Yukong's cheeks flushed faintly, and she let out a soft, deliberate cough.
"Ahem… Tingyun, are you feeling unwell?"
Her question was subtle, meant only as a gentle reminder for Tingyun not to lose her composure in front of their guests.
Yet instead of taking the hint, Tingyun grew even more flustered and indignant, shooting Yukong a sharp glare.
Nearby, Sylvia averted her gaze somewhat guiltily.
To be fair, Sylvia hadn't expected that simply grooming Tingyun's tail would leave such a lasting—and lingering—effect.
She'd already been feeling uneasy while speaking with Yukong earlier, but now Yukong had gone and dropped a bombshell.
"..."
"..."
Silence fell, thick and profound, like a bridge spanning an unspoken tension.
Yukong was taken aback by how both of them instantly changed expressions the moment she spoke.
'Seriously, girl?'
'I never took you for that type.'
'Did one heroic rescue really sweep you off your feet? You're the head of the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild—how could you just give yourself away like that?'
'And we don't even know this person's full name, where she's from, or what she's capable of! Are you kidding me?'
Yukong barely held back her disbelief.
"Um… Miss Sylvia, I have some private matters I'd like to discuss with Tingyun…"
Hearing this, Sylvia nodded eagerly.
Completely ignoring the pleading look Tingyun shot her way, she quickly replied, "Of course, of course! I'm actually a bit thirsty myself—I'll step out for a drink. Tingyun, you must be thirsty too, right? I'll bring something back for you."
Meeting Tingyun's 'resentful' gaze, Sylvia offered a faint smile before swiftly turning and exiting the meeting room.
Left behind were a dejected Tingyun, ears drooping, and a bristling Yukong, her tail standing straight as a rod.
"Ahem—"
Yukong studied Tingyun for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Tingyun…"
"Wait! Lady Yukong, you've definitely misunderstood!"
Before Yukong could continue, Tingyun raised a hand to stop her, her face flushed as she protested.
Yukong took a deep breath, crossed her arms, and let out a soft 'hmph!'
"Misunderstood? Then by all means, enlighten me—what exactly have I misunderstood?"
Realization dawned on Tingyun—if she didn't clear this up here and now, her reputation would be beyond saving!
Sure, her savior was beautiful, her massage skills were exceptional, she was powerful, and she had a wonderful personality…
But that didn't mean Tingyun was willing to throw her dignity away after just one meeting!
After all, she hadn't actually gotten that far—she was still an untouched flower!
If rumors spread, the loss would be all hers!
"I only asked my savior to groom my tail! Nothing else happened, I swear!"
Yukong nearly laughed in disbelief at that.
'You've got some nerve coming up with that excuse, huh?'
'Since when does grooming a tail leave someone in that state? Do you think you're the only Foxian?'
'Am I tail-less? Have I never had my tail groomed before?'
'What kind of tail grooming leaves someone's legs shaky, face flushed, and the very tip of their tail trembling?'
"Grooming your tail? Grooming your tail left you like that? You're the face of the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild—if you're going to make up an excuse, at least make it believable."
Unable to hold back, Yukong sat down, rapping her knuckles lightly on the table as she stared Tingyun down.
It was clear she didn't buy a word of it.
"It's the truth! She really only groomed my tail!"
Tingyun felt utterly helpless.
She was being completely honest—who knew her savior's skills would be so… extraordinary?
Perhaps it was the sincerity in Tingyun's expression, or perhaps Yukong knew her well enough to believe she wouldn't lie about something like this.
After studying Tingyun's face for a long moment, Yukong finally asked hesitantly, "Really? But even if something did happen, it's alright. I only brought it up to remind you that, as the Guild's representative, you shouldn't let your emotions carry you away…"
"Lady Yukong!"
Tingyun was genuinely embarrassed and upset now, her cheeks puffed out in a mix of anger and shame.
It was only because they were alone that she allowed such an expression to show.
And because Yukong knew her so well, seeing Tingyun like this convinced her that she was telling the truth.
Now, Yukong's curiosity was piqued.
"So it really was just tail grooming? Nothing else?"
She stared wide-eyed, feeling like this was all a bit unbelievable.
What kind of proper tail grooming leaves someone in such a state?
If you showed Tingyun to anyone else, would they even believe it was just grooming?
"It's true! If you don't believe me, Lady Yukong, you can try it yourself when my savior visits the Xianzhou Luofu!"
"...Ahem, I'll pass. Definitely not for me."
Though intrigued, Yukong coughed lightly and firmly declined.
Still, the more Tingyun insisted, the more Yukong wondered just what Sylvia's technique felt like.
"But tell me… what was the grooming like? Was it really that pleasant?"
"Goodness, Lady Yukong, if you're so curious, why not experience it yourself? All I can say is that my savior's skill is truly unparalleled, and the results are remarkably effective."
Tingyun snapped her folding fan open, hiding the lower half of her face behind it.
Why did Lady Yukong have to press on such a sore subject? How was she supposed to answer that?
If she went into detail, she'd never live it down.
Yukong, observing her reaction, grew even more convinced that there was something unusual about Sylvia's methods.
And the fact that Tingyun had encouraged her twice now to try it herself… She was probably getting back at her for earlier.
Still, over the communication link, she couldn't make out fine details—like whether Tingyun's tail fur seemed any different.
Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Yukong cleared her throat and straightened her expression.
"Ahem, let's move on. Tingyun, regarding the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus—I've already reported it to the general and personally visited the Divination Commission to request Lady Fu's use of the Matrix of Prescience."
"However, if the matter truly involves an Emanator, then we may not uncover much. The Luofu will likely enter a state of readiness. You should return as soon as possible. The fact that one attempt was made means there could be a second."
Hearing the serious tone, Tingyun composed herself, her expression turning unusually stern.
"I understand. But this trade mission still needs to be wrapped up. If I just leave like this…"
"I've already contacted the other party directly and explained the situation. I'll assign someone else to take over the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild's affairs. Their target is you personally. If you stay, you'll only put others in greater danger."
Yukong's words were blunt and hardly comforting.
But Tingyun knew she meant well. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus had targeted her for some unknown reason, and with a possible Emanator involved…
The situation was troubling. If an Emanator of unknown origin had set their sights on the Xianzhou Luofu, given the ship's current state, it would mean disaster.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.