Hot Spring

"I haven't showered in several days; I want to cleanse..." Luo Ruying said shyly, her impatience evident.

"Where is the good place?" she asked eagerly.

"Madam, there's a hot spring on a cliff about two or three miles southwest of the back mountain," Ning Yechen replied with a smile, still holding Luo Hongye.

"A hot spring?!" Luo Ruying's eyes lit up with excitement. She had hoped for a simple hot bath, but the prospect of a hot spring exceeded her expectations.

Ning Yechen nodded. He had made sure the hot spring was available, part of the luxuries he had arranged for his seclusion.

"Yeye, let's go. Mother will take you for a bath," Luo Ruying said happily, taking Luo Hongye from Ning Yechen's arms.

"Madam, may I join you in the bath?" Ning Yechen asked with mock seriousness.

Luo Ruying, her face turning red, immediately refused. "No!"

She hugged Luo Hongye and quickly left the house, disappearing in a flash.

Ning Yechen was left alone, contemplating whether to follow. He hesitated, wondering if it would be inappropriate to peek. But then again, he reasoned, it shouldn't be considered perverted if a husband peeked at his wife taking a bath, right?

In the woods, Luo Ruying flew excitedly with Luo Hongye in her arms.

"Mom, why don't you let Dad bathe with us?" Luo Hongye asked with concern. "It's so lonely for him to stay home alone."

Luo Ruying was momentarily at a loss for words. Although she had accepted Ning Yechen as her husband, she wasn't ready for such openness. The thought of bathing together made her blush.

"Mom has to concentrate on giving Ye Ye a bath tonight, so I can't bring Dad along," she explained, forcing a smile.

"Is that so?" Luo Hongye said regretfully.

Seeing that Luo Hongye seemed to accept this explanation, Luo Ruying nodded quickly. "Yes. Mom will take care of you tonight."

"Okay. But next time, can we all bathe together every night?" Luo Hongye asked with hopeful eyes.

"Sure," Luo Ruying agreed with a resigned smile. She hoped her daughter might forget this request after a few days.

Soon, they reached the cliff. The hot spring appeared before them, a steaming pool nestled in the woods.

Luo Ruying helped Luo Hongye out of her clothes and into the hot spring. "Mom, the water is so warm! Come in quickly," Luo Hongye exclaimed, splashing joyfully.

Luo Ruying smiled, then removed her own clothes—her fairy skirt and underwear. Her exquisite form, illuminated by the moonlight and enveloped in mist, was faintly visible.

A figure hidden in the trees watched with fascination.

After some consideration, Ning Yechen decided to follow discreetly. His intention was not to peep but to ensure Luo Ruying and her daughter were safe. He wanted to be ready in case of any trouble.

As Luo Ruying was about to step into the hot spring, she suddenly turned and scanned the area. She felt as though she were being watched, despite having set up a barrier that should have kept any intruders away.

Could it be Ning Yechen? She shook her head, dismissing the thought. There was no way he could have followed so quickly, given his injury. It must be her imagination.

She stepped into the hot spring, sinking into the warmth with a look of pure comfort.

Luo Hongye swam into her arms, allowing her mother to wash her with a happy smile.

Ning Yechen, perched on a branch, watched the mother and daughter with a contented smile. His mind was clear of distractions, but when Luo Ruying stood up from the hot spring, he couldn't help but have a nosebleed.

After hundreds of years, this was the first time he had been so affected.

Nearly half an hour later, a refreshed Luo Ruying returned to the wooden house with Luo Hongye. Her wet hair cascaded around her waist, and her face glowed with a rosy complexion.

Ning Yechen, recalling the scene he had glimpsed, had another nosebleed.

"Why do you have a nosebleed?" Luo Ruying asked with concern as she approached him.

Ning Yechen turned his head, embarrassed. "It's nothing, Madam. Don't worry. I'm just a little... flustered."