Xiao Yi Xian lowered her eyes and let him hold her hand without pulling away.
Her face was still red, and her lashes trembled lightly.
After a long while, she spoke in a tiny voice.
"Then why did you make it sound so scary just now?"
Liu Bai laughed.
"Alright, alright, my fault."
"But the medicinal bath is real, and so are these herbs."
He led her to the large vat. Steaming medicinal mist washed over them, carrying a fragrance that mingled bitter and sweet.
"The water temperature is just right, and the herbs have dissolved. This is the best time. Xian'er, take off your clothes and get in."
Xiao Yi Xian froze.
She looked up at him, her lashes fluttering as her cheeks visibly flushed crimson again.
"T-Take off my clothes?"
Her voice wavered, like a startled fawn. She could barely speak properly.
Seeing her like this, the laughter in Liu Bai's eyes nearly overflowed.
He leaned closer and lowered his voice, teasing her.
"Little Xian'er, what are you afraid of?"
His breath brushed past her ear, making it itch.
"Let me have a look. It's not like you'll lose a piece of flesh."
The tips of Xiao Yi Xian's ears turned so red they seemed about to bleed.
She bit her lip and shot him a fierce glare. Rather than anger, though, her gaze was filled with embarrassed irritation.
"Y-You're asking to die!"
Liu Bai grinned and stepped back, raising both hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright, I won't look. I won't look."
"You do it yourself. I promise I won't turn around."
Xiao Yi Xian looked at his tall, straight back, as well as those two ears that were clearly perked up.
She bit her lower lip and lowered her eyes.
After a while.
Soft rustling sounded behind