*
After the weekend, the resort's crowd indeed thinned out. Jian Ran and Zheng Hui changed early and eagerly headed out to experience the hot springs.
The hot springs here were famous, known as 'the Jade Pool on Earth.' They offered both indoor and outdoor open-air hot spring areas.
Additionally, the resort provided various entertainment facilities like a water park, cinema, KTV, and game rooms.
"Let's hit the entertainment area this morning. I heard they have massages, spas, manicures, eyelash extensions, and more," Zheng Hui said, looking excited.
"Damn, our last project was so rushed. Our advisor worked us like mules. I've been cut off from the world."
Jian Ran didn't mind. She was fine with anywhere.
But she was curious about one thing: "Are you all that busy?"
"Super busy. Our lab has tons of projects. No one gets a break," Zheng Hui replied.
But she saw what Jian Ran was really asking and didn't beat around the bush. "But Junior Chu is even busier. No choice—more ability, more work. He's our advisor's top disciple."
Jian Ran said, "Oh," nodding thoughtfully.
Following Zheng Hui's plan, they had a fulfilling morning. They had a full set of massages and spa treatments, got manicures and eyelash extensions, and even caught a movie at the cinema.
But the arrangement drew Jiang Ming's complaint. "Senior sister, not to be rude, but we came to a hot spring resort. If you don't soak in the hot springs and do all this instead, aren't you putting the cart before the horse?"
At the very least, they could go to the arcade.
Zheng Hui shot back, "Putting the cart before the horse is what you get. I told you and Junior Chu to go off on your own this morning. You chose to tag along—who can you blame?"
Jiang Ming pouted but dared not argue further.
Was it his choice to tag along? It was Chu Lulin. Left alone, what fun would he have? He had to stick with them.
Jian Ran smoothed things over with a laugh. The four of them had lunch, then went back to their rooms for a nap.
Back in the room, Jiang Ming finally found a chance to complain to Chu Lulin.
"Not to say anything, but Senior Sister Zheng is too much. Before we came, I told her to look after Sister Ran for you, but she doesn't have to leave no space at all."
Seeing how close she and Jian Ran were, would they be together for the next few days?
Jiang Ming was exasperated. He'd suggested Chu Lulin bring Jian Ran here to create alone time. Zheng Hui butting in like this was a mess.
Chu Lulin frowned. This situation was clearly beyond his expectations as well.
Jiang Ming shrugged helplessly. "I'll find a way to get rid of Senior Sister this afternoon."
After their nap, it was time for the next activity: hot springs.
When Chu Lulin and Jiang Ming arrived, Jian Ran and Zheng Hui were already ready, waiting for them.
Just before leaving, Jian Ran suddenly remembered something she'd forgotten and hurried back to her room. When she returned, only Chu Lulin was there.
"Huh? Where are the others?"
Chu Lulin replied without missing a beat, "They're not going. The advisor just called. There's an issue with a project, and they need to deal with it temporarily."
Jian Ran was taken aback. So sudden? "You don't have to go?"
Chu Lulin shook his head. "No, that project isn't mine."
Jian Ran said, "Oh," and didn't think much of it. After all, they'd all brought their laptops on the trip.
"Then let's head over first. They can join us when they're done."
Indoor passages connected the residential areas to the hot spring area. Following the signs, they walked and chatted.
Both were dressed modestly. Jian Ran wore a conservative black two-piece swimsuit—a cross-style tank top with matching shorts to prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
Chu Lulin, even more so, wore a navy blue quick-dry tight suit, more covered than most shirtless guys soaking in the springs.
Even so, they attracted plenty of attention.
Especially Jian Ran. Though conservatively dressed, her figure was stunning, her long legs drawing countless eyes.
Nearly every guy they passed couldn't help but let their gaze linger on her.
Chu Lulin's frown deepened. Finally, he couldn't help but drape his towel over Jian Ran's shoulders.
Seeing the towel suddenly appear, Jian Ran was confused. "No need, I'm not cold."
Chu Lulin adjusted the towel around her, saying helplessly, "It's not because I'm afraid big sister is cold."
Jian Ran suddenly understood but wasn't entirely sure.
Chu Lulin smiled, admitting frankly, "That's right, I'm jealous."
"It's not just big sister who's afraid of other sisters taking a fancy to me. I'm afraid too."
Jian Ran blinked.
She'd always worried about other rich women stealing Chu Lulin away. This was the first time she knew he was also afraid. Why did that make her feel secretly pleased?
She raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "What are you afraid of?"
Chu Lulin's lips curled. His gaze was direct and passionate. "Naturally, I'm afraid of big sister... being taken by another younger guy."
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Author's note: Here I come~