Emma discovered that having a partner whose beauty shook the Three Realms was both sweet and troublesome.
Sweet, because every morning she woke to that breathtaking face, with ears and tail she could freely play with. Troublesome, because far too many coveted her fox.
She had always known Fox Lian had countless admirers. But only after being together did she truly experience what it meant to attract "bees and butterflies."
Female classmates were expected—every time Fox Lian accompanied her to class, he drew adoring gazes from all directions. Some even dared to drop handkerchiefs or books in front of him, or "accidentally" twist an ankle, hoping for his attention or assistance. (Of course, Fox Lian ignored them—or Emma's cold glare sent them fleeing.)
But what truly unsettled Emma was—men. Yes, men too!
First, the White Tiger clan heir, who loved discussing arrays with Fox Lian. His tiger eyes lit up every time, calling him "Brother Fox Lian," trying to sling an arm around his shoulder (though Fox Lian always evaded subtly). Then, a musician from the Azure Luan clan, who supposedly composed "Fox Song Under the Moon" for him, staring at Fox Lian throughout his performance at the academy banquet. Most outrageous of all, even the stoic Kirin law captain—whose face was an eternal iceberg—would soften slightly, ears reddening whenever he saw Fox Lian.
Emma: "…" She felt less like she was dating, more like guarding a priceless treasure—against women and men alike!
Finally, she couldn't hold back.
That night, she sat cross-legged on the bed, watching Fox Lian fresh from his bath, silver hair damp, robe loose, collarbones dangerously alluring. She patted the empty space beside her, serious: "Fox Lian, come here. We need to talk."
Fox Lian paused mid-towel, amused by her battle-ready look. He obeyed, sitting down, tail instinctively reaching for her.
Emma pressed it down, meeting his violet eyes, and asked the question that had haunted her: "Fox Lian, be honest… do you also like men?"
"…"
Silence fell.
Fox Lian froze, towel slipping onto his lap. His violet eyes widened at her earnest, worried expression, stunned for three seconds.
Then he lunged, pinning her to the bed, silver hair cascading, brushing her cheek. His eyes narrowed dangerously, tail sweeping her neck in warning, voice low and biting: "Emma—are you questioning my orientation?"
Pinned beneath him, Emma shrank nervously but persisted: "Otherwise… how do you explain all those men…"
Fox Lian laughed in disbelief.
He bit her lips lightly in mock punishment, pressed his forehead to hers, violet eyes locking hers, and declared: "Listen carefully. I'll only say this once. I, Fox Lian, the one I like, the one I love, the one I want to spend my life with—from beginning to end, inside and out—is only you, Emma."
His tail tightened, enclosing her completely, voice full of dominance and grievance: "Those others, male or female, are no different from stones on the roadside. If you dare doubt again…"
His eyes gleamed mischievously. He whispered at her ear: "…I'll make sure you can't get out of bed for three days, to confirm my 'orientation' and 'ability.'"
Emma's face flamed red. She smacked him in embarrassment: "You… rogue!"
Fox Lian caught her hand, laughing low, chest rumbling with joy. He brushed her nose, voice soft and earnest: "Fool. With you, I need nothing else. I can't even see anyone else."
He placed her hand on his chest, steady heartbeat thudding beneath. "Here—it's small. It only fits you."
Emma felt his warmth and unwavering heartbeat, saw the unhidden devotion in his eyes, and all her doubts and jealousy melted away.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him first. "Alright," she murmured between kisses, "I believe you."
As for the endless "bees and butterflies"? Emma declared: whoever dares approach—she'll cut them down. Her fox belongs to her alone.