Jinshi and Maomao Short Stories Collection

Stop the thief! Part 2

Jinshi watched with a frown on his face how Maomao kept looking absent-mindedly at the apple in her hand until her eyes suddenly widened as if an idea had occurred to her. He was still quite upset with her, but deep down also curious what she was planning to do next. Hopefully something more original than presenting him more of those awful excuses that could be smelled a hundred miles away…

He waited, but Maomao didn't say anything. Instead, she put on her shoes in silence, bent down, and tore an apple from the broken-off branch that had fallen on Jinshi's head earlier. Holding now one apple in each hand, she wiped them with her skirt and offered one to the young noble. Still without pronouncing even one word.

That gesture caught him completely off guard, to such a point that he even let go of her shoulder. Well, who would have thought? That apothecary always managed to surprise him again and again.

Yes, exactly. That was the result of the conclusion Maomao had arrived to. If she was unable to escape and her excuses ended up being useless, too, then there was only one way out of that dangerous situation she had gotten herself into: she needed to pull Jinshi over to her side and make him her partner in crime!

Even if she had to shove that apple into his mouth with her own two hands for that purpose!

Jinshi, who had composed himself in the meantime, gave a quiet snort and crossed his arms, arching an eyebrow.

"Oh, and now it's a bribery attempt, huh?"

His voice still sounded strict, but there was also a hint of amusement lingering in it. Well, to be perfectly honest, he found her idea so funny that he could already feel his anger gradually fade away. Of course, he had understood Maomao's intention on the spot, for it wouldn't be the first time of him getting "presents" from palace ladies (and also gentlemen), who were trying to win his favor. But no one had ever done it in such a direct and blunt way before and with a completely neutral face, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

But no wonder, since Maomao was really the only one capable of pulling off something like that.

How very insolent!

But despite himself, he also noticed that his heart had already begun to melt away.

And how... incredibly adorable!

Oh.

As it looked like, she had already managed to wrap him around her little finger. And with barely any effort at all.

The corners of Jinshi's mouth curved upwards against his will while he was trying desperately to suppress a smile. But Maomao, who was now staring at the ground with her lips tightly pressed together, didn't notice it anyway.

The young noble fought with himself. He couldn't let her get away with this, he absolutely couldn't! Well, in the beginning, he had planned to, but not after what had happened just a few minutes ago! What if she fell from such a tree once again, however, without him being there to catch her? He didn't even want to imagine it. The mere idea was just too terrifying.

Finally, Jinshi cleared his throat, in an effort to put on a most serious expression, which caught Maomao's attention again. He saw her gulp nervously as she raised her head and looked him into the eyes once more.

Jinshi kept silent for another moment...

...and then took the apple out of her hand.

"Very well, then I will let it slide for today." 

Damn his weakness! And Maomao's cuteness as well!

Once she heard his words, Maomao already wanted to exhale deeply with relief, but Jinshi wasn't done yet.