The floor of Xia Xi's room was stained with mysterious liquid spots, likely dried spills from instant noodle soup. These stains were tough to scrub clean with just a mop.

So I filled a basin with soapy water and, squatting on the floor, carefully wiped every inch with a rag and floor brush.

When I reached the computer desk, I crouched beside Xia Xi. "Move over. I need to clean here."

"Here." Xia Xi lifted her foot, still glued to her drawing tablet, her stylus gliding back and forth across the screen.

"Can’t you stand up for a second?"

"Huh? Do you know the pain of interrupted creativity? I can’t pause even for a moment right now."

I was cleaning her room for her, yet this girl had zero consideration.

Sighing, I knelt down and resumed scrubbing.

Under the desk, Xia Xi’s calf was mere inches from my face. Up close, her legs were slender, skin milky-white. Any leg fetishist would find these legs fulfilling every fantasy.

I stared, lost for a while, before snapping back. I blushed slightly and stole a glance at Xia Xi.

Luckily, she was absorbed in her work, oblivious to my peek.

I leaned back to keep distance, stretching my rag-covered hand toward the desk. This awkward pose exhausted me fast—my back ached within minutes.

Then, a cool, smooth sensation brushed my cheek.

That Xia Xi! She was rubbing her foot against my face!

I scrambled back two steps, glaring. "You… I’m about to snap!"

Xia Xi looked at me innocently. "My leg’s been raised too long. It’s sore."

"But don’t rub it on my face!"

"You were so busy eyeing my legs earlier… Cleaning my room must be tiring, so I gave you a little reward."

"What kind of reward is that?"

She’d noticed my stare. Mortified, I’d never admit it—I’d deny it stubbornly to the end.

Xia Xi stared, shocked. "So rubbing my foot on your face isn’t enough? Must I lick it too?"

"...You clearly weren’t disciplined enough as a kid. That’s why your mouth’s so foul."

This brat… If I could, I’d sew her lips shut.

I sighed. "No more messing around, or I’m leaving."

Seriously, when would Editor Jinmu arrive?

"Fine, fine. I’ll squat on the chair while drawing."

Xia Xi perched on the chair and waved at me—not a normal wave, but the kind for calling a puppy.

Infuriating!

I snorted coldly, deciding to skip the floor under the desk for now. I carried the soapy basin to the corner near the door. Just as I set it down, voices sounded outside.

"Sorry to trouble you, as her superior, over Xiao Xi’s issue."

"No, I’m not her superior—more a colleague. My apologies for intruding today."

"Oh, you’re too polite."

Editor Jinmu’s voice.

Clatter!

The stylus had dropped. I looked at Xia Xi; she trembled violently. Suddenly, she leaped up and bolted for the window.

No—she was escaping!

"Not a chance!" I yelled, lunging after her.

Xia Xi flinched at my block. I gripped her wrist tightly, pulling hard.

"What are you doing! Let go—it’s too late if you don’t!"

"I won’t! I worked hard to get Editor Jinmu here."

"What?! You called her?" Xia Xi pried at my fingers, furious. "Let go, or I’ll kick you!"

"Go ahead, I won’t— Whoa! Where are you aiming?!"

I dodged fast. A solid hit there wouldn’t cause permanent damage, but the pain would be unbearable.

Xia Xi broke free and dashed for the window.

"This is the second floor! You’re not jumping, are you?"

I didn’t hesitate—I wrapped my arms around her waist, yanking her back. "Too dangerous! Stay put."

Xia Xi weighed almost nothing. Short and thin, I could lift her easily.

But she clung desperately to the window frame, struggling.

Outside, Editor Jinmu still spoke with Aunt Cai.

"Shall I knock for Xiao Xi to open?"

"No need. Use the key."

"Here’s the key."

"Won’t you come in with me?"

"No. Xiao Xi dislikes me in her room. You go alone."

"Understood. Excuse me, then."

I heard the key turn in the lock, then the handle click.

The door opened. Editor Jinmu froze in the doorway, stunned by the scene inside.

Xia Xi and I were tangled—my arms around her waist, her fingers dug into the window frame.

All three of us locked eyes and froze. The awkwardness was thick.

"So the two teachers are in this relationship?" Editor Jinmu stepped back out. Her face flushed slightly despite her blank expression as she gripped the handle to close the door. "My apologies. I won’t disturb you further."

I released Xia Xi and called out, "Hey, wait!"

After coaxing Editor Jinmu back, Xia Xi gave up escaping. We sat together in the room.

Editor Jinmu scanned the space. "Much cleaner than last time. Teacher Qian Niao did this, right?"

"—So are you two officially dating?"

"Ahem." I coughed loudly. "I said no!"

Editor Jinmu nodded. "I thought so. Teacher Qian Niao, who always shouts ‘Big Breasts Rule,’ wouldn’t date someone like Teacher Ai Loli."

Xia Xi protested, "What’s wrong with ‘someone like me’? Am I that bad?"

"Teacher Ai Loli, please have some self-aware shame."