Hold Tight to the Female Lead's Thigh [Transmigration GL] - Episode 22

A’Tian’s face twitched slightly as she pretended not to understand anything, replying obediently, “Farewell, Hall Master.”

Yan Hong, with her back turned to Guan Fusha, threw a flirtatious glance at A’Tian before slowly leaving the study.

Guan Fusha watched her retreating figure thoughtfully. “A’Tian, did something happen between you and Yan Hong?”

The sudden question caused A’Tian, who was arranging the bowls and chopsticks, to pause briefly. She deliberately turned her back to Guan Fusha to avoid her probing gaze, then continued her work as if nothing had happened. “Between me and the Hall Master? Nothing at all has happened between us. Protector, you’re overthinking it.”

She knew the Protector had been busy with sect affairs recently, and with the attempted assassination of the Left Protector still unresolved, she didn’t want to add to her worries.

“Really?”

“This servant wouldn’t dare lie to the Protector.”

“…Alright then.” Though Guan Fusha didn’t believe A’Tian’s words, there was nothing she could do if she insisted on keeping silent. Besides, while Yan Hong enjoyed playing pranks, she wasn’t truly malicious and probably wouldn’t do anything too extreme.

After dinner, Guan Fusha remained in the study to handle official matters.

About two hours later, she finished processing the last letter, leaning back in her chair with visible exhaustion.

Qi Yong had been making more and more subtle moves lately. If she didn’t know he had no ambition to usurp power, she might have thought he was trying to overthrow her to become the sect leader.

Guan Fusha stood up and stretched. Leaving the study, she habitually headed toward the side courtyard. It wasn’t until she caught the faint scent of peach blossoms from the courtyard that she suddenly remembered their unpleasant parting at the training grounds that afternoon.

Was Taohua asleep yet? Was she still dwelling on what happened this afternoon? If she entered now, would it make her feel awkward?

Guan Fusha’s steps halted at the courtyard entrance, uncertain whether to proceed or retreat.

She looked up at the moon in the sky. Tonight’s moonlight was exceptionally bright, just like that night.

She thought she would probably never forget how pitifully Taohua had cried in her arms that evening.

Gazing at her empty palm, she could almost still feel the warmth Taohua had left behind that night. For some reason, her heart suddenly felt hollow too.

“Senior Sister?” Taohua was about to close the window and sleep when she noticed Guan Fusha standing dazedly in the yard, lost in thought. “Why are you standing outside instead of coming in?”

Guan Fusha was startled, then felt a sudden sense of relief.

So Taohua hadn’t been holding onto what happened this afternoon at all.

She looked at Taohua standing by the window, wearing only thin sleepwear and staring blankly at her. Unconsciously, the corners of her eyes curved into a smile. “Yes, I’m coming in now.”

Taohua felt that Guan Fusha seemed somewhat different tonight, yet not really different. She casually asked, “Why are you here so early tonight, Senior Sister? You usually come much later.”

Guan Fusha removed her outer robe and sat on the bed, preparing to sleep. “I’m a bit tired today, so I wanted to rest early.”

Taohua kicked off her embroidered shoes and clambered onto the bed. She glanced sideways at Guan Fusha and suddenly recalled what had happened at the training grounds that afternoon.

Come to think of it, that expression she had this afternoon. Could it be that teaching someone as hopeless as her had made today particularly exhausting?!

Thinking this, Peach Blossom suddenly felt a bit guilty.

As she tidied the blankets, she stole a glance at Guan Fusha and, as expected, saw her looking weary, occasionally rubbing her neck as if truly exhausted.

“Sister…” Peach Blossom felt a pang of remorse. She set down the blanket in her hands, walked behind Guan Fusha, and placed her hands on her shoulders, saying, “Let me give you a shoulder rub.”

Guan Fusha was taken aback, but before she could react, Peach Blossom had already started.

A soft sensation spread across her shoulders, and with each kneading motion, the stiff muscles gradually relaxed. Unconsciously, Guan Fusha’s lips curved into a smile as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the comfort.

Peach Blossom leaned forward to peek at Guan Fusha’s relaxed expression and couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.

Method to please the big shot—acquired!

Meanwhile.

After returning the leftover food from Guan Fusha’s meal to the kitchen, A’Tian had just stepped out when she spotted a maid walking toward her from a distance.

Squinting her eyes, A’Tian thought, If I’m not mistaken… isn’t she from the Punishment Hall?

A’Tian immediately turned around, ready to slip away unnoticed.

Seeing her movement, the maid called out, “Miss A’Tian, please wait!”

“…” A’Tian had no choice but to stop and slowly turned back with a forced smile. “What is it? Do you need something?”

“It’s like this,” the maid said, blinking her large eyes, seemingly curious herself. “Hall Master Yan Hong sent me to invite you to the Punishment Hall.”

A’Tian sighed inwardly. If it’s fortune, it won’t be disaster; if it’s disaster, it can’t be avoided. Might as well delay it a little longer. “Understood. I’ll head over shortly.”

“Um…” The maid wore a slightly troubled expression.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hall Master Yan Hong said I should bring you there immediately…”

A’Tian understood at once. Not wanting to make things difficult for the maid, she obediently complied. “Let’s go.”

Arriving at the Punishment Hall, A’Tian took a deep breath before gently knocking on the inner chamber’s door. “Hall Master, A’Tian is here to see you.”

“Come in,” Yan Hong’s delicate voice soon replied.

A’Tian pushed the door open and saw Yan Hong seated in the main chair, leisurely applying nail polish.

“Hall Master.” A’Tian stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“Hmm.” Yan Hong responded lazily. “So A’Tian has finally arrived.”

A’Tian’s eye twitched, but she remained silent.

Yan Hong extended her half-painted hand, wiggled her fingers, and gave A’Tian a charming smile.

Understanding her intention, A’Tian stepped forward, took Yan Hong’s hand, picked up the small bottle on the table, and continued applying the nail polish.

Yan Hong rested her other hand on the table, propping up her beautiful face as she watched A’Tian with a smile, lost in thought.

In no time, A’Tian finished the task. Having served by Guan Fusha’s side since childhood, such a small chore was nothing to her. “Hall Master, it’s done.”

“Let me see.” Yan Hong withdrew her slender hand to inspect it, looking quite satisfied. “Such a beautiful application. A’Tian, your hands are truly skillful.”

A’Tian stood up and smiled modestly.

“Since A’Tian has painted my nails so exquisitely, that favor from last time.” Yan Hong deliberately paused here, a hint of mischief flashing in her eyes.

Hearing this, A’Tian’s expression immediately brightened, her heart filled with anticipation for what was to come.

“…Help me with three things, and we’ll call it even.” Yan Hong blew on her still-damp nails as she slowly spoke the second half of her sentence.

A’Tian’s expression instantly fell.