Chapter 49: Shidu Hot Spring Trip, Zhu Xiaopeng

Under the night sky, the Xucheng bus station remained bustling with people coming and going.

“Chen Yansen, I’m over here!”

Meng Jie stood among the crowd, backpack on her shoulders, waving at Chen Yansen in the distance.

To meet him, she had applied light makeup, worn a deep blue long dress, and paired it with a short jacket; her smile was radiant, her eyes brimming with joy, like a thirsty traveler suddenly spotting an oasis.

“Wow, wow, wow—Class President Meng’s first time wearing a dress? This has to be commemorated! Come on, look at the camera, smile.”

Chen Yansen smiled faintly, pulled out his phone, and draped an arm around Meng Jie’s shoulder.

“Do I look good? It’s not just for you—I’m performing at the Shangxue Academy’s welcome party next week as class president.”

Meng Jie grinned, saying one thing but meaning another.

Ever since seeing Chen Yansen, her smile hadn’t faded; they’d only been apart four or five days, yet she couldn’t sit still at home—her mind was filled with his image.

“Then I definitely have to come see it.”

Chen Yansen took her small hand and squeezed it tightly in his palm; this girl, inexperienced in love, was easy to handle—just a little intimacy sent her heart racing for hours.

They flagged down a taxi on the roadside; once inside, Chen Yansen told the driver, “To Shidu Hot Spring Hotel.”

Beside him, Meng Jie didn’t notice a thing.

The driver grinned, thinking he’d landed a big fare—this was a long ride.

More than ten minutes passed.

Meng Jie noticed the street scenes outside growing increasingly unfamiliar and frowned. “Driver, aren’t you going the wrong way?”

“No mistake! Aren’t you going to Shidu Hot Spring Hotel?”

The driver paused, checked the street sign, confirmed he was on course, then replied.

I’ve been exhausted lately and wanted a couple days off. Just then, the new hot spring hotel in neighboring Shidu opened, so I thought I’d take you there to relax together.

Chen Yansen squeezed her soft hand and explained seriously.

Hot spring hotel? Together to relax?

Meng Jie’s cheeks flushed, and she whispered, “My dad was right—you’re a bad boy, always trying to take advantage of me.”

“Then should I tell the driver to turn back to campus?”

Chen Yansen teased her with a smile.

“Fine. I brought packed beef soup in my bag—we can go back to Room 0418 and I’ll cook it for you?”

Meng Jie knew going to the hotel with Chen Yansen was like a lamb entering the tiger’s den. She truly liked him, but didn’t want their relationship to progress too fast—not yet, she wasn’t mentally ready.

“It’s fine—the hotel has a shared kitchen; we can still cook beef soup.” Chen Yansen patted her, signaling her not to worry.

Am I worried about that?

Meng Jie was both annoyed and amused, shooting him a resentful glance—thinking: I’m afraid you’ll take advantage of me!

Yet from then on, she didn’t object further, as if she’d forgotten the matter, her gaze shifting quietly as she listened to the rhythm of her own heartbeat.

The one-and-a-half-hour drive passed in a flash.

Chen Yansen checked them in; the room was loft-style: downstairs held a bathroom, a tatami relaxation area, and a three-meter-square pool; upstairs held two single beds and a desk.

“I’ll fill the tub first—takes about half an hour.”

Chen Yansen tossed his phone and key card aside, then moved to unbutton his shirt.

“Don’t take off your clothes—I’m scared!” Meng Jie lowered her eyes, her voice timid.

Her tone was utterly unlike her usual self.

Chen Yansen stopped, looked at her seriously, and saw her chin trembling, a glistening tear clinging to her lashes—she was terrified.

“Then I’ll change clothes in the bathroom,” Chen Yansen suddenly said.

Meng Jie exhaled in relief; along the way, she’d feared both that he’d act recklessly and that refusing him would upset him.

