Chapter Twenty-Five: Straight to the Heart

The way he spoke, it was as if he intended to help her bathe himself...

"I can do it myself." Her expression stiffened, and she quickly pressed her own hand atop his large palm.

Their hands overlapped, her small, fair fingers lying on the back of his hand—a curious sensation, the contrast between large and small.

"Don’t be nervous, I was only jesting," Ji Wu Qing said with a soft laugh as he noticed her rigid expression. "Here, the clean clothes are right here. Feel them, so you’ll remember where they are."

He gently turned her hand over in his own, guiding her to touch the garments placed nearby.

"Alright," she murmured, feeling an unfamiliar flutter within her.

Soon, she was left alone. She sat quietly for a while, only exhaling in relief when she was sure Ji Wu Qing had indeed walked away. Her hand pressed to her chest, she noticed her heartbeat was oddly fast.

All around was silent. The bath was encircled by bamboo, specially constructed so that, though not entirely enclosed, it was impossible to see the one bathing within.

She shed her clothes and, feeling her way, slipped into the bath. The warm water caressed her skin, leaving only her slender neck and small head above the surface.

It was indeed quite comfortable...

A faint smile curved her lips as both body and mind relaxed for a moment.

The beauty in the water was immersed in warmth, her long, dark hair floating like waterweed. At last, she shifted and moved closer to the edge of the bath. Reaching out, she tried to