Sheng Zexi was momentarily stunned before he snapped out of it and quickly invited Gu Jianing to sit on a smooth, round stone by the fire. He then took the towel from her hands and began to gently dry her wet hair.

“The weather is cold. It’s best to dry your hair by the fire before we leave, or you might catch a cold.”

“Mm.”

So, he had built the fire to dry her hair. Now, he was even drying it for her. Sitting by the fire, wrapped in a military coat, Gu Jianing felt her heart flutter like the dancing flames, warm and lively.

She could feel Sheng Zexi’s gentle movements, as if he were afraid of hurting her.

In her past life, Wen Zhuqing had never treated her with such care.

Perhaps, this was the difference between love and exploitation.

Only when someone truly loves you and holds you in their heart will they treat you with such tenderness.

Of course, another reason was that Sheng Zexi was simply a good person.

Sheng Zexi, oh Sheng Zexi, you treat me so well. My heart isn’t made of stone; I might just slowly fall for you.

Gu Jianing sat with her arms wrapped around her knees, her chin resting on her arms. Behind her, the tall man crouched down, gently drying her hair. The flickering firelight illuminated her blissful face.

Sheng Zexi, on the other hand, wasn’t thinking much. He focused on drying her hair meticulously. Being so close, he could smell the faint fragrance emanating from her hair and body.

Hmm, she was indeed a fragrant little wife.

In the past, Sheng Zexi had encountered women who deliberately got close to him, and he had smelled their perfumes. But for some reason, he found those scents overpowering and unpleasant.

He couldn’t stand them at all.

But the scent on Gu Jianing was different. It wasn’t too light, nor was it overpowering. It was just the right amount of intensity, enveloping him as he got closer.

Yet, Sheng Zexi didn’t find it unpleasant. On the contrary, he was somewhat captivated by it.

As he continued to dry her hair, he couldn’t help but lean in closer. Before he realized it, his face was almost touching her fair neck.

Startled, Sheng Zexi quickly snapped out of it and resumed drying her hair.

“Alright, it’s almost dry. I’ll take care of the rest. You should go wash up in the hot spring. It’s getting late, and we should head back soon,” Gu Jianing reminded him of his earlier suggestion to return before dark.

“Alright.”

After Gu Jianing took the towel, Sheng Zexi began to undress.

He took off his clothes so suddenly that by the time Gu Jianing realized what was happening, he was already shirtless.

Gu Jianing stared blankly at his well-defined chest, the eight-pack abs, and the faint outline of a V-shaped torso. Her face, already warmed by the fire, grew even hotter.

“How is it? Does it look good?”

“It looks good.”

Gu Jianing answered instinctively, but when she came to her senses, she saw Sheng Zexi burst into laughter. She immediately felt embarrassed and annoyed.

“Sheng Zexi, you… you’re shameless!”

“We’re married. What’s shameless about this? Not only can you look, but you can also…”

As he spoke, Sheng Zexi stepped forward and, before Gu Jianing could react, grabbed her hand and placed it on his abs.

“How is it? Does it feel even better?”

Gu Jianing’s cheeks turned crimson, and she stomped her feet in embarrassment.

“Ah, Sheng Zexi, you’re so annoying!”

Sheng Zexi laughed heartily, then turned around and removed the last layer of clothing before jumping into the hot spring.

“You don’t have to turn away. I don’t mind you looking.”

Gu Jianing let out a soft hum and muttered, “Who wants to look at you?”

Despite her words, her hand twitched, and her heart was screaming internally.

Ah, the feel of those abs was incredible-full of strength and warmth. Her hand was itching to touch them again.

No, no, Gu Jianing, you have to control yourself. You can’t turn into a lustful wolf.

Gu Jianing tried to restrain herself, but she still stole a glance when Sheng Zexi finished washing and was getting dressed.

Tsk, tsk, the sheer masculinity exuding from him was truly captivating.

Especially that slim yet powerful waist. Brother’s waist is indeed a deadly blade.

Oh no, oh no, after tonight, I might not be able to get out of bed tomorrow morning!

But… why do I feel a bit of anticipation?

Gu Jianing, you really are a lustful woman!

Well, so be it. What’s wrong with looking at your own husband?

Gu Jianing justified it to herself.

I’ll just take one more look, just one!

As a soldier, Sheng Zexi was highly sensitive to gazes. How could he not notice Gu Jianing’s furtive glances?

When he caught her eyes lingering on him, his heart exploded with excitement and joy.

He knew it-his physique was impressive.

How could Ningning not like it? It was definitely better than that scrawny educated youth.

Unconsciously, Sheng Zexi slowed down his dressing process. If it weren’t for the fear of catching a cold from taking too long, he might have dragged it out even more.

“Ahem.” Finally dressed, Sheng Zexi cleared his throat and walked over to Gu Jianing. He helped her put on her coat, scarf, and hat, bundling her up tightly.

“It’s time to go back. It’s cold outside, and the temperature difference is significant. You need to dress warmly.”

“Mm, I know.”

Once again, Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing’s hand, and the two walked through the passageway to exit.

Finally, Sheng Zexi pushed the large stone back into place, sealing the entrance.

Sheng Zexi wasn’t the type to be overly generous. He had no intention of letting others discover this place and come to soak.

It was better to keep it hidden so that he could bring his wife here whenever they had the chance.

Perhaps, in the future, they could even enjoy a couples’ bath together.

The thought made Sheng Zexi’s heart burn with anticipation.

After pushing the stone, he noticed his wife’s reluctant gaze.

“When can we come back again?” Gu Jianing asked.

In the middle of winter, being able to soak in a hot spring was truly wonderful, especially when water was scarce and heating water for a bath was difficult.

This hot spring was like a gift from heaven for Gu Jianing.

“Whenever you want, just let me know. I’ll bring you here whenever I’m free,” Sheng Zexi promised, holding her hand.

“Alright.”

As they walked out of the mountains and got into the car, the sky began to darken just as they entered the military district.

As usual, Sheng Zexi went to the canteen to get food, while Gu Jianing quickly lay down on the kang bed, her soul entering the divine doctor’s space to study how to treat Sheng Zexi’s body.

“Wife, I’m back.”

[Ding, congratulations to the host for passing the exam. Reward: 20 points.]

Just as Gu Jianing emerged from the divine doctor’s space, she heard Sheng Zexi’s voice from outside.

She checked the time-15 minutes had passed, but in the divine doctor’s space, three months had gone by.

The timing was just right.

“Coming.”