Chapter 104: A World-Famous Painting
The moment her words fell, a vein throbbed faintly at Vivian’s temple. Eve, noticing the change, instinctively frowned as well. The two of them sobered considerably at once, and the words Eve had just gathered the courage to say stuck in her throat.
That subtle reaction did not escape Vivian’s eyes. So that was why there had been no response—it turned out she had still been too indulgent. If that was the case, she would have to raise the intensity a little.
“Didn’t you say you had never tried it before?”
“What...?”
“Tsk. I mean that time in the study when you ran into me. Did you drink so much that you forgot?”
Eve blinked and tried hard to recall. Half-understanding, she nodded. Vivian then lifted her chin and said sternly, “Since I am teaching you now, you had better pay attention.”
And so, even though her wrist was still being held, her “specialized weapon” at her fingertips could still move freely. Who said this calligraphy was lacking? It was excellent. One had to learn it properly.
After several minutes of personal instruction from Vivian, Eve was like a blank sheet of paper. From knowing nothing at the beginning, she gradually began to experience something entirely new.
Even the ink’s place of origin was rare, making the writing process remarkably smooth.
Who would have thought? Beneath that usual expressionless, almost ascetic appearance lay such astonishing potential for growth. In barely ten minutes, she had already left the novice stage behind.
Vivian could clearly feel how hot Eve’s face had become, while the rest of her body remained warmly flushed. Perfect. It was simply perfect.
Five more minutes passed. Within the enclosed space of the car, soft, repeated sounds filled the air—though they were not kissing, and their source was difficult to determine.
Of course, it was not only the sounds that changed. Eve changed as well.
At some point, she had closed her eyes again. Her cheeks were faintly red, though clearly not just from alcohol. Why? Because she was biting her lip in secret, teeth pressing down in silent restraint.
Unfortunately, Vivian had no intention of prying those lips apart to investigate. Instead, she leaned down and bit gently at her earlobe.
The maid beneath her trembled at once, as if signaling that she had found the right spot. Receiving the cue, Vivian repeated the now-familiar sequence—teeth, breath, and whisper—against that delicate ear.
Five minutes...
Ten minutes...
Fifteen minutes...
Time passed slowly, second by second. Eve’s grip shifted from Vivian’s wrist to her shoulders. Her breathing grew increasingly uneven, until—
“Mm—ah...”
? ? ? !
A sudden sound broke the air, accompanied by an abrupt tension in her body. Vivian froze completely, unable to react for several seconds.
Had that... come from Eve?
Seven parts shock, three parts disbelief. She released the earlobe and lifted her head to look at the beautiful face before her. The moment she did, she realized something extraordinary.
There was no pretending now. In fact, she could not pretend even if she wanted to. The calm composure maintained through sheer endurance had finally collapsed.
At that moment, Eve raised an arm to cover her eyes. Her red lips parted slightly, opening and closing as she released breath after warm breath, each one silently testifying to her current state.
Seeing this, Vivian became certain she had not misheard. A surge of delight overtook her, so strong that she forgot entirely that her “clockwork toy” had already burned out.
“Ha...” Eve breathed again.
Yes, that was it. Success. A two-hit combo. Victory.
Determined to hear more, Vivian intensified her efforts. Though it was exhausting, it was worth it.
Nearly an hour had passed since the beginning. There was no sign of stopping. That beautiful, melodious sound grew more frequent with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, outside on the roadside—
The driver had nearly finished an entire pack of cigarettes. When he finally stood up, his legs seemed disconnected from his brain, completely numb.
“Ow, ow, ow—!”
He stumbled to the side. His polished leather shoes stepped squarely into a puddle, sending water splashing in all directions. His trousers and socks were soaked at once.
After all, it had rained heavily earlier that day. The sky was still overcast, so puddles were to be expected. It was only a matter of whether someone unlucky would send the water flying.
Or perhaps... whether someone had done it on purpose.
...
And those who act on purpose inevitably receive their due consequences. Physical exhaustion. Black stockings and skirts stained. Breath coming unevenly.
Vivian shook her hand, astonished at how formidable the lesson had been. Then, as if struck by a thought, she glanced at her fingertips before lowering her gaze to the white-haired maid beneath her, who now appeared somewhat different.
Only the lower half of Eve’s face was visible, her eyes hidden behind her arm. But it was enough. While her lips were still parted and moving—
“Take your time savoring it. This is the result of your own effort,” Vivian said with a playful smile, reaching to move the arm away.
It was easy. Closed eyes. Damp lashes. A flushed, vulnerable expression filled her view. It felt like clearing a high-difficulty dungeon solo and unlocking a hidden reward.
“Gulp...”
There was an excellent accompaniment right before her eyes. Instinctively, she almost attempted another round of practice—only to remember that her hands were already sore.
Vivian shook her head, trying to regain clarity. She cast a resentful look at Eve, who had fallen asleep within seconds. Somehow, it was she who felt neglected.
“You may be satisfied, but what about me?”
Only now did she truly realize that she had done that sort of thing with this girl...
It had been taking advantage, technically. Who knew whether Eve would remember any of it after waking? What if all this effort proved meaningless? That would be a complete failure in development.
Moreover, even after the lesson was complete, that nameless fire within her had not diminished in the slightest. And her “specialized weapon” had been utterly exhausted from her earlier exertions.
“Tsk...”
An immature thought surfaced.
Should she wake her?
No, no. Until she heard this girl clearly say while sober that she liked her, she would not allow further liberties.
But she wanted to...
After some deliberation, Vivian thought of a compromise. Since she was asleep, that meant she would not know. So she would borrow her for the time being.
With that decided, Vivian first removed her own undergarments and tossed them aside next to Eve’s. Then she carefully lifted Eve’s hand, cautious not to wake her.
Lowering herself, she pressed close, soft against soft. Though she closed her eyes as well, there was not the slightest hint of sleepiness in her until her own “practice” was complete.
A world-famous painting.
Eve was asleep.