Washing Xiao Man's Feet

"Mostly because Youqing is so good—she’ll always support me. If it were any other girl, I wouldn’t dare act like this."

Situ Wenyao wore an ingratiating smile as he spoke, swiftly standing up and sliding over to sit beside Feng Youqing. He then draped his hands over her shoulders, rhythmically massaging them—a textbook case of being "whipped."

The reason he dared to openly admit to being "that guy" in front of everyone while in a relationship was precisely because his other half was Feng Youqing.

A domineering girlfriend who would back him up no matter the time, place, or circumstance.

"Good answer."

Feng Youqing took small sips of her bubble tea, the pearls gurgling through the straw as she casually propped her legs—clad in a pleated school skirt—onto his lap. To maintain her usual tough-girl persona, she fought hard to keep her lips from curling upward, but the undisguisable glint of amusement in her eyes betrayed her delight.

Her man really knew how to sweet-talk—as long as he wasn’t around Gu Luo.

Meanwhile, the class sports committee member sitting across from them watched their interactions, suddenly finding his own bubble tea unbearably cloying. He set the cup down involuntarily, his gaze lingering on Feng Youqing.

Though she wasn’t conventionally stunning and had a notoriously fiery temper, he had to admit her skin was as fair as most Sichuan natives, and she had a subtly captivating charm—well-proportioned with a pair of long legs that grew more appealing the longer you looked.

An inexplicable pang of loss surged in his chest, like stumbling upon a hidden treasure only to watch someone else claim it first.

Damn it, Wenyao, you really are the worst.

First, you get me mistaken for gay, and now you’re flaunting your relationship in my face.

Do single guys with no little sisters have zero rights these days?

"Since you’ve behaved so well, here’s a reward."

Just then, Feng Youqing held out her nearly finished bubble tea, offering the last sip to Situ Wenyao. He clamped down on the straw and drained it in one go.

The two were practically oozing sweetness.

"I’m out!"

The sports committee member couldn’t take it anymore. Snatching up his half-finished drink, he stormed out of the milk tea shop without a backward glance—his hurried exit a portrait of lonely despair.

The moment he disappeared, Feng Youqing narrowed her eyes and twisted Situ Wenyao’s ear, snarling, "I gave you face while he was here. Now that he’s gone, how do you want to die?"

Public support was one thing, but private reckoning was non-negotiable.

At this point, the entire Guangya High knew her boyfriend had a thing for guys too.

How embarrassing.

"Dad, spare me!"

Situ Wenyao’s survival instincts kicked in hard—no honorific was off-limits.

For the next half-hour, he deployed every trick in the book, finally managing to placate the little tyrant.

After seeing Feng Youqing home, Situ Wenyao didn’t head back himself. Instead, he flagged down a taxi without hesitation, speeding straight to Guangya High.

In the backseat, he eagerly pulled out his phone to message the true mastermind behind the fan group—asking permission to post his photos and boast about today’s exploits in Gu Luo’s fan community.

Yes, he was the elusive admin Gu Luo had been searching for, though most of the time, he was just following orders.

The shadowy figure pulling the strings was the only person in the world who’d seen right through him.

Situ Wenyao was more than happy to let Gu Luo’s fame grow—it made roleplaying even more satisfying.

Their relationship had long been one of mutual benefit.

Soon, he received the green light.

Wasting no time, Situ Wenyao fired off a meticulously crafted post to the fan group, complete with carefully selected "candid" shots. Some showed him arm-in-arm with the sports committee member in "intimate moments," others captured his playful antics in class—each oozing narrative potential.

This was his golden ticket to fame at Guangya.

Ride the wave, soar to new heights.

So what if he liked guys?

The real question was—would it make him famous?

Once the rumors reached peak intensity, he’d reveal his true intentions as the group admin.

Classic celebrity PR strategy.

Then who wouldn’t praise him as a real man?

Even Feng Youqing and the sports committee member—his unwitting co-stars—would gain major goodwill, held up as paragons of virtue.

Hell, the sports guy might even land himself a wealthy, doting little-sister-type girlfriend who’d call him "big brother" all day.

This move? A single arrow bagging multiple prizes.

Situ Wenyao never screwed over his own, nor did he pretend to be a saint. Every good deed was calculated for praise, recognition, and—ultimately—immortality.

Now, it was time to return to campus and bask in the whispers.

Meanwhile.

Public Service Club.

Seated in the president’s chair, Luo Shuling put away her phone with a faint smile, murmuring to herself:

"Truly the talent I spotted. Give him an opening, and he’ll climb without hesitation."

Few earned her approval, and Situ Wenyao stood among the brightest.

