Ji Yunfan shared the plan with Yara Lu, grinning."Yaoyao, Celia and I are going to the Huashang Tiangong Hot Springs. Call Mr. Fu and ask him to bring you along. The four of us can go together—a perfect double date."
A double date?
Yara's heart skipped with excitement. Since Nathaniel Fu's return, he had barely spared her any time. A hot spring would be the perfect chance for intimacy.
She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed his number.
The mellow ringtone hadn't rung twice before his deep, magnetic voice answered."Busy."
A blunt rejection.
Yara's smile faltered, but she pressed on."Nancheng, can't you stay with me just this once? My cousin already took Celia to the hot springs."
In the president's office of the Fu Group, Nathaniel was reviewing documents when her words froze his hand mid-stroke.
She went to the hot springs… with Ji Yunfan?
Snap.
The pen dropped onto the desk. His lips twisted with a cold laugh. Did she have no sense at all? Did she not realize how breathtaking her body was?
If she showed up in a swimsuit, Ji Yunfan would be utterly captivated.
Tugging sharply at his tie, Nathaniel said, "Fine. I'll be there shortly."
Joy burst across Yara's face."Nancheng, I'll wait for you! Celia and my cousin want the four of us together."
A foursome?
She dares suggest that with me?
Nathaniel's tongue brushed across his dry lips.All right then. Let her wait. I'll show her what it means to date me.
······
Huashang Tiangong Hot Springs
Celia and Ji Yunfan split up at the entrance. He pointed toward the women's changing area."Celia, pick out a nice swimsuit. I'll wait for you outside."
The word nice lingered with unhidden eagerness.
Celia, determined to draw more information from him, didn't refuse."All right, Mr. Ji. See you in a moment."
Inside, the display window showcased an array of elegant swimsuits. Celia's eyes fell on one and she motioned."Could you bring that one down for me?"
"Of course." The attendant handed it to her, and Celia disappeared into the changing room.
Just then, Yara walked in. Her eyes quickly landed on the very same swimsuit Celia had chosen."I'll take that one," she said brightly.
"Right away."
Yara changed swiftly and stepped out first. Spotting Ji Yunfan waiting near the steaming pool, she called, "Cousin!"
"Yaoyao, you're out. What's taking Celia so long?" His impatience was obvious.
Yara pouted. "Cousin, you only have eyes for her now."
"How could that be? Wow, Yaoyao—you look stunning in that suit. Just wait until President Fu arrives, he won't be able to look away."
Pleased, Yara's lips curved in a satisfied smile.
Then her gaze lifted. A tall, broad-shouldered figure was approaching. Nathaniel Fu had arrived.
"Nancheng, you're here~" she called sweetly.
Nathaniel's stride was long and unhurried as he crossed the stone path.
"President Fu," Ji Yunfan greeted, gesturing toward Yara. "We were just talking about you. Doesn't she look amazing in this swimsuit?"
Nathaniel's eyes swept over Yara. She had chosen a nude halterneck swimsuit—soft and understated in color, but provocative in cut. It lent her an aura of innocence laced with seduction, highlighting the curves of her figure.
He gave a single nod. "Yes, it suits her."
But before the words had fully settled, Ji Yunfan's voice rang out with fresh delight."Celia, you're out at last?"
Nathaniel turned—and froze.
There she was. Celia.