Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Shen Muyun’s lips twitched. He glanced at the outdoor hot spring. His wounds hadn't healed, so he could indeed only *watch*. *Watch*? That didn’t sound right—what was there to watch? What’s so interesting about a man bathing?

Before Shen Muyun could speak, Lu Huainan pulled him straight to the hot spring pool. The moment the floor-to-ceiling window opened, the fresh air, mingled with the scent of earth, wafted in, incredibly refreshing. It had to be said, autumn in Jiangcheng was truly delightful.

“Brother Yun, this was specially designed by Dr. Qi. The hot spring water here is drawn directly from North Mountain, guaranteed pure and natural. It’s a pity, though, you can only watch today. But sunbathing isn’t bad either, what do you think?”

Lu Huainan walked to the edge of the hot spring pool and stripped completely, leaving Shen Muyun wide-eyed. Was this man always so uninhibited?

Shen Muyun settled onto a beach chair, eyeing the fruit on the small table beside him. This place was quite lovely; he’d definitely return to relax again, but next time, without Lu Huainan.

Seeing Shen Muyun seated, Lu Huainan leaned against the pool’s edge, splashing his feet. “Brother Yun, what are you thinking about so intently? Did you hear what I said?”

“Huh? Yes, I heard. I can only look, not partake.”

Lu Huainan propped his hands on the bank. “What? Only look, not eat? The fruit? I specifically ordered it before we came. Brother Yun likes strawberries, right? These were picked from my estate. Try them and see if you like them. There are also sun-kissed grapes—only the best were chosen.”

Shen Muyun frowned, glancing at the fruit on the table. This Lu Huainan was probably up to no good. Estate-grown strawberries—wasn’t he afraid Shen Muyun wouldn’t come? He picked up a strawberry, and its fresh, sweet juice instantly burst in his mouth. It truly tasted good. As for the grapes, he’d try them later.

Lu Huainan was definitely doing this on purpose. Owing him a favor felt truly uncomfortable.

Shen Muyun narrowed his eyes, basking in the sunlight. It had been rainy for days, so finally having a clear day felt incredibly soothing.

Seeing Shen Muyun so relaxed, Lu Huainan took a few steps back and leaned casually against a decorative rock, closing his eyes for a brief nap.

The System suddenly appeared before Shen Muyun with a “poof,” startling him. Would Lu Huainan notice?

“System, why did you just pop out like that? Lu Huainan…”

“He can’t see me, don’t worry, esteemed Host Master. How far have you two progressed? This quest isn’t difficult—you’re even soaking in a hot spring together, and in such a private club. You two…”

Shen Muyun immediately stood up, turned, and opened the floor-to-ceiling window to check on Lu Huainan in the hot spring. Seeing no movement, he relaxed and drew the curtains.

Lu Huainan cracked an eye open, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.

“What do you mean ‘you two’? How is this the main quest? I’m completely bewildered. System, what about the affection level? Any changes?”

The System’s small screen flashed with blue light, and soon the affection level prompt appeared. “Host Master, look at the ‘Nanfeng’ meter! Lu Huainan’s affection for you is off the charts! This is a prime opportunity. Whether it’s a confession or a contractual romance, this is your best chance. You need to think carefully—will you make the first move, or let him? It makes a difference, especially regarding your future standing in the household.”

Shen Muyun let out a long sigh. “But I… What standing in the household? System, explain clearly. Isn’t confessing or whatever just playing a part?”

“Host Master, there are no ‘buts.’ There’s also Lu Huainan’s birthday coming up. You—just be a bit more proactive! Take the initiative. Besides, this is just a dimension. Once the main quest is completed, you might even get a fresh start. Isn’t that better than staying here forever?”

Shen Muyun nodded. Staying here indefinitely was indeed not a long-term solution. “System, if I complete the main quest, where will I go?”

“Well, actually…”

Before the System could continue, a sound came from outside. “Brother Yun, where did you go?”

Shen Muyun quickly replied, “I’m in the room, just looking for something. I’ll be right there.”

Lu Huainan didn’t press further.

“System, we’ll discuss this later. I need to go now.”

The System watched Shen Muyun leave, fluttered its digital wings a few times, and vanished into thin air.

Shen Muyun emerged with a charger and saw Lu Huainan swimming. “What’s up, Huainan?”

Lu Huainan immediately stopped, standing in the water, and watched Shen Muyun approach the edge. A mischievous idea sparked in his mind—he grabbed Shen Muyun’s ankle and yanked him down forcefully.

Shen Muyun hadn’t expected this move from Lu Huainan. Stumbling, he tried to grab onto something but found nothing within reach. “Ah!”

The moment he touched the water, there was no pain as he’d imagined. Instead, his wounds felt soothed.

