Chapter 11: Soaking in Hot Springs

How did a consensual act turn into one-sided sexual harassment?

Song Chunhui always thought he had a good head on his shoulders. He excelled in academics and was decent in character. It was the only favor heaven granted him, ensuring he wouldn’t suffer in a dog-eat-dog world. But when it came to women, he suspected he was missing a screw in his brain. He never knew how to solve problems and always ended up making things awkward.

Xia Wei was a smart and ambitious woman, and he blamed himself for not being able to resist loneliness and developing lustful thoughts. Fortunately, he only touched Xia Wei’s chest and didn’t have the nerve to kiss her. He backed out before taking off his pants, preserving his dignity and preventing the gossip from getting worse, allowing him to continue his job with some face left.

“Was there a third person at the time? If you don’t spread it, who would know?” Song Chunhui was annoyed and warned Xia Wei in a low voice, “If you bring up this old story again, don’t blame me for exposing you to Ma Jianguo’s wife.”

“You…” Xia Wei was shocked, not expecting Song Chunhui to know about her past with Ma Jianguo. She calmed herself, “Don’t make baseless accusations.”

“When you splashed mud on me, you should’ve thought about your own actions.” Seeing Xia Wei flustered, Song Chunhui couldn’t bear it. In the treacherous workplace, who could climb up cleanly?

“Forget it, you can go in.”

“Are you really clueless, or just slow-witted?” Xia Wei sighed, “I initially had a good impression of you and was willing to be with you that time. You running away with your pants on was really embarrassing for me, okay? I thought you liked me.”

“…” Song Chunhui’s eyes widened, stunned on the spot, his mouth opening and closing but unable to say anything.

“How could I possibly spread it around?” Xia Wei looked at Song Chunhui’s youthful hairstyle, “Can’t you be a bit more refreshing like your hairstyle? You stare at young girls’ legs and say unpleasant things, sounding older than Ma Jianguo. As soon as you leave, they all laugh at you.”

Song Chunhui couldn’t process the missed opportunity and was further confused by Xia Wei’s words. He quickly asked, “What did I say that was unpleasant?”

“So you did stare at their legs, didn’t you?” Xia Wei asked.

In fact, Song Chunhui had lustful thoughts but no courage. The most daring thing he did was sneak a few glances at his female colleagues’ beautiful legs. He felt a bit embarrassed and didn’t bother to refute.

“So what if I did? You women wear short skirts for men to see, right? If you’re afraid of being looked at, don’t wear them. Don’t turn around and accuse men.”

“You really are…” Xia Wei was disappointed in Song Chunhui, “beyond saving.”

Song Chunhui was at a loss for words, and for a moment, he also felt he might be beyond saving.

Next month, after his birthday, he would be 31, officially entering the ranks of those approaching 40. Yet, his career hadn’t taken off, and he hadn’t found a partner. Now, even his reputation…

“The new intern in the HR department ordered takeout, and you told her to learn to cook, saying only women who can cook can marry well. And when Sister Zhang wore a skirt at the beginning of the year, you said it was too short and she’d get cold legs. Didn’t you see her roll her eyes at you? You think you’re being humorous, but they all dislike you.”

Song Chunhui: “…”

“I was also fooled by your face at first.” Xia Wei shook her head, “Today, many people from the headquarters came for the team-building. If I were you, I’d be too embarrassed to show up, let alone make baseless accusations. I’m the only one willing to talk to you.”

After a brief silence, Song Chunhui took a step closer to Xia Wei and softly asked her, “Why did Ma Jianguo transfer me to the branch office? If you know, tell me, and I’ll keep your secret.”

“Song Chunhui, are you crazy? How would I know? I told you I have nothing to do with him.” Xia Wei blushed and said to Song Chunhui before leaving, “Isn’t it because you’re too eager for success and don’t know how to deal with people? Who would respect you if you got promoted? Besides, there’s a newcomer in the department, a relative of Manager Zhou.”

Eager for success…

Not knowing how to deal with people…

As the sound of high heels clicking gradually faded, Song Chunhui could no longer hold on. He gripped the balcony railing tightly, silently gazing at the picturesque scenery ahead.

It turned out Ma Jianguo never took him seriously. The promise of promotion was empty. The newcomer had strong connections, and he had to make way for them.

No one cared about the fate of a dog.

Song Chunhui looked up at the sky, unable to count how many times he had begun to hate the unfairness of heaven. Why couldn’t it be a little kinder to him? Was he asking for too much?

It didn’t matter if his career wasn’t going well; he could start over. It didn’t matter if he didn’t have hair down there; he could pretend he shaved it. But what could he do with such a short and small root? Even jerking off was uncomfortable.

In truth, Song Chunhui knew that even if the lights were off, he couldn’t have gone through with it with Xia Wei.

