Reincarnated as a Scholar: But I only write Erotica-Chapter 22: Ten outta ten

"I came to check on you. After yesterday, I was worried... you ran off so suddenly!" Her eyes flicked over him, taking in his messy state. "Are you feeling better now?"

Better? Lin Mao's mind raced, searching for a response that didn't involve admitting he had bolted because her accidental touch had turned him into a walking disaster.

"Yeah, uh, totally fine," he lied, scratching the back of his head. "Just needed some air, y'know? Fresh mountain breeze and all that." He leaned against the doorframe, trying to play it cool despite the fact that his heart was beating like a drum.

Keep it together, man. She's just a girl. A ridiculously hot girl who's way too close again.

Chu Ha nodded, seemingly satisfied, though her eyes lingered on him with that same innocent concern. "I'm glad! I would hate for Brother Lin to be unwell because of... well, whatever happened."

She stepped a little closer—too close—and Lin Mao's brain short-circuited as her scent hit him. He did his best to hold himself back from burying his face in her hair and never come up for air.

"Anyway," she continued, oblivious to the chaos she was unleashing, "I brought you something!"

She held out a small woven basket and lifted the cloth cover to reveal bunch of steamed buns. "I made these myself! They're not as good as Sister Ru's cooking, but I thought they might cheer you up."

Lin Mao stared at the buns, then at her, his mind steering straight into dangerous territory. Cheer me up? Oh, you're doing way more than that, Chu Ha.

He could already imagine her in some cozy kitchen, sleeves rolled up, stains of flour on her cheek as she kneaded dough. Then that image flipped into something far less innocent, her leaning over the table, offering a "taste" that had nothing to do with food.

He swallowed hard, forcing his eyes back to her face before his body betrayed him again. "You... made these? For me?" he said. "Damn, Chu Ha, you're gonna spoil me rotten."

She giggled, and pushed the basket into his hands. "It's nothing, really! I just wanted to help Brother Lin feel at home here."

Her fingers brushed his as she handed it over, and Lin Mao nearly dropped the damn thing as a jolt shot up his arm.

Banana status: 10% and climbing.

Abort, abort He gripped the basket tighter, praying his robes were loose enough to hide any evidence of his virgin body's shenanigans.

"Thanks," he managed, stepping back slightly to put some much-needed distance between them. "You're too good to me, Chu Ha. Way too good." He flashed her a grin. "Keep this up, and I might start thinking you've got a crush on me."

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Chu Ha's blush deepened, but she laughed it off, waving a hand. "Oh, Brother Lin, you're so silly! I just want us to be good friends."

She smiled at him and Lin Mao felt that ember flare again—not the old Lin Mao's despair this time, but something warmer, trickier.

Friends, huh? he thought. We'll see about that

"Well, stick around then," he said, waving his hand toward the room. "I'll try these buns and give you a full review." He winked, stepping aside to let her in—if she dared.

Chu Ha hesitated for a moment, her big dark eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and indecision. Then, with a small nod to herself, she stepped inside.

Lin Mao slid the door shut behind her, a grin tugging at his lips. Score one for the new Lin Mao, he thought, clutching the basket of buns like a trophy.

The room felt smaller with her in it, her presence filling the space with new sense of vitality.

He sat on the low bed, setting the basket between them as he waved her over. "C'mon, sit. Let's see if these buns are as good as you are cute." He winked, patting the spot next to him.

Chu Ha blushed and she sat delicately on the edge, her hands folded in her lap like a proper lady. Her dress shifted, hugging her thighs tighter and that didn't escape his notice. Focus, man. Buns first, degeneracy later.

He grabbed one of the buns from the basket and tore it open. "Alright, here we go," he said, taking a big bite. The texture was soft with just the right amount of sweetness that melted on his tongue.

He chewed slowly, savoring the taste as Chu Ha watched him with wide, eager eyes.

"Well?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.

Lin Mao swallowed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Damn, Chu Ha, these are fire. Fluffy, tasty, just the right one—Sister Ru's got competition. Ten outta ten."