Time for a nap

Sitting in his familiar office on his familiar chair and feeling Maomao's weight on his lap and her body heat, Jinshi had the impression as though he was the one dreaming now, not the apothecary girl. It was just too incredible that she was truly there, in a deep, peaceful slumber with her head leaned against his chest. Jinshi’s heart still refused to slow down its frantic pounding, while an indescribable bliss he had barely ever experienced before was flooding his entire organism. It was truly like a dream come true, a dream he would have preferred to never wake up from. Such were his thoughts as he rested his cheek atop Maomao's head and closed his eyes, just enjoying the moment to his heart’s content and completely forgetting where he was and that he was actually supposed to be working on the papers waiting for him on the desk. But unfortunately, nothing can last forever, and even the most wonderful dream eventually finds its end. And thus, the young noble was brutally ripped out of his reverie when a voice coming from the office’s entrance reached his ears. A voice he hadn't expected to hear again so soon. Belonging to a man who was the last person he wanted to see right now. As soon as realization sank in, Jinshi immediately opened his eyes and lifted his head. This time, it was him who looked as if he had bitten into an apple and found a worm inside. And was too shocked to even try to hide it. The Freak Strategist named Lakan casually strolled inside the room as if it was his, inviting himself in without asking for permission to enter nor worrying that he might disturb the one that office belonged to. Like always. “Hard at work again, eh?” he said with a smile instead of a greeting. But suddenly, that smile was wiped entirely from his face and his fox eyes widened when he abruptly came to a halt, petrified like a statue. Jinshi tensed up as well and instinctively hugged Maomao closer to his body, waiting for what would happen next, since he never knew what was going on in that man's head. A drop of sweat was running down Jinshi's temple, and his lips were tightly pressed together, forming a thin line. And Maomao groaned quietly in her sleep, as if she was sensing that something must be going on around her, but thankfully didn't wake up. Yet. The two men were just staring at each other without saying a word. Or no, Lakan wasn't really staring at Jinshi, but rather at the young woman on the latter's lap. One of only two people whose face he was able to recognize. Then he stretched out his arm, pointing at her with his slightly shaking finger and almost spilling his juice he was carrying yet again with him on the floor.  “M-Maomao! What are you doing there?” Lakan blurted out, still baffled.  Jinshi quickly brought his index finger to his lips, trying to hush him. “She’s sleeping. Just let her be, she’s awfully tired! Please!” He was almost begging, trying to not raise his voice too much. Lakan sucked in a breath, not believing that advisor piece’s audacity to order him around like that. “Y-You! You!” But strangely, he still obeyed somehow, lowering his voice a bit. However, he was far away from calming down. “I can see that she’s sleeping, but why is she doing it on your lap? What dirty trick did you use on my little girl?!” Jinshi stared right into his eyes. He knew he shouldn’t provoke Lakan, but couldn't help it. “None. When she heard that you were sitting on my couch yesterday, she preferred to rather sleep on my lap.” He made sure to emphasize the “you”. “...” Lakan’s mouth twitched a bit, but he didn't give an answer. Instead, he raised his hands as if preparing for a fist fight. “Hold on, Maomao! Daddy will save you!” Jinshi raised an eyebrow, starting to lose his patience. “She doesn't need to be saved! Just let her sleep!” he hissed, feeling a wave of helplessness and desperation well up inside him. He was at a loss what to do. “Uhhh…” The two of them snapped out of it when they heard another groan coming from the girl, and Jinshi felt her starting to stir in his arms. He looked down and realized that she was opening her eyes. Great! Just great! So his efforts had been for naught. He felt sorry for her to be woken up like that and let out a sigh. Well, with all the ruckus Lakan was arming, it couldn't be helped. A bit confused after her unfortunately rather short nap, Maomao needed a while to remember where she was and rubbed her eyes, raising her gaze and meeting Jinshi's, who smiled apologetically at her. She raised her eyebrows, not really understanding the reason for that smile. “Master Jinshi?... Gah!” And that was the moment she lifted her head from his chest, turned it, and noticed that they were not alone in that room. A tremendous shudder ran down her spine and her hair stood on end, as if she was a cat on whose tail someone had stepped on. She unconsciously clutched Jinshi’s clothes, looking as if she was directly transferred into a nightmare that had become reality. All her sleepiness was gone. The freak was staring at her with a big smile on his face, apparently forgetting his anger at Jinshi.  “Maomao! You’re awake!” “Indeed, she is. Thanks to you,” Jinshi muttered under his breath, glaring at him. Maomao, in the meantime, felt trapped. In any other situation, she would have done her best to avoid and ignore that annoying old fart, but now, she couldn't go anywhere. Plus, there was no telling what he would do after having witnessed that scene of her taking a nap in that very “unusual” place. Thinking about how to get out of that highly unpleasant situation and feeling extremely uneasy, she slid off Jinshi's lap. He placed his hands on her shoulders (which caused the strategist to shout out in indignation once more) and approached her ear, not taking his eyes off Lakan. “Hide behind me. I have a plan,” he whispered quickly and got up as well, stepping in front of his desk and facing Lakan with a determined expression on his face. Maomao did as told, rushing behind him to hide. Due to their considerable difference in height, Jinshi was blocking her entirely from the strategist’s view. He then began to discuss once again with the freak about how he hadn't forced Maomao to sleep where she had slept and that it had been entirely her decision, causing the latter to focus his entire attention on him. Weeell, you could certainly argue about that fact, was Maomao's opinion, as she furrowed her brow, but she had to admit to herself that up until that rude awakening she had slept rather well. And while Jinshi was reciting his arguments, he discreetly moved towards the door, sideways and one step at a time, taking care that Maomao was doing the same behind his back. She realized what he was up to: he was trying to distract the freak and help her escape! And, indeed, it seemed to work: Lakan was still fully concentrated on Jinshi's words and didn't seem to notice. Maybe because he couldn't see her behind the young noble’s back. When they were just a few steps away from the opened door, Jinshi reached behind himself and nudged Maomao gently. She understood and dashed out of the office as fast as her feet could carry her. Running past Gaoshun, who was standing near the door carrying new documents in his arms and watching the scene inside the office with a troubled expression on his face. Seemingly unsure what to do.  *** On the same day later in the evening, Jinshi summoned Maomao to his chambers to drink a cup of tea together. He had considered leaving her in peace for the rest of the day, but still invited her in the end, since he wanted to see whether she was alright. And also apologize to her. Not wanting to be disturbed once again, he had sent Gaoshun and Suiren away once Maomao had arrived. Watching her while she served the tea (he had wanted to do it himself, but Maomao was having none of it), he noticed with relief that, even though she still had circles around her eyes, she did look less exhausted than before the nap. So it did have a positive effect on her. Maomao noticed his gaze and looked back, a bit questioningly. “I’m sorry, apothecary. I should have suspected that he would come back,” Jinshi said, staring down at the cup in his hands. Maomao took a seat across from him. “No need to apologize, Master Jinshi. He always arrives unannounced as far as I’ve heard. How did it end, by the way?” she asked after a while. Jinshi grimaced as if he had a headache and let out a sigh filled with irritation. “Well, he stormed off, announcing that he wouldn't forget that incident… and broke my office door in the process. Gaoshun is going to send him a bill later.” Maomao grimaced as well, almost matching his expression. Yes, indeed, now that she thought about it, she did remember having heard a loud slam and then a bang, echoing through the entire residence, just as she was picking up the cleaning supplies she had dropped earlier in the hallway when Jinshi had dragged her away. Suddenly, she felt his eyes on her once again and looked up. The faint candlelight in the room illuminated Jinshi's face that was smiling at her. Maomao had a bad feeling about that. “Don’t you worry about it, I will deal with him myself. How about… we continue where we left off, what do you think?” Maomao frowned and narrowed her eyes. “I think I’d rather go to sleep in my bed now, Master Jinshi.” That was the politest “no” she could muster. Jinshi looked at her like a sad puppy, making Maomao frown even more. Urgh, if there was a contest of who was the most annoying man alive, she didn't even know who would win, Jinshi or the freak! Sensing that he wouldn't give up so soon, Maomao sighed. “Fine, but only a few minutes.” Jinshi’s smile was so beaming it wouldn't have brought not one country, but the entire universe on its knees.  “He’s so childish,” Maomao thought, feeling a bit bad for having compared him to the freak, since Jinshi didn't deserve that despite all the things he was doing. Besides, she couldn't help remembering that it had actually felt quite nice to relax on his lap. She sat down there once again. Jinshi placed his teacup aside and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly once more. Approaching her ear. “Here you go, a little apology,” he whispered. And pressed a kiss to her cheek, taking her completely by surprise. Maomao flinched, and her eyes widened for an instant, but she quickly calmed down again, just sitting there without saying a word and letting herself be hugged. She failed to understand herself once again. Because she realized that she hadn't really disliked it. But she would have still preferred a medicinal herb as an apology.