Soon after, Chen Yansen finished washing, stepped out wrapped in a towel.

The hot spring pool was already half full; he placed a pillow behind his head and lay back comfortably.

“Go wash up. After the soak, I’ll take you out for dinner.” Chen Yansen closed his eyes, looking utterly relaxed, speaking casually to Meng Jie.

“Uh—warn you, don’t you dare misbehave!” Meng Jie whispered a warning, though without much conviction.

“Yes, yes, yes! I know—go on, hurry up.” Chen Yansen waved her off, sounding dismissive.

Meng Jie hesitated for a long while, then picked up her bag and entered the bathroom.

When she finished bathing, wrapped in a towel, and peeked out cautiously, she realized Chen Yansen seemed asleep.

His breathing was steady, his chest rising and falling gently; his handsome face glistened with fine droplets of water, and his exposed arms showed clear, defined muscle lines.

Chen Yansen always wore shirts—he’d never shown it, but beneath his clothes lay a powerful physique.

Meng Jie tiptoed to the pool’s edge, gently prodded his muscle—and seeing no reaction, realized his claim of being tired was genuine; he’d truly been working hard.

She imitated Chen Yansen’s posture, lying down comfortably, yet her eyes never left him.

They’d been classmates for three years; previously, they’d only discussed math problems together. In the two months since graduation, he’d transformed—his demeanor, speech, experience, and ability to earn money all far surpassed his peers.

Add to that his wit, humor, and knack for making people happy—and despite her father’s repeated warnings not to date Chen Yansen, Meng Jie had fallen for him.

“Dad, you don’t understand him—Chen Yansen is truly, truly good.”

Meng Jie squinted, feeling the warm spring water flow over her pale skin, thinking quietly to herself.

Long after, Chen Yansen suddenly opened his eyes and saw Meng Jie lying across from him, her slender legs submerged in the water, the soaked towel clinging tightly to her skin—at this moment, even the ripples seemed to take definite shape.

“Change clothes. I’m taking you out to dinner.”

Chen Yansen sat up abruptly, dropped those words, grabbed his clothes, and headed for the bathroom.

Meng Jie turned her head, stole a glance at him, then murmured “Mm,” waited until he closed the door, then slowly rose, dried herself, and wrapped a fresh towel around her.

She wasn’t tall; the towel covered her from below her shoulders to her calves—no risk of exposure.

After changing, they stepped outside onto the green lawn and found over a dozen young guests already there; the chef was grilling, tables laden with skewers, crayfish, seafood in sauce, and drinks.

“It’s buffet-style—help yourself to whatever you want.”

Chen Yansen told Meng Jie.

“You grab a table, I’ll get food.” Meng Jie glanced around, instantly drawn to the atmosphere, and ordered him.

Chen Yansen nodded with a smile, found an empty table, and sat beside a young man with a folk guitar—artsy, softly humming Xuwēi’s “Blue Lotus.”

After he finished singing, Chen Yansen complimented: “Bro, Yamaha F310—nice taste.”

“Oh? Brother, sharp eyes! Want to try the tone?” The artsy guy grinned and asked cheerfully.

“Then I won’t be polite!” Chen Yansen took the guitar, gave him a knowing look.

The artsy guy understood, picked up a beer, crossed his legs, and settled in to watch.

“Ding—”

Chen Yansen plucked a string casually to feel the vibe, then launched into the opening of “Yesterday Once More”—a soothing melody instantly filled the air.

Though an old song over fifty years old, Chen Yansen’s rendition carried deep resonance. His voice naturally had a grainy texture; the moment he sang, vivid imagery and narrative emotion surged forth.

Meng Jie, carrying food, heard the music, turned, saw Chen Yansen playing guitar, her eyes brightened instantly, and hurried back.

“You can play guitar? Why didn’t you perform at the New Year’s Eve party in high school?”

After finishing, Chen Yansen returned the guitar; Meng Jie tugged his sleeve, curiously asking.

