NOVPUBThe broad palm was like a branding iron; each inch of skin it brushed across left an extraordinary burning sensation.
Lu Xinyue clenched her fists tightly, biting back the trembling in her chest. But there were certain things she couldn't suppress, like the blush that stained her fair cheeks and the glow spreading across her chest.
"Aren't you worried Fang Minhui might walk in, boss…"
To the side, Ji Ya noticed Lu Xinyue's flustered state and silently felt a pang of sympathy for her.
"Xinyue, do you really believe the boss brought you here just to be a translator? If so, you're far too innocent. But I hope you're mentally prepared…"
Shen Yuan pretended as though nothing was out of the ordinary—after all, if you didn't indulge yourself in a place like this hot spring, wouldn't that be a waste?
It would be irresponsible in this natural haven—toward Fang Minhui, Ji Ya, and the others alike.
To ensure the class belle wouldn't have the time or focus to notice Lu Xinyue, Shen Yuan's arms silently encircled her slender waist.
When holding her shapely waist, it felt as smooth as silk ribbons—soft, boneless, yet with a concealed resilience. Meanwhile, Lu Xinyue's waist offered a plush, fluid sensation to the touch.
Each had its charm.
The same went for the contours of their hips; Shen Yuan's fingers sank slightly into Lu Xinyue's soft curves, reminiscent of cotton—just the right touch revealed her delicate allure.
The class belle's dance-honed physique lent her a distinct elasticity in addition to the softness.
Indeed, every woman is a unique treasure chest, and deeper excavation always yields unexpected surprises.
Fang Minhui's rosy cheeks and half-lidded gaze showed she was savoring the tingling sensation from Shen Yuan's palm.
If she ever found out Shen Yuan was also caressing Lu Xinyue's waist and skin—and even comparing the two—she might just explode in anger.
Then came the sound of approaching footsteps.
Everyone's gaze shifted toward the source—it was Tan Xin.
She really took her post seriously, coming to stand guard as instructed.
Tan Xin had evidently showered already and changed into loose, long clothes. Her slight figure looked graceful yet commanding with her upright stance, exuding a unique feminine aura.
Her face was flushed with two faint hues of red—likely from the heat of the bathing room.
Women's baths are usually scaldingly hot, paired with the steaming mist that fills the room. Flushed cheeks after stepping out are typical.
The warmth brought an earthy touch to her usually icy demeanor.
This was more fitting—who would want her perpetually expressionless face scowling all day?
Tan Xin stood in the doorway, giving only a brief glance toward the pool before turning her gaze away swiftly.
"Such wanton debauchery."
Tan Xin muttered sarcastically to herself, though the redness in her cheeks deepened.
Shen Yuan: ?
Not from the hot shower?
Now that's interesting.
Shen Yuan raised a brow—Tan Xin, oh Tan Xin, so you can actually feel shy too?
"Why are you standing so far away? If danger comes, how will you protect us? Come closer—if not, I'll have to dock your pay!" Shen Yuan shouted with faux sternness.
Tan Xin hesitated but dared not protest out loud. She paced reluctantly closer, but her gaze stubbornly stayed level, refusing to wander toward the pool.
Shen Yuan reached out and tugged at the hem of her pants. "Let me see if you're wearing a swimsuit underneath."
Tan Xin's lips twitched ever so slightly, before stepping back out of Shen Yuan's reach.
Shen Yuan tilted his head up. "Why are you blushing? It's only a hot spring bath."
Tan Xin stayed silent, yet the flush on her cheeks spread further, catching Ji Ya's startled gaze—who was equally surprised that Tan Xin could blush so easily.
She had thought Tan Xin would stay rational and indifferent no matter the circumstances.
But honestly, who wouldn't blush around the boss, with a body fit to model underwear? Any girl would feel her temperature rising.
"Coming in, or not?" Shen Yuan issued a final ultimatum.
Tan Xin refused to relent, stubbornly retreating another step backward.
But Shen Yuan never expected her to step into the pool; instead, he scooped water with his hands and splashed it directly at her.
Tan Xin reacted quickly but couldn't block such an amount of water, leaving her face, body, and legs drenched.
The allure of a soaked figure.
Her damp hair fell against her forehead, lending her a rare charm, but even more captivating were her neckline and waist. The faint shadow of her bra underneath hinted at an enticing and mysterious silhouette.
It was clear despite Tan Xin's slender frame; she had a figure worth appreciating—just how much? The wet clothes, though revealing, didn't make it entirely noticeable.
Her pants clung transparently, and Shen Yuan caught a glimpse of her underwear's edge.
All white—and matching.
Huh, I had assumed girls like her would lean toward black underwear. Apparently, not as icy as she lets on—could she be quietly wild inside?
Shen Yuan mused to himself.
Tan Xin's expression turned stormy for the first time. She inhaled deeply and spoke evenly, "It seems you don't require anyone guarding, boss. I'll go change my clothes."
"Change and come right back, got it? Or else I'm docking your pay." Shen Yuan yelled after her retreating figure.
Treating the remark as nonexistent, Tan Xin walked off without looking back.
Under the water, Fang Minhui pinched Shen Yuan vigorously, her face unmistakably tinged with jealousy. "Why are you teasing her like that?"
"How's that teasing? I was just making a lighthearted joke," Shen Yuan replied leisurely.
"It was teasing! Look, Sister Tan Xin's face is red!" Fang Minhui pouted in protest.
Shen Yuan brought his lips close to her ear, wrapping his arms around her under the water. "Alright, alright, then let me tease our dear Hui Babe instead."
"Stop it! Sister Ji Ya and Xinyue are around!" Fang Minhui protested as her own cheeks turned vividly red.
"Why so shy? In bed, you're not like this at all, are you?"
"Stop making things up! When did I ever… Mmm… Don't… Stop it…"
Fang Minhui bit her lips, her gaze turning hazy.
Lu Xinyue, catching glimpses of their interaction through her peripheral vision, felt her chest tighten. She never imagined she'd witness them kissing so openly—it sparked intense envy. 𝒏𝒐𝙫𝙥𝙪𝙗.𝒄𝙤𝙢
"After all, I'm just a translator. How could I ever compete with a 'rumored girlfriend'…"
A wave of jealousy sprang up and surged in her heart… Why couldn't the girl cradled in the boss's arms, the one kissed so tenderly, be me?
