ABSML Chapter 42: Hot Springs
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ANNOUNCEMENT
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Chen Zhan had yet to realize that, following the previous incident with a sasaeng fan, the first obsessive anti-fan of his life had appeared.
On the first day after the New Year, a company sent over products they wanted him to endorse. During their last contact, the big boss had only mentioned a few things in passing, so it wasn’t until he actually received the package that Chen Zhan understood what they meant by a "niche style."
Nowadays, many cosmetic brands use bold and eye-catching packaging as a marketing strategy, often taking an unconventional approach.
This product was no exception.
The perfume bottle had an exceptionally unique design, and instead of a traditional floral fragrance, the scent carried a faint bitterness reminiscent of soil.
According to the manufacturer, this was the "scent of a volcano," containing trace amounts of volcanic mud, symbolizing "a lonely traveler."
As an outsider to the industry, Chen Zhan found it hard to grasp this particular aesthetic. Interestingly, when he took another perfume sample from a different brand and surveyed the elderly residents practicing Tai Chi in his neighborhood, they unanimously found the volcanic mud fragrance more appealing.
After comparing the offers from several brands and reviewing the quality assurance reports, Chen Zhan ultimately decided to go forward with the collaboration.
The contract lasted only three months, and it was clear the company wanted to evaluate sales performance before deciding on a renewal. However, they were also quite thoughtful, offering Chen Zhan a complimentary hot spring trip under the pretense of letting him experience the product’s origin for a deeper understanding.
Chen Zhan was quite interested in outdoor hot springs with a guesthouse-style setting, so he didn’t refuse.
Before leaving for the trip, he hesitated for a moment but eventually sent Yin Ronglan a message informing him of his plans.
The latter quickly called back. "What’s the itinerary?"
Chen Zhan: "The afternoon of the day after tomorrow."
From the other end of the line, he could vaguely hear a chuckle. "There’s a chance we might run into each other."
Chen Zhan paused mid-packing, waiting for him to elaborate.
"A university reunion."
Chen Zhan let out a nonchalant "Oh," as if slightly skeptical.
"The company you’re working with is owned by one of my college classmates," Yin Ronglan explained. "The hot springs there are quite famous, and many people visit every year."
Holding his phone between his shoulder and cheek, Chen Zhan continued folding his clothes. "If we run into each other, we can take a stroll together."
Yin Ronglan teased, "I could even be your photographer."
Chen Zhan chuckled. "Sure."
After the call ended, Yin Ronglan glanced at the calendar. His reunion was scheduled for the 5th, while Chen Zhan was leaving on the 2nd.
His assistant, who had been waiting to report on work matters, tentatively suggested, "People from Xiangsheng say that the endorsement deal with Chen Zhan isn’t set for a long duration. Since you and President Wang are old acquaintances, you could put in a word."
"In business, we keep things professional," Yin Ronglan shook his head. "Friendships aren’t meant to be used for things like this."
The assistant sighed inwardly. As expected, his boss remained as principled as ever when it came to separating personal and professional matters.
Yin Ronglan turned slightly, gazing at the lotus leaf plant by the window. He spoke lightly, “Even in muddy waters, flowers can bloom.”
No matter how harsh the environment, Chen Zhan was someone who could create opportunities for himself. Interfering too much would only be an insult.
—
The weather was exceptionally good on the day of departure. To ensure he didn’t fall behind on updates, Chen Zhan spent the entire flight focused on writing and barely rested.
Upon arrival, representatives from the company were already waiting outside the airport. They drove him to Xianke Town, a relatively newly developed tourist spot. It wasn’t overly commercialized and still retained much of its natural charm.
The world was often shockingly small. After dropping off his luggage at the inn, Chen Zhan declined any company and wandered around on his own.
As he passed by a store, he unexpectedly spotted Lin Chiang and Jiang Ying.
They were dressed casually, their wide-brimmed hats concealing their faces, looking just like an ordinary couple.
