Since the mother-in-law felt that two wild ginseng roots were enough and decided not to dig any more, the mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and son tidied up. The mother-in-law was in charge of carrying the two newly dug wild ginseng roots.
Xu Mingxuan was responsible for filling the three large soil pits dug while harvesting the wild ginseng with dirt.
The three dry branches would be left by the hot spring pool for now, as they couldn't carry them this time. They would take them back next time they came to soak in the hot springs.
Chen Lan, holding a bow and crossbow in one hand, walked to the edge of the nearby woods to retrieve her package that she had hung on a branch earlier.
The mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and son turned and left the thicket together, walking back one after another. They didn't walk slowly and soon passed a lycium barbarum grove. Looking up, they saw several hot spring pools of various sizes emitting swirling mist and steam. The mist rising from the pools dispersed like a fairyland when a cold wind blew.
Xu Mingxuan carefully observed these natural hot springs, finding no trace of artificial carving. Within the rising steam of the pools, there was a hint of saltiness mixed with a faint smell of sulfur.
The three quickly arrived at the edge of the hot spring pools. Waves of heat washed over them, and they soon began to sweat.
Chen Lan handed her package to Xu Mingxuan and pointed to the tent next to the largest hot spring pool, saying, "Brother Mingxuan, you should go into that tent and change into your swim trunks first, then come to this pool to soak. Be very careful when you soak, and make sure your wound doesn't touch the water."
Xu Mingxuan looked at Chen Lan, then at his mother, and asked, "Lan'er, what are you and Mother going to do now? Aren't you going to soak in the hot springs too?"
The mother-in-law immediately replied heartily, "Of course, we'll soak. Since we've come all this way, we definitely have to soak in the hot springs before we go back. Mingxuan, you go change in the tent over there and don't mind us."
As expected of a former soldier, Xu Mingxuan was very quick at changing. He soon put on his clothes and walked out of the tent.
It went without saying that Xu Mingxuan had a really good physique, the type that looks slim in clothes and muscular out of them.
Although there was a wine-cup-sized indentation on his right shoulder blade due to his injury, it did not detract from his overall powerful physique.
Nor did it affect his composed demeanor, but rather gave him an air of courage and resilience.
Despite his injured right shoulder blade, his back was still straight, like a tall and upright red pine tree, filled with immense, steadfast strength.
Although his facial features were not particularly striking, his contours were distinct, and his gaze was deep.
His physique was very well-proportioned, with firm muscles that seemed to contain great power. What surprised Chen Lan even more was that Xu Mingxuan actually had eight-pack abs.
Seeing this, Chen Lan couldn't help but blush and feel her heart flutter.
Concealing the ripples in her heart, Chen Lan quickly led him to the edge of the hot spring pool and said, "Brother Mingxuan, it's your first time soaking in a hot spring. I'll tell you what to do now, and you just follow my instructions, okay?"
Xu Mingxuan smiled and said, "Lan'er, why are you being so polite with me? Of course, you can. I should be thanking you! Just tell me, and I'll do as you say."
At this moment, the steaming hot spring pool was crystal clear, shrouded in mist, and the sulfurous smell was even more pronounced.
Chen Lan continued, "Brother Mingxuan, slowly put your feet into the hot spring water first. When your feet have adapted to the water temperature, then slowly put your lower legs in, then your thighs, and then slowly immerse your whole body in the hot spring.
Brother Mingxuan, you must pay special attention to keeping your wound out of the water. You can't soak for too long at a time, about half an hour is good."
Xu Mingxuan asked with a smile, "Got it! Mrs. Manager! Lan'er, why can't we soak for longer?"
Chen Lan explained, "If you soak in hot springs for too long, people can't stand it. The body easily becomes dehydrated, and you feel very uncomfortable. So, during a hot spring soak, you need to replenish fluids and consume some nutritious fruit juices, yogurt, and other foods.
That's how it is, Brother Mingxuan. You go ahead and slowly soak in the hot spring pool according to the precautions I mentioned. Later, I'll have Mother bring you a bottle of water and a bottle of yogurt to replenish your fluids and nutrients."
With that, she quickly turned and walked towards the changing tent. Her mother-in-law was still waiting in the tent, likely getting anxious.
Xu Mingxuan followed Chen Lan's instructions and slowly slid his body into the hot spring water, exposing only his injured right shoulder blade.
Soaking in the warm hot spring water, he felt all his pores open up, and the fatigue accumulated over the past few months instantly dissipated. He felt refreshed and involuntarily let out a sigh of contentment, "Ah! So comfortable! It's so comfortable!"
Xu Mingxuan leaned back slowly against the edge of the hot spring pool, feeling the mountain breeze brush against his cheeks. The surrounding mist dispersed, making it feel like a fairyland.
He slowly closed his eyes, reveling in the extreme comfort, and gradually fell asleep!
As soon as Chen Lan entered the tent, her mother-in-law said urgently, "Xiao Lan, neither of us brought swimsuits. Hurry up and ask your father-in-law to buy us two more sets."
Chen Lan quickly replied, "Okay! Mother-in-law, please wait a moment. I'll go tell Father-in-law right away."
She swiftly opened the system with her mind and purchased swimsuits, towels, yogurt, and pure water.
Taking out the purchased items from the system's warehouse, Chen Lan handed a swimsuit to her mother-in-law and said, "Mother-in-law, you go change first. The style of the swimsuits I bought this time is more conservative. After you put it on, I guarantee you won't feel uncomfortable."
The swimsuit she bought this time had a short-sleeved top and mid-length shorts with a skirt attached.
Her mother-in-law quickly changed into her swimsuit! She seemed relatively satisfied this time and didn't say anything! She picked up a towel and was about to leave. Chen Lan quickly handed her two bottles of water and two bottles of yogurt and said, "Mother-in-law, this is water and yogurt for you and Brother Mingxuan. Please take it to Brother Mingxuan!"
Watching her mother-in-law leave with the items, Chen Lan also quickly changed into her swimsuit, took a towel, a bottle of water, and a bottle of yogurt, and went to the hot spring pool. She skillfully went to the part of the pool with stones at the bottom.
The pool water was clear and transparent, with white fine sand clearly visible at the bottom. The mist rising from the surface resembled a fairyland, with the steam carrying a salty taste and a faint smell of sulfurous soap.
Chen Lan always liked to sit on these stones when soaking in hot springs, immersing her entire body in the hot spring water, with only her head exposed, leaning against the edge of the pool, relaxing her body and mind, closing her eyes, and enjoying a moment of leisure and peace.
She savored the joy of bathing, cleansing her body, and washing away worries.