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"Hu... Husband... Mm... Is it still...still not right?"
"How could it be that quick? Stay still, straighten your back a bit more."
"But...but it's broad daylight; doing this...umm...isn't it inappropriate?"
"Do marital intimacies need to wait for nightfall? Or are you feeling uncomfortable?" Zeke asked gently, setting aside the eyebrow pencil while observing Fu Hua's blushing demeanor.
Fu Hua hastily waved her hands, softly responding, "N-no, not really..."
"Then let's continue with the makeup. Also, try calling me something different."
"Oh, um... My...my lord..." Fu Hua hesitated.
"Not bad, but switch it up again."
"My beloved..."
"Good, keep going."
"Husb...husband..."
"Change it once more."
"Wah! What exactly do you want from me?" Fu Hua's face flushed bright red as she cycled through intimate terms, feeling so embarrassed she wished to vanish into a hole on the spot.
Zeke raised his eyebrows, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and continued drawing Fu Hua's eyebrows. Initially, hearing himself addressed as 'husband' did catch him off guard. However, after swiftly examining Fu Hua's condition, he had a general understanding—her memory impairment was akin to Red Kite Immortal's recurring issue. But with Senti deeply rooted in her consciousness, a full recovery would be swift.
Zeke and Fu Hua's relationship remained private, known only to them both. Yet, while Fu Hua was straightforward, the Book of Fuxi and Elder Elysiya were quite mischievous. Given their constant proximity, it wasn't surprising that they picked up on Fu Hua's subtle cues over time.
From there, one could easily guess what transpired next.
The Book of Fuxi has always had a maternal instinct to see Fu Hua settled down, while Elysia was known as a mischief-maker within Fire Moth even fifty thousand years ago. With this duo involved, it's no surprise they'd seize the opportunity to play pranks on the innocent, memory-impaired Fu Hua.
"All done."
Just as Fu Hua's blush grew so intense she could hardly sit still, Zeke finally put away the eyebrow pencil, subtly distancing their intimate proximity.
Pausing briefly, Fu Hua hastily looked into the mirror.
Her delicate, fair oval face needed no makeup; her rosy cheeks already glowed like ripe peaches. The finely drawn eyebrows accentuated her slender features, with subtle pink eyeshadow enhancing her charming peach-blossom eyes. Her usual composed demeanor softened significantly, giving her the appearance of a refined young noblewoman hidden deep within a secluded boudoir.
After examining herself for some time, feeling somewhat unsure due to her modest self-perception, Fu Hua turned to Zeke. Biting her lip nervously, she asked softly:
"Do I look nice?"
"Although it's my first time drawing eyebrows, I wouldn't say I'm perfectly skilled yet. But at least, I followed textbook standards closely. Don't worry, you look beautiful—certainly from my perspective."
"Oh... That's true. As long as my husband likes it, others' opinions don't matter."
"How sweet!"
Zeke smiled gently, reaching out to caress Fu Hua's hair.
Blushing, Fu Hua clutched her traditional azure embroidered dress, quietly lowering her head. Her endearing and obedient demeanor made one almost want to devour her whole!
The smile in Zeke's eyes deepened as he suddenly understood the motivation behind the Book of Fuxi and Elysia's actions. In their place, even he couldn't resist teasing such obedient and docile Fu Hua.
"Would you like to take a stroll outside? You used to rarely wear makeup before; no one has likely seen this side of you."
"No, thank you. I'm still recovering, so it's best not to venture out yet. Once I've fully recuperated, I'll greet everyone then," Fu Hua replied solemnly, maintaining her serious demeanor.
In truth, she was adhering strictly to the act of feigning amnesia while hiding her true memory intact, fearing she might slip up in front of familiar faces.
Zeke wasn't aware of how the Book of Fuxi and Elysia had managed to convince her, but spending quiet time indoors with Fu Hua sounded appealing regardless. Most importantly, watching Fu Hua's flawed acting, riddled with inconsistencies, amused him greatly.
"Can you still play the zither?"
"Uh... No problem!"
"Wonderful. You play the zither, and I'll prepare some tea."
"As you wish, my husband."
Soon, the graceful notes of the zither echoed gently atop Taixuan Mountain.
Fu Hua's amnesia didn't hinder her ability to play; it seemed this skill had become second nature to her.
As the melodious music filled the air, Zeke boiled water and brewed tea. The lingering gloom in his heart, following recent events, finally began to dissipate slowly amidst these soothing sounds.
"Is the cake delicious?"
"Oh yes, absolutely!"
"And what about the pudding?"
"It's incredibly tasty!"
"How about these honey cakes from Little Fuxi's secret recipe?"
"They're unbelievably scrumptious!"
On a balcony at the Royal Palace Base, Kiana devoured a table full of delectable sweets while nodding vigorously like a pecking chick, responding to Elysia and the Book of Fuxi's inquiries.
The sensation of her cheeks filled with delightful treats, combined with the satisfying sweetness spreading throughout her mouth, made Kiana's eyes squint happily, her face radiating contentment.
"Ahh! This is pure bliss! If my life could just stay like this forever... Wait! Hold on! The super-important matter you wanted to discuss with me was simply inviting me for snacks?"
"For adorable girls, isn't enjoying sweet treats truly significant?" Elysia smiled, wagging her finger playfully and winking her right eye.
Kiana continued stuffing her mouth, her brain overwhelmed by both the culinary delights and the charming company, barely able to mumble coherently:
"You're right, yummy desserts are indeed very important!"
Besides, Fu Hua-sensei will be fine; Zeke is there after all... Zeke is there... wait, only Zeke and Fu Hua-sensei?!?!
"Clang!!"
Metal cutlery clattered against the plate with a crisp sound.
Kiana forcefully chewed the sweets in her mouth, swallowed them down, and pointed accusingly at the two individuals before her:
"You're trying to trick me!"
"Aiya, how could that be? With my adorable self, there's no way I'd have any malicious intent! I just wanted to get closer with the equally cute Kiana, heh-heh!"
"Exactly, exactly—we simply wanted to spend some time together."
Elysia blinked her innocent eyes wide open, while the Book of Fuxi wore a perfectly earnest expression.
Kiana was currently operating on her simple, everyday thought processes. She hesitated, momentarily doubting if she might be overthinking things.
But her idiotic intuition kicked in.
Unable to stay seated any longer, Kiana sprang up, casually opened a space gate, and dashed through with a whoosh—not forgetting to grab a large piece of honey cake before leaving.
As they watched the space gate vanish, Elysia and the Book of Fuxi exchanged glances and shrugged simultaneously.
"Well well, it seems our darling Kiana is sharper than we imagined. Didn't expect her to catch on so quickly."
"Sigh... We should make something extra delicious for her later. Although Kiana isn't one to hold grudges, this time, we truly let her down."
"It can't be helped; love knows neither fairness nor logic!" Smiling brightly, Elysia picked up a cookie, popped it into her mouth, and continued cheerfully: "In matters of the heart, all's fair in war."
The Book of Fuxi stroked its chin thoughtfully, observing Ellie with curiosity.
"Come to think of it, Lady Elysia, why do I feel like you're quite experienced? Have you been in many relationships before?"
"Oh, absolutely! A charming and flawless fairy maiden like me is always accompanied by love!"
"Is that so?"
"Yes, indeed! And for adorable and capable Little Fuxi, my affection knows no bounds!"
"Hm... Wait, what?!?"