The new mansion was even more luxurious than Tulia had imagined.
Everything here was kept in perfect condition. The furniture was covered with dust-proof white cloths, and when unveiled, revealed pristine surfaces. It was clear someone had been meticulously maintaining the place truly a home where one could “move in with nothing but their bags.”
What pleased her most was, without a doubt, that spacious indoor bath.
At the bottom of the pool, a slowly revolving Self-cleaning Array kept the water forever crystal clear.
Along the walls of the pool, several elegantly shaped Beast-head Spouts were embedded. As long as you lounged by the poolside, you could enjoy a comfortable water massage.
At this moment, Tulia had long shed all her clothes and was lazily soaking in the warm water, with only her arms and head resting on the smooth, mirror-like edge of the Jade Pool.
The gentle water currents caressed her weary shoulders and back, making her feel as if she was about to melt from comfort.
She closed her eyes, savoring this hard-won peace.
Her full chest floated lightly with the water’s buoyancy, exuding a languid allure unique to a mature woman.
“Damn… The wicked indulgences of Capitalism really do… corrode the soul.” She sighed contentedly in her heart.
“Splash—”
A loud splash shattered the tranquility.
Lisbeth, wrapped in a simple bathrobe, pushed open the door. Upon seeing Tulia so comfortably at ease, a hint of yearning flashed in her eyes.
In the next instant, she tore off her bathrobe, revealing a body full of youthful vitality. Unlike Tulia’s graceful entrance, she dove in like an excited frog, limbs splayed wide, with a “plop!” she jumped right in!
“Yaa!”
A massive wave of water was sent high into the air, drenching Tulia’s face completely.
Even the hair she had specially coiled up for bathing was scattered by the sudden splash.
“The water’s so warm.” Lisbeth emerged from the water, wiped the droplets from her face, and said happily.
Tulia opened her eyes helplessly, gazing at Little Liz’s beautiful form amid the hazy steam.
That body, matured in just ten years, radiated healthy strength, its lines taut and graceful. Her legs were especially long and straight.
“This child’s grown so fast. In another two years, I’m afraid this elder will really be outmatched.”
She couldn’t help but sigh, but then, she instinctively glanced down at her own chest, its proud curves floating on the water, and felt a faint, inexplicable sense of superiority arise.
“Hmph, at least in this area, you’ll need a few more years.” Tulia realized that now, she could only salvage a pitiful shred of her ‘dignity’ as an elder from places like this.
Just as she was lost in thought, Lisbeth suddenly dived under the water and disappeared from the surface.
“Hm?” Tulia looked at the now calm water, searching around in confusion.
She didn’t notice that a figure was stealthily approaching her from beneath the water, as agile as a swimming fish.
Suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed her ankles! Immediately after, a strange, slippery sensation slid up along her calf.
“Splash—!”
Lisbeth burst up from beneath the water, grabbing Tulia’s shoulders with both hands and using her to lift herself up. Water droplets slid down her smooth skin and silver hair.
From above, she gazed at Tulia, who was leaning against the poolside. Her bright blue eyes sparkled in the steamy air.
For a brief instant, Tulia even felt that her and Lisbeth’s roles had been reversed—as if she were the little one needing care.
However, this illusion lasted less than three seconds.
“Help me wash my hair.”
Lisbeth spoke, her voice carrying a soft, almost spoiled nasal tone.
“……”
Fantasy, shattered in an instant.
Tulia couldn’t help but complain, yet her hands honestly reached for the rack by the pool, grabbing the Soapberry and Hair Nourishing Oil.
“How old are you now, and you still want me to wash your hair.”
She had Lisbeth turn her back and lean on the poolside. As the warm water flowed over Lisbeth’s silver hair, Tulia’s fingers gently massaged her scalp.
Lisbeth narrowed her eyes comfortably, like a kitten being carefully groomed by its owner.
Apparently, just leaning back wasn’t enough. She shuffled back further, finally resting the back of her head in the hollow of Tulia’s neck.
“Mmm…”
The warm, soft touch, mixed with Tulia’s unique, reassuring scent, made Lisbeth let out a satisfied sigh.
Like a baby searching for the perfect pillow, she nuzzled her cheek gently against Tulia, trying to find the most comfortable angle.
“Hey, hey,” Tulia was caught off guard by this move, half amused and half exasperated, and her hands stilled. “What are you doing? That tickles.”
Lisbeth’s hair brushed against Tulia’s sensitive skin, bringing a faint, tickling sensation.
“This… is so soft, so comfortable.” Lisbeth’s muffled voice came from in front, childishly matter-of-fact.
Not only did she not pull away, she even wrapped her arms around Tulia’s waist like an octopus, snuggling closer.
Tulia could only sigh. This silly child though she looked like an adult now, she was just as clingy and spoiled as when she was little, not changed one bit.
“All right, all right,” she patted Lisbeth’s back, her tone filled with affection, “Sit up now, or the soap will get in your eyes.”
“No,” Lisbeth started acting spoiled, burrowing her head in harder. “Let me stay like this a while longer.”
Her movement was slight, but her hair pricked Tulia’s skin, making her itch.
“Hss…”
Tulia couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath.
Her cheeks felt a bit hot.
Does this child really not understand, or is she unconsciously being “naughty”?
Tulia looked at that head of silver hair, and finally gave up on making her sit up straight.
Fine, she’s still just a child.
She resumed washing Lisbeth’s hair, though this time, her motions were unconsciously much gentler.
The warm water flowed through her fingers, rinsing Lisbeth’s silver hair and Tulia’s softly heaving chest alike.
Lisbeth’s muffled voice sounded again, “Are we… going to live here forever?”
“Mm,” Tulia rinsed the lather from Lisbeth’s hair as she answered, “Once you start School, this will be our home.”
“Then… will you always stay with me?”
“Silly girl,” Tulia laughed. She lowered her head and gently rubbed Lisbeth’s hair with her chin. “If I don’t stay with you, who will?”
Receiving this affirmation, Lisbeth seemed even more at ease.
Her arms tightened a bit more around Tulia’s waist, as if she wanted to melt into her embrace.
The steamy air filled the bath, wrapping the two in a blurry cocoon of warmth and intimacy.
Tulia looked down at the “big child” in her arms, feeling a complicated yet heartwarming surge of emotion.
Though she had been forced into this role, after so many years, in the end… she really was like a piece of flesh fallen from her own body no, a piece of egg.
She sighed softly, her hands growing even gentler.
After the hair was washed, Lisbeth still didn’t leave Tulia’s arms.
She simply lifted her head a little, and at this moment, stared fixedly her eyes full of pure curiosity at Tulia’s full chest.