Cao Ya knew that the situation turning out like this was still related to them.
So, towards them, Cao Ya didnât show any kindness.
Their eyes twitched when Cao Ya scolded them, but they didnât dare to say anything.
They knew that they really hadnât been of any help lately, so being scolded was deserved.
Seeing them all lower their heads, Cao Ya took a deep breath and said, "Alright, go pick some people now. Choose some powerful ones; this time, we absolutely canât fail again! Otherwise, the next time wonât be as simple as just reflecting behind closed doors!"
Cao Ya knew that the last failure had made the Family Head very dissatisfied with him...
So this time, no matter what, they couldnât fail again, or else theyâd really be thrown into a small dark room.
"Yes!"
They also understood the current situation, so they knew they had to perform well this time.
...
"Lin Ya, how do you feel about the water temperature?"
Over by the hot spring, Hu Xiaobei spoke with a grin.
After the earlier awkwardness, they were feeling much better now, so they could sit together quietly.
"At first, it felt a bit hot, but after soaking for a while, it feels much better."
Speaking with a bit of nervousness, Lin Ya extended her arm and nervously picked up a slice of orange.
She had peeled these oranges earlier on purpose.
The intention was to enjoy them while soaking.
Seeing Lin Ya pick up an orange, Hu Xiaobeiâs eyes lit up, and he leaned in quickly, opening his mouth.
Seeing Hu Xiaobei shamelessly lean in, Lin Ya pouted, slightly annoyed, "You little bastard, canât you get it yourself?"
Though she said this, Lin Ya still obediently placed the orange slice in Hu Xiaobeiâs mouth.
"The ones I take myself arenât as sweet as yours."
Chewing quickly, Hu Xiaobei chuckled...
"Youâre always saying nice things!"
After giving Hu Xiaobei a big eyeroll, Lin Ya picked up another slice and put it in her mouth.
Hu Xiaobei watched her chew and smiled gently...
Hu Xiaobei really noticed how much she had changed.
This change had a lot to do with him, so Hu Xiaobei felt pleased.
After eating a few more slices, Hu Xiaobei heard her speak swiftly.
"Xiaobei, the people you chased away before must have gone to get reinforcements, what do we do?"
Stretching lazily, Hu Xiaobei spoke mysteriously, "I actually have reinforcements too. Iâll call some to help in a bit."
"Xiaobei, you have reinforcements too?"
Feeling her surprise, Hu Xiaobei chuckled and explained calmly, "Yeah! In the world out here, you always need to have helpers. Youâll see later!"
"Then I really have to see this!"
Lin Ya became extremely curious.
Seeing Lin Yaâs curious expression, Hu Xiaobei smiled gently.
Actually, Hu Xiaobei could easily handle everything by himself, but he thought these pests were just not worth his effort.
Simply put, they didnât have the qualifications to make itâs worth his effort...
So Hu Xiaobei didnât plan to act further but wanted to call a few helpers to take care of everything instead.
In Hu Xiaobeiâs view, watching the excitement was more interesting than dealing with it personally.
...
"Lin Ya, you havenât finished soaking yet?"
An hour later, Hu Xiaobei spoke lightly while stepping out of the water.
"I still plan to soak a bit longer."
As she spoke, Lin Ya stole a glance at Hu Xiaobei...
Seeing Hu Xiaobeiâs bronze skin made her heart beat a lot faster.
"Be careful or youâll soak too long and not be able to stand up!"
Hu Xiaobei teased with a laugh.
Hu Xiaobei knew she should be done soaking by now.
The reason she wasnât coming out was just because she was embarrassed...
"Nonsense!"
"If you wonât listen to me, then forget it. Iâm heading out now!"
With that, Hu Xiaobei turned and left...
Hu Xiaobei actually wanted to soak longer too and do something, but he gave up because Jing and the others could come back anytime.
So right now wasnât really the time...
"That little bastard finally left!"
Watching Hu Xiaobei walk further away, she muttered softly and soon prepared to stand up.
"Huh?"
She tried twice but couldnât stand up at all.
"Whatâs going on?"
Astonished, Lin Ya tried again but still couldnât stand up.
"Could that little scoundrel have been right? Did I really soak too long?"
Mumbling to herself, she took a deep breath.
After calming down completely, she tried to stand again.
But just as before, she still couldnât.
"Xiaobei really is a jinx!"
Muttering in frustration, she called out to Hu Xiaobei, "Xiaobei, wait a minute."
Honestly, she didnât want to call Hu Xiaobei, but there was no choice...
Because at this point, she couldnât stand up by herself.
Of course!
She could ask Jing and the others for help, but thinking that they were all directionally challenged, Lin Ya gave up on that.
Hu Xiaobei, who had walked a dozen meters away, turned his head to look at Lin Ya, curiously asking, "What is it? Need something?"
"Yes! I need something!"
Lightly biting her lip, Lin Ya spoke, "Can you come here for a minute? I need some help with something!"
"Oh!"
Hu Xiaobei glanced at her with interest and walked back unhurriedly.
Coming up to her, Hu Xiaobei looked at her, almost hiding her head in the hot spring, and chuckled softly, "Whatâs the matter? Is there something you need me to do?"
"Iâve been soaking a little long, and now my legs are a bit weak. Can you give me a hand up?"
Hearing her request, Hu Xiaobei laughed, "Oh dear, didnât someone just say they hadnât soaked long and could keep on soaking?"
"You little bastard, canât you stop kicking me when Iâm down?"
She looked at Hu Xiaobei angrily!
Right now, she wished she could bite Hu Xiaobei hard.
In her view, Hu Xiaobei was just too annoying...
"If I donât seize the opportunity to kick someone when theyâre down, it would be a waste! After all, such opportunities arenât frequent!"
Laughing, Hu Xiaobei took two steps towards her.
"Just wait until I recover, and Iâll show you!"
Muttering angrily, she reached out her hand.
"Iâll be waiting!"
Smiling smugly, Hu Xiaobei grabbed her soft hand and pulled her out of the hot spring.
Emerging like a lotus out of water!
As she emerged, she was truly as perfect as a lotus in bloom.
Though he had anticipated it, Hu Xiaobei was still a bit dumbfounded at this moment.
Seeing Hu Xiaobei staring dazedly, Lin Yaâs eyes flashed with a touch of pride.
Afterward, she felt her legs carefully and found they still lacked much sensation.
Knowing it was impossible to recover completely in a short time.
"Looks like Iâll need this little scoundrel to carry me out of here!"
Sighing silently, she looked at Hu Xiaobei and said, "Xiaobei, my legs are still a bit weak, can you carry me back?"
"Of course, thatâs no problem! But isnât it a bit inconvenient like this?"
After agreeing, Hu Xiaobei looked at her in her swimsuit.
Hu Xiaobei thought inside here was fine, but leaving like this wouldnât do, as itâd be easy for others to see.
Hearing what Hu Xiaobei said, she blinked at him, "What? Jealous?"
"Of course!"
Hearing Hu Xiaobeiâs straightforward reply, her heart felt sweet.
But on the surface, she pretended to sulk, "Little bastard, I knew youâd say that. There are towels over there, bring one for me, Iâll cover up with it."