Chapter 45: Qiao Zhen, His White Swan

“What? Qin Yichi invited you to the hot springs—just the two of you?!”
In the dormitory, Sheng Lulu jolted upright from her sickbed, shrieking, “Damn, is he trying to take you on a date?”
Qiao Zhen quietly made her bed, placing her bunny plushie by the pillow, and whispered, “I don't think… this counts as a date.”
Sheng Lulu declared, “Come on, it’s just like in those dramas. When the leads go to hot springs together, pink hearts are floating everywhere, and of course they fall for each other and kiss like crazy by the end…”
“Stop!” Qiao Zhen’s cheeks burned with a rosy flush. She pulled her bed curtain and hid under the covers for a while.
Yun Yue, more sensible, said, “I remember that new hot spring resort outside the capital—everyone loves it, and there’s a buffet. My friends all said it was amazing, but the only downside is the price. Crazy expensive… So, did you say yes?”
At eleven, the lights went out. Qiao Zhen lay in bed, nuzzling her bunny plush, and quietly replied, “Mm.”
She’d agreed.
Qin Yichi had said the racing team held a raffle, and he won two hot spring tickets—including a hotel night and dinner buffet. His mom couldn’t make it, so he invited her instead.
He’d said lazily, “If you don’t come, the ticket will just go to waste.”
Her mind was filled with images of abs and Adam’s apples, and before she knew it… she’d been coaxed into going.
Hearing all this, Chen Meixiang’s hand shook, and her eyeliner almost shot up to her brows.
She’d been fooled by a jerk before and was now hyper-vigilant around men.
With concern, she asked, “Why does this feel like you’re walking into a trap… Are you sure it’s two rooms? He’s not going to do anything inappropriate, is he?”
Qiao Zhen yawned and obediently replied, “Yes, two rooms.”
After a pause, she added softly, her tone earnest, “Qin Yichi is really a good person. I’ve known him since we were little. He’d never let anyone hurt me.”
Chen Meixiang wiped off her eyeliner, clicking her tongue, and suddenly found herself delighted by their budding romance.
So, the protective phase had begun.
The three roommates exchanged glances, sharing a knowing smile.
A raffle, really? Only Qiao Zhen could be tricked so easily, believing in others with such innocence.
“Raffle King,” he really loves this act, doesn’t he!
…
Winter crept in quietly, and December’s chill deepened.
Soaking in hot springs was said to promote blood circulation, drive away the cold, strengthen the body, relieve fatigue, improve sleep, and ease stress.

Qiao Zhen waited and waited, and at last, the day arrived.
She was so excited she could hardly contain herself, and even walked with a spring in her step. She wasn’t sure whether it was because she’d never been to a hot spring before, or… if it was something else.
The resort hotel was elegant and traditional, surrounded by lush trees and faux mountains, picturesque as a painting.
A natural mist drifted over the hot springs, the air fragrant and the water crystal-clear.
After the buffet, Qiao Zhen waited until she’d digested before changing into her swimsuit.
It was pure white, laced with ribbons and draped in sheer tulle—ethereal, and very, very modest.
She’d bought it three years ago.
But as she finished dressing and looked in the mirror, she realized her figure had changed since then—especially her bust…
Qiao Zhen paused, covered her face, and suddenly regretted her choice.
It was a bit tight around the chest; she should have bought a new one.
She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but it felt like other people were sneaking glances her way, making her wonder if she’d worn something wrong.
After fixing her appearance in the mirror, she pulled aside the curtain and came face to face with a tall, striking figure.
The man’s tousled hair brushed his brow, his eyes deep and intense. His face was sharp and aggressive. He wore a white robe, exposing a chiseled collarbone, his entire demeanor radiating a dangerous allure.
Qin Yichi had been waiting for her nearby.
He lifted his gaze, breath catching, his eyes growing darker.
Her skin was delicate and flawless, dazzlingly pale; her legs slender, with an alluring grace.
Her swimsuit was modest, as demure as a sundress, but that only made her seem more innocent and captivating.
And then there were her beautiful eyes—clear, naive, shining brilliantly as she smiled.
It made one want to tease her mercilessly.
After a moment, Qin Yichi lowered his lashes, looking away and clenching his fingers.
Qiao Zhen walked up to him, uncertain, and asked in a small voice,
“Do I look… odd dressed like this?”
People had been sneaking glances at her earlier.
Was something wrong…?

“Not at all,” Qin Yichi replied after a pause, his voice a little hoarse, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “You look beautiful.”
“Really?” Qiao Zhen lifted questioning eyes to him.
She always felt as if Qin Yichi saw her through rose-tinted glasses—he praised her constantly, just as she always lavished compliments on her roommates.
Qin Yichi rubbed his brow, his expression serious, lowering his voice:
“You want the truth?”
Qiao Zhen’s heart skipped; she nodded, gazing at him with innocent clarity.
The next moment, Qin Yichi’s lips curved into a faintly wicked smile. He reached out to ruffle her hair, his fingers brushing a few soft strands.
“Qiao Zhen, be confident. Do you know what you look like right now?”
She was used to his touch, so she stood obediently, not dodging, letting him have his way.
At his words, she tilted her small face up, growing inexplicably nervous. “Like what?”
Her heart felt suspended, waiting for his verdict.
Qin Yichi sighed softly and leaned down.
His handsome face loomed closer, obsidian eyes nearly level with hers, reflecting her white-clad figure.
There was a gentle possessiveness in his gaze.
Qiao Zhen stood still, her fingertips curling unconsciously, holding her breath without realizing it.
Her pulse beat faster and faster.
Qin Yichi kept his distance, restraining himself, and murmured in her ear,
At that instant, the fake mountains and green leaves blurred around them, the steam over the hot spring seemed to freeze, and the world went quiet.
All that remained in Qiao Zhen’s eyes was Qin Yichi, and in her ears, his deep, magnetic, dangerously soft voice.
He said,
“Like a swan.”