Ever since the bunny brooch experiment succeeded, Emma felt as though she had opened the door to a whole new world.
She began consciously collecting various non-living fluffy items—like a plush cloud keychain hanging from her pencil pouch, a sachet embroidered with pompom patterns, and even a headband trimmed with soft, downy fur.
She arranged these "research samples" on her dormitory desk and conducted daily "desensitization therapy"—starting by observing them from a distance, then gradually moving closer, and finally daring to touch them with her fingertips. She meticulously recorded her heart rate and anxiety levels after each session, treating it like a serious academic project.
The results were promising. She could now look at these static, harmless fluffy objects without flinching, even beginning to appreciate their soft, soothing aesthetic.
Living creatures, however, remained off-limits—especially that walking embodiment of premium fluff: Fox Lian.
To better maintain her disguise—and, well, to further her "research"—Emma adjusted her strategy. No longer content with just observing from afar or feeding Gu Liang ideas, she decided to take a more "active" role in admiring Fox Lian… or rather, his accessories.
After a rune literature class, Fox Lian was surrounded by classmates asking him questions. He wore a pale moon-white robe that day, and the familiar snow-white pompom at his waist swayed gently with his movements.
Emma took a deep breath, clenched her hands inside her sleeves, and tried to arrange her expression into one of "adoration." Then she walked toward the group.
"Lord Fox Lian," she heard herself say, her voice surprisingly steady, "that pompom at your waist… it's quite unique. May I ask where you got it? I'd love to find something similar."
The students around him froze. Even Gu Liang looked at Emma in surprise—she had never approached Fox Lian so directly before, let alone spoken to him.
Fox Lian turned toward her, his violet eyes settling on her with a subtle glint of amusement. His hair was unbound today, silver strands cascading over his shoulders, a few locks brushing against his collarbone, adding to his languid charm. Emma forced herself to focus on the pompom at his waist, ignoring the twitching fox ears just inches away.
"This?" Fox Lian gently hooked the pompom with his finger, the motion casual yet inexplicably elegant. "It was a gift from an elder in my clan—not something from the market. Does Emma like this kind of accessory?"
His voice was low and melodious, laced with a faint, magnetic undertone that made several nearby girls blush.
Emma struggled to keep her expression neutral and nodded. "It's… very soft. And pretty." That part, at least, was genuine—her fondness for such items had indeed skyrocketed lately.
Fox Lian's lips curved slightly, his eyes glinting. "So Emma likes… soft things." His gaze flicked, seemingly unintentionally, to the headband she wore that day—the one trimmed with delicate fur.
Emma's heart skipped. She felt exposed, as if he'd seen right through her. She quickly looked away and mumbled, "Ah… sorry to bother you." Then she all but fled.
Gu Liang watched Emma's "shy" retreat and suddenly had a revelation. She tugged on a friend's sleeve and whispered, "So Emma likes fluffy little things! No wonder she's been staring at Lord Fox Lian's… accessories!"
From that day on, rumors of Emma's "secret crush" on Fox Lian—and her obsession with his fluffy accessories—began to circulate in hushed tones. When Emma found out, she could only swallow the bitter fruit of her own making and console herself: At least this explains why I'm always staring at his waist (avoiding the tail) or his collar (avoiding the ears).
Fox Lian, it seemed, was quite pleased with the rumors. He began rotating his fluffy accessories more frequently—today a paw-shaped charm, tomorrow a feathered brooch with soft down… each one exquisitely crafted, each one catching Emma's (accessory-focused) gaze without fail.
Emma grumbled inwardly that this fox must have an entire warehouse of fluffy accessories, yet she couldn't help but be drawn to each new "research sample." She secretly noted their designs and textures, wondering if she could find similar ones in the market.
She even began to think… Fox Lian had surprisingly good taste in accessories.
Even Gu Liang noticed the change.
"Emma, I feel like… you're not as scared of Lord Fox Lian anymore?" she asked one day in private.
Emma tensed but kept her face calm. "Maybe I've just gotten used to him. Besides, I've been too busy helping you."
Gu Liang hugged her, touched. "You're the best!"
Emma returned the hug, guilt gnawing at her. Am I… using this as an excuse to get closer to him myself?
Meanwhile, Fox Lian leaned against a library window, idly toying with a newly acquired brooch—crafted from rare starlight beast fur, shimmering with iridescent hues. His gaze drifted to the courtyard below, where Emma walked with Gu Liang. He watched as she tried to act composed, sneaking glances at him (or rather, his brooch) from the corner of her eye.
His lips curved into a knowing smile.
It seemed his "accessory exhibition plan" was working beautifully.