Chu Tao was startled, quickly making eye contact with Jiang She and pointing toward the bathrobe hanging to the side.

Once the phone rang, Song Mian would know he was here. It would be easy to explain his presence, but it would be very strange if his parents didn’t say anything.

Jiang She patted his shoulder reassuringly, then quickly stood up, sneaking over to the spot closest to the railing. Taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, he grabbed Chu Tao’s bathrobe and yanked it off him.

Then, using the bathrobe to cover his face, he fished out Chu Tao’s phone from his pocket.

The next second, the phone screen suddenly displayed the incoming call screen, just as the ringtone was about to sound. Jiang She quickly switched the phone to airplane mode, cutting off the call.

Looking at the phone, now quiet in his hand, Jiang She let out a sigh of relief and secretly gave Chu Tao an “OK” gesture.

Chu Tao, still lying in the hot spring, instantly relaxed and slumped into the water.

Taking advantage of the fact that Song Mian and Chu Jiangmin weren’t paying attention, Chu Tao subtly waved his hand at Jiang She, signaling him to hurry back.

Song Mian waited a moment, holding her phone, then frowned and said to Chu Jiangmin, “That’s strange, I can’t get through.”

Chu Jiangmin looked puzzled. “Did Tao Tao turn off his phone?”

Song Mian hesitated and shook her head. “No, it rang once at first, then suddenly stopped.”

Chu Jiangmin suggested, “Maybe the signal’s bad. Try calling again.”

Reluctantly, Song Mian listened to him and dialed the number again. This time, the prompt came back:

“The number you have dialed is out of service. Please try again later.”

“He’s turned off his phone,” Song Mian said, holding up the phone to Chu Jiangmin.

Chu Jiangmin took a deep breath. “Could it be out of battery? We specifically told them to keep their phones on, in case we couldn’t contact them later. Now, we really can’t get through.”

Song Mian sighed. “Sigh, when they’re having fun, they forget about everything else.”

Jiang She, still wearing the bathrobe, was just about to quietly slip back into the water when, unexpectedly, Song Mian suddenly turned around and faced him.

Actually, if he had just walked over openly, Song Mian probably wouldn’t have cared. But Jiang She, already feeling guilty, was startled by her sudden movement and froze in place. It became hard not to attract attention.

Song Mian, her gaze no longer wandering, focused on Jiang She, her expression slightly uncertain as she studied him.

It was difficult to tell who he was just by looking at him in a swimsuit, especially with the bathrobe still draped over him.

But Song Mian clearly felt something familiar. Her gaze lingered on Jiang She for a long time, though she remained silent.

In that brief moment, Jiang She felt torn.

Since Song Mian didn’t dare to confirm anything, he could just walk over casually, and she likely wouldn’t stop him. But doing that would only heighten her suspicions. She would keep thinking about who this person was—someone who stopped but didn’t acknowledge her.

If she connected it to him, it would be even harder to explain later.

Jiang She made up his mind, holding his breath. He casually pulled off the bathrobe and draped it over his shoulders, then flashed Song Mian a bright, unexpected smile.

“Uncle, Aunt, what are you doing here?”

Chu Tao’s heart sank as he lowered his head silently.

He strained his ears to listen to the sounds on the shore but dared not move.

Song Mian raised an eyebrow, her expression showing little surprise. “Jiang She?”

What were the chances of running into Jiang She at a hot spring resort? Could it be that Chu Tao had told him?

The two of them were friends, and it was not unreasonable for Chu Tao to tell Jiang She to come celebrate his birthday this weekend. However, why did he need to hide it from his parents?

Song Mian was lost in thought, her mind a tangled mess. There were many things she wanted to understand, but it felt difficult to make sense of everything. She felt as though she were in a thin fog, as if the next moment she could break free and find the answers, but also as if everything was just her overthinking.

Seeing Jiang She and thinking of Chu Tao seemed natural, so even Chu Jiangmin, who was usually carefree, asked, “Have you seen Tao Tao?”

In the hot spring, Chu Tao clenched his fist, his heart pounding.

Jiang She looked confused and said in shock, “Chu Tao is here too? He didn’t even tell me, and I even told him I was coming.”

Song Mian became more puzzled. “Didn’t you and Chu Tao agree to meet up?”

