As he entered the Hot Spring Village inn, a wave of warm, humid air greeted him.
Behind the front desk stood a plump, middle-aged woman in a kimono. She paused briefly at the sight of the masked Lin Ze.
"Oh my, aren't you a strapping young man?"
The proprietress set down her abacus and approached him with a beaming smile.
She was around thirty-five or thirty-six, her kimono collar slightly open to reveal delicate collarbones. Though fine lines marked the corners of her eyes, they only added to her mature charm.
Although Lin Ze wore a mask, his tall figure, nearly six feet in height, and his composed bearing made her eyes light up.
"Are you checking in alone this late, young man?"
The proprietress drew a little closer and leaned forward slightly, the voluptuous curves beneath her kimono showing tantalizingly. "We have excellent hot springs here. They're perfect for easing fatigue."
Lin Ze discreetly took half a step back. There really was something to these places.
But although he was well developed physically, he was still a minor!
"One ordinary single room, thank you."
The proprietress refused to give up and reached out to touch Lin Ze's arm.
"Don't be so cold, young man. You look worn out from traveling. Would you like to try our special massage service? I guarantee it'll leave you feeling wonderful~"
Lin Ze deftly turned sideways to avoid her touch, took some silver from inside his clothes, and placed it on the counter.
"No need. I'm only staying one night."
Surprise flickered in the proprietress's eyes at his cold response, but she quickly put on her professional smile again.
"All right, all right. Here's your room key."
She slowly took out the key, deliberately brushing her fingertips against Lin Ze's hand as she passed