Chen Zhan debated whether to approach and greet them, but before he could decide, Jiang Ying had already noticed him. She leaned in slightly, whispering something into Lin Chiang’s ear. When the latter looked over, his brows furrowed ever so slightly.
“What a coincidence.” Chen Zhan smiled as he walked closer.
Lin Chiang sighed. “You’re like a ghost that won’t leave me alone.”
Unbothered, Chen Zhan simply asked, “You’re out already?”
Lin Chiang’s mind immediately flashed back to the days he spent locked up during New Year's Eve. His lips pressed into a thin line.
Seemingly unaware of the tense atmosphere, Chen Zhan casually pointed to a small restaurant he had passed earlier. “Want to grab a meal together? My treat.”
For a moment, Lin Chiang and Jiang Ying both froze, as if surprised that he would genuinely extend such an offer.
After a brief pause, Lin Chiang responded coolly, “Alright.”
Even Chen Zhan and Jiang Ying seemed momentarily taken aback that he had actually agreed.
The restaurant menu was extensive, though slightly more expensive than usual.
Chen Zhan picked a few specialty dishes at random. While they waited for their food, Jiang Ying was drawn to a street vendor outside selling handmade souvenirs and went over to browse.
With her temporarily out of earshot, Lin Chiang lowered his voice and said, “I’m here to propose. I hope you won’t interfere.”
His directness caught Chen Zhan’s attention. “Weren’t you already engaged?”
Lin Chiang replied, “I mean a more formal proposal.”
He had originally planned for a grand firework display as a rehearsal for his proposal on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, just a few fireworks in, he had been arrested and given a mandatory safety education session instead.
Chen Zhan raised an eyebrow. “Best of luck.”
Having gone from smooth sailing to constant setbacks, Lin Chiang had learned to be cautious. He scrutinized the man sitting across from him, as if trying to determine how sincere he was.
Chen Zhan took a sip of water, his tone indifferent. “I was invited by the company. I have no reason to mess things up for you.”
Their conversation didn’t last much longer. Soon after, Jiang Ying returned to her seat, holding a small, handcrafted cat figurine.
Avoiding each other entirely was difficult. The town had only a handful of inns, and the company had arranged for Chen Zhan to stay at the best one—naturally, Lin Chiang and Jiang Ying had chosen the same place.
Chen Zhan was tactful enough to keep his distance. For the rest of the time, he avoided them as much as possible, not wanting to intrude on their private moments.
The winter here wasn’t particularly harsh; the temperature was similar to an autumn day in Y City. Chen Zhan bought some local snacks to bring back as a late-night treat.
Just as he reached the inn’s entrance, his phone rang.
“Hello.” After a full day of walking, his voice carried a hint of weariness, softened by the night air.
Yin Ronglan’s voice came through. “What are you doing?”
Chen Zhan: “Walking.”
Yin Ronglan chuckled. “Want to guess what I’m doing?”
Chen Zhan replied without hesitation, “Standing behind me, hands in your pockets, smiling, waiting for me to turn around.”
“…”
Chen Zhan continued, “I can tell from your voice and your shadow. Any normal person would be able to guess.”
With that, he ended the call, turned around, and asked calmly, “Weren’t you supposed to arrive on the 4th?”
A brief silence—three to four seconds—before Yin Ronglan sighed helplessly. “I changed my flight.”
He didn’t offer an explanation.
Chen Zhan didn’t press for one either. He stepped forward, grabbed Yin Ronglan’s suitcase, and, as they walked, casually mentioned running into Lin Chiang and Jiang Ying.
Yin Ronglan mused, “You and him seem to have a rather special connection.”
At this, Chen Zhan’s brows furrowed slightly. Perhaps because they were the protagonist and rival in the same story, his life did seem to keep intersecting with Lin Chiang’s.
After a bit more small talk, Chen Zhan returned to his room to change, preparing to soak in the hot spring.
