Shower Gel—designed to make skin smoother and create a rich lather.
At some point, however, this humble product began serving a purpose far beyond its intended function.
Bubble baths.
An indulgence that few men—let alone a robust twenty-year-old guy—could resist.
One hour later.
"That bastard..." Shenhe muttered as she combed through the remnants tangled in her hair. "Looks like I'll have to wash it a third time today."
After all, this stuff was far trickier to clean than mere tea stains.
"Need me to help you wash it again?" Lucas stretched lazily, looking completely at ease as he chuckled. "I'd be more than happy to lend a hand."
"I refuse!" Shenhe rejected him outright, shaking her head. "If I let you, who knows if you'll get carried away again? I'll end up having to wash it a fourth time!"
"Come on, don't overestimate me like that," Lucas replied with a wry smile. "Even I have a cooldown period, you know."
That said, from the moment he woke up this morning until now, he had already spent his excess energy on Ganyu, Yelan, and Shenhe. Yet, not only did he feel no signs of exhaustion, he was more energized than ever.
Perhaps it had something to do with the enhancements to his physique. After all, he no longer counted as a mere "human" in the traditional sense—his body carried the bloodline of a fierce beast.
Seeing Shenhe's hesitation, Lucas took the initiative to approach her. "Come on, let me help. You should get some rest today. Tomorrow... is the second round of the examination."
"Sigh..." Shenhe let out a quiet breath. "This whole Genius Invokation TCG thing is really too difficult. If only I could solve everything with a fight instead."
"Yeah, that's not happening," Lucas said, pouring water over her hair while chuckling. "Besides, card games and actual combat aren't even remotely related."
At that moment, he had no idea how soon those words would come back to bite him.
Meanwhile, at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"I'm back."
The grand doors swung open, and Zhongli stepped inside. Across the hall, a petite black-haired girl was hunched over a table, shuffling through a pile of cards.
It was none other than Hu Tao, entertaining herself with a solo round of Genius Invokation TCG.
"Sister Zhongli, why are you back so late today—" Hu Tao turned to greet her, only to pause in surprise. Her eyes widened with curiosity. "Eh? Wait a minute... I remember what you were wearing when you left, and it wasn't that."
Indeed, Zhongli's current attire was different. She was dressed in an outfit gifted to her by Lucas. Normally, she preferred dignified, formal wear. Hu Tao, who had spent countless days by her side, knew her wardrobe well—and this was definitely not something she owned.
The mischievous girl bounced to her feet and circled Zhongli a few times, grinning slyly. "This isn't yours, is it? Did a man give this to you? Oh ho, so the iron tree finally blooms!"
"Don't speak nonsense," Zhongli chided calmly. However, there wasn't the slightest hint of anger in her expression—only indifference. "It was merely a gift from a friend."
"A gift, huh?" Hu Tao eyed her knowingly. "Who just randomly gifts people clothing? Sister Zhongli, could it be... something's going on?"
Honestly speaking, with Zhongli's beauty and stature, she should have no shortage of admirers. Yet, in all the time Hu Tao had known her, she had never seen a single man get close.
Which, in hindsight, made sense. Ordinary beauties had plenty of suitors, even if the odds of success were low. Men would at least try.
But Zhongli's presence was practically divine. Her aura alone made most men feel unworthy—awed into silence, too intimidated to approach, let alone confess their feelings.
"I visited a friend's house and accidentally tore my clothes," Zhongli explained, clearly not accustomed to lying. "So I borrowed a set. That's all."
Then, as if to end the conversation, she turned toward her room. "You should sleep early. I'll be bathing now."
"Sleep early? Sure, sure..." Hu Tao nodded, watching Zhongli disappear into her quarters.
Then, a playful smirk crept across her lips. "Yeah, right!"
About ten minutes later, after ensuring Zhongli had entered the bathroom, Hu Tao tiptoed toward her room. The sound of running water filled the air, confirming that she was inside.
Perfect.
She knocked on the door. "Sister Zhongli, can I borrow an ancient text? I need to look something up."
"I'm not available right now," Zhongli responded from the bath. "The books are on the shelf. Help yourself."
Hu Tao knew Zhongli's perception was sharp. Sneaking in unnoticed would be impossible. So, she might as well act openly.
With an innocent expression, she strode in.
The room was immaculate—every object placed meticulously where it belonged. Everything carried an air of antiquity, exuding an aura of priceless history.
If an expert appraiser walked in, they'd probably have a heart attack. Even the simplest paperweight on Zhongli's desk was likely worth a fortune. The bookshelves? Lined with rare, irreplaceable manuscripts.
But Hu Tao wasn't here for relics.
Her eyes locked onto something else.
Zhongli's borrowed coat.
She picked it up, inspecting it curiously—only to realize there was another garment tucked beneath it. A rather... unusual one.
Carefully unfolding it, her cheeks flushed.
It was the outfit that Xianyun had designed for Zhongli.
This... this was way too provocative!
The image of the ever-composed, refined Zhongli wearing such a scandalous outfit sent Hu Tao's imagination into overdrive.
She went to a male friend's house... and wore this?
Wait, wait, wait!
Was this... a hookup?!
No, no, no! That couldn't be it!
Hu Tao shook her head furiously. Zhongli wasn't that kind of woman!
Trying to collect herself, she turned her attention back to the coat.
On a whim, she brought it to her face and took a sniff.
A faint trace of sweat.
Not unpleasant.
Then, as she lifted the coat, something slid out from the pocket.
A small, rectangular package.
Hu Tao's reflexes were quick—she caught it midair.
She glanced down.
And immediately froze.
Wait.
Was this...?
Condoms?!
Even though she was still young, Hu Tao had plenty of worldly knowledge. She'd never used one, but she damn well knew what they were for.
A suggestive outfit. Protection in the pocket. Rushing home to take a bath.
Hu Tao's mind reeled.
No way.
No freaking way.
On the outside, Zhongli was the picture of elegance and propriety.
But behind closed doors—
She was playing this hard?!