As she watched Lin En earnestly massage her feet, Shui Yue'er harrumphed twice inwardly.
Looks like this fellow has some skill after all. Fine, I'll let bygones be bygones!
Shui Yue'er secretly rejoiced. The soothing sensation from her feet felt so good that she wanted to fall asleep right there.
No wonder that girl slept so soundly earlier. So this was how comfortable it felt...
Just as Lin En was getting into the massage, an uninvited guest suddenly approached the two without a sound.
A fair, delicate hand suddenly appeared from behind Lin En and seized his ear in an instant.
"Ow, ow, ow! Who is it? A gentleman uses words, not fists!"
As Lin En felt that familiar touch at his ear and caught that delicate fragrance, his heart instantly sank.
I'm in trouble...
Shui Yue'er was so startled that she covered her rosy lips, an awkward look appearing on her face.
"H-headmistress!"
Shui Qingyue shot Shui Yue'er a death glare and said coldly:
"Get your ass back to training! Do you need me to whip you there?"
"Yes, I'll go right away..."
Shui Yue'er drew back her dainty feet and quickly put on her shoes. She gave Lin En, whose ear was still being pinched, a slightly pitying look, then hurried away from the danger zone, gloating over his misfortune.
The corners of Lin En's mouth twitched as he cursed inwardly. This little girl really had no loyalty...
He turned his head awkwardly and said ingratiatingly to Shui Qingyue:
"Madam Headmistress, how did you find the time to visit the Mimicry Training Ground today?"
Shui Qingyue said sarcastically:
"Lin En, aren't you something? It's your first day here, and you're already preying on our Skywater Academy's female students?"
"What did you promise me back then?"
Shui Qingyue tightened her grip and tugged his ear upward hard.
"Ow! I was wrong! I won't do it again..."
Lin En groaned inwardly. He had been caught red-handed on his very first day. How was he supposed to enjoy a happy sex life after this?
"A dog's mouth can't spit out ivory. Your promises probably aren't worth more than a pair of straw sandals..."
Shui Qingyue sneered as she mocked him.
"How could that be? You've really wronged me! Your daughter asked me to massage her feet herself. I only gave in because I was forced to submit to her tyranny!"
Lin En felt terribly wronged. Why was every bit of dirty water being splashed onto him?
"Is that really what happened?"
"Truer than pure gold! If you don't believe me, ask your daughter!"
Lin En reached up and held Shui Qingyue's fair wrist. It felt cool to the touch, snowy-smooth and soft.
Shui Qingyue gave a light harrumph, slowly released her grip, and gave him a mild glare.
"It had better be..."
"Also, since you don't seem to have anything to do, the academy will be organizing a Soul Hunting Operation in Star Dou soon. You'll lead the team!"
"No problem. Leave it to me! I guarantee I'll bring everyone back to you safe and sound, not a single person missing!"
Lin En's eyes immediately lit up at her words. This was a great opportunity to prove himself, and he hastily agreed.
Seeing his earnest attitude, Shui Qingyue softened as well and told him seriously:
"This will be our first Soul Hunting Operation of the semester. Bing'er has always led the team before. This time, you'll take over, and Bing'er will be vice-captain!"
"I'll also send a Soul Saint teacher along with you, but she won't intervene unless there's danger. You'll have to handle all the minor matters yourselves."
"All right, leave that to me. I lived in Star Dou for a while, so I have plenty of experience surviving in the forest."
Lin En considered it for a moment before answering seriously.
This would not be particularly easy for him.
After all, operating as a team was indeed more cumbersome than acting alone, though it was still within his capabilities.
Commanding a large-scale team battle and serving as a team commander were things he had already incorporated into his training when training Sageross.
"On that count, I trust you!"
Shui Qingyue rested her hand on Lin En's shoulder, her gaze encouraging.
"Then... if I bring everyone back safely, will there be a reward?"
Looking at the full-figured Headmistress Shui before him, Lin En's lips curled into a playful grin as he beamed at her.
"Then what reward would you like?"
Shui Qingyue extended her slender, tender fingers, pale as scallion shoots, and lightly tipped up Lin En's chin, her gaze teasing.
"How about I massage your feet when we get back? You spend all year making your rounds around the academy. Your legs need some relaxation!"
Lin En's expression was utterly serious, as though he truly had her interests at heart.
Shui Qingyue chuckled and pressed a finger firmly against the spot between Lin En's brows, looking at him with alluring eyes.
"Sure. Let's see how you perform..."
Before her words had faded, she vanished from Lin En's sight, leaving only a faint fragrance to prove she had been there.
"What a temptress. But how could a mere Soul Hunting trip stump me? When I get back, I'll make you submit to my tyranny..."
Lin En sneered inwardly.
He whistled, laced his hands behind his head, and turned to walk back.
He returned to the shade of the tree.
Zhu Zhuqing slowly woke just then. Seeing Lin En's school uniform draped over her, a blush rose to her face.
"How did I fall asleep in the middle of the massage?"
Zhu Zhuqing cupped her cheeks in both hands. She could feel how alarmingly red her face was...
"Oh, the young lady is awake?"
A playful voice suddenly rang out as Lin En slowly emerged from her side.
"Was that nap to your satisfaction?"
Lin En looked at her with a smile, his eyes seeming to ask whether the massage had felt good.
"Mm..."
Zhu Zhuqing shyly closed her eyes, letting out a soft, sweet nasal sound.
"Thank you. I haven't slept that comfortably in a long time!"
Zhu Zhuqing composed herself, stood up, and returned the school uniform to Lin En with a flushed face.
"Just a spoken thank-you?"
Lin En swept his gaze over Zhu Zhuqing's shapely body and smiled teasingly.
Seemingly noticing his gaze, Zhu Zhuqing shot him a coy glare. "Then... how do you want me to thank you?"
Lin En actually gave it some serious thought.
A moment later, as though something had occurred to him, he met her eyes with a slightly teasing gaze.
"How about you give me a kiss?"
At Lin En's words, Zhu Zhuqing's face reddened as though it had caught fire.
"Um... could you ask for something else?"
"Then let me kiss you?"
Zhu Zhuqing said, "...Only on the cheek!"
She lowered her eyes and remained silent for a long while before finally lifting her shy, beautiful eyes to glance at him, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"Sure, I'm not picky!"
Lin En grinned brightly, then moved beside Zhu Zhuqing, slowly bringing his face close to her ear.
Zhu Zhuqing bashfully closed her eyes and waited quietly, her expression seeming to hold a trace more anticipation.
Lin En lowered his head and planted a firm peck on Zhu Zhuqing's lovely cheek.
The hot breath from his nose brushed her face, making her body feel as though an electric shock had run through it, her shoulders trembling slightly.
"Do you have to be so nervous?"
Lin En licked his lips. Delicate, fragrant, and soft-he inwardly savored the sensation from just now.
Before you continue