Chapter 40: Ramsau

May arrived, and the weather grew warmer by the day. The Alpine peaks, still capped with glistening white snow, stood in stark contrast to the rest of the mountains, where the melting snow had transformed into streams of crystal-clear water, trickling down into the lake below.

The forests were lush and verdant, and wildflowers blossomed everywhere. The breeze carried their fragrance, filling the air with a floral sweetness.

Surrounded by such breathtaking scenery, Qin Li found it impossible to stay indoors. With her new DSLR camera finally in hand, she couldn't wait to try it out and snap some stunning photos to make her friends back home jealous. The urge to explore the mountains grew stronger every day. Finally, on a sunny weekend, Yan Sen decided to take a break from farm work and organize an impromptu camping trip.

No one was more excited than Thomas. He loaded the car with a ridiculous amount of gear, prompting Qu Dani to quip, "Are you moving house or something?"

Thomas scoffed. "This is tradition. You wouldn't understand."

Truthfully, everyone was thrilled about spending a night in the mountains. Qin Li had stayed up the previous night preparing snacks: shumai, steamed buns, chicken feet, soy-braised duck, tea eggs, and a whole jar of drunken pork knuckles.

For a spring outing, the motto was simple: eat, eat, and eat some more.

With over ten people, including the production crew, this trip was no small affair. And since everyone was a meat lover, the snacks Qin Li made were barely enough to whet their appetites.

To compensate, Yan Sen decided they'd have a barbecue. Before leaving, he sent Thomas to the local supermarket to stock up on pork, beef, chicken, and vegetables for salad. Alcohol was a must, too: beer, wine, sparkling wine, rum, vodka—enough to fuel a proper party. After all, a rare outing like this called for going all out.

Tents and other supplies were ready; all that was left were the groceries. Everyone was waiting impatiently for Thomas, eagerly anticipating his return. Finally, he arrived—but he wasn't alone.

"You're finally—"

Qin Li's words died in her throat when she saw the unwelcome guest stepping out of the car. Her good mood vanished instantly.

It was Jenny—Yan Sen's ex-wife.

Yan Sen's face darkened. Pulling Thomas aside, he demanded, "Why did you bring her?"

Thomas lowered his voice. "She insisted on coming. Her legs, her choice—I couldn't stop her."

Qin Li cut straight to the point. "How did she even know we were going out today?"

Thomas scratched his head sheepishly, stammering and failing to come up with a coherent answer. Qin Li glared at him, already guessing the truth: his big mouth must have let it slip.

Jenny, oblivious to the tension her presence caused, strutted over to Yan Sen with a bright smile. Throwing her arms around him, she chirped, "Darling, did you miss me?"

Darling? They were divorced, for heaven's sake!

The sight of her made Qin Li's stomach churn. Memories of their previous unpleasant encounter came rushing back, and she couldn't muster a polite expression.

Jenny wasn't fond of Qin Li, either. Her hug felt more like a deliberate provocation. Taking advantage of Yan Sen's turned back, she stuck out her tongue at Qin Li as if to say, What can you do about it?

Qin Li's mood soured completely. She pinched Thomas hard. "You're not getting a single bite of the snacks I made!"

Her words hit Thomas like a hammer. He deflated instantly, whining, "Li, you're so cruel. Give me another chance—I'll make it up to you!"

Make it up? The damage was done, and now they had a clingy ex-wife in tow.

Yan Sen disentangled himself from Jenny's embrace. "Don't you have work?"

Jenny pouted. "I took the day off to come with you."

Qin Li twitched at the corners of her mouth.

Jenny clung to Yan Sen's arm, whining, "I'm already here. You're not going to turn me away, are you?"

Yan Sen pried her fingers off and said bluntly, "Actually, you're not welcome. You should head back."

Jenny hadn't expected such direct rejection. She jutted out her lip, stubbornly refusing to leave. "I don't have a car. If you want me to go, you'll have to drive me."

Driving her back would take at least an hour or two round-trip, and who knew what drama she might stir up along the way? If that happened, their entire camping trip would be ruined.

Yan Sen glanced at Qin Li, silently asking for her input.

Annoyed but unable to leave Jenny at the farmhouse alone, Qin Li reluctantly said, "Fine, let her come."

Jenny cheered and immediately climbed into Yan Sen's car without waiting for anyone's reaction.

Such nerve! Qin Li's eye twitched in frustration.

Just then, the director walked over. Seeing Qin Li standing outside with a sour expression, he asked, "What's wrong? Aren't you getting in the car?"

Qin Li said nothing and turned to join the production crew's vehicle.

"Wait," the director called.

Qin Li stopped.

"Why aren't you riding with Yan Sen?" he asked, then added, "How are we supposed to film if you two aren't together?"

Without giving her a chance to argue, the director opened the car door, pulled Jenny out, and ushered Qin Li into the passenger seat. The crew crammed themselves into the back with their cameras, filling the car completely.

Jenny protested, "Why?"

The director replied matter-of-factly, "Why what?"

"Why can't I ride with him? I'm his ex-wife!" Jenny argued.

The director didn't miss a beat. "Ex-wife, current wife, whatever—I only care about the male and female leads."

He pointed to Yan Sen. "Male lead." Then to Qin Li. "Female lead."

"And me?" Jenny demanded.

"Comic relief," the director said flatly.

Jenny stomped her foot in frustration, but the director was already climbing into the crew's van, paying her no mind.

Left with no other choice, Jenny squeezed into Qu Dani's tiny Mini Cooper, fuming.

Meanwhile, Qin Li stifled a laugh, silently giving the director a hundred imaginary thumbs-up. Truly, directors were a breed unto themselves—sharp, decisive, and utterly fearless.

