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That afternoon, a letter arrived from Basen on Jinshi’s behalf. Within it, Maomao read the words she had long been waiting for: the book you asked for has been found. You may retrieve it from Jinshi-sama’s office.
Her heart leapt. She could not help but break into a peculiar, triumphant little dance—one that was promptly witnessed by Tianyu.
“Niangniang? Have you finally lost your mind?”
“Ahem… nothing but your imagination,” Maomao replied, instantly rearranging her face into its usual mask of indifference.
She hurried through her remaining duties with unusual speed. If Jinshi truly had the book, she would not waste a moment more.
---
At the office door, Basen greeted her politely and ushered her inside. Only Jinshi sat within, poised behind his desk.
The instant the door slid shut, Maomao’s restraint dissolved. That unsettling gleam lit her eyes, her face twisting into the sort of expression that on anyone else might have been ordinary excitement—but on Maomao, it was terrifying. She rushed toward him, voice almost a growl.
“Jinshi-sama! The book—WHERE?”
Jinshi hid his amusement behind a faint smile. He had intended to give it to her outright, but her intensity was… tempting. Perhaps he could play with her a little.
“Ahem… Maomao.”
“Yes, Jinshi-sama!”
“I can’t give you this book. Not yet.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And why not?” (￣ヘ￣メ)
He held the volume aloft. “Because it cost me dearly to obtain. I cannot simply hand it over without… compensation.”
Her excitement faltered. Straightening, smoothing her sleeves, she forced her face blank again. “Then what is it you want?”
He rose, closing the space between them, lowering his voice into something almost pleading. “Recharge me.” (*￣∇￣*)
(￢_￢)
“You don’t have to, of course. Unless you don’t care about the book.”
Maomao sighed inwardly. They had already shared touches, embraces, even a kiss. And though she had been taught all the skills a courtesan might use, she knew this was not what Jinshi wanted. What he craved was not seduction but affection. Attention. Love.
“Very well,” she muttered, and patted the crown of his head gently, as one might a favored cat.
“Do you truly think something so simple will satisfy me?” he teased.
“Then perhaps you’d prefer a slap, like last—”
“Maomao!” His voice cut sharp.
She blinked. “Y-yes?”
He bent to her level, eyes closing, lips poised. The meaning was unmistakable.
Maomao hesitated only a moment. Then she cupped his flushed cheeks, pulled him nearer, and pressed her lips softly to his. No practiced techniques, no courtesan’s tricks—only a quiet, lingering kiss.
She had meant to keep it short. But the warmth of his mouth, the faint scent of his skin, held her longer than she intended.
Until she remembered—The book!
She broke away abruptly, darted to the desk, and snatched up the prize. Gleeful triumph lit her features once more as she turned toward him. Jinshi had not moved; he remained frozen, stunned.
“One kiss won’t kill him,” she thought, and swept from the room.
---
When Basen entered, he found his master on his knees, dazed.
＿|￣|●
“Jinshi-sama!”
Jinshi lifted his head, a smile spreading across his face, dreamy and unguarded.
“Basen… I lost again.”
Basen could only stare in confusion.
“But I think,” Jinshi murmured, still smiling, “I’ve begun to enjoy losing to her.” (*￣∇￣*)