The kissing contract

      "This is the moment! Didn't you feel anything, Xiao? Try the moment, feel the tension! Really nothing at all? Not even a little excitement? Joy? Relief?" Hu Tao couldn't help but chuckle when Xiao wrinkled his nose with all the skepticism. His hands tensed as he carefully traced the page and turned it back.       The girl suppressed another smile, pointing to the right line. The bright and colorful cover of the sweetest and vanilla tabloid novel with a predictable and simple plot looked so comical in Yaksha's hands that Hu Tao did not manage to erase the fun from his face and restrain comments from the first time, which then Zhongli would listen with special trepidation and pleasure.       "If you want to understand mortals, you need to feel! Do you understand?"       "And how do you think I should do it?"       "Oh, Xiao." Hu Tao sighed in resignation, theatrically waving her hands and wiping an invisible stingy tear from her cheek under his disapproving gaze. He shifted uncomfortably on her windowsill. The moon cast beautiful reflections on his mysterious figure, and she, watching the bright glow of amber eyes, felt her heart turn over for a moment. "Remember how much they had to overcome! Remember the feelings of the main character, how she tried to restrain herself, but at the same time she wanted to be so close. And how much they had to part! Ah, this love was so beautiful!.."       Xiao frowned, continuing to stare intently at the book, as if the yellowed and crumpled pages could give him the desired answer. For such a detached, strong and ancient being like him, his interest in culture and human feelings was truly unique.       She did everything she could, trying to encourage his enthusiasm, explaining to the Adeptus all the incomprehensible feelings. Maybe it was a strange undisguised desire and interest of the immortal for a piece of something new or long-forgotten old. Not entirely sure of his motives, Hu Tao found no reason to refuse, and Zhongli supported the idea with strange enthusiasm, shouldering the entire burden of responsibility for Yaksha training on her shoulders. Even too willingly for a "person" who had no connection with Xiao and knew about the mortal world no worse. Hu Tao allowed this issue to remain unresolved until better times and a bottle of wine.       Xiao listened to her more carefully than she and anyone else could have expected. He listened with raised eyebrows and indignation on his cold face, telling about the absurdity and strangeness of these feelings. And there was one tombstone…       "Why should they break up at all? This... unreasonable. If she had just gone with him, nothing would have happened... complicated."       Hu Tao snorted and shook her head. Only one of her lessons after such a long time, Xiao could not understand, although in fact she did not really hope for a different outcome. All her life experience said that it takes time to accept some thoughts and ideas. Xiao had enough of it, and she still has ways to show that feeling of love more clearly.       He accepted the other aspects of mortal life much more simply. Although even this took Hu Tao, who was making her way through his thick armor and loneliness, more than a year. Maybe the problem was in Xiao's life path and long-term losses, or maybe in something else, but Hu Tao did not give up hope and time after time, even for herself, discovered new facets of this trembling feeling.       She sat down opposite and pointed to the lines, simple letters that conveyed such a sweet but painful love story. One of the most innocent collections in the Xingqiu Library.       "The heroine is not sure that he loves her. And it's very scary when the person you're so attracted to doesn't love you back. Xiao, haven't you ever experienced something like this?" Xiao didn't answer, looking Hu Tao in the eyes. In this strange, mesmerizing look, filled with skepticism and all the pride of the Adepti, there was an unspoken question. Swallowing, the girl cleared her throat and nodded to herself.       "Well, maybe not… But look, did that kiss really not stir you up in any way? When they met after so many years of separation and dreams. This is a very beautiful scene, the author did his best. A kiss is very closely connected with love. And its manifestation."       Xiao frowned and lowered his eyes to the text. He once again ran his eyes over the written lines, causing Hu Tao a strange desire to remove the disturbing dark strands from his face. Xiao was so focused, clutching the book in his hands and frowning, as if he was comprehending the impossible truths of this world.       "Really... is a kiss really that important?"       "Oh, of course! There is nothing more pleasant than the sweet touch of lips, Xiao! They say that with a loved and loving person, all kisses are unforgettable! Ah, that sounds amazing, doesn't it? When a person appears who turns everything inside over; a person whose soul is out of place... and when you are close, excitement will cover the body, and there will be no strength to restrain! And... ah, just the thought gives me goosebumps." She smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leaning over the book. Xiao's hands tightened, almost crushing the cover. "Xiao, relax, or you'll crumple the book."       Suddenly, the Adeptus closed the book and put it aside. He stared at the cover for a second, and then at Hu Tao, who froze in place in surprise.       "You sound like you've been kissed before."       The air stuck in her throat, and Hu Tao looked at the gloomy guy in confusion. Xiao clenched his hand in his fist so that she involuntarily heard the groans of the glove fabric, and his shoulders tensed. Her cheeks were burning, and Tao looked away, coughing into her fist from the awkwardness and the strange tense silence. Getting up from the windowsill, she picked up a book and carefully smoothed the cover.       "Well... not really."       "Not really?" Yaksha seemed... a little confused. Hu Tao herself didn't know how to answer the question. "So you kissed?"       "Yes, but I don't think it was a kiss full of love. This sometimes happens when you want to understand yourself and a person, to understand other people's and your own feelings. There's nothing wrong with that. It's scarier not to try, because life is so short." Without revealing any secrets, Hu Tao put the book away in the chest of drawers by the bed, feeling the Adeptus's boring gaze on her back. "I think it's better not to go into details, Xiao. Anyway, a kiss is... pretty intimate. You know, the secret desire of each of us."       He was still looking at Hu Tao when she turned around and came closer with her hands behind her back. Something melted and glittered in his golden eyes when he asked: "Is that your wish too?"       "Well... every girl dreams about it! How can you not dream about it? When you are alone, the heart beats wildly, the bodies are so close, the eyes are closed... and the lips are so warm!" Her cheeks started to blush rapidly as Xiao hung on her every word.       Her heart began to pound, and her mind was pierced by vivid pictures, secret dreams of her fragile poor girlish heart. But... too unrealizable and far from her and from the object of her sighs.       Xiao frowned thoughtfully, still looking at her. "Are these all the important points?"       "Of course, of course! A kiss is impossible without it! Some even say that a kiss tastes like syrup!" She laughed softly, hearing the creak of the boards as Yaksha landed on the floor of her room. Surprised, Tao put her hands behind her back and laced her fingers, biting her cheek from the inside.       "And you want this?" His voice sounded calm, but Hu Tao heard a note of uncertainty when he took a step.       "Oh, Xiao, what are you all about me? Well, if we keep this secret between us, then yes. I would like to kiss a lot, of course, when I meet such a person.       From her words, Xiao's face frowned a little, and he thoughtfully chuckled under his nose. Hu Tao could only guess what Xiao was thinking, but she didn't dare interrupt him, calming her own rebellious heartbeat. The minutes dragged on in silence, but Hu Tao slowly examined Xiao's face.        Oh, and why is she so worried? It's Xiao, it's clear that he didn't mean anything strange. He was here to understand the habits and feelings of mortals, and she was thinking about something incomprehensible!       "What are you thinking about, great Vigilant Yaksha? Maybe I could help? You can ask me anything, because I promised to help you understand the mortal world, so don't be shy. You can be honest with me."       Xiao stared at the landscape outside the window for a couple of moments, then carefully shifted his gaze towards the chest of drawers by the bed. When she was no longer waiting for an answer, Xiao spoke cautiously, but with more confidence than a moment ago:       "Do you want to kiss now?"             "What's the question?"       "You said that people like kissing. That's why I asked, would you like to kiss now?" Hu Tao wasn't quite sure she understood the question correctly, but she nodded vaguely, thinking that the answer could change little. She couldn't lie to him, but the whole truth, curiosity and feelings were not something she could give away so easily.       "Of course!"       A moment later, his face turned to Hu Tao. He took a confident step forward, towards her, and her heart jumped to her throat, but she stood there, struck by curiosity and anticipation.       "Good."       Hu Tao did not have time to answer, as he raised his palm and lowered it over her eyes, plunging her into harmless impenetrable darkness. A surprised sigh left her lungs, she blinked through the darkness, blinded by the cold fabric of thick gloves.       "Xiao-"       Something warm and insanely soft touched her lips. Her heart was pounding wildly in her temples from the weak, uncertain touch of someone else's lips. The warmth left her too quickly, not allowing her to fully enjoy the moment, and her tongue involuntarily walked over her skin, trying to grab the remnants of the taste of a kiss.       Disappointment slowly gripped her, but before Hu Tao could think that Xiao was going to withdraw his hand, his lips touched her again. More confidently, he crushed them, while his lips touched the delicate skin. Her breath caught in her throat as he bent down and pressed his lips closer to hers. Her body and movements involuntarily adjusted to the rhythm, and Hu Tao in response slightly opened her lips to meet his touch.       She caught his heavy, ragged sigh as his lips touched hers again, gently at first, tasting sensitive skin. Unable to get enough of his closeness, Hu Tao arched towards him, searching with her hands in the dark for a support, an anchor of reality, to make sure of what was happening. When she squeezed the fabric of his shirt, Xiao leaned forward, pinning Hu Tao between the edge of the table and his body.       Xiao caught her soft moan with his lips and lowered his hand to the back of her head, freeing the girl's eyes. Unable to open them, Hu Tao only pressed closer to him. The tip of her tongue slid over his lower lip, and Hu Tao heard a faint, barely restrained growl. His hand on the back of her neck trembled and tightened its grip on her disheveled hair while she reveled in his thirst and impatience.       Xiao deepened the kiss, catching her tongue, intertwining and starting a new, passionate dance. Hu Tao sniffed the air with difficulty, unable to tear herself away from his lips. Giving up, she explored every inch of his body with her hands.       His other hand rested on her waist, forcefully squeezing the smooth curve of her body. Insatiable, he caught her every breath, deepening the kiss, even when her legs were treacherously weak, and consciousness was slowly slipping away, intoxicated by terrifyingly pleasant touches and assertive kisses.       "Ah..." Her knees buckled, and she almost fell to the floor, if not for the strong hands of the Adeptus. He held her by the waist and pulled away from her lips. Hu Tao, still afraid to open her eyes, took greedy gulps of air, leaning on his hand. Out of the corner of her ear, she could hear his labored, labored breathing, and could only imagine his face and disheveled, excited appearance.       Unable to say anything and feeling her lips throbbing, still retaining someone else's warmth, Hu Tao finally got up and leaned on the edge of the table. Xiao's hands left her body and waist, and goosebumps ran over her skin from the terrifying cold and wind.       Unable to say anything, she was recovering her breath, afraid to look in the direction of the Adeptus. Hu Tao heard a cautious step on the creaking floor and opened her eyes when Xiao had already turned his back to her.       Surprised, she barely opened her mouth, but did not have time to say anything. In a muffled, hoarse voice, Xiao called over his shoulder:       "See you later, Hu Tao."       And disappeared from her room in a dark emerald mist, leaving her miserable body to shudder.       Unable to stay on her feet, she sank to the floor, pressing her hands to her chest. Her heart was trying to break her ribs, and her spirit was trying to leave her body, going straight to the Wuwang Hill. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips were burning, still remembering the impatient onslaught of the Adeptus, and her stomach was twisting, as if wanting to get rid of everything superfluous.       "Oh, the Holy Seven… what was that?"       And only the wind stirred her curtains, leaving no answer.

***

      The journey to the Wangshu Inn seemed to her terribly short ... and at the same time endless. Hu Tao gave herself a week to sort out, analyze the situation, Xiao's actions and her body's reaction. She was afraid to say his name even in her thoughts, so as not to accidentally disturb his peace... and her own.       Without noticing how she made an order from the Smiley Yanxiao, she walked past the empty counter and went up to the balcony. Her heart sank to her feet when she saw his back in the rays of dawn. She usually caught him at night, thoughtful and alert, looking towards the shallows and the stone forest. But right now, Xiao seemed tense and not expecting a battle at all. Alas, Hu Tao realized this by the rapid turn of Xiao's head as soon as her shoes touched the balcony beams.       The Adeptus turned to the girl, burning with an attentive, somehow impatient look. Her throat was dry, and lips were scorched again by the memory of a close and hot touch.       "Hi, Xiao..." The Adeptus nodded without opening his mouth when Hu Tao came closer. She carefully looked at his calm, seemingly even cold face, while hers was simply burning. So unflappable... ah, it hurt her heart a little. "Am I interrupting?"       His eyebrow arched in surprise at such a simple question. The girl cleared her throat and forced a smile. His suspicious and attentive gaze wanted to confuse her, but Tao did not give in, knowing exactly the purpose of her arrival.       "No."       "Great, I wanted to talk... about something. " She hoped her voice didn't give her away so much… But Xiao nodded calmly, as if he had been waiting for these words. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his lower back on the balcony railing, as if nothing had happened.       All the words disappeared from her head. She didn't know if she wanted to swear or just demand an explanation.… At least one word that she could lean on to extinguish that burning hope in her chest for something that she rarely thought about. And was it worth it at all? Instead, she watched his neutral expression, the same as she used to see when she came to the Wangshu Inn.       "You remember what I said, right?" He frowned, and Hu Tao hurried to explain."That a kiss is... well, very important and intimate. Especially for people. Do you remember that?"       Her surprisingly calm voice spoke as if to a child. Xiao drew his eyebrows to the center, expressing mute dissatisfaction, but did not say anything against it, just nodded his head. Hu Tao swallowed, expecting Xiao to swear or say something, but hearing nothing, she continued:        "So, well... you know, Xiao. You can't kiss so abruptly, no, unexpectedly. Without permission… It's pretty well-"       Having lost her eloquence somewhere in the middle of a sentence, she faltered when his eyes shone, blocking the rays of the sun. Swallowing, Hu Tao clenched her hands into a fist and hoped that this would be enough for an Adeptus, for a Yaksha who values his personal space and freedom more than others. But Tao couldn't read anything from his face, so she just waited patiently.       Xiao grunted thoughtfully and got to his feet. Hu Tao involuntarily froze when he stood opposite as close as last time. Her body flushed, and her lips burned with memory, sending goosebumps and shivers down her skin. But Xiao stood straight and looked at her from under his fluffy eyelashes so attentively that he made her soul rush. Move away or... stay put. Surely he couldn't have done anything else? It was a simple mistake, curiosity. Xiao dispelled her thoughts when he finally opened his mouth and asked, "So if I ask, I can do it next time?"       It took Hu Tao a couple of minutes to understand the meaning of the question. Something broke inside her, wanting to say "yes", or just give mute permission, even without a question, to immediately kiss her whenever she wanted, but... it was strange, it was not like Xiao.       Hu Tao blinked in confusion as he gently wrapped his fingers around her wrist. From this touch, a pleasant burning wave spread through her veins.       "...Why?"       Xiao frowned, and his fingers tightened on her skin.       "You said that if I want to understand mortals, I have to feel all this. Excitement and everything else."       