"This is not a bath, it's a hot spring, a method of health preservation. Natural hot springs combined with my uniquely formulated medicinal concoctions create a one-of-a-kind medicinal bath. It revitalizes women's complexions and strengthens men's bodies... This method of mine is truly excellent and bound to be a business sensation."
While Feng Jin was congratulating herself, Ling Mo Han's words struck her like a bolt from the blue: "This is utter nonsense! A group of people stripping naked and soaking together is utterly indecent. And women too... you can't possibly expect women to undress and join them in the pool. What kind of establishment is this!"
Ling Mo Han became more and more indignant as he spoke, his chest heaving with anger. He took a deep breath and said, "Stop thinking about these bizarre things in the future. I think this manor is more of a nuisance. I'll find someone to sell it off."
He knew Feng Jin's stubborn nature; once she set her mind on something, it was hard to change. Selling the estate directly would be the most effective way to quash Feng Jin's ideas.
"You... how dare you! You've already given me this manor, so it's my property. Without my permission, not even the King of Heaven can interfere!"
Feng Jin's stance was resolute, her eyes filled with determination. She was truly exasperated with Ling Mo Han; he had given it to her, making it hers, yet he wanted to overrule her decisions. That was simply impossible.
A cold silence fell between them for a while. After a moment, Feng Jin cleared her throat and said, "My mind is made up on this matter, so don't try to dissuade me. Moreover, what you said earlier will absolutely not happen. I will implement a gender-segregated system and build structures over the hot springs, as well as several private, secluded alcoves specifically for distinguished guests like yourself."
"Besides, who told you that you must undress for a hot spring? One should wear clothes when soaking in a hot spring. The natural spring water is unfiltered and contains minerals. When soaking in a hot spring, one should wear a thin undergarment..."
Feng Jin earnestly explained, wanting to correct Ling Mo Han's deeply ingrained notions and prevent him from using this as an excuse to stop her.
"But this kind of business isn't very suitable for a woman like yourself, so you should..."
"Shut up! Stop spouting your patriarchal nonsense. I've already decided on this. Pack your things and let's leave quickly after we soak in the hot springs."
Not wanting to engage in a pointless argument with Ling Mo Han any further, Feng Jin dropped her words and got up to go inside. She had come all this way, and it would be a waste not to soak in the hot springs before leaving.
As her entire body was immersed in the warm spring water, the fatigue that had accumulated instantly vanished without a trace. Coupled with her secret medicinal bath, her pores opened after soaking, allowing for better absorption.
"You seem to be quite comfortable." Ling Mo Han, observing Feng Jin's look of enjoyment, couldn't help but speak with a hint of sourness in his tone.
Feng Jin, thoroughly enjoying her soak, didn't have the energy to attend to Ling Mo Han. She casually invited, "Would you like to join me?"
"No, this general disdains such things!" the man's tone was full of arrogance. Despite his words of disdain, his feet moved quite honestly as he walked inside.
Sensing ripples emanating from beside her, Feng Jin slowly opened her slightly weary eyes. Upon seeing Ling Mo Han beside her, she couldn't help but ask, "Weren't you unwilling to come in? What are you doing now?"
"I bought this manor with my own money. What's wrong with me coming in for a soak?"
Ling Mo Han spoke with absolute conviction, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. However... this hot spring was indeed very comfortable, especially with the added medicinal ingredients, making it even more so.
It had to be said that when it came to enjoying themselves, Feng Jin could claim to be second to none. He could only shamelessly benefit from her indulgence.
Feng Jin raised her eyes and glanced at Ling Mo Han, who was soaking with evident pleasure. She couldn't help but grumble inwardly, "He was so reluctant earlier, and now he's enjoying it more than anyone. What a stark contrast."
"How is it? Are you comfortable soaking?" Feng Jin asked, looking at his blissful expression.
Hearing Feng Jin's question, the man remained with his eyes closed, meditating, showing no intention of looking at her.
After a moment, he slowly said, "It's passable, I suppose!"
Feng Jin's lips twitched with anger. She kicked him hard and concisely said, "Scram!"
"If you're truly not satisfied, then get out! Don't shamelessly continue soaking here."
With a fire burning in her heart, Feng Jin didn't want to remain in the same space as Ling Mo Han any longer. She stood up decisively, intending to leave.
As she walked past him, a strong, muscular arm wrapped around her waist, and Feng Jin's slender body was pulled forcefully into his embrace.
Her body suddenly suspended in the air, Feng Jin gasped in alarm, "What are you doing!"
"Don't move!" the man's deep, magnetic voice reached Feng Jin's ears. Feng Jin's fair shoulders trembled slightly.
After calming herself, Feng Jin continued to question, "What are you doing? Let me go first. You doing this..."
Feng Jin's tone was filled with helplessness. The posture they were in was too... too awkward. If anyone were to see them, they would surely misunderstand.
However, the man behind her acted as if he heard nothing, continuing to meditate with his eyes closed.
They remained in this stalemate for a long time, with neither willing to yield first.
As a cold breeze blew in, and having only worn a thin undergarment that was now slightly damp, Feng Jin shivered. Her body instinctively burrowed closer into the man's embrace.
The warmth emanating from the man's embrace made her linger, reluctant to leave.
But it was strange, this man's embrace was always so warm, even in the depths of winter.
Seeing that Ling Mo Han made no move, Feng Jin boldly placed her already cold hand into his embrace again. Indeed, it was warm, a perfect hand warmer in winter.
Since they weren't strangers, Feng Jin unceremoniously continued to enjoy the warmth of his embrace.
"How does it feel? Are you satisfied?"