Chapter 2

Owen said, "Didn't you say you were sixteen?"

The aunt burst out laughing. "He's not sixteen. He's already twenty-three. You child, how could you fool people like that?"

Xin Chun stuck his tongue out at Owen. "I lied to you. Who knew you'd believe it, uncle... uncle."

The last two words were clearly a joke, yet they seemed to catch on the tip of his tongue, spoken one by one, carrying an... indescribable implication.

Chapter 2

Life in Jingu Town was undoubtedly leisurely. Xin Chun set his shoes by the bank and dipped his fair, tender feet into the water, the current flowing over his ankles.

Owen sat on a step slightly above him. The two admired the scenery across the river as they chatted.

"Did Mr. Williams come to Jingu Town for sightseeing? How many days are you planning to stay?"

"Actually, it's because of work. The timing is uncertain. I'll probably be staying here for quite a while..." As he spoke, Owen drew his gaze away from the scenery across the river and looked at Xin Chun's profile.

The Alaskan Malamute beside him was extremely lively. It had just been splashing and hopping through the water, sending droplets flying, some of which landed on Xin Chun's face.

Now, a droplet slid down the bridge of his nose. Under the sunlight, it seemed to gleam with translucent rainbow colors. Just before it reached the tip of his nose, Xin Chun raised a hand and wiped it away.

Xin Chun turned and asked, "Jingu Town is such a small place. What kind of business does Mr. Williams do?"

"I..."

Before he could finish, a butterfly fluttered between them. The dog shot after it, its flying fur nearly smacking Xin Chun in the face.

"Ptooey, ptooey." Xin Chun spat.

The dog failed to catch the butterfly. Its paws slipped, and it began uncontrollably sliding forward across the flat stone surface of the embankment, where a shallow stream of water ran.

"Woof."

Luckily, the dog managed to brake just before falling off the embankment.

Unfortunately, Xin Chun had already stood up and run behind it. With one push to the Alaskan Malamute's fluffy rear, the dog flailed wildly and plunged headfirst into the water.

The water here was shallow, but after rolling around once, all its fur was soaked.

"Haha!"

Xin Chun stood with his hands on his hips and laughed triumphantly, but his retribution came soon enough.

After Handsome Star stood up in the river, he gave his fur a fierce shake. In an instant, droplets filled the air, soaking most of Xin Chun's body.

"..."

Xin Chun immediately jumped into the water too, deciding to give his adorable dog a proper bath.

"Don't run! Come back!"

After the man and dog frolicked for quite a while, the dog's fur was completely wet, while Xin Chun's clothes were soaked through and water dripped from his face.

As he walked toward Owen, he lifted the hem of his T-shirt, wrung it out, then wiped his face.

But before he could lower it, a thin jacket was draped over Xin Chun's shoulders, carrying a trace of warmth.

Xin Chun grabbed the jacket and looked up.

Owen said, "Your clothes are all wet. Be careful not to catch a cold."

Xin Chun said, "Thank you, Mr. Williams."

Once wet, the T-shirt had become see-through, clinging lightly to Xin Chun's upper body and making certain places especially conspicuous...

"You can call me Owen."

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate? We've only just met." Xin Chun blinked.

Owen was about to speak when his phone suddenly rang.

"Hello... I understand. I'll head back now." It was a work matter.

When Xin Chun saw the man hang up and turn to leave, he called out, "Mr. Williams, your jacket."

Owen said, "Wear it home."

"But how am I supposed to return it to you?"

"Tomorrow morning at ten. Shall we meet at the tea house by the river?"

"Of course." Xin Chun smiled.

Owen looked at Xin Chun's smiling eyes and curved brows, then said slowly, "Then I'll be very much looking forward to our third meeting."

The man left, heading upstream along the river.

Watching his retreating figure, Xin Chun put on the jacket and gripped its collar tightly in both hands. He lowered his head and inhaled. It was a familiar scent. He buried his face in it, concealing his expression.

Owen Williams... this time, you had to fall into my trap first.

*

Early the next morning, before seven, Owen arrived at the tea house with his secretary, Ivy, and his assistant, Li Ze.

Interviews were scheduled from seven to ten, three hours in total. They would interview five people, and they would finish on time.

The first four candidates made Owen's brows furrow tighter and tighter. Only when the fifth interviewee appeared did the crease between his brows ease somewhat.

But before ten, Xin Chun arrived early. Carrying a bag, he appeared at the entrance of the tea house. When he spotted Owen, he smiled and waved.

Seeing this, Owen stood and walked over. "It isn't time for our appointment yet."

Xin Chun said, "I wanted to come early to have tea and wait for Mr. Williams, but it looks like Mr. Williams had business to attend to, so you came to the tea house early too. Here are your clothes..."

From the sound of it, he intended to leave after returning the jacket.

Xin Chun lifted the bag.

Owen took it, but instead of turning to leave, he fixed those dark green eyes seriously on the young man before him. "Didn't you want tea? It's on me. Consider it... my desire to get to know you better, Xin Chun."

Fair and clean-cut, he looked younger than his actual age, like an innocent college student who had not yet entered society—perhaps even younger than that.

After Owen led the young man to a seat, Ivy could not help feeling curious. When had her boss met him?

Owen had always disliked being interrupted while working. Yet now, in the middle of interviews, he had actually left on his own initiative and brought someone over to sit at their table. How unusual.

Xin Chun noticed that gaze, turned his head, and gave the mature, sexy beauty with blond hair and blue eyes a small smile.

Like a shy little white rabbit, Ivy thought, before collecting herself and continuing her work.

Owen wanted to hire a professional medicinal herb cultivator, but this fifth candidate still fell somewhat short. When asked one particular question, he began to stammer, unable to answer.