Jiang She shook his head with a smile. “I came with my cousin. The owner of this hot spring resort is a business partner of my dad, and they’re celebrating their anniversary these two days. My dad is on a business trip and couldn’t come, so he asked me to represent him. I asked Chu Tao if he wanted to join, and everything would be free, but he declined. I didn’t expect him to come on his own.”

Hearing Jiang She’s explanation, Song Mian was reassured. She quickly said, “Ah, Tao Tao is just shy. Once you mentioned it was free, he probably didn’t want to take advantage of you. No wonder he didn’t tell us when we got back. It’s a coincidence, though, tomorrow is both Tao Tao and Xing Ning’s birthday, and your uncle and I wanted them to have a couple of days to relax, so we picked this place.”

Jiang She slapped his forehead. “I almost forgot Chu Tao’s birthday! Auntie, give me your room number, I’ll have a word with my uncle. You can enjoy your time here, consider it my birthday gift to Chu Tao.”

Song Mian waved her hands awkwardly. “No, no, no, I didn’t mean that. I can’t have you using your connections for us. We’ve already paid. Don’t worry about it. We’re about to look for Tao Tao and Xing Ning, though, we don’t know where they went to play.”

Jiang She finally relaxed.

Hearing Song Mian’s tone, she seemed to fully believe his explanation and accepted that today’s encounter was indeed a coincidence.

He even enthusiastically said, “How about I help you look for them, or have the front desk make an announcement?”

Song Mian smiled politely. “No need, no need. I’ll just give Xing Ning a call, you and your cousin go ahead and have fun. When I find them, Tao Tao can call you back.”

Jiang She’s eyelids fluttered slightly, and his dark eyes reflected the glow of the neon lights.

“Okay, Auntie. Take care.”

It was chilly outside, so after talking with Jiang She, Song Mian couldn’t wait to pull Chu Jiangmin inside.

Jiang She quietly watched them leave, then pulled the reluctant Chu Tao, who was practically turning into a mushroom in the hot spring, out of the water.

“All done, I handled it perfectly, right?”

Chu Tao stood up, water dripping from his skin, still shaken. “You actually talked to them!”

Jiang She looked at Chu Tao’s damp skin, still smelling faintly of rose oil, and whispered, “I had no choice. Your mom noticed me. If I pretended not to see her, it would look suspicious.”

Chu Tao mumbled, “You’re so bold.”

However, to be fair, Jiang She’s explanation was solid, and Song Mian probably wouldn’t suspect anything further.

Jiang She shivered and, with a mischievous grin, opened his arms to pull Chu Tao close. “It’s so cold, baby, keep me warm.”

Jiang She was as cold as ice. The warmth from the hot spring had already worn off, and when he leaned against Chu Tao, it made him shiver too.

Chu Tao felt much warmer, his skin softened and smooth from the hot spring. Jiang She couldn’t resist rubbing him a couple of times, shamelessly sharing his cold with Chu Tao.

In a public place, Chu Tao should have pushed him away.

But Jiang She’s skin was so cold. Even though Chu Tao knew Jiang She was taking advantage of the situation, he couldn’t bring himself to push him away.

It wasn’t until both of them were freezing like popsicles that they reluctantly separated.

“Give me the phone. If my mom contacts my brother and finds out I’m not here, she’ll start to panic.”

Jiang She wrapped the bathrobe around Chu Tao and handed him the phone.

Chu Tao glanced at the screen and turned off airplane mode.

Jiang She shivered slightly, his teeth chattering. “Let’s find another pool to soak in. It’s still early.”

Up the stairs, deep in the bamboo forest, there was a small pool. Since it was far from the main hot springs, almost no one went there.

The pool was surrounded by soft green lighting that illuminated the bamboo leaves, creating a natural barrier that separated the pool from the outside world.

In the deep winter night, the water in the hot spring shimmered with tiny light reflections, like the deserted island from *Life of Pi*.

Chu Tao pointed ahead. “There, fewer people.”

The two jogged up the stairs, bypassed the bamboo forest, and stepped onto the cobbled stone steps leading into the water before their toes became completely numb from the cold.

The water temperature was 40 degrees Celsius, and the heat instantly wrapped around both of their bodies.

