Chapter 21: The Domestic Goddess

By the time Lu Qiwen limped his way to the school, it was already past ten in the morning. He checked the office, but there was no sign of Liu Suyan.

Determined, he headed to Liu Suyan’s residence on campus, wincing with each step as the pain from Xue Luan’s stomp still lingered. Along the way, several classmates greeted him, and he forced a smile in return, cursing Xue Luan under his breath with every step.

Finally, after what felt like a marathon, he reached Liu Suyan’s apartment. He rang the doorbell, and after a long wait, the door opened with a click.

Standing before him was Liu Suyan, her fresh-from-the-shower look making her appear even more enchanting. Her wet hair clung to her face, and droplets of water glistened on her smooth skin. A white towel wrapped around her body barely concealed her curves, and her exposed legs and feet were like polished jade.

Lu Qiwen was momentarily stunned, involuntarily murmuring, “A beauty like a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally unadorned.”

Liu Suyan’s eyes flickered with surprise but quickly turned stern. “Don’t think you can get away with sweet talk. Why did you stand me up today?”

Lu Qiwen quickly responded, “Suyan, let me explain. I had a good reason.”

Hearing him call her by her name, Liu Suyan felt a twinge of joy but maintained her stern demeanor. “I’m your mentor. Show some respect.”

Noticing she wasn’t genuinely angry, Lu Qiwen smiled, “Suyan, are we really going to talk at the door? Imagine the rumors if someone saw us.”

Reluctantly, Liu Suyan stepped aside, “Get in here.”

Lu Qiwen grinned and walked in, but as he passed her, his arm brushed against her towel-covered chest. Liu Suyan blushed and glared at him, “Sit here. I’ll go change.”

Sitting on the sofa, Lu Qiwen watched her retreating figure disappear into the bedroom. Though the door wasn’t fully closed, he had no intention of peeking. He sat quietly, his mind calm.

The sound of her changing clothes was a significant temptation, but Lu Qiwen remained composed.

After a while, Liu Suyan emerged, dressed in casual home attire. She wore a white turtleneck sweater that hugged her curves, emphasizing her ample chest and slim waist. Tight jeans accentuated her long legs and round hips, and her black hair cascaded over her shoulders. She looked like a goddess who had descended to the mortal world.

Lu Qiwen stared at her, mesmerized. Though Xue Luan was equally beautiful, Liu Suyan’s presence captivated him completely. To him, she was the epitome of beauty.

Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Liu Suyan felt a surge of happiness. She had chosen her outfit carefully, and it seemed to have the desired effect. But remembering how he had made her wait all morning, she sat beside him and stomped on his foot.

“Ow!”

Lu Qiwen jumped up, his face contorted in pain. Liu Suyan was startled; she hadn’t meant to hurt him that badly. Seeing his genuine pain, she quickly knelt and removed his shoe, placing his foot on her lap. Even through her clothes, she could feel the heat from his foot.

Blushing slightly, she gently removed his sock, revealing a large bruise. Her eyes filled with concern, “How did this happen? Qiwen, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

Seeing her kneeling before him, tenderly caring for his injured foot, Lu Qiwen felt a wave of warmth. The pain seemed to lessen.

He reassured her, “Suyan, it’s not your fault. This injury wasn’t caused by you.”

Liu Suyan didn’t believe him, thinking he was just trying to comfort her. Her eyes filled with gratitude, and she softly said, “Qiwen, stay here. I’ll get some medicine for your bruise.”

As she hurried to fetch the medicine, Lu Qiwen felt a sense of home wash over him.

Returning with cotton and ointment, Liu Suyan knelt before him, “Luckily, I have some medicine here. Otherwise, we’d have to go to the campus clinic.”

She carefully placed his foot on her lap and began to apply the ointment, her movements natural and unpretentious.

Watching her tend to his injury, Lu Qiwen felt she was a goddess.

Noticing his gaze, Liu Suyan looked up with a gentle smile, “What are you looking at?”

Blushing slightly, Lu Qiwen stammered, “Nothing. I was just thinking if the teachers and students saw their goddess massaging my foot, they’d probably want to kill me.”

Liu Suyan’s cheeks turned pink, but she maintained her composure, “I can do what I want for whoever I want. I don’t need anyone’s approval.”

A few strands of hair fell over her face, partially obscuring her vision. She gracefully tucked them behind her ear, exuding a feminine charm that left Lu Qiwen in awe.

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