The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 2 (Light Novel)

Maomao was profoundly uncomfortable with this reversal of their accustomed roles, but Jinshi looked like he was having the time of his life

Though she hadn’t meant to, it made her look as though she were studying a moth that had fluttered up to a lantern. Jinshi’s expression shifted to something difficult to describe.

Can’t have his hands looking too pretty, she thought. Jinshi’s hands, like his torso, were noticeably masculine. Maomao had always taken him for someone who had never lifted anything heavier than a pair of chopsticks or a writing brush, but his palms had detectable calluses on them.

Master Jinshi, please undress.”

“Er... Yes. Certainly,” Jinshi said, though he didn’t sound very certain.

“Then, if you’ll pardon me...” Maomao strode up beside Jinshi, grabbed the sleeves of his outfit, and shoved them against her face.

“Goodness gracious,” Suiren said. She left off combing Jinshi’s hair and hustled out of the room, taking Gaoshun with her as he tried to come in. (They didn’t go far, though: certainly not so far that they couldn’t quietly watch what was happening.)

“Wh-What do you think you’re doing?” Jinshi’s voice threatened to crack.

“Not at all, sir. I was merely contemplating the fact that you’ll spend yet another day being perfectly beautiful.”

And this man, he had the potential to transcend gender entirely

You were certainly hanging on every word Gaoshun said,” Jinshi remarked. He didn’t sound amused.

“I was only as engaged as anyone when a speaker has something interesting to say.”

Jinshi looked scandalized. “Now, just a moment. When I talk, you never...” He couldn’t even bring himself to finish the sentence, but for the moment, Maomao didn’t care.

“It’s gotten late,” she said. “If you won’t be needing me, sir, I’ll be going back.”

If you’ll excuse me, perhaps you could not pull faces at yours truly? It wounds me.” Jinshi’s hair was still wet;

In fact, Maomao hadn’t necessarily intended to continue with her freckles, but Jinshi had ordered her to keep them (though she didn’t understand why), and if her master commanded, she had to obey.