Zhou You didn’t know what to say. Only one thought lingered in his mind: humans truly couldn’t outsmart fox spirits.

Cross paths with one, and you’d be devoured whole—skin and bones.

Yun Mingyue smoothly applied the "La Vie en Rose" lipstick to Zhou You’s lips. The delicate brush of her slender fingers sent a faint shiver straight to his heart.

Watching her movements grow bolder, Zhou You let out a soft puff of air to startle her wandering fingers away, then wiped the lipstick from his lips.

“Even if I were sweeter, I couldn’t match Sister Hua’s sweet words,” he murmured. What a captivating fox spirit.

He recalled Yun Mingyue’s earlier proposal. If it succeeded, keeping such a little “kitty” at home would be… quite the experience.

*Guess I’d better watch my health first?*

“Giggling~~”

With a gentle push against his chest, Yun Mingyue leaned against the bed railing, one delicate hand covering her mouth as she giggled. “If you truly want to kiss your elder sister, you’ll need to try much harder.”

She cast a coquettish glance, allure dancing in her eyes. Crossing her right leg over the left, the gauze slid up to her thigh—pale skin flashing dizzily. A fox-like smirk played on her lips.

“I can play countless games with you,” she murmured, “but only if you win my willing heart.”

Her smile softened. Zhou You was the only man who had ever stirred her heart. If she failed now, she’d likely end up alone forever.

She’d never allow herself to feel this way for another man.

*Don’t disappoint me, little brother.*

“Actually, I ran into Sister Bing earlier—that’s why I’m late.”

“Hmm?”

“Sister Bing is just as interesting as you, Sister Hua,” Zhou You paused, gaze softening. “So of course, I’d like to try if given the chance.”

“…”

“Pfft~~”

Yun Mingyue chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “A perceptive little boy. I don’t dislike that.”

*Did he sense my thoughts?*

***

At the same time, a white Toyota HiAce van pulled up outside the foot spa. Chen Tangtang stepped out, rolled her eyes at someone inside, and hurried toward the entrance.

“Guest, we sincerely apologize—we haven’t officially opened yet,” a ‘beast-eared girl’ said, stepping forward to block her.

“Hmm?” Chen Tangtang blinked. She was certain Zhou You had entered long ago. Not knowing what he was doing stirred a faint, odd flutter in her chest.

She tapped her lip. “But my little star went inside your shop.”

“We don’t serve male customers. You must’ve seen wrong,” the girl replied with a practiced smile.

Chen Tangtang furrowed her brows, eyes darting. Suddenly, she pointed skyward with dramatic shock. “Look! A UFO!”

“…”

The beast-eared girl was speechless—yet oddly impressed. *Who acts this way to a stranger?*

“Why didn’t you fall for it?” Chen Tangtang pouted. Leaning in, she snatched the cat ears off the girl’s head and plopped them on herself. “What’s your name? I’ll cover your shift tonight—so I can go in, right?” *Customers can’t enter? Then I’ll be staff. Easy.*

“Guest, please don’t joke—”

Though Chen Tangtang looked unathletic, she dodged with surprising agility. Realizing stalling wouldn’t work, she reached into her pocket and tossed a flurry of crimson bills into the air.

They drifted down like scarlet snow.

The beast-eared girl didn’t scramble for the cash—but froze, staring blankly at the scattered notes.

Seizing the moment, Chen Tangtang dashed inside, shouting: “My little star~~ I’m here for you~~!”

Nearby beast-eared girls looked up from their phones. Chen Tangtang waved cheerfully, utterly at ease.

“When your manager arrives, I’ll take full responsibility. I’ll offer compensation they can’t refuse!”

With that, she followed her gut deeper into the spa.

***

Yun Mingyue and Zhou You had been chatting pleasantly—until she finally remembered her purpose.

She slowly tugged the gauze over her thigh, deliberately slow, clearly teasing.

Noticing Zhou You’s hesitant glance, she arched her foot. Her toes brushed lightly against his leg across the wooden bedboard.

*She always loved taking control.*

“I called you here for something important,” she murmured, her small foot grazing his. “Consider it overtime. I’ll pay.”

“What is it?” Zhou You had a guess—but wanted confirmation.

“It’s about…”

*BANG!*

“My little star!”

Chen Tangtang burst in. She saw Yun Mingyue’s teasing pose, the faint lipstick stain on Zhou You’s lips.

“You kissed?!” She stepped closer, rubbing his lips. “What’s kissing like? Is it really as comfy as online says?”

Leaning down—collar slipping, eyes wide with curiosity inches from his face—“Can I try?”

“?”

Zhou You froze. Before he could stop her, Chen Tangtang ducked and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. *Only couples kiss lips… but friends? A cheek kiss is fine.*

*We’ve hugged tons of times. Nothing weird… Hmm. His cheek’s so bouncy. Nice.*

Yun Mingyue’s eyes widened. Mind blank. *Who is this Chen woman?!*

She watched, stunned, as Chen Tangtang lingered on *her* secretary’s cheek. A hot surge of anger flared. *I hadn’t even touched him yet! Don’t push it, Chen!*

Yun Mingyue pushed up—but Chen yanked her off balance. Her lips accidentally brushed Zhou You’s other cheek.

Outside the door, the rabbit-eared girl stared blankly at the scene: one flustered young man carefully cradling two older sisters, both kissing his cheeks.

*…Is this what the adult world is like?*