Farm Hot Spring Trip

Monday, December 31, 2012, morning.

Chu Miaomiao had stayed overnight at Xie Yuling’s house the previous night.

This made it easier for them to head out together.

Chu Lintian didn’t mind at all—she actually hoped Chu Miaomiao could have more of her own life. Besides, Lin Mo was there too, so safety wasn’t a concern.

Since a group chat had been created, everyone gathered at the back street near the school.

Jiang Yunlu’s family’s tour bus was also parked there.

By the time Lin Mo arrived with the others, quite a few people were already present.

Everyone carried a backpack, stuffed to the brim—clearly filled with more than just spare clothes, but also plenty of snacks.

They all looked as excited as if they were going on an autumn outing.

Even Xie Yuling couldn’t stop yawning.

“What, were you up stealing again last night?” Lin Mo teased her.

Xie Yuling responded with a light elbow jab.

“Don’t talk nonsense. It’s all Miaomiao’s fault—she’s such a restless sleeper.”

Chu Miaomiao immediately blushed and lowered her head.

“Oh, I get it. Did she cling to you like an octopus?”

Xie Yuling shot Lin Mo a glare, her expression resembling the infamous Husky pointing meme.

Lin Mo raised his hands in mock surrender—a classic “French military salute.”

“That’s how she was last time at Miaomiao’s place.”

As the three chatted, Jiang Yunlu, who had already boarded the bus, bit her lip lightly.

This round wasn’t going well for her.

Meanwhile, Fang Jun, the organizer of the trip, was busy taking a headcount.

“Alright, everyone who’s here, get on the bus first.”

Lin Mo and the others quickly boarded as well.

The tour bus had seats arranged in pairs.

Xie Yuling pulled Chu Miaomiao along and found a spot to sit.

With plenty of empty seats—a 50-seater bus carrying just over 20 people—there was no issue at all.

So Lin Mo simply chose a window seat right behind them.

He liked sitting by the window, even if he wasn’t admiring the view—he just preferred having some light.

Leaning into the corner, Lin Mo began humming softly.

“How to plan a first date is such a headache, at first rejecting me twice to dampen my spirits is normal...”

A figure suddenly plopped down beside him.

“What are you singing?” Jiang Yunlu blinked, her curious gaze fixed on Lin Mo.

She had put on makeup before leaving—with her aunt’s help, no less.

“Nothing, just humming. Weren’t you sitting up front earlier?”

Lin Mo wasn’t about to admit it was a song from ten years in the future.

Jiang Yunlu didn’t mind him dodging the question.

“I don’t like sitting in front. I just wanted to see when you’d arrive.”

Lin Mo remembered that Wang Qin had been sitting next to Jiang Yunlu earlier.

So now, wasn’t Wang Qin left alone up front?

Wang Qin: How noble of you. How impressive.

But Lin Mo kept that thought to himself, instead pulling out a box of teddy bear cookies from his backpack.

“Did you have breakfast?”

The girl’s eyes curved into crescents at the sight of the cookies.

“I did, but I can always eat snacks.”

“Fair enough.” Lin Mo opened the box, handed her a small packet, then tossed another toward the front.

The cookies landed perfectly in Xie Yuling’s lap.

Of course, Xie Yuling knew who had thrown them.

Without hesitation, she tore open the packet and fed the first cookie to Chu Miaomiao.

To everyone’s surprise, Chu Miaomiao suddenly spoke in a perfect imitation of Shin-chan’s voice:

“Big sis, these cookies are so yummy!”

Xie Yuling froze, almost reaching out to pinch Chu Miaomiao—as if to exorcise whatever weirdness had possessed her.

But she quickly caught on.

“Miaomiao, that’s amazing! You can do voice impressions? Do more!”

Flushed from the praise, Chu Miaomiao puffed her cheeks and continued in the same voice:

“Big sis, you’re so pretty! Wanna see an elephant?”

Xie Yuling immediately clapped a hand over her mouth.

“Are you crazy? That’s not a line you should repeat!”

Chu Miaomiao pouted. “But that’s how Shin-chan talks…”

While the front was busy with antics, the back was quietly being infiltrated.

Jiang Yunlu opened her packet of cookies, picked one up, and held it to Lin Mo’s lips.

Just as he reached to take it, she let out a soft “Ah,” signaling him to open his mouth.

So Lin Mo obliged.

The girl delivered the cookie—but with a sneaky trick. Her finger lingered, so that if he closed his mouth, he’d end up sucking on it.

But Lin Mo moved slowly, leaning back just enough to avoid the trap.

Jiang Yunlu couldn’t keep her finger suspended forever.

Darn it! Auntie’s tactics failed—clearly just theoretical.

After one failed attempt, the girl didn’t dare try again.

Even she had her pride, so she lowered her head and nibbled on the cookies quietly.

Fang Jun began roll call once everyone was aboard, glancing around to confirm no one was missing.

Soon, the last passenger boarded, and the hot spring farmhouse trip officially began.

The farmhouse was located on the outskirts of Goat City.

The tour bus hit the highway—likely because the passengers included young ladies from well-off families, so the driver was a seasoned pro with a smooth, steady hand.

The ride took just over an hour before they arrived at Conghua Hot Springs Resort.

The area wasn’t exactly remote, but it bordered several national forest parks.

Nan Kun Mountain, which Lin Mo had visited before, was nearby.

The bus pulled up in front of a farmhouse—though “farmhouse” undersold it.

It looked more like a hotel, with lavish decor that was anything but rustic.

Several people exclaimed, “Not bad, Fang Jun! Your uncle must be doing well.”

Fang Jun shook his head modestly.

“Nah, it’s just the countryside. Land’s cheap here.”

“Alright, let’s get off!”

Everyone disembarked, and Fang Jun’s uncle, He Guoan, was already waiting at the entrance.

As soon as they stepped off, Fang Jun greeted him warmly: “Hey, Uncle!”

The group chimed in unison: “Hello, Uncle!”

He Guoan beamed like a benevolent Buddha, nodding repeatedly.

“Such good kids. Let Fang Jun show you around first while I get your rooms ready. Once you’re settled, we’ll have lunch.”

Fang Jun, having visited many times, naturally took on the role of guide.

The farmhouse was sprawling—complete with ponds, livestock pens, a reservoir, and of course, hot springs.

The location was perfect.

Lin Mo and his friends naturally stuck together.

Aside from their class, there were students from other classes and even other schools—after all, Fang Jun had said they could bring friends.

Plenty of unfamiliar faces lingered around.

Many were surprised to see Lin Mo flanked by three beauties.

But what really baffled them was how their friends didn’t seem fazed at all.

The Class 8 students, however, were utterly desensitized.

Damn harem protagonist! Just you wait—karma’s coming for you!