Her heart jumped painfully to her throat, Tao barely swallowed a lump, regaining clarity of consciousness.       "So you did it... because you wanted to understand?"       He silently caught her gaze. Something flashed in his eyes, something secret, curious, but Xiao closed them and nodded.       "Including."       Although the problem was solved, Hu Tao only felt more interest and misunderstanding of the situation. Tao raised her palm, touching his fingers and lightly squeezing them in indecision.       "What exactly do you want to understand?"       "The importance of kissing."       Hu Tao exhaled noisily and tried to squeeze out a smile, restraining the mixture of excitement and anticipation rushing out. Perhaps she might regret it.       "So you want to... kiss me again? To understand?" She was so afraid of this question, but to be honest, Hu Tao craved it as much as craved a new gorgeous lavish ceremony, maybe even more.       As soon as she looked up, she almost drowned in the molten gold of his eyes, in which desire and interest crept in. Xiao slowly shifted his gaze to her lips, looking at them for a long time while her heart was starting up with a new force, trying to jump out of her chest. Xiao slowly leaned towards her face.       "Yes."       Hu Tao didn't know what question he answered. But it wasn't that important. She closed her eyes and stood lightly on her toes, leaning forward. Xiao didn't keep her waiting long.       His lips gently, almost chastely covered her, instantly warming her. There was no such strange unbridled passion as last time. It was a gentle, warm, tender touch that made her heart melt. His movements were unobtrusive, allowing her to stop at any moment. He squeezed her hand in his and pulled away first, as if reluctantly.       With a noisy sigh, she opened her eyes and looked at the Adeptus's face. Xiao seemed... pleased and surprised. But he watched her face carefully, reading every emotion, while the girl's cheeks were filled with heat. Tao awkwardly released her hand and touched her lips with her fingers, hiding a smile.       "Do you... understand?"       Xiao blinked and opened his mouth, but immediately closed it, thinking. He seemed so confused that laughter bubbled in her chest. Can… Hu Tao could help Adeptus, the best and closest friend among the immortals, a little? There won't be anything wrong with a couple of kisses, will there? Right?       "Ahem, Xiao... let's do this… How about a little contract. I let you kiss me when you really want to... understand people! And in return, will you feed me sometimes? Oh, and help search for bodies!"       Xiao looked in surprise at the girl who bit her tongue. Oh, well, if she just let it all go... that would be too suspicious. No no no, as a businesswoman, she can't just miss such a chance.       "When do I want to?"       Xiao surprised her again, leaving her speechless. Hu Tao blinked, looking incredulously at the guy who was trying not to show how interested and excited he was. She certainly didn't expect this from Xiao…       "Um... well, yes. If you don't mind..."       He frowned thoughtfully and looked at her lips again. Hu Tao's cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, not expecting such a look from Xiao. His pupils narrowed for a second, but he immediately nodded and held out his hand to her.       "Good. I agree."       Looking at his outstretched palm in confusion, Hu Tao could only guess what exactly prompted the guy to do this… Before he flatly refused to help her with work! And now… Shaking her head, Hu Tao shook his hand with a businesslike smile.       "Aiya, dear Yaksha, nice to do business with you! I hope we both get what we want!"       "I hope," Xiao said softly.       Hu Tao did not have time to take her hand away, as Xiao pulled her towards him and touched her lips again, this time more closely. Hu Tao could not find the strength to resist and went limp in his arms, picking up an unexpected kiss, hotter, but not too assertive. Xiao crushed her bitten lips in sweet torture.       And he pulled away when Yanxiao's voice was heard below, announcing the finished dish. Xiao blinked and looked towards the stairs while Hu Tao realized what she had signed up for. Perhaps she was too hasty, not thinking how difficult it would be for her to control the distance between souls now.       And that it was worth making a will in case her heart could not stand such unexpected kisses from Xiao.       Aya-ya-ya, why even now his face remains so calm and attractive? Fatally unfair.

*** 

      Unfortunately, Hu Tao has never been able to understand the principle by which the desires of the Adepti operate. Perhaps because nature made her human, but she didn't see the difference between their bodies and their minds. Only a long and rich experience.       Maybe it was some new game? Maybe it was just curiosity, and she – as a casual witness and a good person – just found herself in a convenient position… And she couldn't push him away even then, the first time. What stupidity and weakness on her part is so easy to agree…       Hu Tao promised herself never to be the first to remind about the contract and kisses. Immersed in her thoughts about the ceremony and about her possible new status in someone's heart, heading towards the Wuwang Hill, Hu Tao did not notice how Xiao was already walking next to her, and she was talking about spirits and ghosts who decided to arrange little practical jokes, disturbing the tranquility of the kingdom of the living.       If Hu Tao hadn't been so tired and a little annoyed by these antics, she would have noticed something. Perhaps she would have noticed the root of the tree, which she tripped over and flew down, hitting her nose painfully on the dry ground.       Hissing like a wildcat, she clutched her nose and tried to hold back the tears at the corners of her eyes, which she was unable to control. Xiao knelt down in front of her and peered into her face.       "Are you okay?"       "Aya, it's just not possible. Today is clearly not my day!". She pouted resentfully, touching her nose. She could only wonder what caused the strange smile on Xiao's face when he looked at her. Like a child, she leaned back, falling to the ground, stretching out her arms and closing her eyes. "That's it! Every professional should take a day off. As a director, I can afford to rest... right now."       "Will you lie here?"       "Yes, I will."       "You'll get sick." She heard incomprehension in his voice and a quiet, barely noticeable laugh that warmed her heart. Hu Tao snorted and squeezed her eyes shut harder, continuing to look offended.       "I won't get sick. Then I'll warm up, if anything."       She heard the rustle of clothes and felt an impending shadow that covered her from the rays of the sun. Soft lips touched her forehead, and her breath caught. Hu Tao, opening her eyes, saw his face looming over hers. Xiao's gaze remained unreadable as he looked thoughtfully at her red nose. Hu Tao couldn't find the words, blinking dumbfounded, still feeling the faint touch of his lips.       Adeptus stood up and held out his hand to her. Hu Tao, unable to resist, grabbed his palm and stood up. After brushing off the dirt and dust from her jacket, she silently looked at Xiao, who crossed his arms over his chest.       "Ready?"       An unexpected surge of strength stirred her body. Tao smiled stupidly and pulled her hat on top of her head. "Yes."       His lips twitched slightly in a strange smile, but Xiao had already turned away and walked straight. Hu Tao could only follow him, excitedly putting her palm to her forehead and adjusting her bangs.       The ghosts' jokes seemed funny to her. And so Hu Tao was able to learn a new side of Xiao.       Xiao was too unpredictable and gave her kisses rarely enough, but unexpectedly enough that she forgot about the world around her.       The kisses were light, unobtrusive and calm: in the palm of the hand, when Hu Tao jokingly closed his mouth; on the forehead or top of the head, especially if something bad happened. Once he even kissed her on the cheek, when once again Hu Tao tried to put pieces of pepper and spices in his tofu, thereby depriving her of any enthusiasm for a joke.       No wonder they say that you get used to good things quickly.       There weren't many of them and they could easily unsettle her, but every time it was pleasant and exciting. Gradually, she stopped waiting for something more, realizing that soon even Yaksha would get bored with such a game. Hu Tao expected Xiao to terminate the contract, no matter how much she liked their little secret and the gentle, unobtrusive touch of his lips.       Everything has to end sooner or later, but Hu Tao did not regret it, enjoying everything that Xiao gave her.       