The spring water made her body feel warm and cozy.
Ziya clung to Bai Li’s embrace and refused to get up.
Her small arms tightly circled Bai Li’s waist, and she rubbed her cheeks against her shoulder, looking utterly reluctant to leave.
“Mama~ just a little longer, just a tiny bit longer~”
Bai Li poked her soft cheek, caught between laughter and tears, and gently patted her back.
“If you soak any longer, your little head is going to start spinning. Didn’t we agree that there’s still an evening party? Don’t regret it later if you don’t have the energy to eat any snacks.”
Upon hearing the word “snacks,” Ziya’s eyes instantly lit up like tiny stars being ignited.
“Oh, right! There’s so much good food tonight! Then… then let’s get up quickly!”
She immediately began paddling toward the edge of the pool with both her hands and feet.
Her short legs splashed in the water with such impatient haste that Bai Li couldn’t help but chuckle.
Rongrong stepped forward quickly, kneeling as she offered soft, fluffy bathrobes.
She unfolded them carefully and waited quietly for the two to come ashore.
After spending three months with Baining, Bai Li had already grown accustomed to the meticulous care of the maids.
Her movements were now calm and composed, without a hint of fluster on her face.
Back then, let alone having someone help her dress, even the slightest close contact would have made her feel entirely uncomfortable.
Yet now, she stood there quietly, allowing Rongrong to wipe away the moisture, change her into a nightgown, and put on exquisite, delicate jewelry.
Bai Li sighed inwardly with a bitter smile.
‘The man who once stood tall and handled everything alone can now calmly accept such meticulous care, and even slightly enjoy it.’
‘If my past self knew about this, he would likely be stunned speechless.’
“Madam, it’s finished,” Rongrong whispered a reminder.
Bai Li snapped back to reality and nodded slightly.
At this moment, her features were gentle and her temperament soft.
If she added some light makeup, she would surely be a charming and feminine beauty.
Wrapped in a warm bathrobe, Ziya looked like a round little dumpling.
She ran up to Bai Li and did a light, cheerful spin, her hemline fluttering softly.
“Mama, Mama! Do I look cute?”
Bai Li reached out and rubbed the soft crown of her head, the corners of her mouth curling into a gentle arc unconsciously.
“Cute. Our Ziya is the cutest.”
“Hehe, then Mama is even cuter!”
Ziya stood on her tiptoes and grabbed Bai Li’s arm, swaying her small body playfully.
“Hurry, hurry! If we don’t eat the desserts at the evening party soon, they’ll get cold!”
Bai Li was dragged forward, her pace barely keeping up with the girl’s speed.
She spoke with helpless indulgence.
“I know, I know. Slow down, you’re going to fall.”
‘Being relied on and clung to like this… it feels good… it wouldn’t be bad if it stayed like this forever.’
The moment they stepped onto the garden lawn, their eyes lit up.
Strings of soft lights hung from the branches, twinkling like stars that had fallen from the night sky into the human world.
Soft blankets were spread across the green grass, and the long tables to the side were filled with exquisite desserts and fresh fruits.
All the maids stood quietly on both sides with dignified postures and gentle smiles.
Upon seeing the two arrive, Xiaomiao and the other maids curtsied in unison, their voices soft and synchronized.
“Good evening, Madam and Your Highness, meow!”
Ziya pulled Bai Li along and sat down excitedly, waving her small hands.
“Mama, look, look! I had the maids prepare all of this!”
Looking at the wide variety of desserts before her, Bai Li’s heart warmed.
She couldn’t resist tapping the girl’s nose.
“You, all you ever think about is food.”
“Because I want Mama to like sweets too~”
Ziya immediately picked up a small pudding and brought it to Bai Li’s lips, her eyes sparkling.
“Ah—”
Bai Li opened her mouth and took a light bite.
The sweet but not greasy flavor melted on her tongue.
She had never been fond of such sugary things before.
When she was a man, she preferred refreshing, filling foods.
In the past, she often made desserts only to satisfy her three daughters.
But now, being fed bite by bite by Ziya, she actually felt… it was sweet in just the right way…
“Is it good? Is it good?”
“Yes, it’s delicious.”
“Yay! Then I want to eat too!”
Ziya picked up a small piece of cake and nibbled on it, getting a bit of cream on the corner of her mouth like a little kitten caught stealing treats.
Bai Li reached out and gently wiped it away with her fingertip.
“Eat slowly. No one is going to take it from you.”
“Mmph… because it’s so tasty!”
Ziya said indistinctly, her cheeks puffed out.
Rongrong approached with a pot of warm flower tea and placed it gently in front of them, her tone tender and respectful.
“Madam, Your Highness, please eat slowly so you don’t choke. The tea is right here.”
“Thank you, Rongrong!”
Ziya looked up with a sweet smile, then immediately turned back to Bai Li, holding out a bright red fruit.
“Mama, try this fruit! It’s super sweet!”
The two shared the food back and forth, enjoying themselves immensely in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Bai Li leaned back against the soft cushions, surrounded by the scent of flowers, the glow of the lights, and the aroma of desserts, with a clingy and adorable little girl by her side.
This feeling of stability, tenderness, and being needed… it was truly too comfortable.
So comfortable that she almost forgot she was once a man.
So comfortable that she even… didn’t want to change back to the way she was.
The moment that thought surfaced, Bai Li startled herself.
Yet deep in her heart, a small voice whispered in agreement.
‘Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.’
—
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