Because he couldn’t perform. He had tried many times with his first love, but it never worked. A single “Are you in yet?” shattered his male dignity like a candle in the wind, leaving him to secretly wipe his tears at night, afraid his first love would despise him and leave him.

He worked hard, eagerly played the lackey for Ma Jianguo, secretly pocketed some benefits, and diligently saved money, handing over his salary card, planning a beautiful future step by step, yet he still couldn’t keep his first love.

Just because he couldn’t perform…

Since being abandoned by his first love six years ago, Song Chunhui hadn’t shed a single tear. As the saying goes, men don’t cry easily. He despised his crying self, but now he truly felt miserable, his chest tight and aching, not knowing how to relieve it.

He hadn’t eaten much last night, and he was in a rush this morning. He was already a bit hungry, but his legs felt like they were stuck in a quagmire, unable to take a step.

“Brother Song, so you were here.”

Hearing the voice, Song Chunhui quickly composed himself, took a deep breath, and then spoke, “I was just getting some fresh air, enjoying the view. It’s quite beautiful.”

Li Huan walked over to Song Chunhui and asked with a purpose, “Why aren’t you inside eating? They’ve already started.”

“I’m not hungry,” Song Chunhui instinctively made an excuse, “I had too much noodles this morning and feel a bit full. You go ahead and eat, have more. This hotel has a wide variety of seafood.”

“By the way, Brother Song,” Li Huan looked at the fountain pool ahead and deliberately provoked Song Chunhui, “Many people from the headquarters came. Our afternoon meeting and activities are also arranged by the headquarters. I heard there’s a competition tomorrow with big prizes for the winners.”

“Ah, really.” Song Chunhui felt a headache coming on. After thinking about it, he realized only his little assistant could be relied on, so he instructed Li Huan, “Xiao Li, I drank too much last night and feel a bit unwell. Please go and inform General Manager Liu that I caught a cold from staying out too late and just started showing symptoms. I’ve taken medicine and need to rest.”

“Sure, Brother Song, take care and rest well.” Li Huan didn’t linger and turned to leave.

Seeing his little assistant becoming more perceptive, Song Chunhui decided that once Director Wang signed the contract, he’d give Li Huan a 200 yuan bonus and take him to a small restaurant to order a couple more dishes.

He took the elevator upstairs, returned to his room, and still felt uncomfortable, even hesitating about changing jobs. But the thought quickly passed, and he comforted himself, thinking it didn’t matter if he became a joke. Who doesn’t have people talking behind their backs? Would he still be a man if he backed down so easily?

No wonder it’s a five-star hotel; even the standard room with two beds had 1.5-meter-wide double beds. Song Chunhui took off his jacket and pants, collapsed onto the soft bed, and stopped thinking about the messy interpersonal relationships at the headquarters.

In life, as long as you can face yourself and your conscience, it’s not a wasted life. His goal was to make money, start a business, and be his own boss.

*

The restaurant was packed, and Li Huan said he’d find someone named Liu to ask for leave for Song Chunhui, but he couldn’t find Liu Wenjin anywhere. Moreover, he realized Song Chunhui was overthinking.

In other words: Four Eyes thought too highly of himself; no one cared.

Tonight, everything was in his favor, even heaven seemed to be paving the way for him, probably fed up with Four Eyes, a sleazy guy harassing women. He’d reluctantly take care of it for heaven.

With Secretary Han present, Li Huan could only participate in the afternoon meeting and activities honestly. By the time everything ended, it was already dark.

He found a quiet corner, dialed his cousin’s number, and directly asked for money, “Bro, transfer me 20,000, thanks.”

On the other end, Li Ge directly refused, “Why are you short of money every few days? Aren’t you working now? What about your salary?”

“…” Li Huan sincerely pleaded, “I really need it urgently. You coming out was thanks to me, and I never asked for any reward. How about just 10,000?”

Li Ge: “I’d like to give it to you, but what do you need the money for?”

“To suck up.” Li Huan said seriously, “The idiot manager keeps exploiting me. Today, we’re in Beicheng for team-building, and I want to buy a bottle of wine to curry favor.”

The miserable life of his cousin was well-known in the Li family, so Li Ge believed him without much thought. Upon learning the team-building location was a resort developed by Hengxin Group, which was his cousin He family’s property, wasn’t this a coincidence?

“You’re quite good at this. If you need anything, just say it. Put it on my tab. I’m on the VIP list at that hotel.”

“Thanks, bro.” Li Huan thanked him with a smile.

“Damn, if my wife hears this, I’m hanging up.”

“…”

Li Huan ended the call and went to find the staff himself. Coincidentally, Song Chunhui sent a WeChat message asking if he had gone to the hot springs and what time he’d return to the room.

His eyes filled with amusement, and he immediately replied.