Hu Tao was distracted by the papers that Zhongli had brought. And as soon as the name of the most problematic and dangerous region of Liyue caught her eye, Hu Tao sighed heavily. Zhongli, realizing her condition, smiled, but said nothing, allowing her to study the document to the end. It was only after that that Hu Tao realized what the hitch was. The amount is really worth the effort and time spent.       "Have you already arranged a pass with Madame Yelan, Zhongli? The Chams is still closed to the public, but I've heard that the department won't be monitoring it so closely in the near future."       "Yes, this afternoon I sent the documents for verification to Yanfei, Director… Now you should do this and confirm the schedule of consultations of the undertakers next week." He pointed at the huge pile of papers, leaving Hu Tao no choice.        It was late afternoon in the harbor, but Hu Tao was unlikely to go to bed tonight. "Okay, I'll figure it out. Zhongli, bring the strongest green tea, please."       And although she saw all the dissatisfaction and disagreement with her decision, Zhongli only nodded and left the office, and Hu Tao buried her face in the papers.       And she was distracted late in the evening, when a weak breeze swept through the office, and a familiar figure sank to the floor, approaching her desk.. Xiao looked at the mountain of papers with a dissatisfied look and only then shifted his gaze to the slightly sleepy face of Hu Tao, who was looking at Yaksha in surprise.       "Good night, Xiao?"       "Why aren't you in bed?"       "Aya, it's inconvenient to work in bed. And I need to sort out the documents in order to arrange a meeting with Mrs. Yelan and the client’s family tomorrow afternoon...have work in the Chasm again and it promises to be very, very dreary, ah, my poor little head. If it wasn't for her, I would be in bed or writing poetry." Hu Tao couldn't help but smile because his frowning face gave her more strength than she thought. "Well, anyway, I need to arm myself and work hard to make everything go great! As the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor guarantees!"       "Can't it wait until morning? The body will weaken if you do not give it the necessary rest. And this is fraught with... undesirable dangerous consequences."       Zhongli could have said something like that. And even Xiao’s grumbling voice did not cause any irritation or fatigue at all, because it betrayed his anxiety. With a smile, Hu Tao clung to a full cup of cooled tea, which, probably, her consultant brought, but which she safely forgot about. Ah, but such a nice variety. With plum leaves.       "You're right. I'm almost done and I'm going to bed soon. So tired. Ah! Exactly! Xiao, will you help me? After all, The Chasm is too unpredictable. Looking for bodies there is like looking for dendro-slimes in the forest! But only if you don't set the whole forest on fire, but... Aya, it sounds just awful."       She met his displeased and frowning gaze, smiling broadly in response. Xiao sighed heavily and nodded, coming closer and leaning his lower back on the edge of the table, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked attentively at the girl who finally took an invigorating sip of cold tea. This brought her sleepy consciousness to her senses at least a little.       "Oh, right, Xiao. Why did you come? Something happened? Very urgent and dangerous, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have scolded me here just like that."       Xiao didn't answer, carefully looking at Hu Tao. Catching his gaze, she arched an eyebrow in surprise and waited for him to explain the reason for his unexpected appearance. But instead of words, Xiao took her chin with his fingers and lifted it up. Hu Tao had just managed to mumble something when he bent down to her face and touched her lips.       The gentle kiss immediately took on new colors when his fang caught on his lower lip and bit weakly. Her breath caught, and Hu Tao exhaled noisily, clutching his clothes with her hands. Xiao immediately caught her sigh and pressed closer to her lips, crushing and tasting them, savoring the delicate skin like a delicacy. While answering, Hu Tao completely forgot about the papers and work, completely immersed in the feeling of his impatient touches. Xiao pulled back and licked his lips, looking at the reddened and confused Hu Tao. He grinned and ran his thumb over her lower lip, which was a little red from greedy torment.       "Don't sit too long. And tell me my name when you're going to the Chams. Or if there is danger."       With these words, he disappeared as he always disappears, leaving Hu Tao to struggle with his rebellious heart, emotions and excitement. The damn Adeptus once again proved that Hu Tao is better to accept the situation and go with the flow, entrusting his heart to the currents of fate.       Alas, predicting Xiao's actions is beyond her powers. And it was beyond her comprehension when she thought she knew him well enough.

***

             In the Chams, everything went as bad as it could have gone according to Zhongli's forecasts. Maybe it's all his extensive experience and knowledge, maybe it's the gift of the Geo Archon, Hu Tao has always doubted that Zhongli is really a person, but thinking about it when flying towards the rocks and the abyss is not the best idea.       It wouldn't have been the best if it weren't for Xiao's strong arms, which easily lifted her body. It took a moment for them to land on a stone, flat surface, and a sigh of relief left her lungs. Hu Tao trembled faintly, feeling... an answering tremor.       She awkwardly touched his shoulders as Yaksha pulled her closer to him and nuzzled her shoulder. He was breathing so hunted and hard that Hu Tao was afraid that Xiao might get worse... because of the forces expended, the atmosphere of the damned Chams, karma - because of anything.       But Xiao didn't react to her concern, burning her skin with his breath. Hu Tao buried her nose in his hair and awkwardly ran her hands through it, trying to calm the vigilant Yaksha with all the means available to her. Minutes were lost in the warmth of his hands, and Hu Tao relaxed while Xiao regained consciousness.       Without breaking the embrace, he gently ran his nose along her cheek, causing a new thrill in her heart. Only now it bordered on tenderness and love, and not fear. The blood was still bubbling in her veins, and Hu Tao focused on his touch, on the hands that pressed her weak body closer to his.       "Xiao? Is everything all right?"       "Yes." His voice was quiet, but the silence of the cave allowed even a faint whisper to be heard. His nose was still wandering along her cheek, Xiao took a deep breath, and a soft, barely noticeable kiss touched her temple. Hu Tao froze, struck by the tenderness and caution of the touch. "Now yes. How are you? Not injured?"       "It's all right. Not injured. Thank you, Xiao."       Hu Tao bit her lip, hoping that her quiet joy, which was burning from the inside, was not so noticeable. Xiao's voice sounded so peaceful, and he kept squeezing her body in his arms. Her lips burned with the desire to touch his skin, but Hu Tao restrained herself, realizing that the privilege of the initiative was given to Xiao.       The work was postponed for a couple of moments, tender moments, while his palms studied her back in the shadow of the rocks. Xiao nuzzled her cheek again, his breath burning her ear and sensitive skin. Hu Tao could only grab the fabric of his shirt and, closing her eyes, put her head on his shoulder. Perhaps she shouldn't have relaxed so much, but Tao couldn't fight the feeling of security that enveloped her in Xiao's arms.       Faintly, almost imperceptibly, she enjoyed the short kisses he showered on her skin. Slowly and with special pleasure, his lips touched his cheek and temple, chin and closed eyelids. Hu Tao was thrilled, her heart was slowly melting, her fingertips were tingling.       At the moment when she closed her eyes in the hope that Xiao would kiss her on the lips, a whistle sounded above their heads, and a pair of hilichurls flew past, straight into the abyss, falling with a characteristic unpleasant sound, crushing bones and depriving that intimate atmosphere. A frustrating sigh sounded very close, causing laughter, and Hu Tao awkwardly pulled out of his arms. Not immediately, but Xiao released her.       "I'm afraid the kissing session is over for today. I think we should finish our work and come back. Right, Xiao?"       Yaksha nodded and looked up. She was absolutely sure that there was a lust for murder and retribution in his eyes. Her cheeks tingled pleasantly, and the smile did not want to leave her face. Aiya, she will bury this intimate moment alone with herself, forever imprinting it in her memory.        Even if it ever ends.       But how she wanted to prolong these moments, even if for Xiao himself it means only a deadly interest and a contract.

