Wiping tears from her fingertips, Lingling had woken without notice. She stuck out her pink tongue to taste the salt, her tone suddenly vicious: "Anyone who bullies the young mistress, Lingling will bite them to death!!"
Awooo! Awooo!
Crunch! Crunch!
The enraged Fox Maiden bared sharp fangs, ready to shred anyone who dared touch Lenna.
Only matters involving Lenna made Lingling lose control. Normally, she was gentle and sweet—a jade-carved, adorable Fox Maiden no one imagined could turn so feral.
Bang—
The calm pool surface shattered into a gaping hole from her shrunken fox tail. The force caught everyone off guard. Falling droplets linked into a bright, clear curtain of rain. Such power would shatter bones on a human body. Luckily, young Lingling lacked stamina. Otherwise, this iron-ore bathtub might not survive.
"Lingling?!"
Lenna snapped her gaze up. Lingling’s clear amber eyes were open, her tender face filling Lenna’s view. Her heart clenched. A gentle smile spread: "You’re alright? Let me see..."
Her hand rippled the water as she cradled Lingling’s palm-sized face. Through hazy eyes, Lingling’s half-parted lips seemed to hesitate, wanting to speak but holding back.
"My head’s dizzy." Seeing Lenna unharmed, Lingling’s tension snapped loose. Her tail went limp. She shook her head weakly. Her pale lips held no color—blood had rushed to her tail during the outburst, leaving her drained.
"Lingling wants to lean on you... rest a bit..."
Lenna’s imposing presence made Lingling ask permission even now. Knowing she’d overstepped, she added carefully: "Can the young mistress pat Lingling’s head? Just once..."
Before she finished, Lenna opened her arms and gathered the frail Fox Maiden close. Lingling trembled once fiercely, then stilled against Lenna’s arm, squinting to savor the quiet.
Lenna’s sudden warmth seeped through their skin. Lingling’s heartbeat steadied, syncing with Lenna’s rhythm—like a clever child secretly scheming behind an adult’s back.
Through [Heart-to-Heart Connection], Lingling sensed Lenna’s true thoughts. She finally knew why she lived. Since Lenna bought her, she’d been a lost migratory bird. The Falmore Family was her home.
"Can Lingling stay with you forever? After finding Mom... Lingling wants to live with you."
The Fox Maiden thought this fair. They’d accepted each other—it should be simple. But Lenna fell silent.
After a long pause...
"Yes." Lenna pushed Lingling’s shoulders back, meeting her eyes firmly. "I paid a fortune for you. Where would you run? You’ll never escape my palm. I’ll keep you by my side for life..."
"Mhm mhm! Lingling agrees!"
Though the Heart-to-Heart Connection broke, Lingling trusted Lenna.
"If you’re fine, let’s bathe. Can’t waste this water." Lenna stood, her firm chest jiggling.
Lingling hugged her leg obediently. "Will you join too, young mistress?"
"Obviously." Lenna flicked her wet gray hair, instantly regaining her lazy, noble grace. Her crimson lips parted: "You soaked me, troublesome little thing. Must I wait for you?"
"Actually... Lingling can let you wash first..."
"What did you say?"
"Ah! Lingling wants to scrub your back!"
"That’s better."
Lenna strode before Lingling, squeezing shower gel. She massaged from her thigh up, her jade hands missing no inch, crafting dense white foam everywhere.
A lifelike scene unfolded for the young Fox Maiden. An angel’s face on a devil’s figure—what in this world outshone Lenna?
Enough talk—her tail wagged eagerly!
Lingling covered her blushing face, peeking through parted fingers at Lenna’s curves.
"If you want to look, just look. No shame."
Lingling’s eyes locked wide. She covered her nose.
Lenna never flaunted status before maids. Especially not with Lingling, who meant everything.
"Your figure’s amazing... unlike Lingling. So short and flat..."
The Fox Maiden slapped the water with her tail—plop plop—flustered yet thrilled to bare her flaws before a goddess.
Wistfully, she whispered: "When will Lingling be as wonderful as you..."
She wanted to grow fast. To snuggle close. To bury herself in Lenna’s arms and coo endlessly. But she was too weak. Not strong enough to stand beside Lenna. No power to chase dreams.
Hearing this, Lenna rolled her eyes playfully. She arched her waist and hopped once.
"So amazing." The Fox Maiden sighed, glancing dejectedly at her flat chest.
"Just exercise daily. After chores, massage for half an hour. Persist, and you’ll be like me." Lenna lied smoothly, smiling like spring breeze.
"Oh—and it only works before your favorite person. Do you have one? Pity if not. The effect fades."
"Lingling has someone!" Her eyes lit up. "Someone I super-duper like!"
"Really? Who?"
Lenna rinsed off, brought a stool, and lathered foam onto Lingling.
"Close your eyes. Rinsing now."
Obedient, Lingling shut her eyes, tucking her fox ears. Water poured over her head, streaming down golden hair.
"So comfy~"
Hot baths were noble luxuries. Lowly servants like Lingling used icy well water—no fluffy foam clouds. She cherished every bath. Lenna’s rare gift. Hers alone.
"Lingling likes... the young mistress..."
Water drowned the confession.
"Can’t hear. Again."
"Like you, young mistress... huff huff~" Lingling cooed, unable to hold back.
Lenna smirked. "All together."
"Mmm..." Lingling fretted, then surrendered. She shouted: "Lingling loves the young mistress most! Wants to marry you! Be held and spoiled! Then... then... lots of little foxes! A whole litter!"
The sweet voice echoed. Lenna smiled, content. Her foamy hands scrubbed Lingling’s thin back, every motion radiating tenderness.
The Fox Maiden panted, as if she’d spent a decade’s courage.
