Lu Lin's frivolous expression made Xianyun frown again. But a bet was a bet. Having followed the Geo Archon and valuing contracts above all else, she would never break her word. She merely said, "As long as it does not violate my principle of protecting Liyue."
Lu Lin put away his mischievous smile and scratched his head, pretending to be honest. "I haven't thought of the exact request yet. How about I owe it for now and tell you when I've decided?"
The timing wasn't ripe yet. He didn't dare make any excessive demands. If she became angry out of humiliation, everything would be ruined.
What he was doing now was constantly testing her limits—using small flirtations like "admiring her beautiful curves" or deliberately calling her "Miss Xianyun" in a suggestive tone.
He was confident this mature and dignified beauty wouldn't easily fall out with him. After all, he now had a very good shield—Shenhe.
Shenhe faced many difficulties in returning to human society, but she had already taken a firm first step, and Lu Lin had helped her accomplish it.
Shenhe's attitude toward Lu Lin was clearly different. To Xianyun, this was a positive sign. She wouldn't easily fall out with him, because Shenhe was close to him now. If she did turn against him, it might hurt Shenhe.
Just now, despite his repeated teasing, though her brows furrowed tightly, she hadn't erupted for precisely this reason.
"Then wait until you've thought it through," she nodded, her mood somewhat low.
After studying mechanical arts for thousands of years, only to be outperformed by a young human who had just begun learning—it was impossible not to feel shaken.
Noticing her low spirits, Lu Lin waved a hand in front of her. "Miss Xianyun seems a bit discouraged? Actually, my attainments in mechanical arts are inferior to yours. I just have a natural knack for hands-on work, so I had a slight advantage."
That was the truth. He hadn't studied long; in real expertise, he was still inferior to Xianyun. Winning this round relied entirely on the [Dexterous Hands] trait.
"Hmph! A loss is a loss. This immortal doesn't need your comfort!" Xianyun snorted.
"You misunderstand. I'm not being modest. I genuinely have many doubts I'd like to consult you about." Lu Lin had indeed prepared several advanced questions on mechanical arts and began asking seriously.
The two exchanged questions and answers, occasionally drawing diagrams and calculating together. Their heads drew closer and closer without them realizing it.
Lu Lin caught a faint fragrance lingering at his nose—like orchids mixed with musk, elegant and intoxicating. He secretly looked up. Xianyun stood opposite him, hands braced on the table, her full chest hanging heavily, mature and alluring.
How could he not appreciate such breathtaking scenery?
Though she appeared focused on calculations, her heart was unsettled. She could sense Lu Lin's presence as well—the strong masculine aura mixed with a faintly familiar scent.
At first she thought it was Guizhong's aura, but that didn't make sense. How could someone inheriting Guizhong's mechanical arts carry her scent? She had died thousands of years ago!
Wait. That scent… was it Ganyu's?!
She subtly sniffed again and finally identified the source.
Lu Lin had washed up, so in theory no scent should remain.
But because he had devoted special attention to Ganyu the previous night, the two entangled intimately, their scents blending together. Xianyun, being extremely familiar with Ganyu, still caught a trace.
Why did he carry Ganyu's scent?!
Xianyun suddenly raised her head, meeting Lu Lin's lecherous gaze.
That look again!
You're closely connected to Ganyu, yet you look at me like that?!
Her beautiful eyes widened in anger, about to flare up, but Lu Lin cut her off first. "It's getting late. I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch yet. Want to grab something together? My treat!"
The interruption slightly suppressed her anger. She wasn't sure what exactly was going on between him and Ganyu. She would need to ask Ganyu before making any decisions.
"There are leftovers from yesterday at home. We'll just eat something simple," Xianyun said, glancing at the nearly empty pot of popcorn.
Lu Lin had only changed the subject to avoid her anger, so he didn't care where they ate. Hearing this, he dashed downstairs and took the initiative in the kitchen.
The three of them had a simple meal. Xianyun was preoccupied and gave Lu Lin no pleasant looks.
Unfortunately, Shenhe, who was innocent and detached from worldly matters, didn't notice the tense atmosphere at all.
"Lu Lin, can you accompany me for a walk?" After eating, Shenhe unexpectedly took the initiative to invite him out. It was the first time she had ever done so.
This change surprised not only Lu Lin, but even Xianyun.
However, glancing at Lu Lin, her heart grew conflicted. After interacting with him this afternoon, she was certain he wasn't a gentleman—and might have an intimate relationship with Ganyu. Was it truly right to entrust Shenhe to him?
Lu Lin didn't care about her thoughts and readily agreed. "Of course. Where would you like to go?"
"Just a casual walk," Shenhe replied in her usual calm tone, but Lu Lin keenly detected a trace of curiosity hidden beneath.
What was she curious about?
The answer came quickly. Not far from the courtyard, Lu Lin felt a cool, soft hand slip into his palm. He turned back in surprise.
"Yesterday I saw Senior Sister holding your hand. She looked very happy. So I want to experience what it feels like. Is that alright?" The icy beauty's curiosity was evident.
Though she herself lacked emotional sensitivity, she could clearly see Ganyu's happiness. She didn't understand what holding hands meant, so she felt no embarrassment.
Seeing her serious, research-like expression, even while holding hands, it didn't resemble a couple—it felt more like an experiment.
"Of course," Lu Lin smiled brightly.
A bargain delivered to his door wouldn't be ignored. He clasped Shenhe's icy hand, warming it with his own.
"But I must tell you, you can't hold hands with other men besides me. Two people who hold hands must spend their lives together, never abandoning each other."
Not only did he take her hand, he shamelessly began misleading the innocent girl.
"So you and Senior Sister will also spend your lives together, never parting?" Shenhe's silver-gray eyes stared steadily at him.
"Uh… of course. I can spend the rest of my life with both of you," Lu Lin said without the slightest blush.
"Mm~ Spending the rest of my life with you and Senior Sister? That does sound nice. If Master could join too, it would be perfect."
The cool fairy spoke the most shocking words in the calmest tone. Even Lu Lin nearly lost composure.
Do you even realize what you're saying?!
But since you've said it, I'll make that wish come true.
What he didn't expect was that something even more startling was coming.
"I have another request. What you did to Ying under the table yesterday—can I experience that too?"
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