"Let me explain the effect of this trait first…"
Lu Lin leaned close to Hu Tao's ear and whispered softly.
As he explained, the lively girl's ears quickly turned red. Even for someone as mischievous and imaginative as Hu Tao, once she understood what he meant, she found it rather embarrassing.
"Whoa! You can even do that?"
Her plum-colored eyes widened in surprise—though there was also a spark of curiosity.
If it was with Lu Lin… maybe trying it wouldn't be so bad?
"Why not give it a try?" Lu Lin saw that she wasn't resistant—just shy.
He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her.
This time, he immediately noticed something different.
Previously, Hu Tao had been proactive, but her technique had lagged behind his. Every time she boldly challenged him, she'd end up surrendering—very much the "bold but inexperienced" type.
But this time?
Still bold.
No longer inexperienced.
It was as if she had suddenly mastered everything instinctively. Her technique had improved dramatically—she could now keep up with him evenly.
So [Silver Tongue] was working.
The trait enhanced all abilities related to the mouth—eloquence, articulation, even kissing.
Lu Lin had suspected this.
Now he was certain.
The kiss didn't last long. Hu Tao pulled away slightly, catching her breath, then traced downward along his neck and chest before reaching her intended destination.
Lu Lin inhaled sharply.
He had expected the effect to be good.
He hadn't expected it to be this good.
With his stamina—capable of going toe-to-toe with Hu Tao for over an hour—he nearly surrendered on the spot.
Fortunately, he steadied himself.
The trait's effect was astonishing. With only minimal guidance, Hu Tao grasped everything fully—as if self-taught.
The practical results were explosive.
Ten minutes later, the room finally fell quiet.
After a while, Hu Tao slowly lifted her head, cheeks puffed slightly like a mischievous cat who had stolen a treat.
She tidied herself innocently.
The contrast between her adorable face and her bold actions was overwhelmingly charming.
Seeing this, Lu Lin's fighting spirit nearly reignited.
Hu Tao noticed immediately and quickly shook her head.
"It's getting late! We still have to go to Wanmin Restaurant—we can't be late!"
"Alright. Let's clean up."
They washed quickly, dressed, and left the Serenitea Pot together.
On the Way to Wanmin Restaurant
As they walked hand in hand through Liyue Harbor, Hu Tao frowned slightly.
"Lu Lin… something feels strange."
"What's strange?"
"That thing earlier… it felt like it contained strong vitality. After I absorbed it… I feel a bit different."
Lu Lin became serious.
"What kind of different?"
"My chest feels… a little swollen?"
She glanced down at her usually modest figure.
Lu Lin considered something.
He had just obtained the host trait [Healing Hands], which greatly enhanced his vitality.
Could that vitality transfer stimulate growth?
It wasn't impossible.
He whispered his theory to her.
"Really? Really?!" Hu Tao exclaimed excitedly.
"We'll know for sure after testing a few more times."
Even if it worked, changes wouldn't be immediate. They'd need to observe.
Still, this was great news to Hu Tao.
The lively Funeral Director didn't worry about most things in life—but she did care about being "Liyue's number one Fire A."
"Then I'll eat extra tonight! I need proper nutrition!"
"Sure. I'll get you papaya milk stew."
"What's that? I don't think Wanmin Restaurant serves it."
"It's something that helps growth. If they don't have it, I'll figure out how to make it for you."
Hu Tao spun happily and whispered near his ear:
"Make it soon!"
Wanmin Restaurant – Chihu Rock
Chef Mao had reserved the best private room for Xiangling to host her friends.
Lu Lin and Hu Tao arrived first. Xiangling was still busy cooking in the kitchen.
"Director Hu Tao, Mr. Lu, you're here! Please head upstairs—I'll bring the dishes shortly!"
They had just settled in when the door opened again.
Ningguang and Ganyu entered together.
Hu Tao blinked in surprise.
Lu Lin paused briefly.
He hadn't expected Ningguang to appear—especially after that morning.
But he wasn't worried.
She had no evidence.
"Hu Tao, Lu Lin—we're here! Miss Ningguang wanted to check in on Xiangling and Hu Tao as well. You don't mind, right?"
"Of course not!" Hu Tao laughed. "Dinner with Lady Tianquan is usually expensive!"
Ningguang smiled gracefully.
"Those are business banquets. Tonight is simply a gathering among friends."
She didn't even glance much toward Lu Lin.
But beneath that calm exterior—
Her attention was fully alert.
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