#yingying

Since having each other’s back in Kaifeng against many foes who would turn against the populace, Yingying has proven that she’s the definition of a ride-or-die friend. Whether it’s sneaking around to do something shady against an even-shadier foe or providing social support when you’re down after suffering so many losses in your life, Yingying has your back because she knows you have hers.

You might protest about some of Yingying’s fashion choices as a civilian or as the Ember of the East such as wearing enough furs to kill an entire forest or a soft hat with cat ears, but if you’re Yingying’s best friend, you’re gonna wear furs and hats to match hers…voluntarily or involuntarily. Even if she has to force the hat onto your head or the furs around your shoulders, you’re gonna wear it if you’re traveling with her.

Furthermore, Yingying has demonstrated that she has good tastes in fashion, so if you’re hanging out with her, she will pick out outfits for you so you two can match, especially if she’s using her Ember of the East persona. With great power comes some great perks and one of those perks is the power and wealth from having a friend like Yingying. With those perks comes the extra perks of having a good selection for outfits, which Yingying is eager to share with you. I think picking out matching outfits and hanging out with you so closely creates a safe environment for Yingying where she can interact with a kindred spirit in her peer group, and as she’s learned over time, you’re more than happy to oblige.

Another perk of being friends with the Ember of the East is access to some of Kaifeng’s best leisure, some of which are the hot springs and bathhouses. And with access to this type of leisure comes spa days. After all, the life of a Jianghu warrior is long and hard, so massages and pampering are all in order on occasions where you have a free moment from saving the world from bandits and malevolent, behind-the-scenes politics to spend time with your best friend.

Unfortunately for you, stealing your wallet and leaving you to pay the bill at restaurants is a pastime between you and Yingying that hasn’t gone away…and you’re often the one footing the bill. As your friend group grows across the Jianghu, you tend to expect that when the waiter returns to the table and says a bill has been left unpaid, 99% of the time, it’s Yingying who did it. So you begrudgingly pay it to avoid penalties as you roll your eyes with a curse under your breath as you vow to make Yingying pay you back.

Being friends with Yingying also leads you to be close with Granny Turtle and the triplets who make up the body of the Dao Lord, the leader of Nine Mortal Ways. Whenever you come to visit, the triplets pull pranks on you but otherwise welcome you into the Nine Mortal Ways base with open arms as an honored guest. Likewise, Granny Turtle may not have much to offer other than basic food and a leaky roof over your head, but she’s such a sweet elderly lady who views you like a granddaughter/grandson of her own that you don’t really mind.

Overall, Yingying is a great friend to you who has proven that she wants to help you find your Uncle Jiang and Aunt Han with her vast network of social contacts. But in the meantime, when you need to decompress from the hardships and roughness of the Jianghu, Yingying will provide the fun in your friendship to remind you of what it’s like to live a life of peace even in the midst of adversity.