Aier moved almost purely on instinct, step by step coming to stand behind Xie Yier, then with a soft “thud,” she dropped to her knees on the cold carpet.
“Eh? Little Ai, why are you kneeling?” Only then did Xie Yier slowly turn around, leaning in slightly, her face blooming with a gentle, surprised smile. “What’s this for? Hurry and get up.”
If I really stand up, you’ll probably change your face on the spot…
Aier didn’t dare look up, pressing her forehead to the carpet, her voice resigned. “Little Ai knows she’s done something wrong.”
She dared not argue or explain; at this moment, she could only hope that absolute honesty might buy her a sliver of forgiveness.
“How could that be?” Xie Yier let out a soft laugh, with a hint of doting in her tone.
Xie Yier bent down and reached out, her actions carrying an intimate force that brooked no refusal, pulling Aier up from the ground.
But Aier knew all too well—this was nothing but a false front.
As Xie Yier’s hand gently ruffled Aier’s golden hair, she squinted her eyes and smiled. “You’ve been running around all morning, covered in dust. Before lunch, let’s have a good soak and relax. I’ve already had hot water prepared.”
Xie Yier: “Let’s do it together~”
She bit down hard on those four words.
Aier: ???
It’s still midday, isn’t it? Bathing? And your attitude is clearly off—this isn’t normal!
Aier’s heart climbed even higher in her chest.
Xie Yier seemed totally unconcerned with her confusion, turning away and starting to unfasten her long dress.
The elegant fabric slid off her mutton-fat jade-like shoulders and waist, finally pooling on the carpet.
That mutton-fat jade skin was revealed inch by inch to the slightly cool indoor air—and to Aier’s anxious, uneasy gaze.
Aier’s cheeks instantly burned, and she hurriedly averted her eyes.
“Little Ai, what are you spacing out for? Hurry up.” Xie Yier stretched her body, her tone light and cheerful. “It’s rare for me to be free today, so I’ll bathe with you.”
Aier’s face was about to catch fire.
This never happened before…
Could it be… bathing together is actually part of “making amends”?
Nervous and uneasy, under Xie Yier’s intense gaze, Aier stiffly began to undress, her movements clumsy and rushed.
Her heart pounded wildly—especially since she had to bare herself completely in front of Xie Yier, in such bright daylight.
This is just… too embarrassing.
She had only just taken off her outer coat, revealing the silk undergarment beneath, and already she felt so shy she could barely breathe.
Aier clutched tightly at her collar, her eyes darting to the side.
Xie Yier was staring at her with those beautiful eyes.
“Hurry up and undress—why are you stopping? Or does Little Ai want me to help you take it off?”
Xie Yier’s gaze lingered on Aier’s “little lotus bud just peeking out,” her smile ambiguous and brazen.
“No, no, I… I can do it myself! No need to trouble Master!”
If Xie Yier actually got involved, it definitely wouldn’t be just about helping her undress—a big carrot shoved into a little white rabbit’s mouth, more like.
Gritting her teeth, Aier stripped away her final line of defense.
Mmm mmm mmm… she could practically feel the other’s gaze licking over her skin.
Next, Xie Yier strode over, grabbed Aier, and the two of them, bare as the day they were born, entered the bath chamber.
Steam from the hot water filled the bathing room. The huge tub was already prepared, and hot water billowed with mist, rose petals floating on the surface, releasing a faint, sweet fragrance.
Without hesitation, Xie Yier stepped straight into the tub, water rippling around her.
She turned to Aier, waving with a lazy, casual attitude that nonetheless left no room for refusal.
“Come on, Little Ai.” Xie Yier chuckled softly.
Aier hesitated for a moment, but in the end obediently stepped into the warm water.
She sat in front of Xie Yier, back turned.
Facing away was embarrassing enough… facing her directly was impossible.
The embrace of the water brought no warmth at all—instead, it only made her more tense.
Each of them washed their hair with shampoo, delicate white foam clinging to their skin, then slowly sliding off with the water.
As the foam was rinsed away, Xie Yier chatted idly, as if she truly wasn’t angry at all.
Just then, a pair of warm, wet hands, still dripping with water, landed on Aier’s slender shoulders from behind.
Eek! She touched me!
Xie Yier’s warm breath, tinged with the sweetness of rosewater, brushed her ear, her voice low and teasing: “It’s a rare opportunity—let Master help you wash up, okay? Little Ai, don’t you dare refuse.”
Alarms blared in Aier’s mind.
So it’s finally happening?!
Her throat bobbed uncontrollably. She wanted to refuse, to not be toyed with, but in the options she was given, “refuse” simply didn’t exist.
“Then… I’ll be in your care, Master.” Aier could only accept stiffly, silently praying that Xie Yier really would just help her bathe…
Xie Yier took the soap, working up a rich lather before finally starting.
As the soft pads of her fingers touched Aier’s skin, Aier tensed up all over—this unfamiliar sensation made her fearful, even her breathing grew rapid.
“What’s wrong, Little Ai?”
“N-nothing.”
Aier’s voice was raspy, as if something was caught in her throat, but she still tried her best to remain calm.
Xie Yier’s golden eyes narrowed further, a smile lingering within.
Soft fingertips traced Aier’s back and nape, gliding slowly along the curves.
The slippery sensation was like a serpent’s tongue flicking over her skin, raising goosebumps everywhere it touched.
Aier’s cheeks grew redder and redder, even the tips of her ears turning a tempting pink.
Such a strange feeling… inexplicably relaxing… No, I can’t let my guard down!
The water was still comfortably warm, but Aier felt every nerve in her body was screaming.
The air in the bath grew thick and sticky, like congealed pine resin, and every little ripple in the water made her heart pound.
Those hands slowly slid down from Aier’s shoulder blades, reaching her lower back, kneading gently—
“Mm!” Aier’s body trembled, a faint gasp slipping between her teeth.
Xie Yier’s hand had found her weak spot.
Aier knew this would happen… She pressed her lips tight, trying to suppress the strange currents running through her body.
“Looks like Little Ai is really shy.” Xie Yier smiled playfully, her fingertips deliberately lingering.
You’re doing this on purpose! No… I have to calm down… calm down…
Aier’s breathing grew noticeably faster, hot air flooding her face uncontrollably, shame burning her cheeks like fire.
My face is burning… My heart’s racing… I can’t control it at all…
Sensing the change in the girl beneath her, Xie Yier’s smile deepened.
Suddenly, she leaned forward, her soft chest pressing tightly against Aier’s smooth back.
So soft, so comfortable… No! I have to stay awake!
“Ah…” Aier couldn’t help letting out a small, animal-like whimper from deep in her throat.