The Qingzhu Pool could hold a maximum of four people. They sat down, stretched their legs out, and there was barely any distance before they could touch the other side’s wall.

With no one around, Jiang She’s actions became bolder.

He pulled Chu Tao onto his lap, and Chu Tao tossed the bathrobe to the side, turned his head, and kissed Jiang She on the lips.

Jiang She’s gaze deepened. Between their kisses, he muttered, “I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. It’s rare that no one is around.”

He then moved his hand mischievously, trying to tug at Chu Tao’s pants.

Chu Tao squinted, biting down hard on Jiang She’s lower lip, and whispered, “If someone suddenly comes, who will be the one to lose control, you or me?”

Jiang She withdrew his hand, his chest heaving, and chuckled. “I’ve never been one to behave.”

Chu Tao teasingly stuck out his tongue, brushing against Jiang She’s collarbone. “I want to, so you better hold on a little longer.”

Jiang She took a deep breath and, under the cover of the hot spring water, began to pinch here and there, enjoying the way Chu Tao squirmed on his lap. He intentionally, or unintentionally, rubbed against him.

Just as they were lost in their play, the phone rang again.

Chu Tao pressed his chest against Jiang She, stretched out his arm to grab the phone, then held it to his ear while wrapping his arms around Jiang She’s neck.

They were so close that Chu Tao could feel Jiang She’s every breath, every heartbeat.

He synchronized his breathing with Jiang She’s, rising and falling together.

Jiang She’s fingers skimmed the water, warming the cold skin on Chu Tao’s back.

“Brother?”

Chu Xingning listened to the sound of water splashing and vaguely sensed something. After a pause, he asked, “Why did your phone turn off just now?”

Chu Tao vaguely explained, “It was about to run out of battery, so I turned it off to save power. Why are you looking for me so early?”

Chu Xingning replied, “Mom just called me. I told her you were with me but went to the bathroom. Don’t let it get exposed later.”

Chu Tao responded, “Okay, so where are we meeting later?”

Chu Xingning cleared his throat lightly. “No need to rush. Mom and Dad went to the indoor hot spring. We’ll contact each other again when it’s time to eat.”

Jiang She’s fingers slid to Chu Tao’s waist, his hand spreading wide as he measured the size. Chu Tao’s waist was slender, but his muscles were just as firm as Jiang She’s. His lower abdomen, when tensed, was as hard as a rock.

Chu Tao felt ticklish from his touch and moved away a little, then asked, “Are you busy with something, bro?”

He vaguely felt something was off with Chu Xingning, as if he wasn’t in a hurry to meet up with him. Logically, Chu Xingning had no one else to be with.

Chu Xingning simply replied, “I don’t like the crowd in the hot spring, so I’m going to wander around somewhere else. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Chu Tao, of course, wasn’t thinking of keeping track of him and didn’t have the time either. “Alright.”

He hung up the phone, and Jiang She grabbed his wrist, forcing Chu Tao’s arms behind his back, teasing, “So the rest of the time is all mine?”

Chu Tao tried to pull his arm away but couldn’t. The position forced him to push his chest forward, bringing his torso near Jiang She’s lips.

Chu Tao swallowed, his throat dry.

“Quite the variety of moves.”

The two of them played in the small pool for a while, exhausting themselves and feeling dizzy from the heat. Eventually, they had to crawl out of the water and lie on the cool ground, just gasping for air.

The soft snow had been compressed, the snow foam turning into ice. The heat gradually dissipated, and their breathing became clearer. Their damp hair quickly froze, sticking up in messy clumps.

Thankfully, no one came by. Chu Tao glanced at the time—it was almost time for dinner.

Sure enough, Chu Xingning sent a message asking to meet up.

There were two bite marks on Chu Tao’s chest, not deep, but if he stood under the light with his shirt off, they would be the first thing anyone noticed.

But Chu Tao didn’t hold back either. He left an ambiguous hickey just below Jiang She’s collarbone, particularly enchanting.

Chu Tao patted Jiang She’s arm. “Go get something to eat and wait for me in the room. I’ll join you after dinner.”

Though Jiang She was reluctant, he feared that Song Mian might become more suspicious, so he had no choice but to let Chu Tao leave.

Chu Tao carefully dressed, making sure his chest was well covered and confirming with Jiang She that his lips weren’t swollen. Only then did he go to meet his family.

