Cao Ya knew that the situation turning out like this was still related to them.

So, towards them, Cao Ya didn’t show any kindness.

Their eyes twitched when Cao Ya scolded them, but they didn’t dare to say anything.

They knew that they really hadn’t been of any help lately, so being scolded was deserved.

Seeing them all lower their heads, Cao Ya took a deep breath and said, "Alright, go pick some people now. Choose some powerful ones; this time, we absolutely can’t fail again! Otherwise, the next time won’t be as simple as just reflecting behind closed doors!"

Cao Ya knew that the last failure had made the Family Head very dissatisfied with him...

So this time, no matter what, they couldn’t fail again, or else they’d really be thrown into a small dark room.

"Yes!"

They also understood the current situation, so they knew they had to perform well this time.

...

"Lin Ya, how do you feel about the water temperature?"

Over by the hot spring, Hu Xiaobei spoke with a grin.

After the earlier awkwardness, they were feeling much better now, so they could sit together quietly.

"At first, it felt a bit hot, but after soaking for a while, it feels much better."

Speaking with a bit of nervousness, Lin Ya extended her arm and nervously picked up a slice of orange.

She had peeled these oranges earlier on purpose.

The intention was to enjoy them while soaking.

Seeing Lin Ya pick up an orange, Hu Xiaobei’s eyes lit up, and he leaned in quickly, opening his mouth.

Seeing Hu Xiaobei shamelessly lean in, Lin Ya pouted, slightly annoyed, "You little bastard, can’t you get it yourself?"

Though she said this, Lin Ya still obediently placed the orange slice in Hu Xiaobei’s mouth.

"The ones I take myself aren’t as sweet as yours."

Chewing quickly, Hu Xiaobei chuckled...

"You’re always saying nice things!"

After giving Hu Xiaobei a big eyeroll, Lin Ya picked up another slice and put it in her mouth.

Hu Xiaobei watched her chew and smiled gently...

Hu Xiaobei really noticed how much she had changed.

This change had a lot to do with him, so Hu Xiaobei felt pleased.

After eating a few more slices, Hu Xiaobei heard her speak swiftly.

"Xiaobei, the people you chased away before must have gone to get reinforcements, what do we do?"

Stretching lazily, Hu Xiaobei spoke mysteriously, "I actually have reinforcements too. I’ll call some to help in a bit."

"Xiaobei, you have reinforcements too?"

Feeling her surprise, Hu Xiaobei chuckled and explained calmly, "Yeah! In the world out here, you always need to have helpers. You’ll see later!"

"Then I really have to see this!"

Lin Ya became extremely curious.

Seeing Lin Ya’s curious expression, Hu Xiaobei smiled gently.

Actually, Hu Xiaobei could easily handle everything by himself, but he thought these pests were just not worth his effort.

Simply put, they didn’t have the qualifications to make it’s worth his effort...

So Hu Xiaobei didn’t plan to act further but wanted to call a few helpers to take care of everything instead.

In Hu Xiaobei’s view, watching the excitement was more interesting than dealing with it personally.

...

"Lin Ya, you haven’t finished soaking yet?"

An hour later, Hu Xiaobei spoke lightly while stepping out of the water.

"I still plan to soak a bit longer."

As she spoke, Lin Ya stole a glance at Hu Xiaobei...

Seeing Hu Xiaobei’s bronze skin made her heart beat a lot faster.

"Be careful or you’ll soak too long and not be able to stand up!"

Hu Xiaobei teased with a laugh.

Hu Xiaobei knew she should be done soaking by now.

The reason she wasn’t coming out was just because she was embarrassed...

"Nonsense!"

"If you won’t listen to me, then forget it. I’m heading out now!"

With that, Hu Xiaobei turned and left...

Hu Xiaobei actually wanted to soak longer too and do something, but he gave up because Jing and the others could come back anytime.

So right now wasn’t really the time...

"That little bastard finally left!"

Watching Hu Xiaobei walk further away, she muttered softly and soon prepared to stand up.

"Huh?"

She tried twice but couldn’t stand up at all.

"What’s going on?"

Astonished, Lin Ya tried again but still couldn’t stand up.

"Could that little scoundrel have been right? Did I really soak too long?"

Mumbling to herself, she took a deep breath.

After calming down completely, she tried to stand again.

But just as before, she still couldn’t.

"Xiaobei really is a jinx!"

Muttering in frustration, she called out to Hu Xiaobei, "Xiaobei, wait a minute."

Honestly, she didn’t want to call Hu Xiaobei, but there was no choice...

Because at this point, she couldn’t stand up by herself.

Of course!

She could ask Jing and the others for help, but thinking that they were all directionally challenged, Lin Ya gave up on that.

Hu Xiaobei, who had walked a dozen meters away, turned his head to look at Lin Ya, curiously asking, "What is it? Need something?"

"Yes! I need something!"

Lightly biting her lip, Lin Ya spoke, "Can you come here for a minute? I need some help with something!"

"Oh!"

Hu Xiaobei glanced at her with interest and walked back unhurriedly.

Coming up to her, Hu Xiaobei looked at her, almost hiding her head in the hot spring, and chuckled softly, "What’s the matter? Is there something you need me to do?"

"I’ve been soaking a little long, and now my legs are a bit weak. Can you give me a hand up?"

Hearing her request, Hu Xiaobei laughed, "Oh dear, didn’t someone just say they hadn’t soaked long and could keep on soaking?"

"You little bastard, can’t you stop kicking me when I’m down?"

She looked at Hu Xiaobei angrily!

Right now, she wished she could bite Hu Xiaobei hard.

In her view, Hu Xiaobei was just too annoying...

"If I don’t seize the opportunity to kick someone when they’re down, it would be a waste! After all, such opportunities aren’t frequent!"

Laughing, Hu Xiaobei took two steps towards her.

"Just wait until I recover, and I’ll show you!"

Muttering angrily, she reached out her hand.

"I’ll be waiting!"

Smiling smugly, Hu Xiaobei grabbed her soft hand and pulled her out of the hot spring.

Emerging like a lotus out of water!

As she emerged, she was truly as perfect as a lotus in bloom.

Though he had anticipated it, Hu Xiaobei was still a bit dumbfounded at this moment.

Seeing Hu Xiaobei staring dazedly, Lin Ya’s eyes flashed with a touch of pride.

Afterward, she felt her legs carefully and found they still lacked much sensation.

Knowing it was impossible to recover completely in a short time.

"Looks like I’ll need this little scoundrel to carry me out of here!"

Sighing silently, she looked at Hu Xiaobei and said, "Xiaobei, my legs are still a bit weak, can you carry me back?"

"Of course, that’s no problem! But isn’t it a bit inconvenient like this?"

After agreeing, Hu Xiaobei looked at her in her swimsuit.

Hu Xiaobei thought inside here was fine, but leaving like this wouldn’t do, as it’d be easy for others to see.

Hearing what Hu Xiaobei said, she blinked at him, "What? Jealous?"

"Of course!"

Hearing Hu Xiaobei’s straightforward reply, her heart felt sweet.

But on the surface, she pretended to sulk, "Little bastard, I knew you’d say that. There are towels over there, bring one for me, I’ll cover up with it."