***

      Hu Tao cherished moments of tenderness, waited for the meeting, trying not to be distracted from work while the ghost of a young girl told about the wedding ceremony of her dreams. The ghost of the groom, a fallen warrior, stood far away, near the makeshift altar, while Hu Tao helped the girl with a wreath, weaving Glaze Lily together.       The girl, on whose beautiful face the cause of death was read, danced and whirled, running her thin hands over the tops, unable to touch the flowers. The sharp angular figure seemed to melt right before her eyes, causing Hu Tao's heart to involuntarily shrink. But she was glad, knowing that she was helping two lonely souls come together after death and cross the border together, even if it wasn't part of her job.       The ghost of the girl was lost among the flowers when a weak and gentle wind stirred the clearing, and a familiar figure appeared next to Hu Tao.       Xiao, illuminated by the cold radiance of the moon, bent over her, straightening her long hair. Hu Tao giggled softly and glanced at the immortal Adeptus who had arrived, who had frightened her ghostly client by his very appearance.        "Good evening, Xiao."       Yaksha nodded and sat down opposite, holding a bouquet of pale blue flowers in his hands. Hu Tao did not ask unnecessary questions and with quiet gratitude began to weave the stems into the wreath, while the silhouette of the dead bride loomed at the edge of the field of view.       "Do you want me to make you a Qingxin wreath next time? He will look charming on you, I promise."        She did not hide her joy when Xiao did not refuse. He carefully watched her work, how deftly her fingers intertwined the stems to the soft melody of the night. A serene pleasant silence descended on the clearing, but Hu Tao's soul could not calm down. She harbored a quiet hope for kisses and tenderness, anticipating the warmth of his lips. But Xiao, apparently, was not going to do such a thing, passing flower after flower.       Hu Tao reached for the last stalk and froze, looking at the Silk Flower in his palms. And no matter how Hu Tao admired the fragrant bud and delicate scarlet petals, the flower did not fit the composition…       "Xiao, this is..."       "Not for a wreath. I know."       His hand reached up and removed her favorite hat. Hu Tao froze when Xiao handed her the flower. Confused, she wanted to accept the modest sweet gift, but he raised his palm higher. A pleasant scent filled his lungs as the stem touched her ear and his hands smoothed her front strands. Adeptus carefully peered at her face and the resulting picture, while Hu Tao's heart did another somersault, painfully shrinking from tenderness and timidity.       Xiao chuckled to himself and smiled faintly. Hu Tao watched as his palm landed on her cheek. His thumb stroked his cheekbone, causing goosebumps all over his spine.       Tao exhaled convulsively and could only hope that the plea for a kiss was not read in her eyes so brightly and openly. But perhaps she wanted it too much, and Xiao saw everything. The finger moved to the lower lip, lightly pressing on the delicate skin. Hu Tao swallowed as his predatory eyes moved down to her half-open lips, and everything inside trembled with anticipation.       Xiao slowly leaned towards her, and Hu Tao closed her eyes in anticipation of a gentle touch.       But contrary to her hopes and contradictory mental struggle, she felt his breath on her forehead. A gentle kiss froze on her skin, and Xiao went down, kissing her on the nose. She opened her eyes wide, hiding her annoyance and disappointment.       “What? "A strange smile graced his unnecessarily beautiful face. Hu Tao indignantly pouted at his cruel teasing and jerked back. But his palm caught her chin deftly. A firm grip wrapped around her waist, and the other hand lifted her face to his. "Were you expecting another kiss?"       Trapped by the mischievous twinkle of his eyes, Hu Tao exhaled noisily as his face approached.       "Don't tease me, Xiao. Either kiss or let me go. You can't play with a woman's heart like that."       A faint chuckle left his lungs, and warm lips touched hers. A gentle, such a delicate kiss took her by surprise while her palms were clutching an almost ready wreath for a ghostly wedding. There was nothing superfluous or overly passionate about their lips touching. Gently, unhurriedly, his lips crushed hers while her heart slowly melted. At that moment, Hu Tao wanted it to be not a stupid contract, but a real kiss, full of feelings and emotions, tender desire and secret passion that flowed through her veins like hot lava.       Lightly clenching her lower lip with his teeth, he pulled her back and immediately let go. Her breath caught in her throat, and Tao gasped softly, amazed at the change of pace and mood. Xiao did not answer and pressed his lips to her again, only touching her swollen lip with the tip of his tongue.       When he pulled away, the ghost flashed more sharply against the background, waving his arms widely and attracting Hu Tao's attention. Charmed and besotted, she barely forced herself to tear herself away from Xiao and finish the wreath.       "I have to go." Her whole being resisted this, not wanting to leave his company. Xiao nodded, carefully examining her flushed face. Hu Tao exerted superhuman efforts, forcing herself to get out of his arms and stand on her feet. Xiao followed her up and returned the hat to the top of her head.       She stood awkwardly in front of him, afraid to move, to leave him... without another kiss. To demand... to demand them was beyond her pride, no matter how her soul broke at the sight of his face and the attentive gaze that Xiao gave from time to time. Hu Tao tried not to notice him, but sometimes it was so difficult.       "Good job, Xiao."       Adeptus nodded, still continuing to stare at her intently. The girl trampled on the spot, crumpling and spoiling the wreath, over which she tried so hard.       "Good job, Hu Tao."       And before disappearing, a quick but burning touch landed on her cheek. Hu Tao gasped, clutching at the burning place, seeing off the dark green mist and dancing Anemo particles. It took her a couple of minutes to come to her senses and return to the working mood, to forget about his lips and unexpected kisses based only on the contract. Yes, this is just an agreement, nothing more.       When she led the bride to the altar, for a moment Tao imagined that Xiao was meeting her there, but her mind painted only gloomy and rainy pictures of loneliness, filling her soul with longing and sadness. An irresistible hope... and thirst.       Hu Tao extinguished the fire inside and turned her attention to the ghost wedding ceremony. The flower was still hidden in her hair, and her lips were burning from the recent torment of someone else's lips.

