85: Chapter 85 The Maid's "Relief"

Looking at Huang Mao's expression, which looked as if he had been struck by lightning, Su Muxue smiled.

It wasn't the standard, flawless, business-like smile she usually wore on her face.

Instead, it was a smile filled with a hint of craftiness, a hint of understanding, and even a tiny bit... of morbid satisfaction.

It was like a puppy raised with great care finally learning to shake hands, or prey that had been waited for for a long time finally stepping into a trap.

"I certainly know."

Su Muxue's voice was as soft as if she were coaxing someone to sleep, but to Huang Mao's ears, it sounded like some kind of verdict.

"Because my eyes have always been 'watching' you, Master."

Before Huang Mao could digest the weight of those words, a fragrant breeze rushed toward his face.

Su Muxue released the hand that had been tightly gripping his.

The next second.

She opened her arms, like a swallow returning to its nest, and threw herself into Huang Mao's embrace without reservation.

"Ugh!"

Huang Mao let out a muffled grunt, almost having the wind knocked out of him by the impact.

Immediately after, his brain instantly crashed.

Soft.

Breathtakingly soft.

It was a plumpness and maturity completely different from the youthful body of Leng Qingxuan.

The lethality of her E-cup was fully displayed at this moment, as if two soft clouds instantly wrapped around and devoured his sanity.

Huang Mao's hands froze in mid-air, not knowing whether to put them down or hug her back.

He stood there like a wooden stake, nailed to the spot.

"Mu, Muxue..."

Huang Mao felt his vocal cords trembling.

This is school!

Although it's a blind spot and no one comes here, it's broad daylight. What if a drone passes by?

Though that's unlikely to happen.

Su Muxue, on her side, did not give him a chance to catch his breath.

She buried her face in Huang Mao's chest and greedily took a deep breath, as if drawing some kind of nourishment.

"Master just asked how I guessed it."

Her voice was muffled, carrying a hint of triumph.

"Actually, it wasn't entirely based on observation."

"After all, while Master's dark circles are obvious, they could also be caused by staying up late playing games."

Su Muxue looked up, her eyes, deep like pools, flashing with the light of wisdom.

"The key was last night."

"When I helped Master provide psychological counseling to Sister Qingxuan, she was too excited and let it slip."

"Saying things like 'I need to compensate him like last night'..."

Huang Mao's mouth twitched.

Good grief.

So the traitor was actually right beside me.

Oh, Leng Qingxuan, you usually look so cold and aloof, why do you always drop the ball at critical moments!

Now it's over, my secrets are completely exposed.

Su Muxue extended a finger and gently drew circles on Huang Mao's chest.

"Although Sister Qingxuan's courage surprised me, that she actually dared to take that step."

"However..."

Her tone suddenly became somewhat regretful, even carrying a hint of frustration at her inability to meet expectations.

"It seems she didn't do her best."

"Even though she had all the advantages, she still let Master spend the night with a body full of 'heat'."

"This is a dereliction of duty as a partner."

As Su Muxue spoke, she closed the distance again.

Their noses almost touched.

Huang Mao could even see his own slightly flustered and helpless reflection in her pupils.

"Since Sister Qingxuan couldn't fulfill her duty..."

Su Muxue stood on her tiptoes, her warm breath spraying onto his earlobe, causing a shiver.

"Then let me, this maid, share the burden for Master."

Boom!

Huang Mao felt the string in his brain named "sanity" completely snap.

These lines... this scene... this atmosphere... it's practically foul play!

But his remaining survival instinct was still sounding a frantic alarm.

This is the corner of the playground! Outside are classmates playing basketball! I can even hear An Ran's energetic shouting!

Doing something in a place like this, if discovered, he, Huang Mao, wouldn't be able to stay in this school for the rest of his life; he might as well carry a train and run away overnight!

"Su Muxue, stop fooling around!"

Huang Mao gritted his teeth and reached out to push her away.

But as soon as his hand touched her shoulder, he noticed her body was trembling slightly.

"I'm not fooling around..."

Su Muxue's voice suddenly carried a sob.

The gaze that had been full of aggression instantly became misty, like a kitten abandoned by its owner.

"Master, do you know?"

"Whenever I think of you being in pain and discomfort, I feel like I can't breathe."

"Here..."

She grabbed Huang Mao's hand and pressed it against her chest. That was where her heart beat. It was also the source of that astonishing softness.

"Here, it aches so much I'm about to die."

Huang Mao's fingers felt like they had been scalded, and he subconsciously wanted to pull back. But Su Muxue pressed his hand down firmly, not letting him escape.

"And after all... this isn't Sister Qingxuan's fault, it's my fault. It's because I, this maid, am useless and couldn't sense Master's needs in time. It's because of me that Master is suffering..."

Tears slid down her cheeks and dripped onto the back of Huang Mao's hand. Scorching hot. Burning.

Huang Mao felt completely numb. No, how did it escalate to this level? Isn't it just that I didn't sleep well? Isn't it just that I'm feeling a bit pent up? How did it become a big deal that makes you "ache until you're about to die"? This logic doesn't make sense at all!

But looking at the girl in tears before him, all of Huang Mao's sarcastic remarks were stuck in his throat. He couldn't stand this the most. Really. If it were that kind of aggressive, reasonable type, he could still argue with them for three hundred rounds. But this humble kind, who takes all the blame on herself, crying like a tear-stained person... he was truly helpless. It was complete dimensionality reduction strike.

