Troublesome – Chapter 82

Hot Spring

Even deep breaths were no longer working.

Six people came from the entertainment section this time. Aside from Lu Zhenqiu being a newcomer, the others had all been at Sanshui for a long time. Xiao Ping was the entertainment section’s famously good-natured person; she was amiable with everyone she met and had never torn face¹ with anyone. Regardless of whether she won or lost a PK, she would always say with a laugh, “Entertainment comes first, ma².”

So when she received the message that Lu Yan wanted to switch rooms, she didn’t ask much and just agreed. Because it was on the same floor, just two rooms away, they didn’t tell the management and just switched by themselves.

Lu Zhenqiu frowned the moment she saw Lu Yan. Lu Yan, on the contrary, said with a smile: “Qiuqiu, your luggage is so little.”

Compared to Lu Yan’s three large suitcases, her one suitcase was both small and meager. Lu Zhenqiu nodded slightly. Lu Yan spoke again: “I was originally in the same room as Xiao Lei³, but Xiao Ping and Xiao Lei have a particularly good relationship, so I switched rooms with Xiao Ping. Qiuqiu, you don’t mind, do you?”

Lu Zhenqiu wasn’t very clear on her colleagues’ relationships. Just now, she had been thinking of reporting the room change to the administrator to switch Xiao Ping back, but if Xiao Ping and Xiao Lei knew each other, then switching back would more or less make her seem like she haggles over every ounce⁴. She still had to live-stream at Sanshui in the future, and these were all her seniors, so Lu Zhenqiu endured the discomfort and said: “I don’t mind.”

“It’s good that you don’t mind.” Lu Yan hung up all her clothes and turned her head: “Shall we have a meal together in a bit?”

Her attitude was as if they had never had any conflicts before. Lu Zhenqiu couldn’t figure out what she was trying to do, so she simply refused: “I’ve made plans with Xiao Yu to go out in a while.”

“Oh.” Hearing Xiao Yu’s name, Lu Yan’s eyes drooped slightly, concealing the disdain at the bottom of her eyes. After she finished recording Tang Yingxia’s radio drama, there were subsequent invitations for her, but she looked down on all of them, preparing to turn down all her schedules to wait for Jin Shuilan’s new work. The news had been circulating for so long before, she refused to believe that Ji Zibo hadn’t heard it. But after waiting and waiting, she never received any news from Ji Zibo. Unable to hold back, she went to ask, and Ji Zibo said they hadn’t started preparing yet. The next project to be recorded was Stirred Emotions, Teacher Bai Mao’s work, and Lu Zhenqiu was the voice actor for the main character.

Just having returned to the circle, she gets a supporting role like Lu Yin’s, and then the main character’s voice acting role for Bai Mao. She wouldn’t believe it if someone said there was no one behind her. And she had just collaborated with Chang’an, too. Chang’an, ah, how many people in their circle constantly thought about and longed to collaborate with them? She had recommended herself twice and received no follow-up, yet Lu Zhenqiu got the opportunity as soon as she came back?

How could there be such a coincidence? Isn’t it obvious that someone wants to promote Lu Zhenqiu?

The one wanting to promote her was definitely not Xiao Yu. If Xiao Yu had this ability, she would have promoted her long ago, why wait until now? And Lu Zhenqiu had also just broken up with Tang Yingxia. Those speculations from Yu Wen all made her curious. The person behind Lu Zhenqiu, who on earth was it?

Lu Yan’s gaze fell on Lu Zhenqiu. Lu Zhenqiu didn’t move her suitcase, only sitting for a moment before going out. She walked over to Lu Zhenqiu’s suitcase and swept a glance at it; the lock wasn’t even opened. Lu Yan tugged at the corner of her mouth and turned to enter the bathroom.

Lu Zhenqiu got on the elevator and met up with Xiao Yu on the thirteenth floor. With Xiao Yu was also a girl who had just graduated not long ago. She had almost made it into a professional team before. Her skills were particularly formidable, not only in mobile games, but she was also a leader among them in PC games. She had short hair and a heroic and dashing demeanor. Seeing Lu Zhenqiu enter, she greeted her: “Qiuqiu.”

Lu Zhenqiu wasn’t reserved either: “Morning. Want to go to the hot spring together later?”

“No.” She smiled: “I need to start my stream to make up for my hours.”

Xiao Yu came out of the bathroom, having changed into a milky white short skirt, and said: “Don’t mind her. She can do without anything, just not games. I’ll bring you food at noon in a bit.”

After speaking, she looked at Lu Zhenqiu: “How are you so fast? Is your luggage all packed up?”

Lu Zhenqiu nodded: “It’s done.”

Xiao Yu turned her back to her: “Then help me tie the straps at the back, I can’t reach.”

Lu Zhenqiu took the two red straps from the collar, tied them at the back of Xiao Yu’s neck, made a bow, and only after it was secure did she say: “It’s okay now.”

Xiao Yu looked in the mirror several times. She glanced over and asked Lu Zhenqiu: “You’re not changing clothes?”