*** 

      Xiangling recalled Goba as soon as Chongyun threw the ice seals, and Xingqiu's water swords began freezing, causing the Ruin Hunter to freeze in place. Hu Tao put the staff away after hearing the strange breaking sound of the mechanism. The work is finished and she has been watching the destruction of the robot. Her friends came up to her with a victorious smile on their tired faces.       "Ugh, that was the third one on the way. There are too many of them! I'm tired." Xiangling complained, and Chongyun laughed and put the seals in his pockets. Xingqiu quoted something important about the path, but Hu Tao did not hear, thinking about the strange aura behind his back.       Something tickled her hands, and she felt a familiar attentive gaze. Her gut buzzed with excitement, but something changed when the sound of the mechanism pierced her ears.       "Hu Tao!"       She was knocked down, and a bomb from the guardian of the ruins landed on the place where she was a second ago. Hu Tao stared at Xingqiu, who pressed her closer to him, covering them with a water dome while the bombs continued to fly from above. Hug the guy, Hu Tao squeezed her eyes shut, stunned by the explosion and the scream.       Xiangling and Chongyun attacked the guard, giving the friends time to recover. Xingqiu's strong arms helped her up, and the cool spray of water brought her to her senses. In a silent conversation, they exchanged phrases through smiles and launched into battle.       The artifacts were mined, and Xiangling found a new bush with a Jueyun Chili, happily stuffing her bag with it. Making their way through the rubble of buildings, the friends talked among themselves, and Hu Tao, again feeling the hot gaze and someone's presence, lagged a step behind.       When the wind pushed her in the back, the sixth sense trumpeted about someone else's presence. Turning around, she was startled by a sharp, furious gaze, and Xiao crossed his arms again, frowning. Hu Tao rarely saw him so dissatisfied. A special event in recent months.       It took her a couple of seconds to grab his wrist and lead him away before her friends noticed the Adeptus. Dumbfounded, she went behind the wall and looked around in the hope that no one saw the unexpected appearance of Yaksha.       "Xiao, what are you do-"       The phrase was intercepted when her body was forcefully pressed into the cold stone, and Xiao's face hung over hers. Her breath caught when his knee rested between her legs, and his hands impressed on both sides of her body, trapping in a strong trap.       "Why didn't you call me?"       Blinking and trying to get rid of the heat that had engulfed her body, Hu Tao looked at the defender of Liyue in confusion, in whose eyes she saw only dissatisfaction and strange anxiety.       "Xiao, how could I? I was with friends... if I called you, then you-"       "That's no reason to put yourself in danger! Why did you let-" Xiao stopped, as if the words burned him, and frowned. Tao stared at the guy uncomprehendingly, trying to figure out what exactly could make him mad.       “What? Allowed what?"       Xiao growled something under his breath and, not letting her continue, covered her lips. This time the kiss was rougher, deeper. And immediately got rid of unnecessary thoughts and questions.       Xiao seemed to break loose, devouring and tormenting her lips, intercepting her tongue and interrupting her breathing. The rhythm of her heart was lost, adjusting to the heavy sighs. He pressed her harder against the cold wall, not giving her a chance to escape.       Insatiable, he bit her lips, immediately licking small wounds, forcing Hu Tao to restrain moans so that the company of friends would not notice anything strange. But Xiao was so diligently distracting her attention that she completely forgot about caution and secrecy. His warm and moist tongue absorbed her moans, and his arms wrapped around her waist, pressing her to him, forcing her to arch towards. Hot breath touched the skin, he studied every part with his lips as the minutes passed, stretching out the sweet torture.       She caught her name out of the corner of her ear, but she couldn't make out who was calling her. When Xiao pulled back to take a breath, Hu Tao covered her lips with her palm, meeting the burning eyes of the Adeptus. There was an undisguised desire and challenge in them, confidence and passion, so bright and wounded.       His eyebrow arched mockingly, as if Xiao understood more than he was letting on. His palm went up to Hu Tao's shoulder blades, and his lips dropped to the palm pressed to his mouth. Xiao left a few more kisses on the back of her hand, and then, clearly grinning, he sank to the side, slightly down, kissing her chin.       The air finally left her lungs when his lips touched her neck. The soft movements of his lips caused goosebumps, and his breath warmed, touching so gently and impatiently. Hu Tao had to squeeze mouth tighter when his lips and tongue impulsively drew only the pattern he knew on her open neck.       Hu Tao couldn't help but groan as Xiao sucked on some of the skin, biting it and leaving a faint red color on his pale neck.       "Hu Tao? Where are you? Hu Tao!"       She heard the screams of her friends, but Xiao took his hand away from her mouth and covered her lips with another kiss, without letting her get a word in. Intercepting, controlling her tongue, he caught her sighs and moans, impatiently pressing her to him, from which her knees buckled, and her body weakened, feeling a strange pulsation in the lower abdomen. Xiao, breathing heavily, licked her lips, stubbornly intercepting her gaze.       Hu Tao was ready to fall at his feet, if only desire and lust were turned to her for another second. He cupped her cheek with his palm, ran his thumb over the skin, and Hu Tao, unable to restrain herself, leaned forward, wanting to quickly touch his lips.       And just as her lips found him, Xiangling voice rang out nearby:       "-Tao! Hu Tao! Ah! There you are. We've lost you!"       Hu Tao looked at the empty space opposite in confusion, pressing hard against the wall of the destroyed building. She caught the remnants of her mind, filling her lungs with air, and her whole body was covered in goosebumps from the piercing cold and longing for someone else's hot body. Xiao disappeared so quickly that Hu Tao didn't even have time to realize how she was left alone.       "Hu Tao? Everything is fine? You're all red."       "Ah? A, yes... it's fine. I just overheated in the sun, decided to rest a little. Hee-hee… Excuse me. I'm on my way."       Xiangling carefully and suspiciously examined her, but before she could say anything, Hu Tao cheerfully ran out of hiding with burning cheeks and sensitive body, filled with passion and unsatisfied secret desire.       Barely getting home, ignoring the glances of friends, Hu Tao admitted that with such pressure, her heart and body would not last long. She would have to give up if Xiao was so eager to attack her every time.       In the mirror, Hu Tao noticed the red mark that Xiao had left on her neck, and decided that she would not go out to dinner with Zhongli today.       And who taught Xiao that?

