Chapter 262: Whispers on the Mountain Trail

The four of them changed into their clothes in the room.

Lin Zheng Ran’s outfits were simple, always cycling through the same few sets.

Though the combinations were limited, each one had been carefully picked by various girls for him, making every set feel custom-made.

Little Fox wore a white midi skirt with a black-and-white plaid long-sleeve top, paired with little white shoes, and she gathered her long hair over one shoulder.

It cascaded down her back, giving her that classic fox-like charm.

As her close friend, Heqing went for a white theme too—little white shoes, a short white skirt, and a blue-and-white short-sleeve shirt.

Standing up, her snow-white legs elevated the whole look, and her ponytail swayed, embodying every guy’s dream of a first love.

Lily, no matter what, always came across as a pretty tsundere—especially with her golden twin tails flipping around.

Add in those playful eyes and little tiger teeth, and anyone could guess her feisty personality.

Each of them carried a big backpack.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “I checked out the picnic spot—there’s a parking area, but we’ll still have to walk a bit after that.”

With Lin Zheng Ran leading the way, they drove up the mountain.

Their trip to Lin Mountain included three spots: a large meadow halfway up, known for its stunning views.

Higher up, there was a clear stream, and finally, the mountaintop where they could watch for shooting stars.

As for the hot springs, plans changed quickly—Lin Zheng Ran had already paid to reschedule.

They’d play on the mountain first, then return with the three little ones for a soak.

Driving up the mountain road, the three girls stayed quiet, lost in their thoughts.

Lily gazed out the window, Heqing sat sweetly, and Han Wenwen clung to Heqing’s arm.

This silence wasn’t awkward; the three little ones just had a lot on their minds.

For instance, as they climbed, Lily’s playful eyes fixed on Lin Zheng Ran’s strong, handsome back.

Her face flushed with shyness.

Ever since waking up that morning, last night’s antics in the storeroom had lingered in her thoughts.

Unnoticed, she gently covered her backside.

She’d looked up plenty online before, so logically, if it was her first time…

Shouldn’t it hurt?

But why didn’t it hurt at all when she woke up?

Instead, her body felt lighter, full of energy—like she could fly up the path. What was going on?

She felt so relaxed and comfortable, nothing like the exaggerated stories online. No wonder people said the internet was full of hype.

She’d even been a bit scared last night.

Zheng Ran had warned it might wear her out.

But here she was, perfectly fine. If she’d known, she would’ve lingered longer with Zheng Ran.

Last night was such a thrill.

She hadn’t gotten enough of his touch.

She wanted more…

Lost in her daydreams, Lily twirled her golden ponytail, her shyness and joy plain to see.

Heqing stared quietly at Lin Zheng Ran’s back, lips pressed together in silence.

Thanks to how gentle Lin Zheng Ran had been with her yesterday afternoon.

She wasn’t scared at all afterward, so she didn’t worry about feeling tired today.

She just felt curious, watching the passersby around them.

Curious if every girl with a boyfriend or who was married had done that sort of thing.

Including her teachers from school and those serious-looking women—did they all do it with their boyfriends behind closed doors?

Everyone got that treatment from their guys?

Thinking about it, it seemed like the whole world was into that.

What a steamy place this world is!

Of the three little ones, only Little Fox kept it simple; she just watched Lin Zheng Ran from behind and licked her lips.

One thought filled her mind.

After all that happened last night, she still hadn’t gotten a taste of Brother Zheng Ran.

Now she was starving for it.

Having something delicious right in front of you but not being able to eat it—that was torture.

“You three are awfully quiet today,” Lin Zheng Ran said suddenly while driving.

The three girls froze, then shyly looked up at him.

Through the rearview mirror, Lin Zheng Ran glanced at them. “Why are you all staring at me? Isn’t it true? We’ve been hiking this mountain road for a while, and none of you have said a word since we left.”

Lily stammered, “Well, isn’t it because you said not to chat randomly this morning? You told us to wait until we got to the picnic spot. I… we wouldn’t dare disobey, so we just stayed quiet.”

Heqing and Han Wenwen nodded along.

Lin Zheng Ran thought, has Lily become this obedient today?

“Quiet’s good, saves energy. We’ve still got more walking ahead.”

They parked the car, grabbed their bags, and after a long trek, finally reached the great grassland area of Lin Mountain.

This spot was deliberately cultivated— a vast open space with no stray trees, just grass and flowers everywhere.

At this higher elevation, they could see the surrounding mountains and the town below in one sweeping view.

It was utterly refreshing.

Lily couldn’t help but exclaim on first sight, “Wow! What a beautiful place! So many colorful flowers!”

Heqing and Han Wenwen widened their eyes.

Han Wenwen said, “This place is set up really well. Worth the trip.”

Heqing added, “It really is— so many flowers, and they smell amazing!”

Lin Zheng Ran looked over the expansive grassland. Though other tourists were picnicking nearby, the space was so large it didn’t feel crowded, adding a lively vibe instead.

He kept it brief: “It’s a great spot. You three pick a place to drop the bags, and we’ll set up the barbecue grill first.”

They all responded together.

Lily, on her third day in the mountains, grinned like a kid, full of excitement.

Stepping onto the lush grass, she spotted a lone wildflower about waist-high.

She bent down to check it out: “So pretty!”

She turned to the others: “Let’s set up right by this flower—keep it company!”

No one objected, so they started laying out blankets and unpacking the jumble of food and gear.

Lin Zheng Ran set down the bigger items, especially the tent.

Once everything was sorted, Lily slipped over to Lin Zheng Ran and tugged his clothes.

It was unlike her to be so subtle.

“Zheng Ran… Zheng Ran,” she whispered.

Lin Zheng Ran looked at Lily, thinking she was starting to act like Heqing.

“What’s up?”

Lily asked softly, “Can we talk about this morning now? We’ve got the blankets set up and all.”

“Sure.”

“We can talk?”

He replied without thinking, “Yeah, we could’ve chatted as soon as we arrived.”

Before he finished, he saw Lily clench her fists, then she closed her eyes and burst out jealously, “What’s the deal with this morning? You jerk, you idiot! Why were you sleeping with Heqing and Han Wenwen last night?”

Lin Zheng Ran wiped sweat from his forehead.

“Did your personality flip that fast?”

Lily glared at him, full of vinegar. “What do you think!”

She pelted him with light punches. “I hate you! I hate you so much! All you do is bully me every day!”

Heqing and Han Wenwen watched in awe—Lily actually dared to call out Lin Zheng Ran.

They wouldn’t.

Lin Zheng Ran felt her harmless little fists. “Keep hitting?”

Lily stopped instantly, puffing up. “Fine, I won’t!”

Heqing and Han Wenwen: “.”