“I only play for girls I like.” Chen Yansen spoke plainly; Meng Jie’s heart trembled slightly.

Chen Yansen had said this line in similar situations to many girls—and each time, it worked well.

“Then why did you pursue Zhou Keyuan in high school instead of me?” Meng Jie frowned.

“I was young, immature.” Chen Yansen dodged—he couldn’t say he hadn’t been reborn back then.

Meng Jie felt the answer was evasive, but she didn’t press further; she was naturally straightforward, unlike other girls who endlessly questioned.

They ate skewers, occasionally clinking glasses; the artsy guy watching them couldn’t help exclaiming he’d someday find a short-haired, handsome girl to sing and drink with.

Daytime: brothers. Nighttime: lovers.

After eating and drinking, Chen Yansen pulled her onto a moon chair and idly counted stars in the sky.

Listening to Meng Jie’s chatter, Chen Yansen smiled faintly; though he’d returned to age eighteen, his mindset was no longer youthful—he’d shed the naivety and awkwardness of eighteen.

The night wind grew cooler; people on the grass slowly thinned out.

Chen Yansen and Meng Jie returned to their room, each on a separate bed, separated by dozens of centimeters, quietly gazing at each other.

“Goodnight, Chen Yansen! Today left a deep impression on me—thank you.” Meng Jie traced patterns on his palm with her fingers, speaking softly.

“Goodnight!” Chen Yansen replied.

The next day, they had breakfast at the hotel, then followed staff to an outdoor clearing—green grass stretched before them, flanked by rows of white tents.

Inside the tents were teapots, dried fruit trays, and fresh fruit.

Chen Yansen accompanied Meng Jie in drinking tea and playing cards, occasionally stepping out for badminton, sometimes staying in the tent reading or listening to music.

Time flew; half the day vanished. When they returned to Xucheng College, it was already 6:30 p.m. on the fifth.

After dropping Meng Jie off at her dorm, he paused, then turned and walked into Building 8.

“Huh? Sen-ge, you’re back?” Meng Xibo looked up, startled.

“I didn’t go home—I’ve been busy with FoxTao these holidays. Where’s Song Yang? Call him—we’ll eat together.”

Chen Yansen scanned the room—Tang Zhenzhe, Zhu Xiaopeng, and Wang Zhengqiang were all there, but Song Yang was missing.

“Yangyang’s still in Jin Ling. He’ll probably arrive tomorrow afternoon—should we meet then?” Tang Zhenzhe suggested.

“Sen-ge, is your project still short on people?”

Zhu Xiaopeng put down his phone, sidled over with a grin, asking eagerly.

FoxTao had gained fame, caught the president’s attention and support, and upon launch, already attracted over a hundred thousand users—nearly everyone at Xucheng College knew of it.

Another striking detail: Chen Yansen had paid his team members between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan in September—this was only a part-time job.

Keep in mind that these days, 90% of college students have monthly living expenses of less than 1,000 yuan.

It was only natural for Zhu Xiaopeng to speak up first.

"Of course we’re short-staffed—so, are you interested?" Chen Yansen replied noncommittally.

Just to update you, yesterday our new book rank peaked at #30 overall and #8 in the urban category—thank you all for your support! However, our book still lacks a bit in terms of traction, so please cast your votes—we can climb one more step together! Another chapter at 8 PM!

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(End of chapter)

[101] These days, 90% of college students have less than 1,000 yuan per month for living expenses.

[102] Zhu Xiaopeng speaking up first was only natural.

[103] "Of course we're short-handed. So, are you interested?" Chen Yansen replied noncommittally.

[104] Reporting to the bosses: yesterday, the new book ranking peaked at #30, #8 in the urban category—thank you all for carrying me! But this book still lacks a bit in traction; please cast a few votes, let’s climb one more inch together! Another chapter at 8 PM!

[105]

[106]

[107](End of chapter)