In the morning, Baizhu visited the Summer Shop to congratulate Xia Zhi on the expansion of his store.
"I should have come to congratulate you yesterday, but I was out gathering herbs during the day. It wasn't until I returned in the evening that I heard from A'Gui. I hope you don't mind, Mr. Xia."
"It's no big deal. My little shop is just for fun. You don't need to take it too seriously. It's almost noon—why don't you stay for lunch, Doctor Baizhu?"
"Then I'll gladly impose. I actually have something I'd like to ask Mr. Xia about."
"The microscope, right? Alright, let's discuss it after lunch."
After eating, Xia Zhi and Baizhu sat together, discussing medicine.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sat nearby, listening with great interest.
"Mr. Baizhu, what have you discovered so far?"
"I've observed many things—various parts of plants and animals—and found that their structures share great similarities. They are all composed of tiny little compartments..."
"Cells, huh..."
"Cells? So Mr. Xia has already given them a name?"
"It wasn't me who named them, but that's not important. Go on..."
"I found that these little compartments—cells, as you call them—contain many things inside. To compare them more effectively, I've drawn several diagrams."
"A good approach."
"But I haven't yet identified any patterns or figured out their functions."
"Take your time with it."
"I also collected hair and blood samples from some severely ill patients who came to Bubu Pharmacy for treatment. I observed some unusual anomalies..."
Baizhu had many questions, and Xia Zhi patiently discussed them with him. Rather than giving Baizhu direct answers, he pointed him toward new directions and problem-solving methods.
They spoke for a long time. When Baizhu finally left, he looked like he had gained a great deal from their discussion.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata watched his figure disappear down the street, then turned to Xia Zhi with an odd expression.
"Was that fun?"
Xia Zhi looked at her seriously. "Fun? This is a grand endeavor that will benefit future generations."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata tilted her head slightly in an adorable gesture. "Want me to play along?"
Xia Zhi waved his hand. "No need for that. You can just focus on reading your books."
She looked at him for a moment before saying, "Next time something fun happens, make sure to bring me along."
"...Alright."
Satisfied, she nodded, then pulled out another economics book and continued reading.
---
Evening.
Baiwen followed behind Ningguang, feeling a little nervous.
She had no idea what exactly Baishi had told Ningguang...
Just a moment ago, Ningguang had suddenly called for her and said she should come along for a massage at Summer Shop.
It was her first time going for a massage—how should she act to look like she was experienced?
Was that essential oil really as effective as Baishi claimed?
Would it actually get rid of the scar on her body?
Was Xia Zhi's massage truly as comfortable as Baishi described?
As Summer Shop came into view, Baiwen felt her heartbeat quicken slightly.
She followed behind Ningguang into the store and heard her greet everyone with a smile.
"Off work already?"
"Ningguang is here."
"Right on time. Is Yuehai Pavilion that relaxed?"
Who was that? Someone who dared to talk to Ningguang like that?
The voice sounded a little familiar...
Baiwen turned to look.
Huh? It was Ying'er?
Then it was fine.
Ningguang glanced at Ying'er but couldn't be bothered to argue with her. She got straight to the point.
"Mr. Xia."
"Mm, come in."
Baiwen watched as Ningguang entered the back room.
Soon, strange noises drifted out, making her blush and her heart race.
Even Ningguang made sounds like that?
Just what kind of massage was this?
Baiwen stood awkwardly in place.
Zhu Zi smiled at her. "Baiwen, have a seat! Our shop is closed now, so no more customers will be coming in. You can sit wherever you like."
"Oh, alright."
Baiwen took the opportunity to sit down.
"Baishi isn't coming today?"
"She... she had something else to do, so I came in her place."
"I see. It's been a while since you last came to drink our juice."
"I've been busy."
"Busy with the Jade Chamber banquet preparations?"
"Yes. Even without the banquet, our daily tasks are never-ending."
"Sounds exhausting. It seems like Yuehai Pavilion is always busy—Ganyu works especially hard."
"Ganyu? She's the busiest of all. We can't even compare."
"Really?"
"Last time, Ganyu went on a trip. Since no one could cover her duties, Lady Ningguang had us three secretaries handle her paperwork. We thought it would be easy, but even after staying up all night, we couldn't finish it..."
"Ganyu is really that amazing?"
"Yes."
As they chatted, Baiwen gradually relaxed, her face brightening with a smile.
Until Ningguang's voice came from the back room.
"Baiwen, come in. Let Mr. Xia give you a massage too."
Baiwen tensed up slightly, instinctively wanting to refuse.
"I... I don't need one..."
"What do you mean? You've been running around tirelessly these past few days. It's important to relax. Hurry up and come in."
"...Oh."
Baiwen stepped into the back room and saw Ningguang adjusting her slightly disheveled clothing. Her cheeks were flushed, making her look especially alluring.
Ningguang glanced at Baiwen and spoke lazily.
"I'm going to take a bath first. You enjoy your massage. Once you're done, take a bath too—I've left a clean set of clothes for you in the bathroom."
"Alright."
Ningguang left, and Xia Zhi smiled. He pointed at the small bed.
"Miss Baiwen, please lie down here."
"Mm."
Baiwen glanced at the neatly arranged bed before obediently lying down.
"Miss Baiwen, would you like to use essential oil?"
"I'll try it."
"Alright, then please loosen your clothing."
"Okay."
Baiwen nervously undid her clothes.
Even though the weather was cooling down, for some reason, she didn't feel cold at all in this room. Instead, it was pleasantly warm.
Xia Zhi opened a bottle and poured out some essential oil.
A wonderfully fragrant scent immediately filled the air.
"It's your first massage, right?"
"Yes."
"No need to be nervous. Massages are very relaxing."
"Oh."
"If you're too tense, you can close your eyes."
"Alright."
As Xia Zhi's hand slowly moved toward her, Baiwen instinctively shut her eyes.
And then—there was no 'then.'
If anything, she finally understood why Lady Ningguang had made those noises earlier.
Because she couldn't help but make the same ones herself.
Baishi hadn't lied.
Massages were simply too comfortable!
----
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