Lin Ke’er rose and slipped out, leaving Mu Xi alone in the song room to catch her breath.
The haunting strains of “Love’s Devotion” still echoed in her mind, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.
She shook her head, trying to dispel the disquieting images that clung to her thoughts, and stood to leave.
But as she reached the doorway, Mu Xi collided with a soft, yielding wall of warmth.
Her face pressed into a gentle swell, enveloped by the faint, elegant scent of perfume that filled her senses.
“Oh, Little Xi, so eager to throw yourself at me?” Qing Yun’s voice drifted down, laced with playful mockery.
Mu Xi stumbled back, her cheeks burning.
She looked up into Qing Yun’s captivating, mischievous face and felt a sinking dread.
This woman, the overseer of the manor’s fifth floor, had never hidden her unsettling interest in her.
And now, here she was, blocking Mu Xi’s path.
“Q-Qing Yun, what are you doing here?” Mu Xi forced a calm tone, her mind racing for an escape.
Qing Yun chuckled, her slender fingers tilting Mu Xi’s chin upward.
“I’m here to take you for your medicinal bath, little darling. Today’s blend is something special.”
Mu Xi’s stomach tightened.
The daily baths were torment enough, but to be alone with this predatory woman?
It was a nightmare layered upon a nightmare.
She forced a weak smile.
“Umā¦ I’m not feeling well today. Can we skip it, maybe?”
Before she could finish, Qing Yun’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close.
“Don’t be difficult. This is the master’s order.”
She leaned in, her breath warm against Mu Xi’s ear.
“Besidesā¦ don’t you want to grow up faster?”
Mu Xi froze.
Her mind flashed to her small, delicate frame and the hungry gaze of Ye Lan.
A chill crawled up her spine, and she shoved Qing Yun away.
“Don’t touch me!”
Qing Yun paused, then broke into a knowing smile.
“Shy, are we? Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it in the bath.”
She reached for Mu Xi again.
At that critical moment, a familiar voice cut through the air.
“Qing Yun, what are you doing?”
Mu Xi’s heart leapt.
She turned to see Lin Ke’er standing at the corridor’s end, her expression dark as a storm cloud.
Qing Yun withdrew her hand, her smile unshaken.
“Oh, nothing. Just here to escort Little Xi to her bath.”
Lin Ke’er strode forward, her voice icy.
“The master has given new orders. I’ll oversee today’s bath myself. You have other duties to attend to.”
A flicker of reluctance passed through Qing Yun’s eyes, but she dipped into a graceful curtsy.
“Very well, Captain Lin. I’ll leave it to you.”
With a final, lingering glance at Mu Xi, she turned and glided away.
Mu Xi exhaled, relief flooding her.
She opened her mouth to thank Lin Ke’er, but the older woman turned to her, eyes sharp with reproach.
“Little Xi, how could you be so careless? If Qing Yun had her way, the consequences would be unthinkable.”
Mu Xi’s gaze dropped, her heart a tangle of emotions.
How could she not know the dangers these people posed?
But in this gilded cage, what choice did she have?
Lin Ke’er sighed, her tone softening.
“Alright, don’t dwell on it. Let’s get to the bath. I’ve prepared strawberry-scented oil for you todayāit’ll smell divine.”
Mu Xi lifted her eyes, managing a faint smile.
In this manor, Lin Ke’er was perhaps the only one who showed her any semblance of kindness.
Her quirks, though unsettling, were at least bearable.
“Thank you, sister Ke’er,” Mu Xi murmured.
Lin Ke’er smiled and took her hand.
“Come on, little princess.”
They walked down the corridor, Mu Xi’s heart heavy as stone.
Steam curled in the bath chamber, and Mu Xi sat in the wooden tub, hot water lapping at her chest.
Lin Ke’er perched on a low stool nearby, mixing oils while stealing glances at her.
“What are you looking at, sister Ke’er?” Mu Xi shrank deeper into the water, trying to hide herself.
“You, of course, little princess.”
Lin Ke’er grinned, pouring strawberry oil into the tub.
“Tell me, why does Boss Ye keep you so hidden? Even we girls aren’t allowed a peek. Isn’t that a bit stingy?”
Mu Xi’s heart stirred.
“Does the master really forbid everyone from seeing me?”
“That was before.”
Lin Ke’er stood and circled behind the tub, resting her hands on Mu Xi’s shoulders.
“I had a talk with Boss Ye. We’re all girls hereāwhat’s there to hide?”
She leaned close, whispering, “But don’t tell anyone I touched you, or we’re both done for.”
Mu Xi nodded obediently.
“I understand, sister Ke’er.”
Inwardly, she scoffed.
‘Perish with a creep like you? I’m not that foolish.’
“Good girl.” Lin Ke’er’s hand slid down Mu Xi’s neck.
“Your skin is so soft, like silken tofu.”
“Sister Ke’er, that ticklesā¦” Mu Xi squirmed, but Lin Ke’er’s grip on her shoulders held firm.
“Don’t move. The bath isn’t done yet.” Lin Ke’er’s voice grew husky.
“Look at you, all flushed from the heatālike a ripe peach.”
An hour later, Lin Ke’er wrapped Mu Xi in a towel and lifted her from the tub.
Mu Xi felt drained, pliant under her hands.
As Lin Ke’er dried her, her touch wandered with unsettling familiarity.
“Sister Ke’er, pleaseā¦” Mu Xi tried to pull away, but Lin Ke’er held her close.
“Shh, quiet now.”
Her fingers traced Mu Xi’s collarbone.
“Every time I see you sing, I want to devour you.”
Mu Xi squeezed her eyes shut, praying for the ordeal to end.
Lin Ke’er’s hands roamed but stopped short of crossing a line.
Mu Xi’s taut nerves eased slightly, though fear lingered.
“Your skin is perfect, Little Xi,” Lin Ke’er said softly.
“But don’t worryāI won’t do anything.”
She took the towel and gently dried Mu Xi’s body.
“All done. Get dressed.” Lin Ke’er handed her a pink dress.
“I had the kitchen prepare some food. You must be starving.”
Mu Xi’s eyes lit up.
“Really? What is it?”
“Get dressed first, and I’ll bring it.” Lin Ke’er smiled.
Soon, she returned with a tray.
Mu Xi’s heart leapt at the sight of stir-fried greens, braised pork, and steamed fish.
The rare scent of savory food made her mouth water.
“I know you’re tired of sweets,” Lin Ke’er said.
“A change of flavor does you good. Just don’t tell the master.”
Mu Xi nodded eagerly.
“Thank you, sister Ke’er! I won’t say a word.”
Watching Mu Xi eat ravenously, Lin Ke’er’s smile was indulgent.
“Slow down, don’t choke. I have things to handle, so take a walk in the garden when you’re done.”
“Mmph,” Mu Xi mumbled, lost in the meal.
Once Lin Ke’er left, Mu Xi exhaled in relief.
She polished off the food and erased all traces of it.
Sure, Lin Ke’er had taken liberties, but a real meal?
That was almost worth it.
Half an hour later, slightly overstuffed, Mu Xi headed to the garden to walk it off.
The sun was bright, the air fragrant with flowers, lifting her spirits.
But her mood soured when she spotted a familiar figure by the flowerbed.
Qing Yun.
Mu Xi hesitated, debating a retreat, but Qing Yun had already seen her.
“Little Xi, come sit with me,” Qing Yun called, her smile deceptively warm.
Mu Xi steeled herself and walked over.