NOVPUBSeveral Eastern tourists became even more furious, pointing at the staff and cursing loudly.
The staff had no choice but to think, "We're all Easterners, and the ones on the train are Huaxia people. Why don't you go scold them instead!"
Once on the small train, Shen Yuan glanced at the group of students. "International students? Or are you all here traveling together?"
"International students," one of them replied.
Shen Yuan looked at them. "Oh, the tickets are 880 yen, but you can just give me 1600 yen."
"Huh?"
The students were instantly dumbstruck.
"Just kidding, you really don't have a shred of humor in you," Shen Yuan said with a smirk, patting one of them on the shoulder before walking ahead.
At least they were tactful and knew better than to freeload, ensuring they didn't sit in car number five.
In this small train, only car number five is an open carriage—no windows, and the roof is transparent. Luckily, it wasn't raining today, so they could get up close and personal with nature.
The red train body paired with wooden seats, along with the preserved antique train engine, gave off a vintage vibe.
Moreover, this small train didn't run on electrified tracks. According to Lu Xinyue, it operated on a DE10-type diesel engine, so the rhythmic clunks and rattles added to the nostalgic feel.
As the small train started moving, Lu Xinyue and Fang Minhui turned their bodies outward, their eyes gleaming as they snapped pictures with their phones.
Tan Xin and Ji Ya were a bit more restrained. However, visiting a new place inevitably sparks curiosity, and they frequently glanced outside.
Eastern sightseeing railways are known for their uniqueness, and the scenery along the way blends Lanshan's landscapes with the soothing sound of Hozu River's flowing water. Combined with the vibrant red maple leaves scattered everywhere, it feels like stepping into a dynamic painting.
It really was beautiful.
Beautiful scenery deserves beautiful company. Shen Yuan first wrapped his arm around Fang Minhui for a while, then moved next to Lu Xinyue, silently placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Nice shots. Pick a few good ones and send them to me later," Shen Yuan said softly.
Lu Xinyue's delicate face turned bashful, her cheeks flushing red. "Um, okay."
After finishing the train ride, they returned to the hotel, and it was already six o'clock. They had local cuisine at the hotel's all-day dining restaurant for dinner.
After eating, Shen Yuan patted his stomach but felt like something was missing. He casually glanced at a shy-looking Lu Xinyue and was surprised to see a "Feel-good Index" displayed above her head.
[Feel-good Index: 62]
Tsk, the little translator has fallen for him, huh?
Last night, Fang Minhui had been teased until two in the morning. After playing all day, she was already exhausted. After being fed by Shen Yuan, she took a bath and collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep sleep.
Seeing that it was only 9:30, Shen Yuan opened the chat box with Lu Xinyue, pondering for a moment before sending: [Where are those photos you promised me? You're not editing them, are you?]
A moment later, the message was replied to: [Yes, they need a bit of touch-up and filters.]
Shen Yuan: [Editing alone must be tiring. How about this—I'll come over and help you.]
On the other end, Lu Xinyue's heart started racing like a fawn.
"What to do, the boss wants to come to my room… Should I let him come or not? But it's already so late… If he comes, he won't do anything to me, will he?"
Before Shen Yuan even arrived, Lu Xinyue's face had already turned red. Thinking for a bit, she took off her sleepwear and put on her bra and underwear.
She had an "L-Sleeping" habit and was afraid her boss might see any embarrassing shapes.
"Wait, Lu Xinyue, you haven't even decided whether to let him come, but you've already put on your bra? Isn't that the same as agreeing to let him come?"
Then Lu Xinyue reconsidered: "But… if I don't let him come, would he really not come?"
As she spiraled into her chaotic thoughts, the door gently swung open. Unexpectedly, the boss had already arrived.
"Boss…" Lu Xinyue shrank back instinctively, suddenly feeling a little flustered.
"Relax, I'm just here to see how your editing's going and if you need any help," Shen Yuan said.
Frankly, Shen Yuan didn't know a thing about photo editing. He couldn't even take decent pictures. Whenever the class belle asked him for help with photos, she complained about his lack of angles.
Boss, are you really here to help me edit photos? Even Lu Xinyue couldn't believe it, but what choice did she have when he was already inside?
