"Ahhh~ feels so good, like my whole body's melting."
After downing a cup of coffee milk, Reimu slumped lazily into her chair, letting "Mama" wipe her damp hair. Her fair, delicate feet swayed gently, droplets of water occasionally sliding down their soft curves—like the most perfect dessert, enough to whet anyone's appetite.
Nearby, Remilia and the other little ones lined up to have their hair dried by Sakuya and Yakumo Ran, nearly nodding off and face-planting onto the floor in their drowsiness. Once everyone was taken care of, the two of them carried the little ones off to their rooms.
Meanwhile, in the corner, Suika was still deep in discussion with Marisa, plotting the finer details of their collaboration.
"Going solo is a dead end. Cooperation is the only way forward. Think about it—you've been caught so many times. Sure, you've toughed it out each time, but that's not a good thing. It might even lead to worse consequences."
"What do you mean?" Marisa's eyes sharpened instantly.
'Worse consequences? Could anything be worse than being teased at the dinner table, flames of frustration raging inside, with no way to vent?'
"Look, you're the one who gets busted the most in this shop. It's practically your reputation now. If this keeps up, the moment something happens here, you'll be the first suspect. And if Reimu and the others decide to stir up trouble and pin it on you, who do you think the boss will believe. Them, or a repeat offender like you?"
"Worse yet, if the boss is in a particularly bad mood, he might even hide something himself, blame you for it, and then 'justifiably' drag you back to his room for some 'disciplinary action.' No one would even question it. By then, the only future waiting for you is a life of despair as his plaything!"
Suika's words were delivered with such conviction that Marisa's heart skipped a beat.
Given how shameless the boss had been at dinner, this wasn't just possible—it was likely!
"...What kind of cooperation are you planning?"
Seeing Marisa's interest, Suika grinned in satisfaction. But instead of answering immediately, she cautiously glanced around, then pulled Marisa close, whispering—
"Too many ears here. If someone overhears, we're screwed."
"This is serious. Let's talk inside."
"Deal!"
As the two scurried off arm-in-arm, the others in the living room, after resting for a while, were also guided by Rin back to their respective rooms.
Though Patchouli, before entering her room, made sure to shoot Rin a fierce glare—a clear warning not to try anything tonight.
Rin responded with an obedient nod, playing the part of someone who planned to sleep peacefully.
Of course, there were all coincidences on Marisa not provoking him first.
Once the living room had cleared out, Rin stretched lazily and strolled toward the bathroom.
After a long day's work, it was finally time for his relaxation!
As Rin undressed and began washing, steam quickly filled the room again, the light refracting through the mist, casting the entire bathroom in a hazy glow.
And just then—
Click.
Soft footsteps approached from the doorway.
The moment the door opened, a figure in a bathrobe slipped inside, swiftly locking the door behind them.
Hearing the sound of running water behind her, Yuugi's heart pounded so hard it felt lodged in her throat. Her body stiffened as if weighed down by lead.
'Stay calm, stay calm! This is a necessary sacrifice for the sake of guarding the wine cellar! Besides, the boss promised not to cross the line. I should be safe.'
Yuugi desperately tried to soothe her nerves. Only after forcing herself to steady her breathing did she finally manage to turn around—
But the moment her eyes landed on Rin 's bare back, her eyelids twitches uncontrollably.
"B-Boss..."
"Ah, you're here. Perfect—help me scrub my back first." Rin chuckled, wrapping a towel around his waist before sitting on a stool.
Yuugi swallowed hard, then grabbed a washcloth and shuffled unsteadily behind him.
Hearing her ragged breathing, Rin scratched his cheek and tentatively asked—
"You seem pretty tense. Want a drink to loosen up first?"
"Drinking might lead to... mishaps..."
"I've got a few bottles here that rival the Scarlet Daughter in flavor. Wanna try?"
"Deal!"
The moment she heard it was on par with Nü'er Hong, Yuugi's eyes lit up.
'If you're offering something like this, then I'll scrub your back with enthusiasm!'
With a wave of Rin 's hand, a large jug of fine liquor materialized in his grip.
The pristine white porcelain jar was adorned with intricate floral carvings, its delicate patterns making it look like a priceless work of art.
The moment the lid was lifted, a rich, mellow aroma wafted out, enveloping Yuugi and igniting a wolfish glint in her eyes.
"What kind of wine is this?"
"Aged Shaoxing Wine. Give it a try."
Yuugi eagerly snatched the jar from Rin 's hands and took a massive swig.
"Pwah— Now that's the good stuff!"
She exhaled in satisfaction, the alcohol instantly bolstering her courage and melting away most of her nerves.
After downing half the jar in one go, she let out a tipsy hiccup, then cheerfully started scrubbing Rin 's back.
"Boss, one jar's not enough. Got anything else? Bring it out!"
"Don't get so drunk you pass out mid-scrub."
"Pfft, as if. You know my tolerance."
"Fine, fine. Tonight, I'll treat you to some new varieties."
As Rin produced several more bottles of different liquors, Yuugi's grin widened.
A dinner with endless Scarlet Daughter, a bath with an assortment of fine wines, and later,the Wasted Dreams to cap off the night? This is the life!
"Cheers?"
Clink.
They toasted, then settled into a comfortable rhythm of drinking and scrubbing.
"Hey, don't just scrub one spot. Move around a little."
"Cough, my bad."
"Boss, pour me some more—yeah, fill it to the brim."
"And you, put some more effort into it."
"Okaaay~"
Buzzed from the alcohol, Yuugi quickly shed all her inhibitions.
Laughing boisterously, she gulped down more wine while vigorously scrubbing Rin 's back—her movements growing increasingly bold until it almost looked like she was hugging him from behind.
"Easy, easy! Tone down the strength—my bones are about to snap."
"Boss, you're just too fragile. Need more exercise."
"Don't worry, later I'll give you a few rounds of my family's secret massage technique. Guaranteed to relax you and strengthen your kidneys."
"Stop swaying! You're spilling wine on me."
"Oopsie..."
Yuugi paused, quickly draining her cup—but not before a few stray drops trickled down her slender neck, disappearing into the loosening folds of her bathrobe...