Translator: Lynn
Long Zichenâs decision to take a roundabout approach was driven by the fact that he knew someone who had received an endorsement but was hesitant to bring it up to Yuan Chao. Given the criticism Yuan Chao faced due to his relationship with Ye Jing, he wanted to avoid any business connections with her family, as it might give the impression that he pursued Ye Jing for personal gain. Yuan Chaoâs current infatuation made him unreliable in handling such matters, so Long Zichen had to make some sacrifices. His connection with Jian Jie seemed like a fortunate coincidence.
Jian Jie and Yuan Chao were blissfully unaware of these complexities and were enjoying themselves. It was the first time Jian Jie had visited a hot spring resort since he used to travel with his elder brother, but their outings together had become less frequent due to his brotherâs increasing workload.
The resort, spanning over 100,000 square meters, was surrounded by mountains and sea, offering breathtaking scenery. With a fresh snowfall, everything was draped in a silver-white blanket. After checking in, they took a tour in a sightseeing car before heading to their villa suites. Long Zichen had booked two villa suites for two people and planned a two-day, one-night itinerary for the four of them. They would indulge in an indoor coupleâs bath and spa in the afternoon, followed by evening entertainment, a medicinal bath the next day, and finally, return to their daily lives feeling content.
Over lunch at the resortâs restaurant, Yuan Chao was affectionately wrapped up with Ye Jing in their own little world. Before they left, he slyly winked at Long Zichen and whispered, âBrother, enjoy yourselves, but donât stare too much. Haha!â
Concerned about Jian Jieâs presence, Long Zichen had to suppress his anger and secretly thought of giving Yuan Chao a piece of his mind later. He then turned to Jian Jie, realizing that there would be great benefits in the future, and smiled brightly, âLetâs not bother with him and just enjoy our hot springs together.â
âSure,â Jian Jie agreed with a smile.
At the hot spring center, they were guided to a reserved coupleâs bath to maintain privacy as Jian Jie was a public figure. The coupleâs bath was a separate closed room of around one to two hundred square meters with a transparent roof, creating a warm and bright atmosphere.
Before getting into the hot spring, they had to rinse their bodies. Without realizing that someone was behind him and about to turn green with envy, Jian Jie undressed in the locker room without any hesitation and prepared to take a shower. With his broad shoulders, narrow hips, and well-toned body from sports, he had an enviable figure.
This sight caught Long Zichen off guard, and his blood rushed to his head. He felt dizzy, unable to move his eyes away from Jian Jieâs body. It was unusual for him because he had bathed in public areas before, but today seemed different. His gaze kept shifting between Jian Jieâs legs, comparing himself subconsciously. His imagination ran wild, and the more he thought about it, the thirstier he felt.
âBrother Chen, are you okay?â Jian Jie noticed that Long Zichen was staring at him without undressing for a long time.
Long Zichen snapped out of his daze and quickly undressed. Seeing Jian Jieâs pure and tender body and then looking at his own, he couldnât help but feel frustrated for lacking pectoral muscles and a proper posterior.
Suppressing his excitement, Long Zichen joined Jian Jie in the shower. Watching crystal droplets of water slide down Jian Jieâs body through the steam made his heartstrings almost snap again. It was like having a delicious cake in front of him, but he was only allowed to look and not touch. The torture was cruel, making him feel even more restless.
âI shouldnât have looked!â Long Zichen thought to himself, happy yet melancholic.
Even Jian Jie sensed that something was off with Long Zichen today. He kept looking at him with strange eyes. Could Brother Chen be jealous of my figure? Jian Jie could only speculate.
Under the shower, Long Zichenâs burning eyes remained fixated on Jian Jieâs body, making him uncomfortable. Jian Jie quickly wrapped himself up in a bathrobe, and Long Zichen sighed, looking away reluctantly.
âWhy does Brother Chen keep staring at me?â Jian Jie asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.
âI canât help but admire your great figure!â Long Zichen responded candidly, appearing entirely innocent. Despite his internal turmoil, he maintained a calm facade. Jian Jie was puzzled by his response.
