Xuandou led Mashu into the Desire Hot Springs.
They followed a stone-paved path deeper inside.
Lush bamboo groves lined both sides.
Bamboo leaves rustled in the night breeze.
The dim yellow light of stone lanterns filtered through the bamboo shadows, casting swaying patches across the ground.
Steam hung like a thin mist, and the air carried a warm, moist scent mingling sulfur with plants and trees.
Along the way, Mashu could hear faint sounds drifting from the various baths.
Soft laughter, panting, and the gentle lapping of water.
Those sounds seemed to come from far away, yet also seemed right beside her ears.
The moist air of the hot springs, coupled with some indescribable, cloyingly sweet scent, made Mashu's cheeks grow redder and redder.
She was no inexperienced young girl, and naturally, many things came to mind.
Her heartbeat quickened, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.
Just then, Xuandou's voice came from ahead:
"If you want to become a qualified secretary, training is indispensable."
"This time, start by learning to attend me while I bathe. I'll train you in the process so you understand a secretary's duties."
Tr... training?
Mashu's steps faltered, and her ears instantly turned crimson.
Her imagination ran wild despite herself.
Things she had never experienced, things she had only vaguely heard about during idle conversations with her close female friends, now flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern.
She instinctively wanted to ask something, but swallowed the words before they left her mouth.
"This is all to familiarize you with my various habits, so you can better serve as my secretary in the future."
Xuandou spoke matter-of-factly, as though discussing something perfectly ordinary.
Mashu lowered her head, not daring to respond, and could only follow him silently.
They had now reached