Jinshi and Maomao Short Stories Collection

Time for a nap: alternative ending

I was asked to write a sequel with Lakan instead of Gaoshun walking in on our two sweethearts. So here we go!
This is the first time I'm writing about Lakan, hope I got him right.

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.”