Chapter 18

"You learned very well." Owen's voice carried a smile as he supported Xin Chun's arm and corrected his posture.

Xin Chun's eyes curved with a smile. "As long as I didn't embarrass you, Teacher."

Owen taught earnestly, and Xin Chun was no fool. He quickly mastered the basics of skiing. At the very least, he could keep up with Owen's speed as they skied down from high places, thrilling and exhilarating.

No wonder some people became obsessed with skiing alone. It really was fun.

Still, Xin Chun did not never fall. After all, he had only just learned. He failed to stop steadily and landed on his butt in the snow. It did not hurt, but getting back up was not easy.

After trying twice, Xin Chun simply held out his hand when Owen skied down. "Pull me up."

Owen was quite strong. Without seeming to exert much effort, he pulled Xin Chun to his feet. Xin Chun stumbled into him and was caught in his arms.

"Haha." Xin Chun could not help laughing, his brows and eyes bright with joy.

He tipped his head back to look at Owen. His cheeks were rosy, and his goggles had long since been pushed up. Tiny droplets of water clung to his curled lashes, and his sparkling eyes were filled with the reflection of one person.

Owen found it hard to look away. Lowering his head, he kissed Xin Chun's eyelashes before saying involuntarily, "Be with me."

He said it in Y Country's language.

Xin Chun's lashes trembled as he opened his eyes. For one brief moment, he wanted to agree just like that, but he ultimately held back. "What?"

Owen, let your feelings for me grow deeper. Love me a little more—no, a whole lot more.

Xin Chun's expression did not change.

Owen said, "I mean, be careful."

"Okay."

After skiing, Xin Chun and Owen did not run into William when they returned. Only after making a call did they learn that he was still out playing, having forgotten all about going back.

"Remember to come back before dark." Owen hung up after saying that, then turned to Xin Chun. "Come on, let's soak in the hot spring."

They could soak in the hot spring back at their room. Outside was a small courtyard enclosed by bamboo, with pebbles paving the ground. It was open to the sky, and clear water flowed nearby, creating a rather tranquil scene.

Xin Chun was looking forward to soaking in the hot spring, and even more so to soaking in it with Owen.

A good body should not be stingily hidden away. Although Xin Chun had already seen it many times, he could even close his eyes and trace it with his hands, clearly outlining its contours in his mind.

But who would ever think they had seen enough of such a thing? He only felt that it was not enough.

After returning to their room, they changed clothes first. The shorts for soaking in the hot spring were different from underwear. The hotel provided them, all unopened, with sizes to choose from.

Xin Chun glanced at the size Owen had taken, then at the one in his own hand, subtly hiding it behind him.

People really should not compare themselves to others, or they might easily suffer a psychological blow.

As he was thinking that, he saw Owen place both hands at the edge of his underwear and pull it down. Before long, the underwear was tossed onto the bed, openly displaying his excellent physique to Xin Chun without the slightest hint of shyness.

That made sense. Someone with something superior to the average person would not feel embarrassed about it—especially... Owen had every right to show it off to Xin Chun.

Xin Chun's face suddenly flushed. He turned around, silently scolding himself. It's not like I haven't seen it, touched it, or even...

The sound of changing clothes came from behind him.

Xin Chun cleared his throat. "Owen, once you're changed, go soak first. I'll come in a little while."

"I'll wait for you."

"No need. Go ahead."

"Okay."

Only after hearing Owen's footsteps leave did Xin Chun turn around, change into the shorts, and head outside as well.

Mist rose outside as the night gradually deepened and the temperature dropped. Xin Chun walked barefoot over the pebbles, and his exposed skin felt a little cold.

He quickened his pace slightly and walked to the hot spring.

Owen was already sitting in it, his shoulders exposed, both arms spread across the rocks surrounding the pool. When he saw Xin Chun approach, his gaze burned brightly. His wet hair had been swept back, revealing his handsome face even more fully.

Xin Chun stared without blinking as he slowly stepped down into the water, then sat across from Owen.

Steam from the hot spring curled around them. Soft music played indoors, and for a while, neither of them spoke.

Xin Chun's skin gradually warmed. He scooped up some spring water and splashed it over himself, when his eyes suddenly caught sight of a tray beside the pool, holding a pot and cups.

"What's that, tea?"

Owen took the tray and let it float on the hot spring. "It's salt water. Soaking in hot springs makes you lose moisture and sweat. Drinking salt water replenishes it."

"Want some?"

He lifted the pot and poured two cups.

Xin Chun found the floating tray interesting.

He left his original spot and moved a little closer. The water rippled outward, and the tray swayed as well.

Owen smiled and handed him a cup of salt water.

Xin Chun took it and drank it.

Afterward, the tray was pushed farther away. Xin Chun sat beside Owen instead and thought for a moment before asking, "Will you go back to Y Country?"

"Will you go back and never return again?"

"I'll go back, but not never return." Owen straightened up. "Hua Country has someone I care about. I can't bear to let him be away from me for even a second."

"If possible, I want to settle down in someone's country for him."

If possible, if Xin Chun agreed to be with him.

Xin Chun lowered his lashes and said softly, "Give me a little more time, Owen. But right now, would you be willing to hold me?"

Chapter 18

Would you be willing to hold me?

How could Owen possibly refuse? He immediately opened his arms and drew Xin Chun into his embrace. The fullness of holding him made him sigh. "I'd be willing to hold you forever."

He turned his head and kissed Xin Chun's earlobe.

Xin Chun hugged Owen tightly too, resting his head on his shoulder. Water droplets slid down their bodies, and the wet, slick skin felt uniquely pleasant beneath his touch.

His fingers brushed over it once as he buried his head in Owen's neck.