Afterward, she lay sprawled on the bed, breathless and glowing. "Something felt… off just now."
Xia Zhi brushed a damp strand of hair from her cheek and smiled. "Did you take something before I came?"
She laughed softly. "No. You're the only medicine I need."
The Heart Flutter effect was working beautifully.
He hadn't expected Cloud Retainer, of all people, to say something that cheesy—but in that moment, he decided those 500 points were well spent.
He grinned. "Want to go again?"
"Mmh…"
She didn't even try to protest this time.
Yeah—definitely worth every point.
---
Grand Narukami Shrine.
In her office, Yae Miko was still finishing up paperwork.
But her mind kept drifting—ever since what happened during tonight's massage, she hadn't been able to focus.
When the clock struck late-night, her stomach growled.
Normally, she'd head to the kitchen and sneak two plates of fried tofu for a midnight snack.
Tonight, though, she hesitated.
Should I eat it?
But I've already gained a little weight lately…
Xia Zhi said it was from sneaking too much fried tofu.
If she kept this up, it'd only get worse, wouldn't it?
Then again… so what?
She was a single fox spirit anyway.
Her heart waged war with itself—to eat or not to eat, that is the question.
In the end, hunger won.
Eat, eat, eat!
If I get fat, I'll just have Xia Zhi give me a slimming massage tomorrow night. And while I'm at it… maybe I'll figure out how his charm worked on me in the first place.
Once she found out, she'd turn the tables—and charm him right back!
Just imagining it made her smile wickedly.
Biting into a piece of fried tofu, Yae Miko narrowed her eyes in delight, picturing Xia Zhi's flustered face as she had him wrapped around her finger.
Now that would be satisfying.
---
In a dream.
An internet café.
Xia Zhi sat in front of a glowing monitor, gaming with friends.
The Shogun appeared behind him, standing silently as she watched his screen.
She didn't say a word—just stood there, calm and composed.
Honestly, she looked a little like a girlfriend tagging along to watch her boyfriend play.
During a respawn break, Xia Zhi glanced back. "Need something?"
"There's a small matter I'd like to ask your advice on," she said quietly.
"A small matter?"
"Yes. But finish your match first."
"Alright."
Once the game ended, he put down his mouse. "Want to talk in the private room?"
She nodded. "That would be best."
They stood and walked to the small room next door.
Their friends exchanged meaningful looks.
Only Ei looked confused. "Why are you all staring at me? Pick your heroes already."
"…"
Everyone silently agreed—Ei might be a little slow sometimes.
Inside the room, Xia Zhi sat across from the Shogun. "So, what's this about?"
Her posture was formal, tone serious. "I want a name."
He blinked. "A name?"
She nodded. "Yes. 'Shogun' is only a title. It isn't a true name."
He rubbed his chin. "Fair point. But that's something you could choose yourself. Pick whatever you like."
"I'm not good at naming," she said flatly.
"…"
"I heard Zhu Zi's house has a tanuki who took human form to repay her kindness," she continued. "You're the one who named her, aren't you? Rii—it's a beautiful name."
Xia Zhi chuckled. "That was a group effort. Everyone threw out ideas, and mine just happened to be chosen."
The Shogun bowed her head slightly. "Please, Mr. Xia. I want you to name me too."
He sighed. "You're giving me a lot of pressure here. What if I pick something that doesn't sound good? And also, why are you calling me Mr. Xia again? Just stick with 'cousin,' like before."
She met his eyes, voice earnest. "Even if it's not beautiful, it doesn't matter. You're the one who gave me freedom—so my name should come from you."
There was no arguing with her.
"Alright, alright," he said at last. "Give me a moment to think."
The Shogun sat quietly, gazing at him with patient, clear eyes.
After a pause, Xia Zhi said, "Hmm.. Ying"
"Ying…"
She whispered the name softly, her tone slowly filling with warmth and joy.
Looking up at him, her eyes glimmered with something unfamiliar—something almost tender.
"I like it," she said. "Xia Ying."
"Huh? Xia Ying?"
He blinked.
"Wait—you mean only Ying, right?"
----
Join my Patreon for early access to 100+ chapters: Patreon.com/rivyura