***

      Hu Tao remembered every place he kissed her.       A soft kiss on the back of the head when she was so engrossed in reading at the bottom of the restaurant of the Wangshu Inn that she did not notice his appearance, completely captured by the feelings of the characters and the twisted plot.It turns out that he had been watching her for a long time, and when the food was ready, he tenderly kissed her on the back of her head, at the very beginning of her neck, causing lightning to shoot down her spine.       She remembered the kiss behind ear when she fulfilled her promise and made him a wreath of Qingxin flowers, showing off her skills. And he was watching her with sparkling eyes so attentively and tenderly that Hu Tao wanted to jump off a cliff and blindfold himself so as not to see this look. And when she began to make a wreath for work, allowing Xiao to enjoy the gift to his heart's content, he gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. Hu Tao made every effort to remain outwardly calm, although her trembling hands and voice betrayed her. But he didn't seem to notice it, but covered her with small kisses and finished torturing her and her ear only when the wreath was finished and the moon rose in the sky. That night, Hu Tao had to redo the wreath and dodge the questions of the observant Zhongli.       The last straw of patience was an unexpected kiss when ZhongLi and Hu Tao went to Wangshu Inn, meeting Xingqiu on the way. Carried away by her lyrical duel, she sent Zhongli ahead, asking to make an order for Xiao, and she lingered at the bush silk flower with Xingqiu, exchanging witty rhyming remarks, laughing until her stomach cramps. And when the duel ended, Zhongli and Xiao were already waiting for her. Before she could get to the table, Xiao got up, grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him, kissing her on the lips. Even the collected and calm consultant had a cup fall out of his hands, spilling his favorite tea on the floor. Zhongli's face had to be seen at that moment, it was a pity that no one had a camera in their hands. Although Hu Tao suspected that she had the same face. But Xiao didn't feel any embarrassment or excitement. It seemed that his soul calmed down, and as if nothing had happened, he sat down at the table under the shocked stares of the servants of the funeral parlor. She was ready to thank Morax for the incredible acting and the tact of Zhongli, who did not ask unnecessary questions and talked on neutral topics. But Hu Tao imagined how she would have to explain herself, and the explanations would be... not the easiest.       Remembering and collecting all these moments in a treasure chest, Hu Tao understood that it could not go on… It didn't look like contract kisses anymore. And no matter how Hu Tao melted from his gentle, sometimes assertive and hot kisses, gradually getting used to them as something everyday and magically pleasant, her tortured heart demanded a final answer. So Hu Tao, gathering her will into a fist, avoided situations for a week where Xiao could usually kiss her.       The result was not long in coming when she evaded his kiss for the first time. Xiao's face was so dumbfounded, and then dissatisfied, even a little offended, that Hu Tao almost gave up, allowing him to kiss her anywhere. But without losing her resolve, she asked Xiao not to bother her for two weeks so that she could handle a large order. Not immediately, but he obediently agreed, all soaked with discontent and quiet pent-up rage mixed with misunderstanding of such an act.       Hu Tao wasn't sure how much she could handle herself, so she threw herself into work, locking the windows and bypassing the Wangshu Inn in long and complicated ways. And now, standing in front of the open window, she read the last page of the novel in the same pink cover that six months ago forced Xiao to kiss her.       Hu Tao put her hat on the dresser and adjusted her light nightgown. After waiting for Liyue to fall asleep and Zhongli to wish her good night for the last time (he had a strange habit of checking on her in the late evenings if she was late), she blew out the candle and sat down on the bed.       Calming her raging heart, Hu Tao adjusted thin clothes one last time and stared out the window.       "Xiao..."       The barely audible whisper was picked up by the wind, and Hu Tao did not have time to continue, as Xiao had already sunk to the floor of her room, looking around. His body froze when he found Hu Tao, and his eyes widened, taking in the exposed skin. Lost in his thoughts, Yaksha froze, his hands clenched into fists. Hu Tao could bet that Xiao was holding his breath, and his gaze flashed predatorily in the darkness, igniting the blood in her veins. But right now it was important to stay focused and calm.       But as soon as he took a step, Hu Tao stretched out her hand, forcing the guy to stop.       "I wanted to talk to you." She nodded her head at the table where the book was lying. But Xiao didn't even turn his head, not taking his eyes off her, which caused his heart to hit his ribs with force. "Remember our agreement about kissing and helping, right?"       Xiao nodded impatiently and hurriedly, taking another step towards her when Hu Tao lowered her hand. She carefully watched his tense body and unhurried movements, as if Xiao was a predator that was about to jump on its prey. This excited her more than Thao had expected, but she forced herself to abandon this thought and gather the remnants of her will into a fist.       "Answer the question, and then our contract will end."       Xiao stared at the girl with wide eyes, not believing his ears. She saw how many different emotions stirred in him after these words. He tensed even more, frozen in the middle of the room, not taking his eyes off her eyes.       Hu Tao hoped that Xiao would be against it, because even her naughty human body was against, demanding only one thing – his kiss after so many days.       "Do you understand this feeling, Xiao? Understand the importance of kissing?"       Xiao was silent for a long time, stubbornly looking into her eyes. Hu Tao was not afraid and put her chin on her hand, resting her elbow on her knee. Only for a moment did his gaze drop and immediately moved back to her face. Xiao burned with a strange determination and extinguished his own desire inside. Hu Tao could understand this because she was also trying to put out her own fire in her chest.       "If I say no? What will happen then?" Suddenly Xiao said in a hoarse voice, causing Hu Tao to laugh merrily. Xiao froze again, and there was a flash of desire in his gaze, which Hu Tao ignored.       "I will ask you to finish the contract anyway. I have no more ideas how to help you understand, so I give up." His face fell after her quiet words, full of fatigue and exhaustion.       "The human, female heart is not as unshakable as that of... Adepti, Xiao. If this is not enough for you, then it is enough for me. It hurts because... it's impossible to control these feelings. And before things go too far, I want to stop it."       Xiao was silent for a while and slowly shifted his gaze to the book. Something flashed in his eyes again in the darkness of the room, but Hu Tao gave him time to think.       "And if I say I understand?" Yaksha whispered, but Hu Tao heard. A sweet, satisfied smile touched her lips, and she slowly stood up.       "Then I want you to say that you understand."       "Will that change anything?" His voice sounded muffled and vulnerable, making her heart bleed. The body demanded to cling to Xiao with all its strength and not let go until the morning, quenching thirst in insatiable kisses, crushing the patience with which her body was soaked. She saw a faint hope in his eyes and came closer, noticing how his body tensed. "What will it change, Hu Tao? Will you still finish the contract because we both got what we wanted?"       If she had been asked what she really wanted, hand on heart, she would have said with all the passion and confidence that she wanted else. But such a formulation consumed her soul, making her heart beat faster.       "Is it bad? Isn't that what you wanted, Xiao? Understand importance? Understand human feelings and habits?" He nodded, but somehow dissatisfied and annoyed. "Or... did you want something else?"       The guy's shoulders twitched, and he looked away into the darkest corner of the room, as if he wanted to hide there. She saw his tense jaw and couldn't help but smile. Taking another step toward him, careful and slow, she watched as his chest rose and he took a deep, noisy breath.       "Then, Xiao, I can say that your answer will change my mind. If you answer honestly." Because there is no right answer to this question. Hu Tao knew this, but Xiao was still frowning with displeasure.       