Song Mian and Chu Jiangmin were having a great time at the indoor hot springs, but after soaking for a while, they were done with it. Song Mian then went for a facial treatment. Once finished, she notified everyone to meet at the entrance of the buffet restaurant.

As soon as they met, Song Mian immediately said to Chu Tao, “Your dad and I ran into Jiang She just now.”

Chu Xingning looked at Chu Tao in surprise, quickly connecting the dots with the suggestive sound of water from earlier.

Chu Xingning looked at Chu Tao in surprise, instantly recalling the suggestive sound of water from earlier.

Chu Tao remained calm. “Really? He did mention he’d come, but I didn’t tell him I’d be here too.”

Song Mian didn’t suspect anything. “Yes, Jiang She said the same thing—that he’s here with his cousin, representing his family for some business. You don’t have to be so strict about keeping things separate. We’re not looking to take advantage of him, but there’s no need to mislead him either. It put your dad and me in an awkward spot; we couldn’t cover for you.”

Chu Tao replied lightly, “It’s fine. He probably doesn’t mind.”

Song Mian nodded. “Oh, and I told him it’s your birthday tomorrow. Why don’t you invite him to eat with us?”

Before Chu Tao could reply, Chu Jiangmin interjected, “What are you thinking? Jiang She is here on behalf of his father and is likely being entertained elsewhere. He’s not going to skip that to join us at a buffet.”

Song Mian slapped her forehead. “You’re right, I forgot.”

Chu Tao said nothing more.

By this time, the dinner rush had passed, leaving plenty of open seating. They chose a clean table by the window, and while Song Mian stayed to hold the spot, the others went to get food.

Chu Tao and Chu Xingning headed to pick up some pastries. Since they hadn’t brought a birthday cake, they decided to make do with slices from the buffet.

As they picked out cakes, Chu Xingning asked, “Did you invite Jiang She to come?”

Chu Tao didn’t hide it and nodded. “Yes.”

Chu Xingning seemed to understand. “Actually, my little friend is here too.”

Chu Tao was a bit surprised. “He’s here? Should I meet him?”

Chu Xingning shook his head. “Not now. He’s still young and shy. Maybe another time.”

Chu Tao didn’t press. “Make sure he stays safe. He’s still just a kid.”

Chu Xingning chuckled. “He dragged his cousin along. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to let him come.”

Chu Tao nodded. “Oh, that’s fine then.”

Back at the table, dishes began piling up until the table was full. Song Mian stopped them. “Don’t take too much. Eat first; wasting food isn’t good.”

The four of them sat down, arranging the cakes together and lighting candles provided by a server.

Song Mian smiled warmly. “My two sons are seventeen now. They started school a year early but still excel academically. It hasn’t been easy. You’ve both worked hard lately. Keep it up, and after the college entrance exams, your dad and I will take you on a graduation trip abroad!”

Chu Xingning sweetly replied, “Thank you, Mom.”

Chu Tao quietly listened.

Song Mian continued, “You’re almost adults now. As you’ve grown, you’ve developed your own ideas, and sometimes your dad and I struggle to understand you.

“In these past few months, we’ve had disagreements and misunderstandings, but I want you to always remember this: your dad and I are the ones who love you most in the world. We only want the best for you. If we’ve done anything wrong, don’t hold it against us. Tell me, and I’ll change. I know I’m not a perfect mom.”

As she spoke, her gaze fell on Chu Tao. By the end, her voice quivered slightly.

Usually, she found it hard to express such sentimental thoughts to her sons. Taking this opportunity, she poured her heart out.

Shen Hongfang’s words on the rooftop had left a lingering knot in her chest. Although Chu Tao had never blamed her for anything, she couldn’t get past it herself.

It was strange—lately, as she lay in bed before sleep, memories of her interactions with her sons would flash through her mind. She began observing their relationship from a third-person perspective. She realized she hadn’t been as attentive to Chu Tao as she was to Chu Xingning.

Both Chu Jiangmin and Chu Xingning understood what Song Mian was getting at and instinctively looked toward Chu Tao.

Chu Tao hesitated for a moment, his almond-shaped eyes lowered, lashes like half-closed fans. Then he looked up and broke into a goofy smile. “I’m not a perfect kid either.”

