Hearing Fang Wannán’s slightly reproachful tone, Jiang Ling finally came to her senses, swallowing nervously before forcing a dry laugh: “This water is really, really plain.”
Eh, so what exactly is going on here?
Has the young lady, poisoned by some unknown isekai harem series, finally going to start making the first move?
“…I don’t know what you mean.”
Fang Wannán gave her an exasperated glare, then raised her hand, scooping water in her palm to pour it over her arm. The warmth spread out, and she closed her eyes in satisfaction, leaning back against the pool with an air of ease.
Though Jiang Ling felt a slight twinge of disappointment that the pleasant moment was so fleeting, she still let out a breath of relief, ready to enjoy this rare moment of comfort.
But just as she closed her eyes, she suddenly felt a light yet deliberate touch on her shoulder.
Tilting her head, Jiang Ling looked over and found that Fang Wannán had slowly moved closer without her noticing, now sitting shoulder to shoulder, pressed closely against her.
To be honest, Jiang Ling used to dislike physical contact; being touched always made her uncomfortable, a subtle feeling she couldn’t quite describe.
But right now, that feeling was completely absent. Instead, a quiet excitement stirred within her.
It was like a seed long buried deep inside her heart suddenly soaked up nourishing rain and burst forth, growing vigorously.
It was a strange sensation.
Because it had never happened before.
She stared blankly at Fang Wannán’s side profile, flushed slightly pink from the steam, and suddenly thought that it wouldn’t be so bad to just stay like this for a while.
Just then, her vision was suddenly blocked.
Immediately after came Fang Wannán’s voice, noticeably trembling.
“You’ve been staring way too long.”
Through the fingers shielding her eyes, Jiang Ling caught a glimpse of her flushed cheeks, belatedly realizing she really had been gazing nonstop—and a strange restless feeling welled up inside her.
But it wasn’t her fault… appreciating beauty is human nature!
Compared to the other sisters, Fang Wannán’s charm was more innocent, an aura like a flower bud about to bloom, yet still radiating a unique presence that caught the eye.
Making excuses in her mind, Jiang Ling sheepishly said, “Sorry, I just think you’re so cute I couldn’t help sneaking a few extra glances.”
“…When will I be able to say such embarrassing things as easily as you?”
Fang Wannán withdrew her hand, expression unchanged, but her body slowly sank until the water covered her shoulders, leaving only her palm-sized face above the surface.
“So your idea of bonding is sharing a bath?”
Jiang Ling imitated her and submerged herself as well, the light feeling making her unconsciously relax, as if all fatigue instantly evaporated.
“Isn’t it nice? Being honest with each other.”
Fang Wannán straightened up slightly, her tone growing serious: “I think what Xiao Ran said makes sense. At least, we have to get closer.”
Whether for the stage or the group, becoming closer was an unavoidable step.
She’d met the other members before, but Jiang Ling was a new addition, so Fang Wannán wanted to use this chance to get to know each other better.
After a moment’s pause, she met Jiang Ling’s slightly surprised eyes and parted her lips softly.
“So tell me everything about yourself.”
Jiang Ling was taken aback, then couldn’t help but laugh: “Miss Fang, may I ask if this is your heartfelt confession?”
“Hmm…”
Fang Wannán seemed embarrassed by the words, pursing her lips and turning her eyes away, letting out a shy little whimper.
Before she could get flustered, Jiang Ling tilted her head and began explaining: “Me? I’m just a boring person.”
“Fatherless, motherless, with no one to rely on—by all rights, I should be considered half a poor soul, right?”
Those words erased the earlier shyness on Fang Wannán’s face. She stared at the occasional ripples on the water’s surface and quietly settled beside Jiang Ling, listening intently to her fragmented yet sincere words.
“I used to think so too—every day I believed I was the most pitiful person in the world. I gave up on myself and ended up a complete mess.”
Recalling her previous pathetic state, Jiang Ling couldn’t help but chuckle self-deprecatingly.
She continued, “But later I realized, the world is huge—so big that everyone has unspeakable hardships. Except for a few, almost everyone is ‘pitiful’ in some way.”
Fang Wannán’s gaze locked on Jiang Ling’s, a dull ache piercing her heart. Her hand, submerged in the water, unconsciously reached out and touched Jiang Ling’s.
The buoyancy meant their hands barely pressed together—just a light contact—but Jiang Ling felt the genuine concern from Fang Wannán’s heart. She turned her palm and gently clasped the other’s hand.
“So rather than wallowing in self-pity or comparing who’s more miserable, it’s better to find fun and happiness within this limited life.”
She looked up, her smile genuine and open: “I think being an idol is wonderful. It’s what lets someone like me, who once gave up on herself, find value. At least, I really like the life I have now.”
Whether it was the tedious practice or performing in front of everyone, Jiang Ling enjoyed it all, because it was the clearest proof of her step toward a new life.
“In short, I’m very glad to have met you all.” She said quietly, sincerely, “At first, I was worried I’d accidentally joined some scam group, but you’ve all treated me well.”
“Haha, who’s got scammers as pretty as Xiao Ran?”
“The more beautiful the person, the more dangerous they are!”
Without realizing it, they drifted into casual chatter, laughter spilling between them in small bursts.
Eventually, they fell into silence together.
“That’s me—an ordinary person as ordinary as can be.”
Jiang Ling mumbled, tightening her grip on Fang Wannán’s hand, bashfully flicking her hair: “Feels like I suddenly said a lot of embarrassing things… Ah, but it’s been a long time since I talked this much with someone, and it’s actually kind of nice?”
“That’s good.”
Fang Wannán said nothing more, just nodded repeatedly, then withdrew her hand.
Jiang Ling watched as Fang Wannán suddenly stood up, causing ripples on the calm water.
Countless water droplets rolled down her pale body, scattering around. Some even splashed near Jiang Ling’s eyes, which she wiped with the back of her hand, blurring her vision.
Through the shimmering waterlight, Jiang Ling saw Fang Wannán’s figure—like a work of art.
Though petite, it was charmingly delicate; when the droplets slid over her, she playfully shivered.
Looking further down… that’s not allowed. Not allowed!
Jiang Ling told herself, but she couldn’t look away, as if hypnotized, staring intently. Afraid of seeming perverted, she awkwardly reminded, “I’ve already seen everything, you know…”
“Is now really the time to worry about that?”
Fang Wannán approached, stretching out her arms, slender fingers splayed, her voice soft and coquettish: “More importantly, today I’m specially allowing you—”
“Come hug me.”
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