Chapter 38: A Nighttime Chat Between Master and Servant
Yu Li’s Departure
Yu Li stepped out of Ai Xinglan’s room. She gently closed the door. A comfortable stretch followed. “Mmm~ Ha~” Ai Xinglan’s lingering scent and emotions enveloped her. Yu Li felt a sense of security. Her lips curved upward unconsciously. At school, Ai Xinglan’s presence had lulled her. She slept all afternoon, unable to wake. “Tonight… I’ll sleep well.” Yu Li yawned, heading to her room. Unaware, she was growing reliant on Ai Xinglan.
Ai Xinglan’s Frustration
Inside, Ai Xinglan slumped in her chair. Her hands covered her still-flushed cheeks. She felt annoyed. “What did I even say? Damn it…” Yu Li’s smug control irked her. She could do nothing about it. “Hmph… damn, damn, damn!”
An Unexpected Visitor
Knock, knock, knock— “Eek! Who’s there?!” Ai Xinglan was startled mid-complaint. A knock came from outside. “Young Miss.” “Feng?” Recognizing her maid’s voice, Ai Xinglan opened the door. “What’s up at this hour… You too?!” Feng stood there, dressed in pajamas like Yu Li.
A Maid’s Inquiry
“Young Miss, may I come in?” Feng ignored Ai Xinglan’s question. “…Come in.” Ai Xinglan led her maid inside reluctantly. Unlike Yu Li, Feng showed no curiosity. She bowed, then stared blankly at Ai Xinglan. “What’s wrong?” “Young Miss, Yu Li was just here, wasn’t she?” “Pfft, cough—What did you say?” Ai Xinglan nearly choked on her water. She looked at Feng, confused.
A Revealing Mirror
“Young Miss, please look.” Feng produced a small mirror. She held it to Ai Xinglan’s face. The reflection showed a shy, blushing girl. Her face hadn’t fully calmed. “Ugh! No, I’m… I’m just hot!” “The air conditioning runs 24/7, Young Miss.” “The temperature is perfect.” “If you’re hot, it’s my failure. Punish me.” Feng closed her eyes, bowing for punishment.
Admitting the Truth
“…You… Fine, Yu Li was here!” “That’s why I’m like this! Happy now?” “Get out!” “My duty is your satisfaction, not mine.” Feng explained earnestly. “Feng… what are you even here for?!” “To do my job.” “I believe you’re troubled, so I’m here.” “What does that mean…?” “You’re upset because Yu Li toys with you.” “You can’t do anything about her.” Feng’s calm words hit Ai Xinglan’s sore spot.
A Maid’s Advice
“I’m not…” Ai Xinglan denied weakly. “Young Miss, I have a solution.” “I don’t… Wait, what?” “I can help you counter Yu Li.” Feng spoke seriously. Ai Xinglan’s cheeks flushed, but she stayed haughty. “Hmph, I’m not like you say…” “But since you insist, I’ll hear you out.” Feng ignored her denial, continuing gravely. “Yu Li excels at manipulating emotions.” “She easily makes you shy, Young Miss.” Feng spoke without pause, still in pajamas.
Pinpointing the Problem
“You’re too easily embarrassed, Young Miss.” “You fall into Yu Li’s rhythm every time.” “She escapes effortlessly as a result.” “That’s not something I control…” Ai Xinglan muttered, face red. “That’s not the point, Young Miss.” “You’re too passive, giving up initiative.” “That’s why Yu Li grows bolder.” “She knows you won’t retaliate.” Feng shook her head, pointing out the issue. “You just need to be more assertive.”
A Failed Attempt
“But I just… Never mind…” Ai Xinglan recalled Feng’s past advice. She had grabbed Yu Li earlier because of it. Clearly, it didn’t work. “No, Young Miss.” “As long as Yu Li predicts your actions, nothing changes!” Feng’s voice suddenly grew passionate. “Huh?” “You may not have noticed, Young Miss.” “Yu Li’s interactions with you are limited.” “She only teases, holds hands, or hugs.”
A Bold Suggestion
“So…” Feng paused mysteriously. “You need to exceed her expectations.” “Go beyond her limits—” “Argh!” Ai Xinglan covered Feng’s mouth. “Shut up! I expected normal advice!” “This is my fault for trusting you!” Her face flushed, imagining Feng’s suggestion. She shouted in agitation. “Young Miss, this is the easiest way.” “It’s the fastest way to turn the tables.” “Otherwise, Yu Li will always dominate you.” Feng freed herself, speaking seriously.
An Unexpected Enthusiasm
“I love a good underdog story.” “But a balanced rivalry is healthiest.” Feng’s eyes gleamed with excitement. She mimed pushing up nonexistent glasses. “So, I hope you can turn the tables.” Ai Xinglan fell silent. She realized her maid was… odd. “Feng… how did I not notice this side of you?” Ai Xinglan eyed Feng with disdain.
A Misunderstood Reaction
“Young Miss…” “What?” Feng looked thoughtful, worrying Ai Xinglan. She thought Feng felt hurt by her disdain. “That’s the look!” “Huh?” “Use that look on Yu Li!” “You’ll gain the upper hand quickly!” “…Get out!!” Ai Xinglan ignored Feng’s further words. She pushed her out and slammed the door.
A Quiet Relief
Only when Feng’s voice faded did Ai Xinglan relax. “Honestly… not one normal person…”