Chapter 2

Owen: "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 out his tongue at Owen. "I tricked you. Who knew you'd believe it? Uncle, uncle."

The last two words were clearly a joke, yet they seemed to linger 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 placed his shoes by the bank and dipped his fair, tender feet into the water, the current washing over his ankles.

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

"Mr. Williams, are you visiting Jingu Town? How many days do you plan to stay?"

"Actually, I'm here because of work. The timing is uncertain. I'll probably be staying here for quite a while..." As he spoke, Owen withdrew his gaze from the scenery opposite them and watched Xin Chun's profile.

The Alaskan dog beside him was incredibly lively. It had just been hopping about in the water, splashing droplets everywhere, some of which landed on Xin Chun's face.

Now, a droplet slid down the bridge of his nose, shimmering with transparent rainbow hues under the sunlight. 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 are you in, Mr. Williams?"

"I..."

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

"Peh, peh." Xin Chun spat.

The dog failed to catch the butterfly, then its paws slipped. It skidded uncontrollably across the smooth stone surface of the embankment, where a shallow stream ran over it.

"Woof."

Fortunately, it stopped just before falling off the embankment.

Unfortunately, Xin Chun had already gotten up and run behind it. With one push to the Alaskan dog's fluffy butt, he sent it flailing 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 smugly, but his retribution came quickly.

After Handsome Star stood up from the river, it violently shook its fur. In an instant, droplets filled the air, most of them drenching Xin Chun from head to toe.

"..."

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 soaked, and Xin Chun's clothes were drenched through as well, droplets of water falling from his face.

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

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

Xin Chun grasped 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 turned translucent, 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 right away." He answered it. It was about work.

Seeing the man hang up and prepare to leave, Xin Chun called after him. "Mr. Williams, your jacket."

Owen said, "Wear it home."

"But how should I return it to you?"

"Tomorrow morning at ten, meet me at the teahouse by the river. Is that all right?"

"Of course." Xin Chun smiled.

Owen watched Xin Chun's smiling eyes and curved brows, then said slowly, "Then I'll be eagerly awaiting our third meeting."

The man left upstream along the river.

Watching his retreating figure, Xin Chun put on the jacket and clutched the collar tightly in both hands. He lowered his head and sniffed it. 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 teahouse with his secretary Ivy and assistant Li Ze.

The interview period ran from seven to ten, three hours in total, with five candidates. It would end exactly at ten.

The first four candidates made Owen's frown deepen further and further. Only when the fifth interviewee appeared did the crease between his brows ease slightly.

But before ten arrived, Xin Chun came early. Carrying a bag, he appeared at the entrance to the teahouse. When he spotted Owen, he smiled and waved.

At the sight, Owen stood and walked over. "It isn't time for our appointment yet."

Xin Chun said, "I wanted to come to the teahouse early for some tea and wait for Mr. Williams while I was at it. But it seems Mr. Williams had something to do, so you came 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 accepted it, but did not turn and leave. Instead, 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 wish to get to know you better, Xin Chun."

Clean and fair, he looked younger than his actual age, like an innocent college student who had yet to enter society—perhaps even younger than that.

After Owen led the young man to their table, Ivy could not help wondering when her boss had met him.

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

Xin Chun noticed her gaze, turned around, and gave the mature, sexy blonde beauty with blue eyes a small smile.

He looked like a shy little white rabbit. Thinking that, Ivy returned to her senses and continued working.

Owen was looking for a professional medicinal herb cultivator, but even the fifth candidate fell somewhat short. When asked one of the questions, he began stammering and could not answer.