As soon as Shenhe entered the gift shop, the female shopkeeper approached with a warm smile. "Are you looking for a gift, dear customer?"
"Hmm," Shenhe replied calmly, glancing around the gift shop to see what was on offer.
Dolls, toys, gift boxes... a chaotic jumble of items. Shenhe didn't understand these things, finding the dizzying array overwhelming and unsure where to start.
Remembering Qin Yu's request, the shopkeeper cautiously ventured, "If you don't mind, I can make some recommendations? Is the gift for a man or a woman?"
"A woman... What are you writing down?" Shenhe asked.
The shopkeeper quickly hid her notepad, forcing an awkward but polite smile. "Oh, nothing! Ah, for a woman, I'd suggest these items over here."
Shenhe scanned the shelves, pondering. Dolls... Would Qin Yu even like something like this? She's never mentioned them.
"Having trouble deciding? What's your relationship with the recipient?" the shopkeeper asked.
"It's very good," Shenhe replied.
"Oh? Very good, you say... Then how about these gifts? They're a bit pricier, but the quality is superb! They're all crafted by renowned artisans!"
Even though I'm helping Qin Yu out, I still need to make a profit where I can, the shopkeeper thought.
While Shenhe's attention was drawn to other gifts, the shopkeeper hastily scribbled notes.
Shenhe closed her eyes, lost in thought once more.
None of these feel quite right... A gift should be imbued with heartfelt intention. As ordinary people say, even something made by another carries a piece of your heart when you give it away. But is that truly the case?
In every dish Qin Yu prepared, she could taste that unique warmth – surely the result of her own heartfelt dedication. Every step of the process had been meticulously executed, infusing the food with her care.
Perhaps I should make something myself as a gift?
"What's her approximate age?" the shopkeeper asked.
"About the same as mine," Shenhe replied, snapping back to attention. This shopkeeper really loves to chat, she thought. It's fortunate she's so pleasant, or my mood might be turning sour by now.
And not for the better.
"For someone her age, how about these exquisite handkerchiefs? Every time she uses one in her daily life, she'll surely think of you. It's a subtle way to draw closer!"
A handkerchief... Should I sew one for her?
"May I ask what her preferences are?" the shopkeeper inquired.
"She finds beautiful things appealing. When we went down to the city before, she stared at a crystal for a long time," Shenhe replied.
"C-Crystals? Ah, we have some here! They're of the purest quality!"
Could I make something for her with crystals?
"What does she dislike?" the shopkeeper asked.
"Insects, spiders, things like that," Shenhe answered without hesitation. She remembered vividly how Qin Yu's expression would stiffen at the sight of even a small bug.
"Then please take a look at our perfumes! They have insect-repelling properties."
Should I freeze all the spiders and insects near her house into ice blocks so she won't be scared anymore?
The shopkeeper wiped a bead of cold sweat from her brow. I've been working so hard, but this customer hasn't bought a single thing! No, it seemed she was striving for perfection... She really cared about this new friend.
She secretly jotted down more notes.
"What's her personality like?"
"Very good," Shenhe answered without a trace of doubt.
"In that case, while it's true that 'the thought behind the gift matters more than the gift itself,' a more substantial gift shows even greater sincerity! Would you like to see our newly stocked items? I guarantee the quality matches the price!"
With such a kind personality, she'd likely accept anything I gave her.
But precisely because of that... perhaps the gift should be something truly special.
A special gift... a handkerchief... a crystal... everyday life... one's most precious possession... heartfelt intention... An idea flashed in Shenhe's mind.
She knew exactly what she wanted to give.
"That won't be necessary, thank you. I know what I want to get."
"Huh?!"
With that, Shenhe turned and strode out of the gift shop with such effortless grace that the shopkeeper clutched her head and silently wailed, "At least buy something! Aaaah!"
"That's all I could get out of her. Ugh, your friend is such a cheapskate! I went to all that trouble, and she didn't buy a single thing!" Qin Yu gave an awkward smile, took the notebook the shopkeeper offered, and squatted down to examine it closely.
