“Rest well,” Ye Lan said softly, her fingers gently brushing through Mu Xi’s hair.
“I have some matters to attend to, but I’ll come back to check on you later.”
Mu Xi nodded, her eyes following Ye Lan as she left the room.
Only when the sound of footsteps faded into silence did Mu Xi let out a long, heavy sigh, collapsing onto the bed like a marionette with its strings cut.
“Damn you, Ye Lan,” she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with venom.
“You push me to the brink, and then expect me to grovel with gratitude?”
She tried to rise, but every inch of her body screamed in protest, a symphony of aches that refused to be ignored.
Gritting her teeth, Mu Xi forced herself to sit up, testing her legs.
They responded with a dull, tingling numbness that made her wince.
“I have to get to the garden,” she resolved, her mind steely despite her body’s betrayal.
“No matter what, I need to make sure Tuesday is safe.”
Suppressing the pain, she inched her way forward, each movement a delicate dance on a razor’s edge, cold sweat beading on her brow.
But the thought of Tuesday in peril stoked a fire in her chest, urging her onward, step by agonizing step.
At last, Mu Xi dragged her exhausted frame out of the manor.
The sunlight bathed her in warmth, and she squinted, savoring the fleeting comfort it offered.
Though her body still throbbed with dull pain, she could move—barely.
She wandered through the garden, feigning interest in the vibrant blooms, her eyes darting for any sign of Tuesday.
A group of guards passed by, and she quickly plucked a small flower, holding it to her nose as if entranced by its scent.
“Damn these guards,” she cursed inwardly.
“Buzzing around like flies.”
After what felt like an eternity of searching, her hope began to waver.
Then, a rough, labored breathing broke the silence, coming from a nearby flowerbed bursting with blossoms, its dense foliage concealing whoever hid beneath.
“Tuesday?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“It’s me,” came the familiar reply from the flowerbed.
“I’ve got the car keys, and the route’s planned. Tonight, I’ll ram through the garden gate. You have to be here waiting. I’ll open the door—you jump in, and we’re gone!”
Mu Xi clutched her aching waist, sighing.
“My room’s on the second floor, and the halls are crawling with guards. The only way out is the window. Can you get me something soft to cushion the fall?”
“Too risky,” Tuesday said, concern lacing his voice.
“But I’ll figure something out. Keep an eye on your window. When you hear three whistles, that’s your cue to jump.”
“Got it.”
They parted swiftly, Mu Xi forcing herself to ignore the pain as she strolled back, pretending nothing was amiss.
She pushed open her door and froze.
Lin Ke’er was on her knees, cradling Mu Xi’s pink slipper to her face, inhaling deeply.
“Your feet smell divine,” Ke’er said, lifting her head with a look of pure bliss.
“Like sweet cream.”
Mu Xi’s brow twitched, a vein of irritation pulsing.
“Can you not be so creepy? That’s my shoe.”
“It’s because it’s yours that it’s so perfect,” Ke’er purred, rubbing the slipper against her cheek.
“…” Mu Xi pressed a hand to her forehead.
“Did you eat something weird today?”
“Nope,” Ke’er said with a bright smile.
“I just love your scent.”
She rose, her eyes glinting mischievously.
“Want a massage? You’re limping like you’ve been through hell.”
“No, thanks,” Mu Xi said, stepping back.
“Just put my shoe down.”
Ke’er set the slipper aside and sauntered closer, a dangerous spark in her eyes.
“I’ve already tasted those pretty little feet of yours. No need to be shy. Come, sit on the bed.”
“I’m not in the mood for your games,” Mu Xi snapped, thinking to herself that there’d better be some benefit to this nonsense.
Ke’er’s expression darkened.
“Now, Mu Xi. Don’t say no.”
“Are you insane?” Mu Xi’s words were cut off as Ke’er clamped a hand over her mouth, dragging her to the bed and pinning her down.
Mu Xi struggled, but her weakened arms were no match for Ke’er’s surprising strength.
“Are you going to let me or not?” Ke’er’s voice carried a chilling edge.
Mu Xi cursed inwardly.
‘How is this lunatic so strong?’
But with escape on the line, she couldn’t afford to make waves.
Softening her tone, she cooed, “Oh, sister, don’t be so rough—you’re hurting me. If you want to pamper my feet, just say so. I won’t say no.”
Ke’er’s eyes lit up.
“That’s more like it. Next time there’s something tasty in the kitchen, it’s yours.”
Mu Xi settled onto the bed, slowly slipping off her shoes and socks.
Her delicate feet, pale and graceful, carried a faint, creamy sweetness.
Ke’er lifted one foot reverently, her gaze entranced as she pressed her lips to the soft skin.
“Mmm… don’t…” Mu Xi instinctively tried to pull back, but Ke’er’s grip on her ankle was unrelenting.
“Shh, let me savor you,” Ke’er murmured, her smile gleaming with obsession.
“You’re sweeter than any dessert.”
Mu Xi stared at the woman before her, lost in her bizarre devotion, a mix of absurdity and amusement swirling in her chest.
It was ridiculous, yet oddly laughable.
But if it meant kitchen privileges, it wasn’t the worst trade.
“Hm,” Ke’er frowned suddenly.
“Your walking pose is off today. Did Boss Ye—”
“Shut it!” Mu Xi’s face darkened.
“That’s none of your business.”
“I’m just worried,” Ke’er said softly.
“Mind your own,” Mu Xi said, playfully lifting her toes.
“Focus.”
Ke’er knelt, kissing Mu Xi’s foot with a reverence reserved for sacred relics, her lips brushing each curve with delicate care.
Mu Xi stared at the ceiling, sighing.
“You’re going to melt me at this rate.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice?” Ke’er teased, her eyes sly.
“Melt into sweet cream, and I’d still devour you.”
Mu Xi closed her eyes, pretending this was all a bizarre dream.
The warm, ticklish sensation lingered on her soles, both itchy and numb, but she didn’t dare move.
The strange intimacy left her restless, itching to flee the room.
Finally, Ke’er paused, her fingers tracing Mu Xi’s foot one last time.
“Better than the finest dessert in the kitchen.”
“If you love sweet things so much, go lick some cream in the pantry,” Mu Xi said, rubbing her tingling feet.
“Speaking of the kitchen,” Ke’er said, smoothing her clothes, “what do you want? I can sneak you something.”
Mu Xi’s eyes gleamed.
“Meat. Any kind. I’m sick of sweets every day.”
“Well…” Ke’er hesitated.
“How about this,” Mu Xi said, a sly grin spreading.
“Get me some real meals, and I’ll let you pamper my legs.”
Ke’er’s face flushed.
“Really?”
“Absolutely,” Mu Xi said, crooking a finger.
“But hide the food under my bed. Don’t let anyone see.”
“Deal!” Ke’er nodded eagerly.
“I’ll handle it. You’ll get the best.”
As Ke’er left, practically skipping with glee, Mu Xi exhaled in relief.
It was gross, sure, but a few decent meals made it worthwhile.
Better than choking down desserts day after day.
“I hope Tuesday’s plan goes smoothly,” she murmured, gazing out the window.
“I’m done being a caged bird.”
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