Shen Yuan closed the door and sat by the side of Lu Xinyue's bed. "It's windy outside, and you're barely dressed. You don't want to catch a cold, do you?"
Lu Xinyue shyly lowered her gaze, making her even more nervous.
"Come on, let me see."
Shen Yuan reached for her wrist and guided her to unlock her phone. The sudden physical contact made Lu Xinyue freeze.
"Ah… the boss is holding my hand…"
Looking at the hand so close to her, Lu Xinyue's cheeks turned even redder.
It was slightly cool to the touch, the joints clear, and the fingers elegantly slender—like the type of hands you'd only see in comics.
Most importantly, those hands were steering hers to unlock the phone. Lu Xinyue breathed harder, clueless about what to do.
"Huh? Xinyue, why is your face so red? Are you running a fever?"
Saying that, Shen Yuan pressed the back of his hand against her cheek. "It does feel warm. Should I take your temperature?"
Ah, the boss touched my face with his hand…
Lu Xinyue's flushed face was entirely due to her embarrassment and excitement. But there was no way she could admit that, so she lightly nodded.
"Alright, let's check it then."
Shen Yuan knew there was a medical kit in the suite, so he retrieved a thermometer from the living room before returning to Lu Xinyue's side.
After giving the thermometer a shake, Shen Yuan looked at Lu Xinyue. "Alright, Xinyue, let me take your temperature."
"Umm… boss, let me do it myself, please."
To take her temperature, she would need to unbutton her sleepwear to place the thermometer near her armpit. It was way too private.
"No worries, I'll help you out." Shen Yuan remained insistent, thinking to himself, "If I let you do it yourself, then why did I bother coming?"
Lu Xinyue still preferred to handle it herself, but Shen Yuan's persistence left her with no choice but to agree reluctantly.
"Um, boss, can you turn away first?" Lu Xinyue prepared to unbutton her sleepwear.
"Alright," Shen Yuan complied, turning his back to her, though he figured he'd get a good view later regardless.
Lu Xinyue unbuttoned one button and paused as she worked on the second. From her angle, even the bra straps were visible. The thermometer should fit now, so unbuttoning further seemed unnecessary.
Ahhh, Lu Xinyue, what are you doing? She suddenly regretted agreeing to take her temperature in the first place, but it was too late to turn back.
"Alright, boss…"
"Okay."
Shen Yuan turned around to see her shyly beautiful face, with one unbuttoned spot revealing a subtle glimpse of her pink bra below.
Turns out young women really do favor pink.
And beneath the bra's curve, the snow-white cleavage faintly revealed itself.
Shen Yuan solemnly shook his head. "With just this, the thermometer won't fit properly. Let me help with…"
"Boss, don't…"
Before Lu Xinyue could finish her sentence, Shen Yuan had already reached over and undone her second button.
This left roughly a third of her bra exposed to the air. The pristine cleavage stared straight at Shen Yuan, as though it was pulling him deeper into the abyss.
Lu Xinyue blushed furiously, shielding her chest with her hands and avoiding eye contact with Shen Yuan. "Boss, it's just taking my temperature…"
"Exactly, this is the only way to get the thermometer in properly. You're the one who said it's just taking your temperature," Shen Yuan gently persuaded, removing her hands. He guided her to raise one arm as he inserted the thermometer beneath.
But whether intentionally or unintentionally, the thermometer kept missing the target and instead rubbed clumsily against her bra.
The friction between the bra and her skin sent tingling sensations through her, making Lu Xinyue bite her lip in shame. "Boss, that's not the right spot…"
"Oh, sorry, sorry, let me keep trying," Shen Yuan apologized, his demeanor serious as if genuinely searching for her armpit. But in truth, his gaze never strayed from the alabaster expanse in front of him.
Hmm, quite large, quite smooth—how does the size and feel compare to the class belle's?
"Have you found it yet?"
Lu Xinyue asked nervously.
Her entire life, she had never experienced something so mortifying. She couldn't decide whether her boss was merely helping her or exploiting the situation.
In particular, the brush of his hand as he inserted the thermometer against her bra brought waves of tingling sensations that she struggled to suppress.
"Almost there, just a little more," Shen Yuan murmured.
