In the steamy hotspring pool, Xiao Ming leaned against the edge, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. The water temperature was just right—not too hot to be uncomfortable, and warm enough to let his muscles fully unwind. Even better, there were two beautiful views before him.
Lin Xiaoxiao, like a lively little rabbit, was splashing around in the pool, sending water droplets flying. Her pink one-piece swimsuit clung to her body after being soaked, outlining her youthful curves. In contrast, Lin Jie simply rested with her eyes closed, letting the warm water wrap around her well-proportioned figure. Her black bikini appeared even more mysterious and seductive.
"Wow, this hotspring feels amazing!" Lin Xiaoxiao stirred the surface of the water, then suddenly turned to her sister. "Sis, don't you think we should come to places like this more often to relax? We're always so busy!"
Lin Jie slightly opened her eyes and glanced at her sister. "Busy with what? All you do is go to class and play with cats."
"Hey, studying is exhausting too, okay?" Lin Xiaoxiao pouted in protest, then looked expectantly at Xiao Ming. "Xiao Ming, don't you agree?"
Xiao Ming chimed in with a smile, "Studying is definitely tiring, especially for a hardworking student like Lin Xiaoxiao." He deliberately raised an eyebrow at Lin Jie. "Unlike some people who rely on talent and breeze through their studies."
Lin Jie snorted, "Please, I've put in plenty of effort too."
"Of course," Xiao Ming nodded. "And your job is tough too, right? I've seen the materials. They're definitely a headache."
Mentioning work, Lin Jie's expression turned serious again. "What have you found out about Professor Chen?"
Xiao Ming glanced at Lin Xiaoxiao, who was looking at them with curiosity, clearly interested in the topic. He cleared his throat lightly. "This isn't the place to talk about it. Let's discuss it later."
Lin Jie got the hint and nodded.
"What are you two talking about?" Lin Xiaoxiao leaned in inquisitively, causing ripples in the water.
Xiao Ming flicked her forehead lightly. "Grown-up stuff. Kids shouldn't pry."
"Who are you calling a kid?!" Lin Xiaoxiao shouted unhappily and splashed a handful of water at Xiao Ming's face.
Xiao Ming froze for a moment, then stood up with a mischievous grin. "Oh? You want a water fight? Let's see how you handle this!" He swept his hands through the water, sending a huge splash at Lin Xiaoxiao.
"Ah!" Lin Xiaoxiao screamed as she dodged, but still got soaked. "You're despicable! I'll get you back!"
The two of them started horsing around, splashing water everywhere and laughing nonstop. Lin Jie got splashed too and wiped her face with annoyance. "How old are you guys? Still so childish!"
Xiao Ming and Lin Xiaoxiao exchanged glances and grinned, then charged at Lin Jie together. "Team attack!"
"You two—stop it!" Lin Jie tried to dodge, but was quickly soaked by the two of them from both sides. Her hair clung to her face, leaving her looking quite disheveled.
Xiao Ming suddenly stopped, his gaze lingering on Lin Jie for a few seconds. Water droplets slid down her cheeks, along her slender neck, and finally disappeared into her deep cleavage. Her black bikini clung tightly to her skin after getting wet, faintly revealing some enticing details.
Lin Jie noticed his gaze, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she self-consciously brushed her hair aside. "What are you looking at!"
"Looking at a beauty," Xiao Ming said without hiding his appreciation. "Senior Lin looks especially charming when soaked."
Lin Jie snorted lightly and turned her back on them. "Pervert."
But through the Heartbeat Bracelet, Xiao Ming could clearly sense the fluctuation in her emotions—a complex mix of annoyance, secret joy, and shyness.
As the sky gradually darkened, the lights around the pool automatically turned on, casting a soft glow over the hotspring. Lin Xiaoxiao yawned. "I'm a bit hungry. Should we go get dinner?"
After changing clothes in the cabin, the three of them headed to the farm's restaurant. The environment was elegant, the lighting dim and romantic. The waiter led them to a window seat, where they could see the garden outside, with occasional fireflies blinking gently.
After ordering, Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered something. "Ah! I forgot to show you guys pictures of my kitten! Wait, let me check if I have some in my phone..." She lowered her head and started flipping through her photo album.
Seizing the moment, Xiao Ming gave Lin Jie a look and asked softly, "Do you have time to talk privately tonight? About Professor Chen."
Lin Jie nodded slightly, her eyes showing a hint of anticipation. "What did you find?"
"Nothing good," Xiao Ming said in a low voice. "But I think you should know."
"Found it!" Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly interrupted, holding up her phone excitedly. "Look, isn't Little White super cute?"
On the screen, a pure white kitten was curled up asleep on Lin Xiaoxiao's pillow. It really was adorable.
"So cute," Xiao Ming commented with a smile. "Just like its owner."
Lin Xiaoxiao giggled and showed them a few more pictures. Even Lin Jie couldn't help smiling softly. "This little thing really is quite lovable."
After dinner, Lin Xiaoxiao said she wanted to see the farm's night scenery. Lin Jie, however, said she was tired and wanted to rest. Xiao Ming understood and offered to walk Lin Jie back to the cabin.
"Xiaoxiao, you go ahead if you want. Don't wait for us," Lin Jie told her sister. "But don't go too far, and come back early."
"I'm not a kid anymore, geez!" Lin Xiaoxiao pouted and skipped off toward the garden.
Xiao Ming and Lin Jie walked side by side along the path back to the cabin. The night breeze was cool, and the scent of flowers filled the air.
"So, what did you find?" Lin Jie asked directly.
Xiao Ming looked around to make sure no one was nearby before he began. "Professor Chen's dealings with those businessmen are more than just school-business cooperation."
Lin Jie frowned. "What do you mean?"
