flipped through the book.

The author of those books? No wonder Shenhe shook her head.

Qin Yu nodded in deep understanding. She was certain Shenhe found the book entirely useless, devoid of any real substance, and felt disappointed. I get it, I get it, Qin Yu thought.

Honestly, why didn't she just ask me? When it comes to fostering relationships, even Ningguang recognizes me as an expert!

Could it be she didn't want to trouble me? That was highly likely, considering Shenhe's nature. She probably wanted to achieve this on her own.

Everything makes perfect sense now!

Qin Yu had a sudden realization and made up her mind.

In that case, I'll secretly lend a hand. Fortunately, she knew all the shopkeepers in the area. She'd reach out to them first, instructing them to casually probe for information while chatting with Shenhe, allowing Qin Yu to deduce aspects of her new friend's personality.

Next, she'd select the perfect gift for Shenhe.

Finally, she'd drop subtle hints to guide Shenhe toward the right criteria for choosing a gift.

I'm a genius!

"Hu Tao, I have a plan."

Hu Tao turned around, wondering what strange nonsense Qin Yu was about to spout. But her curiosity was piqued, and she asked with genuine interest, "Oh? You have a plan too?"

"I think Shenhe must have made a new friend."

"Hmm?" Hu Tao blinked in surprise.

"But she's struggling to choose the right gift."

"Ah..." Hu Tao seemed to grasp the situation, her gaze drifting thoughtfully.

Qin Yu, completely oblivious to Hu Tao's ever-shifting expressions, continued speaking earnestly, "As her friend, I should definitely lend her a hand at a time like this!"

"Hiss..." Hu Tao drew a sharp breath.

She never imagined Qin Yu's thought process could be so peculiar! Should she try to explain things to her, or simply play along? After a moment's contemplation, Hu Tao made her decision.

Well, this could be interesting! she thought. Besides, given Shenhe's personality, there's no way this could go wrong.

Hu Tao chuckled. "And then?"

"This is what I was thinking..." Qin Yu proceeded to outline her plan to Hu Tao.

Hu Tao listened with her arms crossed, nodding occasionally. Her gaze toward Qin Yu grew increasingly curious.

"Aren't you jealous that Shenhe's making new friends?" Hu Tao asked.

Why would I be jealous? Qin Yu wondered, but she maintained her smile. "Of course not! Isn't it wonderful that Shenhe has new friends?"

"But you two are so close," Hu Tao pressed, growing more and more convinced that Qin Yu was truly an extraordinary woman.

"Does being close mean I have to be jealous? That would be terribly narrow-minded. Besides, if her new friends get along well with her and become good friends, I'll feel much more at ease."

"Why?"

Why do you even ask? Qin Yu thought. Because those would be genuine friends—not like the ones I've deliberately cultivated.

But obviously, Qin Yu couldn't answer like that. She scratched her cheek and chuckled, "Ahaha, well, it's just that... if Shenhe ever gets tired of me, at least she won't have to go back to being completely alone, right?"

And if her new friends ever hurt her, Qin Yu thought fiercely, I'll make them regret it.

Hu Tao sighed softly, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "You really are something. A clever plan, but I think it needs a slight modification!"

"How so?" Qin Yu asked. Hu Tao was known for her mischievous ideas; maybe she had something useful this time.

But then Hu Tao declared, "Qin Yu, I command you to become the gift! Go and hand yourself over to Shenhe!"

Huh? Use me as the gift? Does that mean I'd have to wear that kind of outfit and hide in a gift box? What nonsense is this woman spouting?!

I really misjudged you. I thought you might offer some sensible advice.

Qin Yu forced a strained smile. "Please don't say such strange things."

"I'm serious!" Hu Tao insisted.

Yeah right!

"Then give yourself to me as a gift next time," Hu Tao purred.

In your dreams!

Come to think of it, to say something like that... could Hu Tao be... that way inclined? Why does everyone around me seem to have these suspected lesbian tendencies? Qin Yu sighed inwardly.

Anyway, putting Hu Tao's absurd ideas aside, it was time to put her plan into action.

Meanwhile...

Shenhe gazed up at the sky, murmuring to herself, "What would be the perfect gift to give Qin Yu?"