Xiao Li: [Brother Song, I’m at the outdoor hot springs. Are you coming?]

A whole afternoon wasted by Song Chunhui’s muddled sleep. Confirming that his little assistant wouldn’t be back for a while, he quickly tossed his phone aside, swiftly took off his thermal shirt and pants, glanced at his absorbent cotton underwear, and decided to take it off too. He hadn’t used the bathroom during the day, so it was clean, and he could wear it again after soaking.

“Ah…”

Once he soaked his whole body in the pool, Song Chunhui felt all his tension melt away. He had never felt so comfortable in his life. To hell with grudges and grievances; isn’t life about enjoyment?

He shook the water off his hands, got out of the pool to grab his phone, and sent several photos to his junior, excitedly holding down the voice button, “Chunxun, I’m soaking in a private bath, indoors, just me.”

Chunxun: [Are you staying in a room by yourself?]

Afraid his junior would have a prejudice against his little assistant, Song Chunhui said, “Yeah, at my level, they definitely arranged a room just for me.”

Chunxun: [That’s good. I’ve never been to a five-star hotel. Show me the environment on video. I’ll go if I get the chance.]

Song Chunhui, naked, was too embarrassed to video call. Thinking about his shortcomings, he felt a wave of sadness and sent a long voice message to his junior.

“Chunxun, do you think I’m asking for too much? The girl I went on a blind date with in Jiangcheng last time was actually quite nice, honest and straightforward. Sigh, maybe my standards are too high. If I go back to her, would she agree? I’d even accept if she had an abortion. Forget it, she might not even like me, and it didn’t end well. Maybe I should apologize and see if she’ll give me a chance to try things out.”

Soon, his junior called.

Feeling miserable, Song Chunhui answered with a sigh, unable to express his bitterness, and asked his junior, “Do you know True Love Network? I’m thinking of registering an account for online dating, but I’m afraid it’s unreliable.”

“That’s all scams.” Meng Chunxun advised Song Chunhui to be patient, “Brother Hui, don’t rush. I’ll introduce someone to you. Actually, there’s someone I’ve been in contact with recently, and I want to vet them for you first.”

“Really? How old is she? What does she do? Did you tell her about my situation?” Song Chunhui eagerly asked, unaware of his junior’s expression at the moment.

Meng Chunxun’s face was dark, but he smiled warmly, “Let’s not talk about it now, Brother Hui. I’m working overtime. Don’t soak too long, take care of yourself.”

“Okay, okay.” Before Song Chunhui could say thank you, the call was hung up.

He sent his junior an emoji, ready to relax again, when Xia Wei’s message popped up, wanting to talk to him face-to-face, clearly scared.

Song Chunhui wasn’t that kind of person, so he replied: [I said I’d keep it to myself, don’t worry. I know you’re like me, it’s not easy for either of us (smile)]

Weiwei: [Thank you]

Weiwei: [I also know you’re not as bad as they say, but you really need to change your ways. If you can’t speak well, say less. Don’t act so old-fashioned. Respect girls more, or how will you find a girlfriend in the future? It’s good you didn’t come this afternoon. I’m reminding you for your own good. Don’t come to tomorrow’s competition either. You were too aggressive back then, and they’ve long disliked you.]

Song Chunhui placed his phone on a small table nearby, leaned against the warm stone wall, and closed his eyes, contemplating his pathetic life. It seemed like every path he took was wrong.

He was never meant to be a likable person.

“Click—” The door lock suddenly opened.

Song Chunhui’s eyes snapped open, surprised to see his little assistant, “Weren’t you at the hot springs?” He instinctively wanted to get out but quickly curled up his legs.

“I didn’t want to soak with Ding Lei and the others.” Li Huan casually placed the wine he was holding on the table, then glanced at Song Chunhui, jokingly asking, “Brother Song, can I soak with you?”

“…”

Song Chunhui was startled. What kind of joke was this? If he really let his little assistant soak with him, what would happen to his dignity as a manager, his male pride…

“No way!” He refused mercilessly, then quickly changed his tone, “I mean, not now. You go out first, and when I get up, you can soak. Hurry up and go out!”

“Go ahead and get up.” Li Huan smiled, “I’m not stopping you.”

“…” Song Chunhui was about to panic.

“Do you need me to get your clothes?” Li Huan said, turning to the bathroom to fetch a bathrobe, then walked to the edge of the pool, placing it on the small table, while casually observing Song Chunhui’s uneasy movements.

“Alright, hurry up and go out.” Song Chunhui urged.

“Brother Song,” Li Huan suddenly squatted in front of Song Chunhui, resting his arms on his legs. He casually stretched his fingers, then leaned forward slightly, a bright smile on his face as he looked at Song Chunhui and asked, “Will you have a drink with me?”

Song Chunhui: “…”