It took him a couple of minutes to come to terms with the situation, and he confidently looked at Hu Tao. She almost gave up, confused by the radiance of his eyes, which read something deep, wild and seething, like a hurricane and furious currents of air that could tear up a tree by its roots with their strength.       "The kisses are strange, but pleasant." Xiao suddenly said, and the mask of calm cracked, causing Hu Tao's face to stretch out. Xiao continued. "And they are always few, not enough. From them... everything turns over in chest. And... it's important."       Hu Tao swallowed softly, realizing that he was quoting her words. She practically could not remember what she had said then, but from Xiao's mouth they sounded so... intimate that her weak heart failed, pushing her body forward.       "The inability to see and touch... a dear person hurts. Strong enough. And kissing... is important because that's how to reduce pain. And show how important this person is." Hu Tao did not expect such a complete answer, which seemed to come from the heart. Oh, and she couldn't have put it better herself. This proved that Xiao really understood… Her efforts were not in vain, although she was disgusted that she was only taking advantage of the situation, enjoying a lucrative offer, forcing Xiao to drag around with corpses and help.       "You're doing great, Xiao... I'm proud of you, really. That's... great." Awkwardness rolled from head to toe, and she moved to the bed, sitting on the edge.  "I'm glad you understood. Now..."       "Can I kiss you?"       The question knocked the air out of his lungs. Hu Tao stared at the guy dumbfounded, unable to say anything.       "You said I should ask permission. If the contract is over, then I have to ask." He said it quite calmly and casually, taking a step in her direction.       "Do you... still want this?"Her whisper barely reached his ears, if his hearing hadn't been so sharp.       Xiao sat down on one knee in front of the bed and Hu Tao. She watched as he slowly shifted his gaze from her face to her exposed collarbones, shoulders, arms, down her waist to her bare legs and the fabric of her nightgown that hid her hips. It took all of Hu Tao's willpower to stop the trembling as his palm covered his knee, running his finger over the delicate skin.       “Yes. Although it's quite tedious to ask permission every time."       "So you're not… Aren't you overpowering yourself by kissing me?" She caught his astonished and uncomprehending look. "I thought… That you're forcing yourself because I just got caught up in it.”       "Do you have such a low opinion of me?"       “What? No! Xiao, I was thinking... about your comfort. Maybe you'd like to sign a contract with someone else."       Silence descended on the room, and Hu Tao heard a quiet, cheeky laugh. Xiao gently leaned forward, covering her knee with his lips. Her whole body instantly warmed up, and her heart jumped to her throat.       "You're different from everything, Tao . You're not just "caught on the arm." He sighed heavily, rubbing her knee with his thumb, sending a sea of goosebumps. "The only one I'd let do that."       Hu Tao wanted to cry, but instead she grabbed his palm and pulled him towards her, forcing the guy's face into her stomach while she grabbed the top of his head with all her love and passion.       "You too, Xiao. You're the only one I want to kiss."       Adeptus froze in her arms while Hu Tao rubbed her cheek against the top of his head, allowing feelings to spread throughout his body. Slowly, his hands moved up her body, wrapping around her waist.       "So..." he muttered something thoughtfully under his breath. "So when you asked me to leave you, was it a test? Like in that book? When the heroes were forced to part."       Hu Tao could bet that his voice sounded irritated and reproachful. Biting her lip, she pulled away and looked into his frowning face. She looked at his knitted eyebrows, straight nose, charming mole on his forehead, bright burning eyes and thin, slightly pale lips, which, as she knew, gave the most tender and sweet kisses. She grinned and cupped his face in her hands.       Without giving the guy a chance to say another word, the girl bent down, touching his lips with her own. Xiao froze, only for a moment allowing Hu Tao to take over, and then with all greed and passion crushed her lips in response. Catching his contented sigh, she immediately replied, opening her lips and letting Xiao take the initiative.       Just when he was about to deepen the kiss, Hu Tao pulled away, and Xiao eagerly reached for her lips, trying to get them back, but the girl stopped him. Xiao growled in displeasure and narrowed his eyes, clenching his jaw. Giggling, she kissed him on the forehead and let him go.       "Tao." His impatient voice sounded slightly hoarse, and his eyes shone with desire.       "Now you can kiss me whenever you want. But know, dear Xiao, I can also demand a kiss from you at any time." His eyes flashed, and a faint, satisfied smile appeared on his face, which he could not hide in any way, even when a light laugh escaped from his lips. Xiao nodded and looked down a little, at the milky skin of the neck and collarbones. His hands gently touched her open thighs, and his finger slipped under her nightgown. Hu Tao's breathing stopped again, stuck in his chest as his eyes passed a little lower, burning with a strange impatience. The tip of his tongue moved quickly over her lower lip, and Xiao tightened his fingers on her thighs, crawling under the fabric.       "Kiss anywhere?"       "Almost."       "Almost?" He arches an eyebrow in surprise, shifting his gaze a little higher, to her face.       “Yeah, Almost. Because I want you to take off your gloves in private, Xiao."       He twitched his whole body and stared at Hu Tao. She didn't have time to understand what exactly stirred up the guy, but he jerked forward, shortening the distance between his lips, immediately covering them in an impatient, deep kiss, intercepting the tongue and deepening it, tilting his head.       As if he had broken loose, he bit and sucked her lips in a strange desire, wrapping his arms around her body. Hu Tao tried to respond just as fervently, reclined on the bed, pressed by his hard, heated body.       When his lips and kisses began to cover her face, Hu Tao could not restrain quiet giggles, and Xiao pulled away, leaning on one hand on the side, looking at the girl with surprise. He frowned uncomprehendingly, when Hu Tao touched his cheek, running her thumb over his cheekbone. He placed a kiss on her wrist, trailing lightly down the inside of her arm.       "I have another question." The girl said softly, running her fingers through his hair, passing strands between her fingers. Xiao settled himself comfortably, hugging her waist, drawing patterns only known to him through the fabric of a thin nightgown, continuing to lean on the other so as not to crush the girl. He grunted vaguely, impatiently pressing his lips into a thin strip, clearly wanting to occupy his mouth with something more useful.       "What is it?"       "Where did you learn to kiss like that?"       Xiao blinked in surprise, and then sighed heavily, as if Hu Tao had ruined the whole mood with one question. He bent down to her lips, wanting to close the subject, but Hu Tao did not allow it, covering his lips with her palms. His eyes sparkled with displeasure, and he growled in protest, causing only ringing laughter from the girl.       "Xiao, I'm serious! This question has been tormenting me for more than six months. Where did you learn to kiss like that? Until you answer, I forbid you to kiss me!" His eyebrow twitched, and Hu Tao realized that her little trick had worked. He exhaled heavily and removed her hands from his lips.       "Don't you ever blackmail me like that again, Hu Tao." He growled threateningly, but decided to answer anyway. "Read."       "Read?"       "Yes, I have read novels. Which you advised."       She huffed indignantly. "But!.. This is impossible only from novels!"        "I have been learning to control my body and mind for two millennia. Do you think kissing is that hard? And... we had a lot of practice. "       Hu Tao pouted at his proud voice. She felt that it wasn't the whole truth, but Hu Tao loved riddles. Xiao looked at her for a long time, and then left another kiss on her nose, removing all the remnants of discontent and the desire to argue. Ah, this guy is playing a dishonest and dangerous game.       But Hu Tao still had a few trump cards up her sleeve that she could use to knock the Adeptus off his feet.       "Then what goes beyond kissing, do you also know?"       She was startled when his eyes suddenly flashed with a strange sparkle. He bared his teeth and loomed over her menacingly, wrapping his arms around her waist.       "If it's so interesting, you can check it out. If life is not dear to you."       "Xiao!" Heat colored her cheeks and she grabbed the pillow, aiming the Adeptus at her face with all her might.       Unfortunately, it turns out that defeating Xiao is not that easy.