Song Mian pursed her lips tightly, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

Chu Jiangmin put an arm around Song Mian’s shoulder. “Alright, alright, let’s light the candles and have them make a wish.”

The family kept it simple, understanding one another’s feelings without the need for further words.

Song Mian set the candles, and Chu Jiangmin lit them. Chu Xingning and Chu Tao closed their eyes to make their wishes.

As Chu Tao closed his eyes, he could faintly sense the flickering light of the flames. It cast an orange-red glow on his eyelids and emitted a faint, almost imperceptible warmth.

Without his sight, his other senses heightened, and the bustling buffet restaurant took on an almost sacred ambiance.

With his hands clasped, he held his breath and silently thought:

Thank you, dear gods. I’m very happy right now and won’t ask for anything more.

Opening his eyes, Chu Tao blew out the flames. A faint scent of burnt wick lingered briefly before being replaced by the sweet aroma of cake.

Even though the buffet food wasn’t particularly good, the hunger brought on by soaking in the hot springs made everyone enjoy the meal heartily, sharing a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

Chu Tao and Chu Xingning nibbled on their cake while idly glancing at the small TV directly in front of them. They had picked the perfect spot for watching TV. A sci-fi movie had just ended, and advertisements were playing.

Licking his lips, Chu Tao picked up a piece of roasted duck, ready for something savory.

The TV shifted from advertisements to a short interview segment.

On-screen, a graceful actress in a pale lavender gown stood against a chilly wind. She balanced elegantly on pointed high heels that left her feet partly exposed, smiling warmly at the media.

The scene was from an art exhibition hosted by a luxury brand, inviting renowned domestic film and TV stars to attend and review the event.

A staff member handed the actress a pen. She turned slightly, bending at the waist, showcasing her exquisite curves, and signed her name in the most prominent spot on the backdrop—**Shen Lan**.

Seeing the name, Chu Tao finally connected Shen Lan’s face to her identity.

So this was Jiang She’s aunt.

She looked much younger in modern attire than in the movies—so youthful, in fact, that she seemed years younger than Jiang She’s mother. No one would doubt her age if she claimed to be just thirty.

Signing her name wasn’t the end of her appearance. For someone of Shen Lan’s status, an interview was inevitable.

Photographers from the media raised their hands for questions, and Shen Lan picked one.

“Miss Shen Lan, we’ve heard you’ve taken on a role in *Young Mom at Twenty.* Since it’s your first time playing a mother, were you nervous about the lack of experience?”

Shen Lan smiled gracefully. “Of course, there’s some nervousness, but I’ve done extensive observation and study. Please trust in my professionalism.”

“In September, paparazzi captured you dining at a restaurant with a young boy. Rumors online claim he’s your son, yet your studio hasn’t issued a statement. Can you clarify this?”

Shen Lan shook her head with a faint sigh. “I don’t understand what there is to clarify. Over the years, rumors of me having a child out of wedlock have surfaced again and again, and frankly, I’m tired of it. I hope the media stops sensationalizing this; it’s baseless and boring.”

“So who was that boy, then?”

Shen Lan calmly replied, “Let me clarify this once: he’s my sister’s son, my nephew. I don’t have any children of my own.”

Her eyes sparkled, bright and enchanting as if speaking for her. They radiated a sincerity that seemed to affirm every word she said.

Chu Tao frowned slightly.

Chu Xingning, on the other hand, dismissed it lightly. “Isn’t that the actress from *Piercing Cold*? She’s got great acting skills. The media really has nothing better to do, even making up stories about serious performers.”

Chu Tao chuckled. “Are you sure it’s just a rumor?”

Chu Xingning shot him a glance. “Of course. Shen Lan’s only thirty, right? She’s been acting nonstop for years. Where would she find the time to date, let alone have a kid? Besides, didn’t you see how sincere she looked?”

Chu Tao nodded. “Oh, very sincere.”

The interview segment ended quickly, replaced by more advertisements. Their attention drifted away from the TV.

Chu Tao couldn’t help but think that Jiang She’s family was certainly… unique in their own ways.

Song Mian reminded him, “By the way, Tao Tao, after dinner, why don’t you go spend some time with Jiang She? Since you ran into him here, you can’t just pretend you didn’t.”

Chu Tao agreed. “Alright.”