"They're reselling medical equipment," Xiao Ming said. "On the surface, it's for research, but most of the equipment ends up on the gray market, sold at double the price."
"...Are you sure?" Lin Jie stopped in shock.
Xiao Ming nodded. "I traced some financial records. There are several large transactions that are highly suspicious. Each person handles a part of the operation—Professor Chen acquires equipment at low cost under the school's name and passes them to the businessmen to resell."
Lin Jie was silent for a moment, her face darkening. "If that's true, then it's not just academic misconduct—it's illegal."
"Exactly," Xiao Ming said. "And it involves the school's reputation. If this gets out, the impact will be huge. Your department could be dragged down with it."
They arrived at Lin Jie's cabin and stood under the porch. Seeing her furrowed brow, Xiao Ming asked gently, "What do you plan to do?"
Leaning against the doorframe, Lin Jie looked up at the stars. "I need time to think. We can't act rashly in matters like this." She turned to Xiao Ming, her eyes complex. "Thank you for telling me. No matter what, it's better to know the truth than be kept in the dark."
"You're welcome," Xiao Ming smiled. "I just hope I can help."
They locked eyes for a moment, and something seemed to be quietly fermenting in the air. Xiao Ming could sense complex emotions in Lin Jie's gaze—not just concern about work, but also a budding trust and reliance on him.
"You and Lin Xiaoxiao..." Lin Jie suddenly asked hesitantly, "What kind of relationship do you have?"
Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow and pretended to think. "That's a subtle question, senior. I like her, and she likes me, but we haven't made it official yet." He paused and looked at her curiously. "Why do you ask? What are you worried about?"
Lin Jie turned her head away. "I'm just worried about my sister. She's too naive and easily hurt."
Xiao Ming chuckled and took a step closer. "And you, Senior Lin? Are you afraid of getting hurt too?"
Lin Jie lifted her head and met his eyes. Her voice was firm. "I'm not afraid. I just hate lies and betrayal."
"I promise you," Xiao Ming said sincerely, "I won't hurt Xiaoxiao, and I won't hurt you either."
Lin Jie stared at him for a few seconds, as if trying to read the truth in his eyes. Finally, she sighed. "I hope so. Good night, Xiao Ming."
"Good night, Senior." Xiao Ming smiled and turned to leave.
After a few steps, he looked back and saw Lin Jie still standing at the door, bathed in moonlight, looking lonely yet beautiful. A strange feeling flashed through his heart, but he quickly suppressed it.
"System," Xiao Ming called inwardly, "how is Lin Jie feeling right now?"
The system replied with a teasing tone. "Do you even need to ask? Her guard against you is weakening, trust is growing, and there's a budding emotion she doesn't quite understand. I'd say it's good progress."
Xiao Ming chuckled. "It is, but not enough."
"You really plan to go after both sisters?" the system asked curiously. "Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"
"What's to be afraid of?" Xiao Ming said indifferently. "A villain must be ruthless and bold. Besides, my feelings for them aren't completely fake."
"Oh?" the system sounded skeptical. "I detected a flicker of guilt in you just now."
Xiao Ming paused. "Did you? Maybe I just didn't expect things to go so smoothly."
"Yeah, right," the system sneered. "Don't tell me you're really falling for them?"
Xiao Ming didn't answer and just kept walking. The night was deep, the farm lights flickering like stars, with distant insect chirps echoing.
Just then, a familiar voice called out nearby, "Xiao Ming! There you are! I've been looking all over for you!"
Lin Xiaoxiao ran over, holding a bunch of freshly picked wildflowers. In the moonlight, they looked especially bright.
"Looking for me?" Xiao Ming asked.
Lin Xiaoxiao handed him the bouquet. "These are for you! There's a little garden behind the farm with lots of pretty flowers. I saw them and thought of you!"
Xiao Ming accepted the bouquet, feeling a warmth inside. "Thanks, they're beautiful." Through the Heartbeat Bracelet, he could sense Lin Xiaoxiao's pure affection and trust. That kind of sincere emotion stirred something in him.
"Xiaoxiao," Xiao Ming suddenly asked, "if one day, you found out I'm not the person you thought I was, what would you do?"
Lin Xiaoxiao tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean? You're you—who else could you be?"
Xiao Ming gave a bitter smile. "I mean, if one day you found out I did something bad, what would you think of me?"
Lin Xiaoxiao thought for a moment, then said seriously, "I believe you wouldn't do truly bad things. Even if you did, you must have your reasons. Besides," she paused and smiled sweetly, "I like you for who you are, no matter what you do."
Such a pure answer left Xiao Ming speechless. He reached out to rub her head. "Silly girl, why say something so cheesy?"
"Because it's the truth!" Lin Xiaoxiao pouted. "I'm not a liar!"
Xiao Ming smiled and said no more. They walked slowly back to the cabin area, the night breeze carrying the scent of flowers.
"Ah!" Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly cried out, breaking Xiao Ming's thoughts.
"What is it?" he asked.
Lin Xiaoxiao pointed at the grass. "I saw a firefly! So pretty!"
Sure enough, several faint green lights flickered in the dark, like dancing stars. Lin Xiaoxiao excitedly grabbed Xiao Ming's hand and ran toward the fireflies.
Watching her bouncing figure, Xiao Ming's lips curled into a smile.
The system sighed. "Let's hope you won't regret this later."
Xiao Ming didn't reply. He just quickened his pace to catch up. Fireflies danced around them like a miniature galaxy, lighting up this subtle and complex night.
In the distance, Lin Jie stood by her window, quietly watching the scene. Her eyes were complicated, her fingers absentmindedly stroking the silver bracelet on her wrist. Under the moonlight, the chain sparkled faintly, like the unspeakable emotions in her heart.
She drew the curtains, and the room fell into darkness.