Mu Xi opened her eyes, looking at Li Xin with some surprise.
She hadn’t expected Li Xin to take the initiative to suggest something like this.
“Is that okay?” she asked, a hint of hope in her voice.
In the Manor, she bathed every day to keep herself clean and fragrant.
It had become a habit, and now she felt a little tempted. Â
Li Xin nodded, though her eyes flickered slightly.
“Of course. The creek water is very clean. You can rest assured.” Â
At those words, Mu Xi smiled brightly.
She quickly took off her uniform, leaving only her undergarments.
Her dark green uniform was casually draped over a stone by the creek, revealing her slender waist and long legs.
Mu Xi’s skin was pale, almost translucent, glowing softly under the sunlight.
Her flat, smooth abdomen bore a vivid red heart tattoo, fresh and alluring, drawing attention.
Seeing this, Li Xin’s throat moved slightly, her gaze deepening.
She forced herself to look away, but Mu Xi’s fair skin and enticing curves lingered in her mind.
“Li Xin, keep watch for me,” Mu Xi’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
Li Xin snapped back to reality and responded, “Alright.”
She walked to the creek’s edge, turning her back to Mu Xi while vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
Mu Xi, on the other hand, dropped her underwear without hesitation and submerged her entire body in the creek water.
The cool water enveloped her skin, washing away sweat and dirt—and also the worries and unease within her heart.
She gently rubbed her body in the water, every movement carrying an indescribable elegance and charm.
Her silver-white hair floated in the water like algae entwining her body, adding mystery and allure.
Though facing away from Mu Xi, Li Xin’s ears caught every subtle sound in the water clearly.
She imagined the scene of Mu Xi bathing, and the image quickened her heartbeat and left her tongue dry.
Unable to resist, she glanced back secretly, only to see Mu Xi closing her eyes, tilting her head back, enjoying the creek’s flow.
A faint blush colored Mu Xi’s cheeks, her lips slightly parted, as if softly breathing.
Li Xin only stole one glance before turning her head quickly, her heart pounding wildly.
She felt a surge of heat coursing through her body, making her struggle to maintain composure.
Taking a deep breath, Li Xin forced herself to calm down.
This couldn’t continue—otherwise, she might soon do something improper.
Mu Xi finished bathing and stood up from the water.
Her body glistened under the sunlight, as delicate and stunning as a lotus just emerging from the water.
She reached for the uniform on the stone, only to find most of it soaked.
Frowning, she said helplessly, “The clothes are wet. How am I supposed to wear them now?”
Hearing this, Li Xin approached and pulled a handkerchief from her clothes, handing it to Mu Xi.
“Miss Mu Xi, use this to dry off first.” Â
Mu Xi smiled softly, her voice light as a feather brushing an ear.
“Forget it, the clothes are wet and won’t dry anytime soon. You should wash up too—the creek water is really clean.” Â
Li Xin stiffened as if struck by electricity, blood rushing to her head instantly.
She knew the creek water was clean, but she also understood Mu Xi’s meaning behind “together” was anything but literal.
Her eyes flickered nervously, throat dry, and she whispered, “I… I still have to stay alert.”
Mu Xi’s eyes glimmered, half-smiling with a hint of mischief.
“This place is very safe. Besides, with such a formidable bodyguard like you here, who would dare come close?” Â
Her tone carried a playful sweetness mixed with a command that brooked no refusal.
Li Xin’s heart hammered faster, feeling like it might leap out of her chest.
Reason was retreating before desire.
She couldn’t say no to any of Mu Xi’s requests, especially when spoken in that tone.
In the end, Li Xin nodded, her voice hoarse, “…Alright then.” Â
After saying this, she dared not meet Mu Xi’s eyes, hurriedly turning her back and starting to undo the uniform buttons.
Mu Xi’s lips curled slightly, a barely noticeable cunning spark in her eyes.
She turned and walked over to a sunlit rock, laying the damp uniform flat to let the sun bake the wet fabric.
Standing naked by the creek, she showed no trace of shyness—only a natural, unrestrained ease.
The sunlight gently caressed her skin, the breeze teased her hair, the creek babbled softly, and birds sang crisply.
She seemed one with the forest, soaking in the wild spirit of nature.
The sensation was strange yet freeing, offering a rare release for her long-suppressed emotions.
Inside Ye Lan’s Manor, she was forever trapped in a delicate cage like a Golden Canary, robbed of freedom’s flight.
Only in this forest far from the Manor could she briefly shed her disguise and be truly herself.
Not far away, Li Xin stood with her back to Mu Xi, clearly sensing the unrestrained aura coming from behind.
She pictured Mu Xi’s current form—pale skin, graceful curves, surely shimmering with an enticing glow in the sunlight.
Li Xin’s uniform came off slowly, her movements stiff.
She took off the jacket, then the inner shirt, revealing her tight, smooth back lines.
Her black undergarments hugged her full chest, making her fair skin appear even more delicate.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned toward Mu Xi.
When her eyes met Mu Xi’s bare body, her breath caught, and her pupils dilated instantly.
Mu Xi faced the sun, her silver hair gleaming with a sacred light like a goddess from myth.
Her skin was whiter than snow, her figure exquisite, every inch seemingly carved to perfection—flawless.
Especially the bright red heart on her abdomen, which shone even more seductively under the sunlight, like a mark branded deep within her soul, filled with fatal allure.
Li Xin felt as if an invisible hand gripped her heart tightly, her breath becoming rapid and feverish.
She forced her gaze away but couldn’t help sneaking another look at Mu Xi.
Mu Xi seemed unaware of Li Xin’s unusual stare.
She closed her eyes, spread her arms, basking in the sunlight, a faint smile on her lips like an innocent, carefree spirit. Â
Li Xin’s Adam’s apple bobbed as a heat rose from her abdomen, quickly spreading through her body.
She felt some invisible shackle inside breaking bit by bit, an unprecedented impulse growing wildly within her.
Suddenly, she spun around and strode to the creek, ignoring the need to remove her undergarments, and plunged into the cool water.
The icy creek water instantly enveloped her, soothing her burning body, but the fire in her heart showed no sign of abating—in fact, it flared higher.
She lowered her head, submerging herself completely, leaving only her shoulders and neck exposed.
The cold water tingled her skin, helping her calm down a little.
Closing her eyes, she struggled to steady her erratic breath and heartbeat.
The creek murmured softly, birds chirped melodiously, and the forest was tranquil and deep, with only the rustling of leaves in the breeze echoing in her ears.
Li Xin slowly relaxed, feeling the coolness of the water and the peacefulness of the forest.