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everytime huo zhanbai wakes up after a post-surgery coma, he'll find his hair braided.
shuanghong says the girls did it to pull his hair back so it doesn't get in the way of surgery; feng lü giggles maliciously, obviously making fun of him.
but really, huo zhanbai doesn't mind. not when xue ziye smiles at his braided buns amusedly, eyes twinkling bright. to be honest, he looks even more dashing with the waves in his soft, smooth tresses. from then on he adds an extra ribbon to his crown and makes washeing his hair with plum blossom water a routine.
one day, after a regular checkup of his shoulder wound, xue ziye's hand pauses on top of his head. a gentle pressure; huo zhanbai panics in his heart but tries to keep it cool when he realizes the valley master is carding her fingers through his hair. "not bad, so you're not just a pretty face, but you also know to take care of your hair. would have thought you're too much of a lawless dog." huo zhanbai's scalp tingle from her teasing words.
"excuse me, i am the central plains' top swordsman, famed for being reliable and handsome all around!"
xue ziye smiles gently and turns away. huo zhanbai relaxes his clenched fists, heart settling.
"plum blossom fragrance's a bit too outrageous for you, seventh master huo. i'll send shuanghong over with a scent i personally blended; then you'd fit better with aesthetics of the valley."
when xue ziye left, huo zhanbai covered his face with his hands.
his clothes and food, all taken care of by the girls in the valley. his hair, again, the girls. now even his perfume will be to the valley master's preferences.
isn't he just the valley's kept man now...?
END