Seeing his plan succeed, Lu Huainan wrapped his arms around Shen Muyun’s waist and whispered in his ear, “Brother Yun, how do you like it?”

Shen Muyun found the gesture too intimate and wriggled uncomfortably, grabbing Lu Huainan’s arm with one hand. “Huainan, stop messing around.”

“I’m not messing around. I just thought the hot spring was nice and wanted you to try it. I asked Dr. Qi—he said he added medicine to the water, good for your recovery. So…”

Shen Muyun had a vague feeling that his relationship with Lu Huainan was becoming ambiguous, as if an invisible hand was pushing them together. Could it be the System? No, that didn’t seem right.

“Um, Huainan, ease up a bit. My chest wound is getting uncomfortable.”

Lu Huainan loosened his grip slightly. “Brother Yun, I heard you’re not a strong swimmer, so I’m holding onto you. You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”

Lu Huainan’s face looked so innocent. If he put it that way, Shen Muyun had no reason to refuse.

Shen Muyun gently turned over, resting his arm on a nearby rock. “Well, the water isn’t deep here. It’s fine.”

“Oh? Brother Yun, I remember that pool wasn’t deep either, but you still ended up swallowing water.”

Shen Muyun froze. The swimming pool? So Lu Huainan had been there that day, but he hadn’t noticed. Was he really the prey, trapped in his game without realizing it? This was bad—the main quest was getting stranger by the minute.

“That… that was an accident. It happened too suddenly, so I wasn’t prepared. Huainan, loosen your grip a bit—I can barely breathe.”

Lu Huainan’s intense gaze fixed on Shen Muyun, full of aggression.

Hearing Shen Muyun’s words, he immediately let go. “It’s my fault—I didn’t control myself well. Sorry, Brother Yun. How does it feel here? Much better than those hot spring resorts in North Mountain, right? Dr. Qi put a lot of effort into this. Also, this area is part of the development project in the contract. Originally, I wanted Dr. Qi to make way so the club could be closer to North Mountain, but after inspecting the site, I decided against it.”

So the purpose of coming here wasn’t just to relax—it was also a field survey. Truly fitting for the president of Lu Corporation, thinking about work even on a day off.

Lu Huainan seemed to read Shen Muyun’s mind and added, “Brother Yun, the main reason we’re here is to relax. Let’s forget about work for now—it can wait. However, for the upcoming inspection, I specifically requested you as my partner.”

Shen Muyun splashed in the water, sending sprays of mist flying. “Yeah, I know. My brother already assigned me this task. But I don’t have much experience, so I’ll have to rely on you entirely.”

“Of course, no problem, Brother Yun. Let’s put work aside for now. There’s something else I want to ask you.”

Shen Muyun nodded. “Go ahead, ask whatever you want. If I know, I’ll tell you everything without reservation.”

Lu Huainan smiled happily at Shen Muyun’s response. “Brother Yun, how do you feel about me?”

Shen Muyun coughed abruptly, gently patting his chest. “Well, Huainan, it’s just… the Lu and Shen families have been close for generations, so we’re good friends, right?”

Lu Huainan seemed dissatisfied with the answer, his expression visibly darkening. “So that’s how it is. My sister…”

“Huainan, about your sister—that was entirely my fault. It was just a childhood engagement, and we’ve already called it off. The relationship between the Lu and Shen families doesn’t need to be maintained through marriage. Your sister is brilliant—she’ll definitely find someone better.”

“That’s true, I suppose. Well, we are ‘*good friends*’ now—*very* good ones.”

Shen Muyun felt the temperature in the air rising, his face tinged with a faint blush, like cherries not yet in season.

Lu Huainan tilted Shen Muyun’s chin. “Brother Yun, ideally, people should be honest. But maybe it’s just my misunderstanding. We have plenty of time ahead—we can take it slow.”

Shen Muyun felt something off about Lu Huainan’s words. Wasn’t this his main quest? If Lu Huainan had already fallen this hard for him, wouldn’t that make things too easy? No, no, he shouldn’t think that way. These strange thoughts needed to leave his mind—now.

“Brother Yun, is your neck bothering you?”

Shen Muyun immediately shook his head, "No, nothing like that."

"That's good then, Brother Yun. Everyone says you're a madman, but I find your nervousness quite adorable."

Damn, what the hell is this? Wasn’t Lu Huainan supposed to be gentle? How did the plot twist into this? Lu Huainan's behavior isn't normal.

"Um, Huainan, haven’t we been soaking too long? It's not good for the wound to be immersed in the medicinal bath for too long."

"Then let's get out. Brother Yun, the dinner here is also quite good. Since we've finally got some free time, why don't we have a meal together? Consider it a make-up for the previous celebration banquet. As for Liu Yun, I'll meet up with him another day."

Shen Muyun knew he had no reason to refuse, so he nodded and agreed to Lu Huainan's request.