Su Muxue lifted her teary eyes, looking at him pitifully.

"I also know this place is inappropriate, and I also know this is very shameless... but, as long as Master doesn't want it, I will immediately back away and will never pester you."

"But..." She sniffled and said in a tone that was almost pleading: "Master, can you really bear to watch me feel pain because of your endurance? Can you really bear to refuse a maid who only wants to share the burden for you?"

Fatal blow. This wave was a mixed double of moral kidnapping and emotional blackmail.

Huang Mao looked at her. Looking at that expression of "as long as you say no, I'll shatter right here in front of you." His heart fell into a violent battle. Reason told him: Run! This is a trap! This is the Cave of the Spider Spirits that wants to eat you dry! Emotion told him: She's already crying like this, are you still a man? And... you really are quite uncomfortable, aren't you?

Su Muxue keenly captured the wavering in his eyes. She breathed a slight sigh of relief in her heart. As expected. The time spent together and the observations of the past few days were not in vain. This master of hers, who seems like a trouble-fearing tsukkomi character, is actually incredibly soft-hearted. As long as she puts on this humble and obedient posture, he absolutely cannot bring himself to refuse. Although using Master's kindness is a bit despicable. Although her original plan was to "wait for Master's reward." But now... as long as she can help Master, as long as she can establish her "indispensable" position in this house. Even if she has to use a few methods, it is worth it. What's more... she really wants to. Wants to go crazy.

Su Muxue immediately pressed her advantage, lowered her voice, and said in a whisper that only the two of them could hear: "Please rest assured, Master. I will be very fast. I have watched many instructional videos; although I haven't practiced, I have always been a fast learner, and I believe I can do it well. I absolutely will not make any loud noises. And I absolutely will not cause you any trouble. Is that okay... Master?"

That last "Master" was called out with so many twists and turns, it melted into the bones.

Huang Mao took a deep breath. Then he sighed heavily. It was like giving up all resistance, and also like a resignation-like compromise. He looked at the towering pile of equipment around him, and then at the dense shade of trees overhead. Finally, he looked at Su Muxue, who was full of anticipation in front of him.

"...Will it really be fast?"

Su Muxue's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously: "Mm! As fast as pressing the fast-forward button!"

"...Really no sound?"

"Mm! I will activate silent mode!"

Huang Mao closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. "Fine. Be careful, don't make any noise. If someone finds out, I'll say you forced me."

Although this threat sounded completely powerless, and even a bit suspicious of getting a bargain and still acting coy. But to Su Muxue, this was the most beautiful imperial decree in the world.

"As you command, my Master."

Su Muxue broke into a smile through her tears. That smile was so brilliant that it seemed to instantly dispel the gloom in the corner. She took Huang Mao's hand and walked a few steps into the deeper shadows. Until the two of them were almost completely blocked from the outside by the pile of old high-jump mats. Until the sunlight outside could no longer reach here.

Su Muxue slowly crouched down. At that moment, the humility and cowardice on her face disappeared. Replaced by a kind of near-sacred piety. It was as if she were performing some solemn ritual.

A moment later. In the quiet corner, a very light, surprised low cry sounded. "Ah... this is Master's... truly..."

Immediately following. Was a voice that was extremely gentle. "Please leave it to me. I will treat it just as I treat you, Master..."

A few minutes later. On the basketball court. "Defense! Defense! Watch that one!" The game was in full swing. An Ran had just completed a beautiful steal and was preparing to launch a fast break. As a result, she used too much force, and the basketball in her hand flew out of her control.

"Bang, bang, bang..." The basketball bounced on the ground a few times and rolled straight toward the equipment room in the corner of the playground.

"Hey! My ball!" An Ran shouted anxiously. "Pause for a second! I'm going to pick up a ball!" An Ran shouted at the court, then wiped the sweat from her forehead and chased after it with long strides.

The sunlight was a bit dazzling. An Ran squinted her eyes and trotted all the way. "Strange, why did it roll so far..." She muttered, chasing the ball around the broken wall of the equipment room. The ball happened to stop next to a pile of old hurdle racks.

An Ran bent down and scooped up the ball. "Phew, good thing it didn't fall into any ditch." She patted the dust off the ball, straightened up, and was about to turn back to the court. However. At the very moment she raised her head. Her whole body froze in place as if she had been hit by a paralysis spell. The basketball in her hand dropped to the ground with a "clatter" and rolled to her feet. But she didn't care to manage it anymore.

At this very moment. An Ran's brain was blank, as if it had been formatted. She widened her eyes, staring fixedly into the depths of the shadows before her. That was her childhood sweetheart, Huang Mao. He was leaning against a pile of mats, head tilted back, with that kind of... expression as if his soul had left his body. And in front of him. Was that "big boss" Su Muxue. Kneeling on the ground.

Hearing the movement. Su Muxue slowly raised her head. On that delicate face, there was a flush that hadn't faded yet. Seeing the expression on An Ran's face as if she had seen a ghost. Su Muxue did not panic. She didn't even have any intention of hiding. She just smiled slightly. Then. She slowly raised a finger and placed it against her moist, rosy lips. She made a gesture to keep quiet. "Shh—"