Are you going to wear this to the hot spring later?

Lu Zhenqiu said: “Aren’t there swimsuits inside?”

“How can they be as good-looking as one you prepare yourself? Those swimsuits all look the same.” Xiao Yu waved her hand: “Forget it, I knew you didn’t bring one. Big sister has prepared one for you.”

Xiao Yu stood in front of her suitcase, fiddling around. In a short while, she took out a light blue one-piece swimsuit. It was a spaghetti strap style, especially cool and close-fitting, with a thin layer of gauze to be draped over it, covering the arms and the tops of the thighs. Just hanging there, it exuded two words—sexy!

Lu Zhenqiu clicked her tongue: “Me? I’m wearing this?”

“Wear it.” Xiao Yu was unconcerned: “Why can’t you wear it? We’re going to enjoy ourselves, so of course we have to enjoy ourselves beautifully. Quick, quick, quick, change into this.”

Lu Zhenqiu was pushed into the bathroom by her, still clutching that swimsuit in her hand. Lu Zhenqiu felt helpless, took off her clothes, and started to change. When she came out, Xiao Yu’s eyes went straight: “Isn’t this waist of yours a bit too thin? My heavens!”

Even Xiao Yu’s roommate rarely poked her head out from her game to look several times.

Lu Zhenqiu naturally had good skin, fair and clear. She also walked with Maomao every day to get some exercise, so her legs were shaped particularly well, straight and slender, and her waist was thin. Xiao Yu said: “You look even better than a model.”

After she finished speaking, she couldn’t resist touching her waist: “This feels too good, right? If I had this figure, I’d probably wear a leotard every day!”

Lu Zhenqiu laughed: “You’re endless.”

Xiao Yu put her arm around her: “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go soak in the hot spring.”

Lu Zhenqiu took her overcoat and put it on. The overcoat was long, wrapping her body up tightly. Xiao Yu also put on her overcoat, and the two of them said goodbye to their roommate and went downstairs.

There was a place to soak in hot springs right in the hotel. There were separate hot springs for men and women, as well as mixed ones. Xiao Yu pulled her into a small pool. There were already two girls in the pool. From a distance, they saw three more people walking over, and the one in the lead was none other than Lu Yan.

Xiao Yu rolled her eyes: “How unlucky.”

After she spoke, she pulled Lu Zhenqiu to another pool. Lu Yan saw the two of them from behind, and Xiao Lei, who was beside her, said: “Hey, isn’t that Zhenqiu?”

Lu Yan smiled: “I think so.”

“This Zhenqiu’s luck is quite good. She gets to host the annual meeting right after joining Sanshui. Lu Yan, I remember you only got the chance last year.”

The hosts for the annual meeting were usually streamers from the entertainment section. Before, it was always two others taking turns. Last year, it was finally Lu Yan’s turn with great difficulty, and it could be considered her moment in the limelight. It was an opportunity she had waited several years for. Lu Zhenqiu was arranged to be a host as soon as she arrived. Lu Yan lowered her head and said: “Yes, her luck is quite good.”

Only after seeing that Lu Zhenqiu and the others had left did Xiao Lei say: “But, I heard she has someone behind her.”

Lu Yan and Xiao Ping glanced at her. Xiao Lei asked: “Lu Yan, you’re living in the same room as her, haven’t you heard anything?”

“I don’t know.” Lu Yan said: “I just started rooming with her, too.”

“But even if there really is something, she wouldn’t possibly tell you.” Xiao Lei had a mysterious expression on her face: “I heard it’s related to the people from the top. I don’t know which one, but they’re all guessing it might be the person in charge.”

“That can’t be.” Lu Yan said with a smile: “The person in charge is bald and has a big belly, really?”

Xiao Lei let out a sound: “I don’t know, it’s just what I heard.”

Xiao Ping shook her head: “Don’t hear wind and think it’s rain⁵. Don’t randomly spread baseless matters, it’s not good for a girl’s reputation.”

Lu Yan chimed in: “That’s right, let’s not speak carelessly.”

She looked in the direction where Lu Zhenqiu and Xiao Yu had left, narrowing her eyes.

Lu Zhenqiu soaked in the water. The temperature was suitable, and the comfort made her drowsy. Xiao Yu had a face mask on and was leaning her head back to read a magazine. From time to time, she would turn her head to ask: “Hey, do you think Bai Mao and Hua Luo, is there a chance for them? Should we give them a push?”

“Hmm?” Lu Zhenqiu turned her head: “Hua Luo? She likes Teacher Bai?”

Xiao Yu kicked her foot: “How are you all so slow?”

Lu Zhenqiu sat up straight, recovering some of her senses: “What’s wrong?”

Xiao Yu said: “Teacher Bai likes Hua Luo, it’s so obvious.”

Lu Zhenqiu really hadn’t paid much attention. At every dinner party, she was only looking at Jin Shuilan. Xiao Yu called over with a smile: “We know you have a wife, how about caring about other people for a change.”

