Mu Xi bit her lower lip, her pearly teeth grazing the soft flesh as if steeling herself for a momentous decision.
Her fingertips hesitantly traced the smooth rim of the tub, trembling slightly before they dipped, with tentative grace, into the warm, fragrant medicinal bath.
The water rippled faintly, and the pinkish steam seemed to thicken, curling around her in an intimate, almost seductive embrace.
The moment her fingers brushed her skin, a tingling sensation surged through her like a bolt of electricity, igniting a restless heat that blazed hotter, a spark flaring into a wildfire deep in her core.
Her breath came in soft gasps, the room filled only with the gentle bubbling of the bath and the faint, almost shameful sounds escaping her lips.
The warm liquid clung to her skin like a silken serpent, its numbing touch bursting into a cascade of tiny currents that danced through her body, striking at the very depths of her soul.
That restless heat, like a kindled ember, spread unchecked from her abdomen, threatening to consume her entirely in its fervent blaze.
The room echoed with the bath’s soft gurgles, a strange, hypnotic melody weaving together with her increasingly ragged breaths, forming a symphony that would make anyone blush.
She clenched her teeth, her lips bearing the deep imprint of her resolve as she fought to suppress the peculiar sensation rising from within.
Her fingers gripped the tub’s edge, knuckles whitening, her silver hair clinging wetly to her cheeks, accentuating the porcelain sheen of her skin.
The steam swirled, the pink mist alive with a suggestive allure, wrapping her delicate frame in a veil of tantalizing mystery.
After a shuddering moment, Mu Xi exhaled a long, quivering breath, her tense body easing as the tingling sensation softened into a warm, indescribable comfort.
She leaned lazily against the tub’s wall, her fingers idly tracing the water’s surface, sending ripples dancing outward as her heart settled into a calmer rhythm.
Just then, a soft knock at the door shattered the room’s tranquility.
“Miss Mu Xi, it’s me.”
The respectful voice of a maid came from beyond the door.
“Mistress Ye instructed that she won’t be returning tonight. She’s asked Miss Li Xin to look after you.”
Mu Xi froze.
Ye Lan wasn’t coming back?
And Li Xin was to care for her?
This development was unexpected, to say the least.
Before she could ponder further, the door creaked open, and Li Xin stepped inside.
Her black uniform hugged her tall, poised figure, accentuating her cool, efficient demeanor.
Yet, for all her usual composure, Li Xin’s eyes betrayed a flicker of unease as they met Mu Xi’s, and for a fleeting moment, the air thickened with awkward silence.
The maid slipped out silently, leaving only Mu Xi and Li Xin in the room, the atmosphere growing subtly charged.
Mu Xi instinctively sank lower into the water, the warm liquid lapping over her shoulders, leaving only her damp head visible, silver strands clinging messily to her face, her skin glowing with an ethereal, snow-like radiance.
She blinked, breaking the silence with a playful lilt in her voice.
“Evening, Sister Li Xin!”
Li Xin, still caught in the moment’s daze, snapped to attention at Mu Xi’s words, quickly averting her gaze.
“Miss Mu Xi, my apologies,” she stammered, flustered.
“I didn’t realize you were bathing. I’ve disturbed you.”
She took a step back, her tone stiff.
“I’ll leave you to it.”
“Hey, don’t go!” Mu Xi called out, her eyes glinting with mischief as a plan took shape.
Her lips curved into a sly smile, her voice softening into a sweet, coaxing purr.
“Sister Li Xin, hold on a sec.”
Li Xin paused, turning back with a puzzled frown.
Mu Xi nibbled her lip, feigning a touch of shyness, her voice a delicate whisper.
“Since you’re here, could you maybe… help me with something?”
“Help?” Li Xin’s brow furrowed, but she nodded.
“Of course, Miss Mu Xi. Whatever you need, if it’s within my power.”
Mu Xi’s smile bloomed brighter, and she beckoned with a playful wave.
“Come closer, Sister Li Xin. Just a little nearer.”
Though hesitant, Li Xin stepped forward, her movements cautious, her eyes flickering with uncertainty about Mu Xi’s intentions.
Mu Xi, watching her approach, stifled a giggle.
The moment was ripe.
Lowering her voice, she laced it with a shy anticipation.
“Sister Li Xin, I… I can’t reach my back. Could you help me scrub it?”
She sneaked a glance, eager to catch the shift in Li Xin’s expression.
The room fell silent again, save for the soft bubbling of the bath and the quickening rhythm of their breaths.
Li Xin froze, clearly unprepared for such a request.
Her usually stoic face betrayed a rare flash of astonishment—and was that a faint blush creeping across her cheeks?
Her throat seemed to catch, words lodging there as a wave of nervous tension engulfed her.
She licked her dry lips, the small gesture resounding in the quiet room.
Mu Xi caught the motion, her eyes sparkling with deeper mischief, though her lips curved into an innocent smile.
“Sister Li Xin, you look parched. Need some water?”
Li Xin seized the lifeline, nodding hastily, her voice hoarse.
“Yes… I’d like that.”
She was indeed thirsty—physically and otherwise.
Staying longer in this charged atmosphere, she feared, might lead to an uncharacteristic lapse in composure.
Water was merely an excuse to escape, to steady her racing pulse.
But Mu Xi’s next words stopped her cold.
“Water, huh?” Mu Xi drawled, her eyes twinkling with an enigmatic gleam.
Her slender fingers trailed along the tub’s edge, stirring ripples as droplets glistened down her skin.
“If you don’t mind, Sister Li Xin, you could try some of my bathwater.”
“Bathwater?” Li Xin’s voice rose, tinged with disbelief and confusion.
Mu Xi, unfazed, continued with a casual air.
“This isn’t just any bath, you know. It’s brewed with rare, precious herbs—great for beauty and vitality. Really good for you.”
She scooped up a handful of the liquid, bringing it to her lips for a delicate sip.
“See? I’ve tried it myself. It tastes pretty nice.”
Her wide, watery eyes blinked up at Li Xin, brimming with innocent sincerity, as if she were merely sharing a delightful treat.
Li Xin’s mind went blank, utterly baffled by Mu Xi’s logic.
Drink bathwater?
Medicinal bathwater, no less?
Was that… even a thing?
And this was Mu Xi’s bathwater…
Seeing Li Xin’s stunned expression, Mu Xi’s amusement deepened, though her tone took on a teasing lilt.
“What, Sister Li Xin, do you think it’s dirty? This is a rare treat, you know. Not everyone gets to try it. But if you’re squeamish…”
She trailed off, letting her hand droop with a feigned pout, her eyes flickering with a subtle, expectant challenge.