Chapter 38
As the first snow of winter fell, the entire city was covered with a thin layer of silver frost, and the cold wind felt like tiny knives on the face. Song Linchuan, nestled in Song Mingye's arms, watched the snowflakes falling outside the window and suddenly suggested, "Brother, let's go soak in a hot spring! I heard that hot springs can dispel the cold and are good for the body."
Song Mingye chuckled and rubbed Song Linchuan's red nose, "That's exactly what I was thinking. I've already booked a hot spring inn in the mountains, and we're leaving tomorrow." Song Linchuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately climbed out of Song Mingye's arms, excitedly packing his luggage: "Great! I want to bring that fluffy bathrobe!"
The message reached the group chat, and Qi Zihao immediately replied with a cheering emoji: "Hot spring! I want to soak in the hottest one!" Chu Xiaoche quickly followed up with a reply: "Don't be silly, hot springs that are too hot are bad for your health. I'll be watching you." Jiang Ziyu sent a sketch of hot spring mist: "Hot springs in the mountains must be very quiet." Mu Nanjin added: "I've already prepared hand warmers and cold medicine in case you catch a cold."
The next morning, the three cars drove out of the city together, heading towards the hot spring inn nestled in the mountains. The snow scene outside the window became increasingly beautiful, with icicles hanging from the roadside trees, like a crystal world from a fairy tale. Song Linchuan leaned against the car window, watching intently: "Brother, look, the snow over there is so thick!" Song Mingye smiled and handed him a cup of hot cocoa: "Take your time looking, don't get cold."
Qi Zihao, who was in the back seat, couldn't contain himself any longer and leaned against the car window to share with Jiang Ziyu, "Brother Ziyu, after we soak in the hot springs, let's go build a snowman!" Jiang Ziyu nodded gently, his eyes also filled with anticipation. Mu Nanjin reached out to help him tighten his scarf, "It's cold outside, you need to wear something thicker to build a snowman." Chu Xiaoche, on the other hand, focused on driving, glancing at the excited Qi Zihao in the rearview mirror from time to time, a faint smile playing on his lips.
It was already noon when we arrived at the hot spring guesthouse. Hidden deep in the mountains, the guesthouse's white walls and gray tiles were covered in snow, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. The owner warmly greeted us: "You've finally arrived! The rooms are all ready, and we've even reserved a private hot spring area for you."
The group followed the owner into the guesthouse. The room was warm and cozy, and opening the balcony door revealed a private hot spring bath. The rising steam mingled with the crisp air of snow, creating a particularly enchanting scene. Song Linchuan put down his luggage and immediately pulled Song Mingye to change into a bathrobe: "Brother, let's go soak for a while!"
Song Mingye followed him helplessly yet indulgently. After changing into their bathrobes, the two stepped onto the wooden stairs and entered the hot spring pool. The warm water washed over their bodies, instantly dispelling the chill they had experienced along the way. Song Linchuan sighed comfortably and leaned against the rock by the pool: "This is so comfortable!" Song Mingye sat down beside him, reaching out to brush away the stray hairs from his forehead, his fingertips warmed by the hot spring water.
In the private hot spring next door, Qi Zihao was excitedly splashing around in the water when Chu Xiaoche grabbed him, saying, "Slow down, don't slip." Qi Zihao turned to him and smiled, his face still wet with water droplets, "Xiaoche, look at this steaming water, doesn't it look like a fairyland?" Chu Xiaoche nodded, reached out and pulled him to his side, letting him lean on his shoulder, "Stop fooling around, soak properly to warm up."
Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin's private hot spring bath was much quieter. Jiang Ziyu leaned against the edge of the pool, gazing at the snow scene outside the window, his eyes distant. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, gently holding his hand: "Do you like it here?" Jiang Ziyu nodded, his voice soft: "I like it. It's so quiet, like a painting." Mu Nanjin lowered his head and planted a tender kiss on the top of his head. The steam from the hot spring blurred their silhouettes, filling the air with tenderness.
After soaking for about half an hour, everyone returned to their rooms to rest. Song Linchuan, wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe, leaned against Song Mingye and ate fruit: "Brother, let's go eat the stew at the guesthouse tonight, it smells delicious." Song Mingye smiled and nodded: "Okay, whatever you say."
Qi Zihao pulled Chu Xiaoche into a snowball fight in the room. The two of them were covered in snow, but they laughed heartily. Chu Xiaoche helplessly brushed the snow off him: "Be careful not to catch a cold. We still have to go for dinner later." Qi Zihao stuck out his tongue and nodded obediently.
Jiang Ziyu took out his easel and, taking advantage of the light from the window, painted the scene of a hot spring in the snow. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, helping him mix the paints and occasionally reminding him, "The color of the mist can be a little lighter, more transparent." Jiang Ziyu adjusted it according to his suggestions, and the painting gradually became more vivid.
At dinner, everyone sat around the table, which was laden with steaming stews, cured meats, and handmade dumplings. The guesthouse owner smiled and said, "This is cured chicken from the mountains, stewed for three hours. Try it." Song Linchuan picked up a piece and gave it to Song Mingye: "Brother, eat more to nourish your body."
Chu Xiaoche picked up a dumpling for Qi Zihao: "Eat slowly, don't burn yourself." Qi Zihao's mouth was full, and he mumbled, "Delicious!" Mu Nanjin then served Jiang Ziyu a bowl of stewed chicken soup: "Drink some soup to warm your stomach."
After dinner, everyone strolled along the path leading to the guesthouse. Snow was still falling gently, landing on their hair and shoulders, cool and refreshing. Song Mingye held Song Linchuan's hand, Chu Xiaoche had his arm around Qi Zihao's shoulder, and Mu Nanjin held Jiang Ziyu's hand. The six of them walked side by side in the snow, their footprints gently covered by the snow, only to slowly leave new traces again.
"Let's build a snowman!" Qi Zihao suddenly suggested, and before anyone could respond, he pulled Chu Xiaoche and ran to the open space. Song Linchuan also got excited and pulled Song Mingye to join in. Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin stood aside, watching them build the snowman with smiles in their eyes.
Qi Zihao rolled a big snowball for the snowman's body, Chu Xiaoche rolled a small snowball for the head, Song Linchuan found some branches for the arms, and Song Mingye took two buttons out of his pocket for the snowman's eyes. In no time, a chubby snowman was finished. Qi Zihao even took off his scarf and put it on the snowman, smiling brightly.
Jiang Ziyu picked up his paintbrush and quickly sketched the scene before him: the snowman in the snow and the smiling crowd, all meticulously depicted in his painting. Mu Nanjin stood behind him, watching him quietly, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.
As night deepened, everyone returned to their rooms. Song Linchuan leaned against Song Mingye, listening to the sound of wind and snow outside the window, and gradually drifted off to sleep. Song Mingye gently patted his back, his eyes tender. In the next room, Qi Zihao was already asleep, a sweet smile on his lips. Chu Xiaoche tucked him in and placed a kiss on his forehead. Jiang Ziyu leaned on Mu Nanjin's shoulder, looking at the painting he had done during the day, his face full of satisfaction.
The warmth of the hot spring seeped into his bones, keeping the chill of the wind and snow at bay. The evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, carrying the crispness of snow and the warmth of the hot spring, as well as the sweetness between the three couples. Song Mingye knew that this winter was especially warm because of their companionship. And every winter to come, they would stay together like this, using each other's warmth to melt away all the cold, making their days the warmest they could imagine.
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