“What nonsense are you spouting.” Lu Zhenqiu’s face reddened. She stood up: “I’m not talking to you anymore, I’m going to buy drinks.”

“I want juice,” Xiao Yu said. “A large cup.”

Lu Zhenqiu nodded, draped a white bathrobe over herself, and walked out of the pool. She came out to get her phone to buy drinks. Just as she touched her phone, Jin Shuilan called. She pursed her lips into a smile and answered the phone: “Hello.”

Jin Shuilan was wearing glasses. The gold-thread-rimmed frames reflected the light, casting a silver sheen on the wall. She said: “What are you up to?”

Lu Zhenqiu lowered her head, gathering the edges of her bathrobe with both hands as she walked with her head down: “Going to buy drinks. Xiao Yu and I are in the hot spring.”

“The hot spring?” Jin Shuilan asked: “In the hotel?”

“Mm.” Lu Zhenqiu lowered her eyes, bought two drinks, and placed them on a table in the rest area. She sat down to talk to Jin Shuilan on the phone. There were quite a few people in the hot spring in the morning, and several were sitting around. Someone even came over to hit on Lu Zhenqiu. After politely refusing, Lu Zhenqiu moved to a spot further inside. Green plants blocked the view, so no one could see her. Lu Zhenqiu held her cup and drank the juice, gululu. Jin Shuilan heard the sound and found it amusing. She said: “Let’s have a video call.”

She wanted to see what Lu Zhenqiu looked like right now, to see if she was like a little rabbit.

Lu Zhenqiu didn’t object, saying: “Okay.”

As she spoke, she started a video call with Jin Shuilan. She placed her phone on the table, propping it up with a drink, and sat in front of the table herself, holding the other cup. Jin Shuilan saw her beautiful hair, damp and scattered behind her back, revealing a fair, clean, and full forehead. Her shangen⁶ was quite high, making the tip of her nose appear straight and perky. Her thin lips were pursed around the straw, making a gululu sound.

Even cuter than a little rabbit.

Jin Shuilan said: “Is it good?”

“It’s alright.” Lu Zhenqiu fiddled with the straw and said: “A little sweet.”

Her arm extended out from her bathrobe. Having just finished soaking in the hot spring, her skin was fair with a hint of pink. Jin Shuilan saw that her arm was slender and asked: “Are you wearing a swimsuit?”

Lu Zhenqiu subconsciously lowered her head to look and made an “mm” sound. Jin Shuilan asked: “What color is it?”

“Blue.” After saying this, Lu Zhenqiu was very embarrassed: “It’s Xiao Yu’s.”

Jin Shuilan’s expression was calm: “You didn’t bring one?”

“No,” Lu Zhenqiu replied. Jin Shuilan said: “What kind is it?”

Lu Zhenqiu pushed aside the edge of her bathrobe a little, revealing the swimsuit inside. It was wet, clinging to her body. A large area of fair skin on her chest was visible, and the shape of her breasts was faintly discernible, full and round. Jin Shuilan only glanced for a moment before suddenly tightening her grip on her pen. The fountain pen poked into the paper, piercing through several layers at once.

Her gaze was deep, her voice slightly low: “It’s quite good-looking.”

Lu Zhenqiu smiled: “It is quite good-looking, it’s just too revealing.” Because of this sentence, Jin Shuilan was already imagining⁷ the style of the swimsuit, and how Lu Zhenqiu looked wearing it. Her hand tightened, and the pen tip pierced through several more layers, leaving a pool of black ink.

Jin Shuilan took a deep breath. After calming down for two minutes, she asked: “Where’s Xiao Yu?”

“She’s inside. I’ll go back in a moment.”

Looking at her expression, Jin Shuilan asked: “You really like soaking in hot springs?”

“I like it.” Lu Zhenqiu said: “It’s quite nice here, you can also go without shoes.”

You could go without them in the rest area, too, stepping on the anti-slip mats. As she spoke, Lu Zhenqiu showed Jin Shuilan the anti-slip mat under her feet. At the edge of the camera, Jin Shuilan saw Lu Zhenqiu’s foot. The foot was very small, the top of it fair and clean. The ankle protruded a little, and the toes spread out and then curled up. The sight was so cute that Jin Shuilan’s heartbeat rapidly shot up.

She suddenly thought of that time she had massaged Lu Zhenqiu’s leg; the skin she touched was fair and delicate, warm to the touch. Even deep breaths were no longer working. Jin Shuilan tensed her body and stood up with a swoosh. Lu Zhenqiu was puzzled: “Where are you going?”

From the screen came Jin Shuilan’s slightly suppressed voice: “To wash my face!”

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The author has something to say:

Thirty red packets, memeda.

Jin Shuilan: While you can still wear it now, just wear it.

Lu Zhenqiu: What’s wrong?

Jin Shuilan: I’m afraid you won’t be able to wear it in the future.

Lu Zhenqiu: You won’t let me wear it?

Jin Shuilan: No, I’m afraid you won’t be willing to wear it.

Lu Zhenqiu: ???

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