Chapter 697: Back Home

Under the influence of the Fire Seed, all the snow in the river valley and at the camp had melted away.

The Melting Ice River was vibrant once more. Its waters were crystal clear, and fish darted cheerfully through them.

The fruit trees, their branches once broken by the weight of snow, were now sprouting tender green buds after being pruned by the staff, bursting with vigorous life.

At this moment, the restaurant was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, with laughter echoing from every corner.

The employees who had gone home for Christmas had returned to camp one by one. Reunited in the Crown Territory, they were preparing for the new year’s first party.

Of course, gossip about the boss and Jenny had become the first new topic of the year.

Everyone approved of Jenny from the bottom of their hearts.

After all, most of the people at the camp had similar pasts—they too had been heartbroken and hurt.

Yet Jenny had managed to blossom from her scars with gentleness and strength.

Her kindness touched everyone around her, and they all sincerely hoped she and Feng would be happy together forever.

Of course, when the topic of the boss’s love life came up, Natasha, the Queen of Cold Bay, was inevitably part of the discussion.

That proud woman also had a close relationship with the boss.

A few days ago, the boss had saved Natasha from the Melting Ice River.

Afterward, the two of them spent a long time alone in the bar.

Everyone’s attitude toward this was rather nonchalant.

After all, different cultural values led to different views on relationships.

In their environment, people generally had a more open view of relationships. As long as neither party came from a traditional, conservative family and the feelings were mutual, it wasn’t considered a big deal.

Feng, having returned from a ride across the Mossy Tundra to clear his head, walked back to the cabin with Jenny.

Although he hadn’t stayed there for over half a month, the camp staff had been cleaning it every few days.

The cabin was spotless, its wooden floors gleaming with a faint sheen.

Even the traces of supplies from when the cabin had served as a shelter a few days prior had been completely cleared away, leaving no sign behind.

A wave of warmth greeted them as they stepped into the cabin.

Wood crackled in the fireplace, its red flames dancing merrily and casting a soft, warm glow.

The heating system slowly circulated warm air into every corner of the cabin, dispelling the winter chill.

Once inside, Feng sank contentedly onto the sofa.

He had been rushing around so much lately it felt like he’d circled the globe. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t exhausted from all the travel.

He had just gotten back to the Crown Territory, and on a whim, he’d gone out for a ride.

It had been exhilarating, but now every bone in his body ached as if it had been rattled loose. All he wanted was to melt into the sofa and relax.

Seeing that the cabin was spotless inside and out with nothing left for her to do, Jenny prepared to leave.

She turned, her steps light. Her gaze fell on Feng, who lay exhausted on the sofa, and a pang of sympathy went through her. Frowning slightly, she said softly,

“Feng, go take a soak in the hot spring. I’ll go help at the restaurant. I’ll come get you when the party’s ready.”

Feng lazily got to his feet, his movements slow and languid.

He slowly walked up behind Jenny, reached out, and gently pulled her into his arms.

He leaned close to her ear, his warm breath caressing her earlobe as he whispered,

“Don’t go to the restaurant. You should move into the cabin. We can soak in the hot spring together.”

Feeling the warmth on her ear, Jenny’s cheeks flushed faintly. A strange sense of happiness bubbled up inside her.

The corners of her lips turned up unconsciously, and her eyes sparkled with a gentle light.

She gently slipped out of Feng’s embrace and murmured,

“I’ll go get our bathrobes!”

With that, she turned and walked briskly toward the stairs.

As she went up the stairs, the hem of her clothes swayed gently. Her retreating figure looked especially captivating under the light, filled with a shyness and anticipation she couldn’t hide.

A contented smile played on Feng’s lips.

Humming a tuneless little song, he sauntered leisurely through the living room toward the private hot spring in the backyard.

As the warm spring water submerged him, its perfect temperature wrapped around him with a gentle force.

A wave of soothing relief washed over him. It felt as if every pore in his body was an awakened Elf.

All the fatigue he had accumulated over the past few days was washed away bit by bit by the water, leaving him feeling light and incredibly relaxed.

Before he knew it, drowsiness washed over Feng like a tide. His eyelids grew heavy, and he eventually slumped over the edge of the hot spring, fast asleep.

After an unknown amount of time, Feng vaguely felt someone gently shaking him. He slowly opened his eyes.

He realized he had fallen asleep.

Jenny was right there beside him, her eyes filled with tenderness.

“Erica called. She said the party is ready,” Jenny said, her soft voice a gentle caress to Feng’s ears.

“I am getting a little hungry,” Feng said, looking at Jenny. A smile played on his lips, and his eyes held a particular kind of anticipation. “How about we have an appetizer first?”

With that, he made a move to get closer to her.

“Wait, everyone’s waiting for us.” Jenny’s cheeks flushed as she gently pushed him away. Her eyes held a hint of playful reproach, mixed with shyness.

SPLASH!

SPLASH!

“Let them wait. I’m not in a hurry!”

…

「In the restaurant.」

Warm, yellow light spilled into every corner, creating a cozy and lively atmosphere.

The long dining tables were laden with all sorts of food and drinks, their rich colors and enticing aromas enough to make one’s mouth water.

Exquisite pastries gave off a sweet aroma, while tender, juicy cuts of roasted meat sizzled, releasing a fragrant steam.

On a nearby wine rack, a dazzling array of bottles stood in neat rows, the glass reflecting the soft light.

Employees were scattered comfortably throughout the restaurant, some sitting and others standing.

Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air as people mingled, sharing stories from their trips back home.