Emma had recently come to a clear realization—her fox partner was a born seducer.
This wasn't baseless; it was built up through countless details.
Layer One: Visual Temptation Fox Lian seemed to know exactly which angle made him most irresistible. When Emma studied in the library, he always "happened" to sit by the window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, gilding him in gold. His silver hair shimmered like flowing moonlight, fox ears nearly translucent in the glow, every strand of fur visible. His long fingers turned pages slowly, and when he occasionally lifted his gaze, his violet eyes held galaxies, words unspoken. Emma lost focus from her runes for the umpteenth time, eyes drifting toward him. Each time, Fox Lian's lips curved faintly, a smile subtle yet devastating, tail tip swaying elegantly behind him as if to say: "See? I'm more interesting than the book."
Layer Two: Tactile Trap This was his specialty. He knew Emma was defenseless against his tail, so he offered it in endless ways. Sometimes, while she was focused on alchemy, he would silently place his tail beside her hand—the plush softness making her heart flutter, nearly mixing the wrong herbs. At night, he would "unconsciously" slip his tail into her arms, turning his back and feigning sleep. When Emma hugged the warm fluff, she could feel his body pause, tail trembling faintly with suppressed triumph. Most outrageous was his new trick—writing with his tail tip. "Like… you." The furry tip traced each character in her palm, sending shivers through her. Emma flushed, trying to pull away, but his tail bound her wrist, violet eyes wide with feigned innocence: "Don't like it?" How could she answer that?
Layer Three: Auditory Allure Fox Lian's voice was a weapon, and he knew how to wield it. With others, his tone was cool and distant. But with Emma, it dropped lower, lazy and magnetic, like feathers brushing the heart. "Emma…" When he spoke her name, the final note always lifted slightly, tinged with intimacy and dependence. Explaining lessons, he leaned close, breath brushing her ear, voice pitched for her alone. She absorbed little of the content—her ears burned crimson instead. And when emotions ran high, his throat released unconscious, animal-like hums, soft and nasal, each one making Emma's heart skip, wanting to pull him into her arms.
Layer Four: Psychological Tactics Fox Lian mastered the art of "near yet far." When Emma was flushed from his teasing, he would suddenly retreat, straightening his robes, face solemn. "Time for class." As if the flirtatious glances and curling tail hadn't happened. Only his twitching ears betrayed him. Leaving Emma alone, heart racing at empty air. Or, when other classmates (especially clueless mermen) approached Emma, he wouldn't block them directly. Instead, he became pitiful—ears drooping, tail limp, violet eyes gazing at her like a forsaken cub. Emma inevitably came to comfort him, stroking and hugging, until his spirit revived.
That night, Emma finally had enough. When his tail tip once again traced circles at her waist, she grabbed it, flipped him beneath her, and narrowed her eyes at the breathtaking face below: "Fox Lian, admit it—" Her fingers pinched his sensitive ear tip, feeling it tremble. "From the start, you planned to seduce me, didn't you?"
From carefully chosen accessories, to "accidentally" broken ribbons, to endless "coincidental" touches—step by step, it was all deliberate!
Pinned beneath her, silver hair spilling across the bed, violet eyes gleaming with mischief in the dark, Fox Lian didn't panic. Instead, his tail wrapped her waist, pulling her closer, noses nearly touching. "So what if I did?" he chuckled, breath mingling. "I only rejoice…" His fingers caressed her cheek, gaze tender and intent. "…that my seduction always works on you."
Emma looked at the fox who treated seduction as play, and all her accusations dissolved into a sigh. What else could she do? She had chosen this fox—she could only spoil him.
She bent down, kissing the lips that always spoke such teasing words, hugging his restless tail tightly.
Outside the window, Gu Liang stuffed seaweed into her ears. "Help… this fox spirit just leveled up again!"