[System: He changed his schedule and booked the room right next to yours. That means he’s interested in you.]
Chen Zhan remained unfazed, leisurely making himself a cup of tea. “That reasoning is weak and completely illogical.”
[System: If someone moves in next door, they’re either an old friend or a secret admirer.]
Chen Zhan blew on his tea, unbothered. “By that logic, all neighbors in the world have ulterior motives.”
[System: I’ve guided many hosts before—I know what I’m talking about. If you don’t believe me, you can test it.]
Chen Zhan took a sip, only to scald his tongue slightly, letting out a faint "tss" as he set the cup down.
[System: Pretend to fall asleep in the hot spring—I guarantee he’ll sneak a kiss.]
Chen Zhan sighed softly. He suddenly missed his previous systems. This one talked too much.
[System: Let’s make a bet. If you lose, you’ll have to listen to me and complete the tasks obediently.]
Chen Zhan’s lazy gaze sharpened instantly—this was probably its real goal all along. He stared toward the door and replied slowly, “And if I win?”
[System: 3,000 redemption points.]
A free reward was never a bad thing. Chen Zhan’s eyes flickered with interest. “Deal.”
The hot spring could fit four or five people, but at this late hour, the area was nearly empty. Chen Zhan picked a secluded spot, sinking into the warm water as he gradually adjusted to the temperature.
[System: He’s almost here.]
The steam around him thickened, and Chen Zhan slowly closed his eyes.
Under the moonlight, his skin glowed with a faint radiance. His slightly upturned chin revealed a delicate Adam’s apple, and gentle ripples spread through the water, adding to the serene and enigmatic atmosphere.
[System: Beauty transcends gender. Anyone would be tempted by this sight.]
With his eyes closed, everything around him fell into silence. And, for the first time, Chen Zhan actually felt a bit drowsy.
The faint sound of footsteps brought him back to his senses. Just when he thought Yin Ronglan would step into the water, the other person seemed to stop a few meters away.
[System: Heart racing! Hesitating! He’s definitely going to kiss you.]
Time passed, second by second, but nothing happened.
Chen Zhan found it strange. Even if Yin Ronglan had no particular thoughts, he should at least say something to him.
After about five or six minutes, Chen Zhan asked, "What is he doing?"
The system remained silent.
Chen Zhan asked again.
[System: A moment ago, he saw the coat you left on the side.]
Chen Zhan was puzzled. What did that have to do with anything? The only valuable thing inside was a phone.
[System: A small notebook was half-exposed in the pocket. He bent down, hesitated for a moment, and has been staring at it ever since.]
Chen Zhan listened to the live broadcast from the system as drowsiness set in.
[System: Lin Chiang is here! They exchanged a glance. Lin Chiang's lips moved slightly, as if he was about to speak, but then he also saw the notebook.]
[System: In silence, Lin Chiang stepped forward, crouched beside him, and… oh! Now they’re both staring at it together.]
[System: Lin Chiang made a gesture, suggesting that one of them keep watch while the other looks! Yin Ronglan refused.]
"…"
[System: Oh! Oh my god! Yin Ronglan is wavering. His slender fingers are already on the notebook, hesitating whether to open it.]
The system’s emotional narration rose and fell in pitch. Chen Zhan began to feel a headache coming on.
[System: Unbelievable. Truly unbelievable. Even if you stood naked in front of him, he wouldn’t spare you a glance.]
Faced with this cruel reality, Chen Zhan couldn't help but twitch his eyelid.
[System: He opened it! He opened it! But at just a thirty-degree angle, he quickly shut it again. Lin Chiang, seemingly impatient, tried to snatch the notebook and open it himself!]
[System: A fierce struggle over the little notebook has broken out between them…]
Unable to listen any longer, Chen Zhan scolded in a low voice, "…Shut up."
ANNOUNCEMENT
Please give support on my ko-fi and advance chapters are also there
T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page, thank you🍊🍊🍊
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