Hu Tao leaned over Qin Yu's shoulder from behind, peering over to get a better look.
1. The other person was female.
A woman! Good. If it were a man, I'd have to question their motives. After all, Shenhe has a stunning figure, exceptional charm, and striking beauty.
"Hey, it's a girl," Hu Tao remarked.
2. They were close.
Hmm, that's good... When did they get so close? Even I didn't notice. Well, it's a good thing.
Isn't that good too?
"Hey, they're really close!" Hu Tao repeated.
3. They were about the same age.
Someone her age... that narrows down the gift options nicely.
"Hey, they're the same age!" Hu Tao exclaimed again.
So noisy! Can't she be quiet for a minute?
4. The other person liked pretty things.
Well, she's a girl! Another criterion applied, and things are progressing smoothly.
"Hmm..." Hu Tao suddenly fell silent.
Why did she stop talking?
5. The other person hated bugs and spiders.
Honestly, how many people actually like those things? They're disgusting and creepy. This information doesn't seem very useful.
"Have you ever tried roasted insects?" Hu Tao blurted out.
"N-no, and I don't really want to..."
"I heard some bugs get really tasty when roasted."
I know, but I wouldn't eat that even if my life depended on it, Qin Yu thought to herself.
6. The other person has a good personality.
"..."
Hmm, they're nothing like me.
But with this information, I should be able to choose a suitable gift. All that's left is to browse the shops in person and subtly hint to Shenhe to make sure she understands.
Perfect.
"Fishy Treasure," Hu Tao said, deliberately steering the conversation, "who do you think Shenhe wants to give this gift to?"
"Hmm? Probably a new friend. If they're close, I'll feel relieved."
Hu Tao closed her eyes, furrowed her brow, and pondered aloud, "Hmm... hiss... ugh..."
What's wrong with her? Why is Hu Tao acting even stranger than usual?
Qin Yu was bewildered, but remembering Hu Tao's usual eccentricities, she decided not to dwell on it.
Returning the notebook to the shopkeeper, Qin Yu smiled. "Thank you. As a token of my appreciation, I'll stop by your shop later to buy something. I need some new handkerchiefs anyway."
The shopkeeper beamed. "You truly understand us! Don't worry, I'll make sure you get the best we have."
"Ahaha, um, thank you."
The shopkeeper hummed a cheerful tune as she returned to her shop, leaving Qin Yu and Hu Tao standing there.
Shenhe was no longer in sight, having likely moved on to her next destination. There was still time, and gathering more information would allow for a more accurate assessment.
Excellent, let's keep going!
Qin Yu, mindful of Hu Tao's fatigue from accompanying her, turned to the Director, who was still leaning on her shoulder. "Hu Tao, why don't you head back first?"
"Absolutely not! As your Director, I'll stick with you to the end. But Fishy Treasure, don't you think Shenhe might have someone else in mind for her gift?"
Someone else?
Someone with a kind personality... Could it be Yanfei?!
Just then, a voice called out from behind.
"Hmm? Isn't that Qin Yu and Director Hu Tao? What are you two doing squatting here? Feeling unwell? That's no good! I'll take you to the nearest clinic!"
It was Yanfei.
Her voice is too loud! Heaven knows if Shenhe is still nearby.
Qin Yu quickly raised a finger to her lips. "Shhh!"
"Shhh? Ah—I get it! You want me to lower my voice. Sorry, I panicked for a moment... Are you both really alright? And why are you standing so close?"
Hu Tao straightened up, patted her chest, and chuckled. "This Director is in perfect health, thank you for your concern."
Qin Yu stood up, about to assure them that she was fine.
"Qin Yu?"
The familiar voice made her freeze.
"Wow!" Hu Tao exclaimed in surprise.
Could it be...? Qin Yu turned around slowly, a little nervous, and met Shenhe's gaze.
Just as I thought!