The two of them put on their slippers and stepped outside. The water was clear like the blue sky, adorned with bright flower petals. Beside the bath were drinks and a row of red candles, creating a romantic atmosphere for couples.
âWhy is this place so beautiful?â Jian Jie expressed his surprise, unaware of the ulterior motives behind the setup.
Long Zichen playfully opened his eyes wide and teased, âThey probably know youâre a big star, so they arranged all this to please you. Look how popular you are! When you become a superstar in the future, youâll be picked up by a private plane wherever you go. The red carpet will be rolled out to your door, and youâll live in a presidential suite with thousands of fans outside. Red wine will be poured for youâthatâs the style! So you have to work hard!â
Jian Jie blushed with embarrassment and replied with a bitter expression, âBut I prefer drinking fruit juice. Isnât that more down-to-earth? Letâs forget about opening bottles and pouring thousands.â
Long Zichen exaggeratedly exclaimed, âWow, youâre too extravagant!â
Amidst laughter, they sprinkled some hot spring water on their bodies before getting into the pool. The water temperature was pleasantly warm, soothing their pores and making them feel incredibly comfortable. However, Jian Jie remained in his bathrobe, and Long Zichen regretted his intense gaze from earlier. He was concerned that Jian Jie might have noticed his reaction but also hoped that Jian Jie could understand his intentionsâa conflicted state of mind.
Jian Jie playfully extended his hands and feet in the water, smiling widely. He said, âThis feels amazing, Brother Chen. Thank you for bringing me here to enjoy this.â
Long Zichen was captivated by his smile and couldnât help but glance at Jian Jieâs delicate calves and feet. He swallowed hard and responded, âNo need to thank me. Iâm the one who should be grateful. Youâre so busy, yet you came out to play with me. Iâm the one whoâs happy!â
At that moment, Jian Jie suddenly felt something tickling his feet and exclaimed, âWhatâs touching my feet?â
Upon closer inspection, Long Zichen smiled and said, âItâs fine. Theyâre just a few small fish nibbling on the dead skin on your feet. Donât be scared.â
Jian Jie noticed the little fish and laughed at his own momentary fright, saying, âI got startled. I thought something was in the pond. Itâs amusing how these little fish eat dead skin. Itâs a fun experience.â He happily stretched his feet out, allowing the fish to swim around, tickling him, and adding to the fun.
Long Zichen couldnât help feeling a bit envious. How dare those fish touch Xiaojie? It was too much! He moved closer to Jian Jie, pretending to casually touch his calf with his foot, and said in jest, âGive me a couple of those fish to play with. Theyâre biased and ignoring me because youâre too handsome.â
âAre you sure itâs not because of your athleteâs foot?â Jian Jie teased.
Long Zichen pretended to be offended and said, âXiaojie, youâre slandering me. My feet may stink a little, but I donât have athleteâs foot!â He looked wronged, like a cute little creature that could charm anyone.
After soaking for about 20 or 30 minutes, they got out of the pool to drink some water before soaking again. Eventually, they washed up and put on clean bathrobes to head to the spa.
While they were enjoying an essential oil massage, a waiter came to inform them that Yuan Chao wanted to speak with them. Long Zichen grinned mischievously, excited about the opportunity to witness Yuan Chao seeking their help. After all, Yuan Chao deserved a taste of his own medicine for his earlier teasing.
The annual Childrenâs Day party is here again, and the kindergarten is filled with children wearing red cheeks and beauty marks on their brows. Among them are four-year-old Jian Jie and five-year-old Shui Xiaoren. The teachers say, âLetâs invite the children from Class Two to perform the dance âFlying Butterfliesâ!â Baby Jian Jie and Baby Shui Xiaoren, with little wings on their backs, step onto the stage with their classmates. They stretch their arms, wiggle their bottoms, and spin aroundâbut oh no! Their wings fall off! Baby Jian Jie stops and stares at the fallen wings, while Baby Shui Xiaoren also pauses and peers at them. Throughout the show, they both stand there, fixated on the pair of wingsâ¦
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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