Tanglingxue’s situation was complicated.
She was the child of a nouveau riche man’s mistress. When her mother realized she was the other woman, she couldn’t handle the pressure and abandoned her child. Her father, relieved the mistress hadn’t fought him over assets, felt quietly grateful. His legal wife, naturally, despised Tanglingxue. That was why Tanglingxue had always lived alone in rented apartments.
She felt neither fondness nor hatred for her father. After all, she wasn’t shameless enough to spend his allowance while badmouthing him. But she truly disliked anyone—father or otherwise—interfering in her life.
She’d never known a mother’s love—her mother had vanished long ago.
She’d never known a father’s love—he cared for her, yes, but far less than he cared for his legal wife and their children. She was just an afterthought.
She’d never known true friendship—she had many acquaintances, but none she could truly confide in. Even her closest friend, Gu Xin, gossiped about her behind her back. She knew that much.
And those boys who flocked around her? They only stared at her face and legs the moment they met her. Hormone-driven teenagers. Not worth her time.
So even now, injured and hospitalized, she hadn’t contacted a single relative or friend.
She’d long stopped expecting anything from human connections.
Even if someone approached her with genuine kindness, her first instinct was to push them away.
—But Yumo gave her no chance to refuse.
“I called my family. I’m staying here tonight to keep you company.”
He tucked his phone away and stretched lazily.
“…I don’t need company.”
“It’s not about what you *want*. It’s about what you *need*. Don’t overthink it—I’m not about to assault you.”
“…………You’d better not.”
“You think I’m exploiting your gratitude?”
“…”
“It’s natural you’d think that. Don’t worry. I’ll prove you wrong with my actions.”
“What are you going to do?”
“First, take these off.”
He said it as casually as discussing tomorrow’s weather.
“……………………Huh?”
“Can’t you smell how filthy you are? I’ll help you wipe down.”
“You just said you wouldn’t assault me!?”
“Then do it yourself? Even if moving an inch makes you howl in pain?”
“I’ll just sleep like this. I can tolerate being a little dirty…”
“At least lie down on the bed properly. Stop sitting on the edge.”
“Because… my shoes…”
“Shoes?”
“Do these look easy to take off? I can’t manage with one hand…”
“Wait here.”
Yumo strode out of the ward. Minutes later, he returned carrying a basin filled with steaming water.
“I’ll take off your shoes. And wash your feet while I’m at it.”
“Hah!? No way!”
“If you won’t let me wipe your body, at least let me wash your feet.”
“No! I’m—I’m still a girl, you know!?”
“You’re shyer about your feet than your body?”
“Well… it’s not that… but…”
“Then stop arguing.”
Yumo set down the basin, soaked a towel, and efficiently removed her stiff motorcycle boots. He peeled off her surprisingly plain cotton socks—and instantly understood why Tanglingxue had resisted so fiercely.
Her boots were thick, sturdy, and poorly ventilated.
It was winter, so she’d worn thick socks too.
And after her recent intense activity, she’d sweated heavily.
The triple combination meant her feet were far from “fresh and odorless.” The moment her shoes came off, a sour tang of sweat and warm dampness filled the air.
Miss Tang’s face burned crimson.
“D-don’t sniff! Don’t lean that close!!”
“It’s just the byproduct of estradiol and dietary compounds acting on sweat glands. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I-I’m not ashamed! For the record, I’m very clean! I shower every day!”
“I never said you were dirty.”
“It’s just today’s special circumstances. My feet might—might—”
“I never said they stink.”
“Really?”
“Maybe they smell bad but taste delicious.”
“So they *do* stink!?”
“They don’t. I was joking.”
“And what’s this ‘taste delicious’ nonsense… You don’t have some weird foot fetish, do you?”
“You worry too much.”
Yumo’s expression was utterly earnest. Poker-faced, he ignored her protests and focused on wiping her feet with the damp towel.
He had to admit—Tanglingxue’s feet were genuinely beautiful.
Pale, smooth skin. No calluses on the arches or heels. No scars or stray hairs to ruin the elegance. Perfectly sized to cradle in one’s hands, radiating a comforting warmth. Her slender toes were painted with nail polish, exuding subtle allure. From afar, they resembled white fish; up close, uncarved jade. Their curves outshone even master sculptors’ geometric works. Art students should photograph them and study the lines for an hour daily.
“…………Hey.”
“Hmm?”
“Are—you—done—staring?!”
Tanglingxue bit her lip, forcing the words through clenched teeth. Her face flushed so deeply it seemed ready to bleed. Only then did Yumo realize he’d nearly pressed his nose against her foot.
“I was checking for cuts.”
“Do you need to be *that* close?!”
“Can’t you trust me even a little?”
“But…”
“Still doubtful? Then how about this?”
“!?”
Having polished her foot until it gleamed, Yumo set aside the towel. He removed his glasses, cradled her right foot like a sacred crown, and knelt on one knee. He bowed his head.
And gently brushed a kiss against her smooth instep.
“As Isaiah wrote,” he murmured after that fleeting touch. Still kneeling, he looked up at her. Her brain had completely blue-screened, steam practically rising from her ears.
“‘Kings shall be your foster fathers, and queens your nursing mothers. They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth and lick the dust of your feet’… This kiss is my proof. Proof I am your devoted servant. I won’t betray you until I’ve fulfilled your wish.”
“A-ah… w-wah… wah-wah-wah…”
Tanglingxue couldn’t meet his eyes anymore.
His dark eyes, like frosted obsidian, paired perfectly with the mole at his eye’s corner. A faint, mischievous smile played on his pale face—calm yet teasing, like a boyfriend pulling a harmless prank.
*Holy crap.*
*Holy crap.*
*Holy crap.*
Was this some over-the-top shoujo manga scene? Wait—without his glasses, this guy was actually kinda hot? (ㅇㅁㅇ;
“I—I believe you’re sincere now… okay? …Put my foot down already… or I’ll call for help… ugh…”
Flustered beyond reason, Tanglingxue couldn’t even tell if he was flirting or being serious.
Yumo gently wrapped her foot in a dry towel, helped her lie flat on the bed, and tucked the blanket around her.
Yusuozaai, who’d been watching the scene with a radiant smile, checked off “Kiss a pretty girl’s foot” on his list.
…
…
…
Just as Tanglingxue was drifting into confused sleep, it hit her:
“…Wait. Couldn’t I have just asked a nurse to help me wipe down?”
“Took you this long to realize?”
“You bastard!!!”