With proper nurturing, he’d become an invaluable asset for her and Gu Luo.

Beside her, Huang Anlu’s expression was troubled. Adjusting her glasses, she asked hesitantly:

"President, what’s so funny?"

"Nothing. Just saw a hilarious joke."

"Oh."

Huang Anlu nodded weakly before massaging her temples. "I never should’ve joined that truth-or-dare game. What do we do now?"

"I... I never thought someone in Gu Luo’s class actually liked guys... and that it’d be Situ Wenyao..."

"The whole school’s talking. This must’ve hurt him terribly..."

Luo Shuling waved a dismissive hand, grinning. "Relax, Situ Wenyao’s fine. I guarantee it."

"How could he be fine? It’s all my fault..."

Huang Anlu removed her glasses, slumping onto the desk like a deflated balloon—her usual sharpness replaced by self-doubt. "I... I keep messing up..."

"Aside from you and Situ Wenyao, I barely have any friends... Everyone thinks I’m a freak..."

"And now I’ve even hurt Situ Wenyao..."

"Maybe I should just quit—"

Before she could finish, Luo Shuling cut in cheerfully: "Ah, don’t sell yourself short. Nobody’s perfect—growth takes time."

"You’re my vice president for a reason. Like a honed blade, all you need is a little tempering to shine."

Huang Anlu slowly straightened, her lips parting as if to speak—then closing again.

"Alright, alright, I promise you, Situ Wenyao is really fine." Luo Shuling spoke like a gentle older sister as she helped adjust Huang Anlu's glasses with a soft chuckle. "But consider this a lesson—be more careful in the future. Think twice before you act."

"Mhm..." Huang Anlu nodded slightly, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I’ll go find Situ Wenyao right now and apologize to him in per—"

Before she could finish the word "person," the door to the Public Service Department swung open.

Everyone turned to look as Situ Wenyao strode in, radiant and brimming with confidence, greeting the bewildered members with a smile.

He walked straight toward Huang Anlu.

Leaning in close, he whispered to her stunned face:

"Don’t worry about it, Deputy Director. In fact, I’ll treat you to dinner later."

Huang Anlu: ?

Luo Shuling watched the two with an amused smile.

After all, these were her future core team members—they needed a little polishing now and then.

Only by understanding them inside and out could she wield them smoothly.

Everything was under control.

............

Nighttime.

The sky was deep and studded with stars.

After dinner and washing the dishes, Gu Luo went straight to the bathroom, filling a small basin with warm water and adding a few drops of soothing lavender essential oil. Then, carrying the basin, he entered Gu Ximan’s bedroom.

This was his penance for forcibly kissing her earlier that night—three foot-washing sessions.

The room was filled with a faint, sweet fragrance, bathed in the soft glow of warm lighting that enveloped the space in coziness.

On the bed.

Gu Ximan sat with her legs crossed triumphantly, twirling a lock of her cool tea-brown hair around her finger. Her fair, jade-like feet dangled playfully in the air, as if she were tempted to plant them right on Gu Luo’s face as he knelt before her.

But remembering how he had licked one like an ice cream cone the last time, she reluctantly dismissed the idea.

"Alright, the water’s not too hot. You can start," Gu Luo said after testing the temperature with his hand.

"Stinky Gu Luo, you’re supposed to say, ‘Princess, please wash your feet,’" Gu Ximan retorted, tilting her chin up haughtily.

There was no denying it—with her stunning looks, tsundere attitude, and unique aura, she truly resembled a noble little princess.

"......"

Gu Luo couldn’t help but laugh, but he humored her anyway. "Fine. Princess, please wash your feet."

"You have to say it more tenderly—like, in a softer, sweeter tone."

"Got it. Princess~ please wash your feet~"

After putting on the exaggerated act, Gu Luo shuddered at his own words.

"Hmph, not bad."

Finally satisfied, Gu Ximan dipped her dainty feet into the basin.

Gu Luo gently cradled her delicate feet and began massaging them, his fingers kneading softly along her arches.

"......"

The strange sensation sent a jolt of electricity shooting up Gu Ximan’s spine, nearly drawing a gasp from her lips.

A rosy flush instantly spread across her cheeks, and her toes curled involuntarily.

"Huh? What’s wrong? Too hot?"

"N-no... just a little ticklish..."

Gu Ximan’s fingers instinctively twisted a strand of her cool tea-brown hair, her gaze flitting everywhere but at Gu Luo.

Her heart raced—yet at the same time, it swelled with sweetness.

But then, Gu Luo spoke softly:

"Ximan, there’s something important I need to tell you."

............

............