CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: THE CHARM OF A MAN

"Massage therapy? When did you learn that skill?" Qingxue was stunned, her face full of doubt. After all, it was a skill she could hardly associate with Xia Liang.

"That’s right. I learned it systematically a while ago, and I think I’m pretty good," he replied.

Seeing the determination in Xia Liang’s eyes, she thought about it and nodded in agreement. "Well... okay then."

The main reason she agreed was that Xia Liang had already shown some impressive skills today. It was only then that Qingxue realized he wasn’t just a handsome face; he might be hiding many other talents.

"Then just watch me."

Having gotten her consent, Xia Liang immediately crouched down. He took Qingxue’s slender, jade-like feet in his hands and gently removed her shoes and socks.

What met his eyes were delicate feet, as perfect as white jade. Her toes were slender and flawless, except for her ankle, which was red and severely swollen. No wonder she could barely walk, even with support.

She let out a soft hiss as Xia Liang held her foot. Qingxue’s pretty face flushed. With their skin touching so intimately, she could vividly feel the heat from his palm. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she became embarrassed once more.

Qingxue, what’s gotten into you? Don’t you know a girl shouldn’t let a boy touch her feet? How could you agree to this! Where did your usual cold demeanor go?

Of course, Xia Liang was unaware of her inner turmoil. He was still trying to figure out what to do next. As for massaging a foot, he really had no idea how, but he decided to give it a try anyway.

"Qingxue, I’m going to start now. It might hurt a little, so please try to bear with it."

"Mm," Qingxue mumbled, burying her blushing face in a throw pillow.

With that, Xia Liang began. Spiritual Power had many uses, like stopping bleeding and rejuvenating the body. It could heal more than just a sprain; it could even mend a broken bone. Of course, that was when he used it on himself. He wasn’t sure if it would work on Qingxue.

Xia Liang gently placed his right hand on her ankle, channeling the Spiritual Power from his body into his palm as he began to gently stroke the injured area.

"Mm... ah..."

Although it was just Xia Liang’s hand caressing her, she felt a wonderfully warm energy circulating around her ankle. The sharp, stabbing pain vanished quickly, replaced by an incredibly comfortable sensation. She couldn’t help but tilt her head back, revealing her snowy neck. She closed her eyes and let out a sound of pure comfort.

Hearing this, Xia Liang almost lost his composure. The process didn’t consume much of his power, but it left him drenched in sweat.

"Phew. Qingxue, it’s all done," he said after some time, removing his hand. He felt very satisfied with his first attempt at healing someone else.

"Ah, you’re already done?" Qingxue asked, a little stunned. She was clearly still enjoying the feeling. Looking down, she saw that the swelling was completely gone. Her skin had returned to its flawless white state, and there was no pain at all. She tried standing up and found that she was perfectly fine. Forgetting everything else in her surprise, she exclaimed, "Xia Liang, I never expected you to have such hidden depths."

Qingxue looked at him in amazement, as if seeing him for the first time, which made Xia Liang feel a bit embarrassed.

"It seems I really underestimated you before. So, our Handsome Xia is actually a reclusive expert."

Hearing the praise, Xia Liang put on a nonchalant act. "It was nothing, really. Just a little trick to get by."

Qingxue, however, was still excited. "If you call this a ’little trick,’ then what does that make all those professional masseurs and traditional medicine practitioners?"

Xia Liang just chuckled sheepishly. What could he say? That he’d just touched her and let Spiritual Energy do all the work?

Soon, Qingxue went into her bedroom to get Xia Liang a bath towel. The moment she opened her wardrobe, her face flushed red again. All of her clothes, even her personal underwear, had been seen by that guy. The thought made Qingxue burn with embarrassment.

She hastily grabbed a towel, went out of the room, and handed it to Xia Liang. He took it without any fuss and happily went to take a shower.

「Ten minutes later」

Xia Liang, out of habit, wrapped the bath towel around his lower body and walked out.

A sudden shriek startled him. "Ah! Why aren’t you wearing any clothes!"

The cry brought Xia Liang back to his senses. Damn it! He’d forgotten this wasn’t his own home. "Sorry, I forgot! I thought I was at home," he said hurriedly.

Qingxue covered her face with her palms. "Well, hurry up and put some on!"

"I’m on it!" Xia Liang said, quickly retreating into the bathroom.

Once he was gone, Qingxue lowered her hands. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she muttered to herself.

I can’t believe he has abs... Wow...

Qingxue didn’t know why she would say such a thing. She had always thought only a woman’s body could be attractive to the opposite sex, but today she had to admit she was drawn to Xia Liang’s physique. Though she had been shy, her eyes had unconsciously wandered over his body.

This is so mortifying! Qingxue, how could you be like this!

She hurriedly patted her crimson cheeks. Just then, Xia Liang, now fully dressed, came out and saw her, his curiosity piqued.

"Qingxue, what’s wrong?"

Startled by his sudden appearance, she jumped. "Ah?"

Snapping back to reality, Qingxue grabbed her pajamas and rushed into the bathroom. "N-nothing! I’m going to take a shower."

Watching the flustered Qingxue, Xia Liang was a little puzzled but didn’t dwell on it. He took out his phone and opened WeChat.

Unsurprisingly, there were messages from Susu.

"Brother Xia, I’ve sorted everything out here and can come over tomorrow."

"Brother Xia, I’ve already bought my plane ticket! Tomorrow at 9 a.m. You have to come pick me up, okay?"

"Brother Xia, where did you go? Susu can’t find you..."

"A video call invitation was sent, then canceled."

...

Looking at the long string of messages, Xia Liang felt his scalp tingle. He was surprised by her persistence. After sending a quick, perfunctory reply and chatting for a moment, he finally said, "Don’t worry, Susu. I’ll definitely come pick you up tomorrow."

Wanting to be at her best for their meeting, Susu didn’t press the conversation. She said goodnight and went to bed. Xia Liang put his phone down just as Qingxue came out of the bathroom. For a moment, he found himself staring, captivated. It was the first time today he had gotten a proper look at her.

Her damp hair was wrapped in a towel, revealing skin whiter than snow. Her eyes were as clear as a pool of water—truly a natural beauty, like a lotus emerging from the stream.

Faced with Xia Liang’s direct gaze, Qingxue initially felt a bit self-conscious. But after taking a deep breath, she walked toward the room on the left and turned on the light.