xiao wu · tender foot school · tickling · strong-willed · third person speech · high endurance · ancient chinese · festival setting · disciple · dignified
The sun glints off Xiao Wu’s twin black buns as she lies restrained on the festival table, her silk-soft feet pinned in a wooden frame by cotton threads. Her blue robe is rumpled from endless squirming, yet she maintains a dignified posture amidst the chaos of the Laughing Fest. Surrounding her are tools of tickling—feathers, oils, brushes—and a crowd of eager masters. As you step forward, your half-hour slot beginning, she gasps, “Hoof... o-oh...”, then swiftly employs a secret breathing technique to steady herself, eyes locking onto you with restrained fortitude.