Qianran wasn't against bare legs; in fact, they were appealing. But most of the time, the addition of stockings or tights enhanced the allure of a person's figure, adding a refined and tantalizing touch.
Clothing, once used purely for warmth and modesty in primitive times, had evolved over the ages into an art of adornment. Bare legs, while beautiful, often became monotonous in their uniformity across individuals. Stockings, however, solved this issue wonderfully, offering variety and elegance.
The best of such adornments, Qianran thought, should be reserved for the most intimate moments, when they could be slowly and lovingly removed to reveal the beauty underneath.
Meng Hongchen, with her sapphire-blue eyes and wine-red hair, carried off her sultry outfit with striking confidence. She could effortlessly shift between styles—her look with white stockings last time was equally captivating.
Switching out her sneakers, Meng Hongchen donned a pair of white heeled sandals with butterfly decorations, showcasing her long legs and adding to her sensual charm.
"Do I look good?" Meng Hongchen asked, stowing her clothes and shoes into her storage soul tool before taking Qianran's arm.
"I don't even know how to describe it—you look stunning."
"Compared to Ju Zi and Ke Ke?"
"You're, of course, the most beautiful." Qianran wisely avoided any words that might spoil the moment.
Truthfully, Ju Zi, Ke Ke, Na Na, and Meng Hongchen each had their unique charm, making it impossible to rank them definitively.
"Really?"
Meng Hongchen beamed with joy, even though she knew Qianran might just be flattering her.
"Qianran, do you… have a thing for my feet?" she asked shyly as they strolled along, her cheeks flushing.
"Ahem!" Qianran coughed lightly, caught off guard by her bold question.
"Well? Do you?"
"Uh… maybe just a little," Qianran admitted under her relentless questioning. While he wouldn't label himself as a foot enthusiast, the sight of Meng Hongchen's legs in black stockings paired with high-heeled sandals was undeniably captivating.
He had never really noticed before, but sandals, especially open-toed ones, added a unique appeal that even regular high heels couldn't match. They perfectly showcased the delicate curve of her calves and the elegance of her feet.
Meng Hongchen's outfit and demeanor brought to Qianran's mind a striking resemblance to the anime character Kasumigaoka Utaha, though Meng Hongchen lacked Utaha's mature, commanding presence. Around Qianran, Meng Hongchen's usual poise softened into a shy, girlish charm.
Among the women in Qianran's life, only figures like Qian Renxue, Xian Lin'er, and Cai Meier managed to maintain their imposing, mature aura in his presence. Most younger women, even those who began as confident and domineering, were soon disarmed by Qianran's brilliance and became affectionate and tender around him.
"Oh," Meng Hongchen muttered, her smile broadening as she glanced down at her feet.
She remembered how, during a previous meeting, Qianran's fascination with her feet had been quite evident. It seemed her choice of black stockings and sandals had only amplified that interest.
Reflecting on this, she couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Knowing Qianran liked her feet had motivated her to wear such an outfit. The combination of high heels with transparent sandals maximized the aesthetic appeal of her feet and calves, making it hard for anyone to look away.
Walking beside Qianran, Meng Hongchen looked every bit the lovestruck young woman. If not for Qianran's presence, she would likely have attracted countless admirers and endless attempts at conversation from passersby.
For many admirers of beauty, such an outfit wasn't about a particular "fetish" but simply a natural appreciation for elegance and allure.
Qianran didn't consider himself overly fixated on any one aspect. As long as it was beautiful, he appreciated it.
"Has Huo Yuhao stopped bothering you lately?" Qianran asked casually.
"Not really. I don't know what Grandpa is thinking. He used to seem intent on pairing me with him, but I've never had the slightest interest in that guy. He's nothing compared to you. I think Grandpa wanted me to stay at the academy just to set up more meetings with Huo Yuhao. But I honestly don't like him at all."
"Even though Grandpa has loosened up a bit now, he's still strangely enthusiastic about that guy."
"There's no way I'll let Huo Yuhao get what he wants. If he tries to bother me again, I'll beat him up and make my feelings crystal clear."
Meng Hongchen sighed, frustrated. She wanted to be with Qianran and didn't want her love life tangled with political or familial obligations. Yet, as the granddaughter of the Mingde Hall's master, she often found herself stuck in difficult situations.
Sometimes, she wished she could run away with Qianran and leave everything behind.
Having received so much from him—knowledge, training methods, and spiritual techniques—betraying him was unthinkable. Besides, she genuinely had no feelings for Huo Yuhao. While Huo Yuhao wasn't weak, he lacked the charisma and masculinity that Qianran exuded.
She adored Qianran's assertiveness and commanding presence.
Meng Hongchen vented her frustrations while Qianran listened with a smile.
"I'll go with you next time," Qianran said lightly, his tone full of confidence. After all, anyone who coveted what was his would inevitably lose.
"Really? That would be great!" Meng Hongchen's face lit up with joy.
"But for now..." Qianran's hand slyly slid down to her black-stockinged foot, gently tracing the curve of her delicate arch and feeling the warmth through the silky material.
"Ah!" Meng Hongchen gasped, her face turning crimson. Her feet, encased in black stockings and butterfly-adorned sandals, trembled slightly in his grasp, her toes twitching nervously as she tried to process her emotions.
Her initial embarrassment gave way to a shy delight as Qianran placed her legs on his lap. Emboldened, she began to playfully sway her feet, mimicking a technique she'd heard older women in Mingde Hall discuss.
The sandals, unlike closed high heels, left her feet partially exposed. Walking through the streets had inevitably allowed some dust to settle on her stockings, dampened by sweat in the summer heat.
Qianran's fingers traced the contours of her heels and toes, gently pressing the soft fabric.
Meng Hongchen instinctively tried to pull her foot away but found it held firmly in place by Qianran's grip.
"Qianran, don't..." she stammered, her face flushed a deep pink.
She felt utterly embarrassed. Wearing such revealing footwear to highlight her beauty had seemed like a great idea earlier. But now, faced with the inevitable realities of walking outdoors, she felt mortified by the smudges on her stockings and the slight dampness from sweat.
For someone as meticulous and clean as Meng Hongchen, this was a nightmare. And to have it happen in front of the person she cared about most made it even worse.
Her embarrassment was palpable, her face glowing with an awkward blush.
(End of Chapter)