Bathing with Fang yuan

As the days passed, Aiden noticed that Fang Yuan had been pushing herself to the limits. The constant battles and challenges they faced had taken a toll on her, and it was evident that she needed a break. Concerned for her well-being, he decided it was time for her to take a much-needed break and relax.

"Fang Yuan," he said gently, "you've been pushing yourself too hard. I think it's time for you to take a break and unwind. How about we find a nearby hot spring and have a bath to relax our bodies and minds?"

Her ruthless nature immediately balked at the idea. "A bath? Don't be ridiculous, Aiden. I don't have time for such luxuries."

Aiden persisted, knowing that she needed this break more than she was willing to admit. "It's not a luxury, Fang Yuan. It's essential for our well-being. We can't be at our best if we don't take care of ourselves."

She scowled, clearly reluctant but also knowing that he had a point. "Fine, but make it quick. I don't want to waste too much time on something so frivolous."

Aiden smiled, relieved that she had agreed, even if begrudgingly. "Trust me, you'll feel much better after a good soak. Let's go."

They set off in search of a hot spring, and after some time, they came across a secluded spot with a natural hot spring. Aiden couldn't help but be amused by Fang Yuan's reluctance as she eyed the steaming water warily.

"I'm not sure about this," she muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of letting her guard down even for a moment.

"It's just a bath," Aiden reassured her, trying to suppress his amusement. "There's nothing to worry about."

With a huff, Fang Yuan finally relented and stepped into the warm water. Aiden joined her, watching as she tried to maintain her usual aloof demeanor even in the relaxing waters.

As they soaked in the hot spring, Aiden could see the tension gradually leaving Fang Yuan's body. Her ruthless facade seemed to soften, and for a moment, he caught a glimpse of the vulnerable girl beneath it.

"It's not so bad, is it?" he teased gently, hoping to ease her discomfort.

She shot him a glare, but he could see a faint glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Don't get used to this, Aiden. It's a one-time thing."

He chuckled, knowing that it was a victory just getting her to take this break. "Whatever you say, Fang Yuan. But remember, taking care of yourself is important too."

As they spent the afternoon in the hot spring, Aiden could see Fang Yuan gradually relax and let her guard down. It was a rare moment of respite in their relentless journey, and he knew that they both needed it.

As the two of them relaxed in the hot spring, Aiden's friendly demeanor prompted him to reach out to playfully splash water at Fang Yuan. However, he quickly realized that he had crossed a line, as she stiffened and shot him a sharp look.

"Stop touching me like that," Fang Yuan snapped, her voice icy and resolute. "My private space is none of your concern."

Aiden immediately raised his hands in a gesture of apology. "I'm sorry, Fang Yuan. I didn't mean to overstep. I was just trying to lighten the mood."

She frowned, clearly still annoyed by the intrusion. "I don't need you to 'lighten the mood.' Just focus on yourself."

Aiden nodded, understanding that he had made a mistake in misjudging her boundaries. He respected her need for personal space and vowed not to repeat the error.

"I apologize," he said sincerely, "I won't do it again."

Fang Yuan's expression softened slightly, and she nodded in acknowledgment. "Good. I have no tolerance for such frivolities."

Aiden, however, noticed how tired and tense she appeared. He knew she needed a moment of relaxation and care. With sensitivity and respect, he gently approached her and spoke in a fatherly tone.

"Fang Yuan, you've been through so much. Let's take a moment to relax and wash away the fatigue. I'll be here to help if you need it."

She looked at him with a mix of surprise and reluctance. "I can take care of myself, Aiden."

"I know you can," he reassured her, "but we all need a helping hand from time to time. It's okay to lean on others, even if you're strong."

With her guard slightly softened, Fang Yuan reluctantly agreed. "Fine, but don't think this changes anything. I'm still in charge."

Aiden smiled, understanding her need to maintain control. "Of course, Fang Yuan. You're always in charge."

As they stepped into the warm water, Aiden carefully washed her back, using a gentle touch to show that he meant no harm. Fang Yuan tensed at first, not used to this display of care and support, but as Aiden continued, she gradually relaxed.

In that quiet moment, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, if only for a fleeting instant. Aiden noticed her guard coming down, and he felt grateful that she trusted him enough to let him help.

He washed her hair with care, her ruthless demeanor giving way to a hint of vulnerability. Aiden couldn't help but see the young girl she once was, a reminder that even the strongest of souls had moments of fragility.

As they finished bathing, Fang Yuan's expression was a mix of gratitude and reluctance. She didn't say anything, but Aiden could sense the unspoken appreciation for his understanding and support.

From that moment on, Aiden knew that their bond had grown stronger. He didn't expect her to suddenly change, but he saw that she was more than just the ruthless and cold girl she portrayed.

As they left the hot spring, Fang Yuan's facade returned, but Aiden knew that he had touched something deeper within her. With sensitivity and respect, he had shown her that she didn't have to face the world alone.

After Aiden's attempt to wash Fang Yuan's back in the hot spring, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as her ruthless demeanor returned. He knew that his intentions were only to help and care for her, but he could sense her guard going up once more.

"You are quite the pervert, Aiden," she remarked with a cold and ruthless tone, her eyes narrowing as if to challenge him.

Startled by her accusation, Aiden quickly defended himself. "No, Fang Yuan, that wasn't my intention at all! I was only trying to help you relax."

She scoffed dismissively, clearly not buying his explanation. "Help me relax? Don't think I'm so naive, Aiden. I know what you were trying to do."

Aiden felt a mix of frustration and confusion. He hadn't expected her to react this way. "I promise you, Fang Yuan, I only wanted to offer support. There was nothing inappropriate about it."

Her ruthless gaze bore into him, her words cutting like daggers. "I don't need your support or your pity. I can take care of myself."

Aiden sighed, realizing that he had unintentionally crossed a boundary. "I didn't mean to offend you, Fang Yuan. I just wanted to show that I care."

Her expression softened slightly, but the walls she had built around herself remained firm. "I don't need anyone's care. I've survived on my own all this time, and I don't need you treating me like some helpless child."

Aiden could see that his actions had triggered her fierce independence and pride. "I understand, and I'm sorry. I won't intrude on your personal space again."

Fang Yuan nodded, the hint of vulnerability he had seen earlier now concealed once more. "See that you don't."