Chapter 261: Morning in the Mountains

The sun rose on the second day.

Sunlight bathed the entire Lin Mountain in vibrant green, as if the light rain from the previous two days had breathed new life into every plant, making the whole mountain feel alive and full of energy.

Many small animals were up early, perched on leaves to sip the dew.

Around nine in the morning, Lin Zheng Ran lay in the room, staring at the ceiling.

He was already awake, but Han Wenwen and Heqing in his arms were still lost in their dreams.

The little fox had only slept with Lin Zheng Ran twice in the rental house.

Yet, just from that one time, she had developed the habit of clinging to his leg while sleeping.

Heqing slept more properly; she was in the same position as when she lay down the night before, but her hand had instinctively slipped under Lin Zheng Ran’s clothes.

She was touching the muscles on his stomach.

It seemed she found the feel quite enjoyable.

Lin Zheng Ran sighed, thinking how nice it was to hold these two little girls, though it made moving around tough.

And these two were clearly faking sleep.

He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes again, drifting back into a lazy doze.

Just as he suspected, his two close friends were indeed pretending. Half an hour earlier, when Lin Zheng Ran woke up and yawned, they had both stirred awake.

They briefly opened their eyes.

But realizing they were in Lin Zheng Ran’s arms, neither wanted to fully wake.

“Awake? If you’re up, head back to your own bed. I’m getting crushed here by you two,” he would surely say, based on his personality.

That’s exactly what he said last time at the small town hotel.

So, Heqing and the little fox had wised up this time—they’d pretend to sleep, and as long as they didn’t stir, Lin Zheng Ran was less likely to wake them.

This way, they could stay wrapped in his arms.

The little fox, eyes squeezed shut, gently rubbed her forehead against Lin Zheng Ran’s chin.

She thought, Brother Zheng Ran’s embrace is so comfortable, his build is perfect, and he has that unique scent all his own.

It was like hugging a giant plush toy.

She felt she could stay there forever.

Heqing’s face flushed slightly, her thoughts soft and gooey:

“Lin Zheng Ran’s body is so warm. After last night’s closeness, being in his arms now feels absolutely blissful.”

Her small hand gently moved across his stomach.

Lin Zheng Ran’s abs are so sexy.

Yesterday afternoon at the hotel, when I saw his physique, my heart raced. How can there be a guy so fit and handsome?

I don’t want to get up; I just want to stay held like this.

Lin Zheng Ran, trying to nap again, wondered at their fidgeting—he wished they’d just pretend properly.

One rubbing his face, the other touching his stomach.

He playfully slipped his hands under their tops, resting them on their smooth waists.

He stroked gently a few times.

Heqing and the little fox both froze in surprise.

They made a small sound but quickly caught themselves, faces burning as they kept their eyes shut tight.

At least they settled down.

Meanwhile, in the triple room outside, Lily, who had slept soundly, rolled over.

She slowly opened her eyes, gazing at the familiar hotel ceiling, and yawned, feeling utterly relaxed.

She stretched her arms out wide on the bed.

Then sat up, eyes still foggy: “Time for the restroom.”

She slipped on her slippers, headed to the restroom, did her business, and flushed.

Her mind wasn’t fully alert until she returned to her bed in the triple room.

Lily glanced down at her short-sleeve top and skirt, muttering, “Why am I sleeping in these clothes? Didn’t I change into pajamas last night?”

Her sleepy brain finally kicked in, and memories from the storeroom the night before flooded back.

Her expression shifted from foggy to calm, then to overwhelming shyness.

Recalling everything, she buried her head in the pillow.

Last night with Zheng Ran…

Memories flashed.

Lily smiled happily, lips pursed.

“I did that with Zheng Ran— that’s why I didn’t change clothes.”

After all, he wore me out so much I couldn’t even walk; he carried me back.

Those steamy recollections kept her face flushed and warm.

She knew she was no longer just a girl; she had become a woman.

She peeked out from the pillow with one eye, looking beside her, only to find Heqing and Han Wenwen’s beds empty.

The sheets were rumpled and bare.

Lily puzzled, “Hmm? Where are they? Why aren’t they in bed?”

She got up to check, glanced at Lin Zheng Ran’s closed door, and quietly approached, not wanting to disturb him:

“Zheng Ran? Are you in there? Heqing and Han Wenwen are missing. Zheng Ran? Are you up?”

She never finished the last word.

Pushing the door open, she saw Lin Zheng Ran on the bed, holding Heqing and Han Wenwen as they slept.

Both girls’ faces were flushed red.

Lily stood there, stunned, a mix of embarrassment and jealousy twisting her expression, her little tiger teeth showing as her mouth trembled.

She clenched her fists and shouted, “Ah! Zheng Ran! What are you doing? What did you all get up to last night?”

Her yell was deafening.

It startled Heqing, who shot up in bed, while Han Wenwen stayed put, burrowing deeper into Lin Zheng Ran’s embrace.

Heqing, blushing, waved her hands at the jealous Lily: “Lily, let me explain! Wenwen and I didn’t—”

Lily glared at Han Wenwen still in Lin Zheng Ran’s arms: “Han Wenwen! Get out of Zheng Ran’s arms right now! Why are you even in there?”

Han Wenwen looked disappointed, sweat beading on her forehead—she hadn’t had enough time.

Finally, Lin Zheng Ran gave her a light tap on the head and whispered, “Up you get, Wenwen. No more pretending.”

She yelped at the tap, thinking, So Brother Zheng Ran knew all along.

It wasn’t until morning that the four of them finally got up.

Though the three little ones had questions about each other’s escapades, sorting it all out would take forever.

So, Lin Zheng Ran took charge, telling them to focus on the main tasks and discuss the rest during their outdoor meal.

He stood before them, arms crossed, like the boss of the house.

The three girls sat on the same bed, huddled close, each looking sweetly obedient in their own way.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “I know you three have plenty of questions, but hold off for now. Let’s pack up and head out for a barbecue today. Aim to have the grill set up before two p.m., and the tents up in the afternoon.”

The girls exchanged glances, each with their own curiosities written on their faces, but since Lin Zheng Ran had spoken, they didn’t dare bring up other topics.

They stuck to what he said.

Heqing raised her hand: “Lin Zheng Ran, we didn’t bring a grill on this trip. I only packed some bread and fruit.”

Lin Zheng Ran replied, “That’s fine. I checked the travel guide last night— we can rent one here. Anything money can fix isn’t a real problem.”

Han Wenwen raised her hand: “What about the tents? Are we camping on the mountain tonight?”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded: “Yeah, because there are a few spots we want to hit. If we keep coming back to the hotel, we’ll waste time just setting up and taking down tents. So, we’ll stay on the mountain tonight.”

If he really pushed, he could handle it quickly, but trips like this are about enjoying the process.

Rushing through everything kills the fun.

“Besides, sleeping on the mountain is an experience. I bet Lily hasn’t tried it, right?”

Lily, hearing her name, raised her hand: “No, I haven’t slept on a mountain before.”

“What about you two?” he asked.

Han Wenwen and Heqing looked at each other and said together: “Us neither.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled: “Perfect then. Since it’s a trip, let’s try all the things we haven’t before. To recap: Get to the first spot before two, fire up the barbecue, and in the afternoon, each of you set up your own tent. I’ll help if needed. That’s the plan.”

The three responded eagerly: “Got it!”

But soon they realized—what he meant was each setting up their own tent?

Does that mean Zheng Ran will sleep alone tonight?