The Jade Chamber was a magnificent palace floating high in the sky. Vast in area, it was divided into three levels with numerous rooms.
Keqing hadn't asked for a separate residence within the teapot realm. Instead, she chose a room inside the Jade Chamber as her bedroom. Lu Lin found her lying on the bed barefoot, reading. Without a word, he scooped her up and carried her straight to the master bedroom.
"Wait, I haven't brought my stockings!" the cat-eared girl protested lightly in his arms.
"It's fine. You look great without them," Lu Lin replied impatiently.
Before long, Lady Yuheng found herself overwhelmed by his relentless enthusiasm.
Behind him, Ningguang stood close, her presence graceful and composed. The interplay between the three of them soon filled the chamber with warmth and laughter.
After guiding both women to their peaks in turn, Lu Lin mischievously suggested they "exchange techniques"—Keqing learning Ningguang's elegant composure, and Ningguang observing Keqing's swift precision. Even without any special traits enhancing them, the process of growing from awkwardness to familiarity had its own unique charm.
It was deep into the night before both women, exhausted and satisfied, drifted into sleep.
Lu Lin, however, slipped away from the Jade Chamber and quietly made his way to Ying's room.
Ying had gone to bed early. When he woke her, she instinctively shielded Paimon's hearing. Lu Lin reached out with a teasing smile.
"Were you waiting for me tonight? That's why you changed into a nightdress?"
"I-It's just more convenient," she replied, biting her lip.
Convenient indeed.
…
Days passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, five days had gone by. For the first time since arriving in this world, Lu Lin experienced a stretch of leisurely peace.
Every day without fail, he visited Xianyun to discuss mechanical arts, occasionally teasing the mature beauty. Though still untouched, her refined elegance surpassed even that of truly worldly women. Flustering someone like her was oddly satisfying.
Lu Lin maintained careful boundaries. Though she disliked his occasional boldness, Xianyun endured it without exploding.
The primary reason, of course, was Shenhe.
Shenhe's condition improved visibly by the day. She could now converse with strangers without difficulty. Among familiar faces, the change was even more striking—her once distant gaze had softened, and she sometimes even initiated conversation.
Xianyun knew this transformation was largely due to Lu Lin's guidance. He had helped Shenhe take steady steps into human society—recently even arranging a job for her at Wanmin Restaurant assisting Chef Mao and Xiangling.
Though small mishaps still occurred, it was undeniable progress. Shenhe was only one step away from fully reintegrating.
Under such circumstances, turning against Lu Lin might undo everything. Xianyun neither dared nor could predict the consequences.
The second reason was her lingering uncertainty about his relationship with Ganyu.
By day, Lu Lin occupied her with mechanical research. By night, whenever she thought to seek out Ganyu for answers, she found Ganyu absent from home.
Where could Ganyu be going every night?
Of course, Ganyu wasn't returning home because she went directly to the Serenitea Pot after work.
Lu Lin's nights had become positively imperial—different combinations each evening: the Yujing Terrace trio, the "well-endowed" group, the "flat-chested" group, the [Telepathy] group—and even one night where all five gathered together.
Strangely enough, facing the "Great Demon King" together only strengthened the girls' bonds.
Ying hadn't yet joined the group endeavors—she was still too shy, and Paimon's constant presence didn't help. But Lu Lin never neglected her. Every night past midnight, he would visit her room and ensure she was thoroughly cared for.
Unable to find Ganyu and unwilling to confront Lu Lin outright, Xianyun could only remain vigilant against the man she now considered morally questionable.
For example, she personally picked Shenhe up from Wanmin Restaurant every evening. As a result, Lu Lin hadn't found another chance to grow close to Shenhe since that day.
But this arrangement couldn't last forever.
After careful consideration, Xianyun made her decision.
…
Inside the pavilion, Xianyun finished drawing the final stroke of a delicate mechanical blueprint and let out a satisfied breath.
"Congratulations, Sister Xianyun, on completing the design for the Mechanical Culinary Device."
She had grown accustomed to his dual forms of address—"Auntie Xianyun" in public, "Miss" or "Sister Xianyun" in private. Her expression remained calm.
"I have taught you all my theoretical knowledge of mechanical arts. Your talent is extraordinary. As long as you integrate it properly, there is nothing more for me to teach."
Lu Lin truly had lacked theoretical grounding. These days had been intense remedial study, and he had benefited greatly.
But his focus now lay elsewhere.
"Sister Xianyun, what do you mean by that? It sounds like there's something more."
"Since you have nothing further to learn from me, I hope you will come here less often in the future," Xianyun said coldly.
"So Miss Xianyun intends to drive me away?" His tone turned heavy.
"Shenhe and I are women. A man visiting daily will inevitably invite gossip. Shenhe has only just adapted to human life. I will not have her harmed by rumors."
She had thought this through carefully—reasons prepared in advance.
"Heh. An immortal concerned about gossip?" Lu Lin laughed in anger. "And what about Shenhe?"
"Shenhe is gradually reintegrating. I hope you will slowly distance yourself from her.
"I acknowledge your contributions. That is why I have imparted all my mechanical knowledge to you as repayment. I ask only that you stop disturbing her."
"So this is how immortals repay kindness—by discarding the mule once the millstone is turned?" Lu Lin's anger flared.
His harsh tone ignited Xianyun's own temper. For days he had teased her relentlessly. She had long harbored suppressed frustration.
Xianyun sneered. "Do not pretend innocence. Do you think I cannot see the improper thoughts you harbor toward me?"
"What improper thoughts could I possibly have? Retainer Cloud, do enlighten me."
"Shameless!"
"Retainer Cloud, don't forget—you lost our wager. There's still a debt unpaid."
For Early Access of chapters please visit patreon.com/Killua_001