The beauty of it all stirred Qin Li's restless heart. Her new DSLR camera had arrived, and she was eager to test it out, capture breathtaking shots, and make her friends back home envious. So when Yan Sen announced a spontaneous camping trip to the nearby Ramsau and its famed Enchanted Forest, Qin Li was beyond thrilled.

Ramsau wasn't far—just a short ten-kilometer drive. They planned to set up camp at the base of the mountain, where tents were prepared for pairs. While Qin Li had no intention of sharing a tent with Yan Sen (for obvious reasons), she had already decided to bunk with Qu Dani for the night.

Before they could settle in, though, a loud voice disrupted the peaceful vibe.

Jenny.

She was throwing a fit, insisting on sharing a tent with Yan Sen.

"What's wrong? Do you want to together with her? Just say it if you do!" Jenny shrieked.

Qin Li, overhearing, instinctively turned her head. At the same moment, Yan Sen's gaze landed on hers. For a moment, their eyes locked.

Qin Li thought he might ignore Jenny's outburst, but to her shock, Yan Sen calmly nodded. "You're right, Jenny."

Jenny froze in disbelief. Qin Li was equally stunned, her heart skipping a beat as a faint sense of joy crept in.

Jenny quickly snapped back, shouting, "What does she have that I don't?!"

Without missing a beat, Yan Sen replied, "Her chest is bigger than yours."

The comment wasn't loud, but it was loud enough. Heads turned toward Qin Li's chest as everyone silently evaluated the claim.

Caught in the spotlight, Qin Li instinctively crossed her arms, mortified. She glared daggers at Yan Sen, who responded with a sly smile.

You devil!

Seeing the exchange, Jenny was furious. Her jealousy boiled over. "Yan Sen, how could you?! We've known each other since we were kids! You promised to stay with me forever!"

Is she serious? Qin Li thought, fuming. Jenny's reckless behavior—her infidelity, her self-destruction—had ruined their marriage. And now, she had the audacity to pin the blame on him?

Qin Li clenched her fists, ready to confront her, but Yan Sen held her back. He shook his head, silently signaling her not to waste her energy.

The director emerged from his tent just in time to hear Jenny's tantrum. "Who brought her here?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

Thomas avoided eye contact, looking like a guilty child.

When no one answered, the director marched over to Jenny. "If you keep this up, I'll have you sent back."

Jenny sneered. "Oh yeah? How?"

"By calling the police," the director replied coolly. "I'll file a complaint for obstructing our filming, and you'll be fined a hundred thousand euros."

The director's commanding presence left no room for argument. Jenny, cowed by his words, fell silent.

With peace restored, the group returned their focus to the beauty of the mountain.

The director turned to Qin Li. "Where are you planning to sleep?"

"With Qu Dani," Qin Li replied.

The director frowned. "What do you think this is—wilderness survival?"

He pointed at Yan Sen's tent. "You're sharing with him."

Yan Sen shrugged when Qin Li glanced his way, as if to say he had no control over the decision. But was that a hint of anticipation in his eyes?

Qu Dani, ever the instigator, moved Qin Li's belongings into Yan Sen's tent. "Don't waste the opportunity," she teased. "Make your move tonight!"

Qin Li's face burned crimson. She fanned herself and looked away, avoiding Yan Sen's gaze.

Why did it suddenly feel like something… monumental was about to happen tonight?

Once the tents were sorted, everyone turned to their own activities.

At the foot of the mountain, a shallow creek meandered through the landscape. Its waters varied between gentle ripples and rushing currents. It wasn't deep—barely reaching the knees—making it perfect for some light rafting.

Thomas excitedly pulled out two inflatable rafts from his car, along with a pump. Twenty minutes later, the rafts were fully inflated, each large enough for one or two people.

"Who's up for rafting?" Thomas called out.

When no one volunteered, he turned to Yan Sen. "Bro, come on!"

Yan Sen walked over and, without hesitation, grabbed Qin Li's hand. "Let's go."

Qin Li hesitated. "I can't swim."

"It's shallow. You won't drown," Thomas assured her.

Yan Sen added, "I'll protect you."

Qin Li turned to him, meeting his steady gaze.

Under the sunlight, his face radiated warmth and sincerity. There was no shadow of doubt, only trust.

Her heart softened. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded.

Thomas handed her a helmet and helped her secure it before she climbed into the raft. Yan Sen guided the raft to the water's edge and climbed in behind her.

"Ready?" Thomas asked.

Qin Li nodded, but before she could speak, Thomas gave the raft a mighty push, sending them skimming into the creek.

The current took hold immediately, propelling them forward. Qin Li let out a startled scream, clutching the sides of the raft.

"Don't hold onto the raft," Yan Sen warned from behind her. "The rocks will scrape your hands. If you need to hold onto something, hold onto me."

Before she could protest, his arms wrapped around her from behind, anchoring her firmly against him. Instinctively, Qin Li gripped his forearm. With his steady presence at her back, her nerves began to settle.

Rafting was like a natural rollercoaster. When the water grew rapid, the raft would lift and crash back down, spraying water everywhere. Qin Li was soon drenched but found herself laughing, exhilarated by the experience. The scenery rushed past, the wind whipped against her face—it was pure bliss.

"Having fun?" Yan Sen's voice came from close behind her.

"Yes!" Qin Li shouted back, grinning.

"Want to go again?"

"Yes!"

Yan Sen's tone dropped slightly, laced with mischief. "How about tonight we make love?"

"Yes!" Qin Li answered automatically before freezing.

Wait.

What did he just say?!