Chapter 573: The Tranquil Hot Spring Resort

The hot spring resort is built next to the cherry blossom forest.

Typically, cherry blossoms bloom from March to April, with peak flowering in April. However, to extend the blooming period and allow visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms for a longer time, this cherry blossom forest mixes different varieties with varying bloom times, starting as early as February and still displaying numerous beautiful pink blossoms in May.

But this marks the last of their splendor!

A refreshing evening breeze blows, causing the treetops to sway and a flurry of delicate petals to fall from the branches, like a light pink rain.

The falling petals, illuminated by the red sunset, appear like dancing fairies.

Fading in their most radiant moment, they exude a sense of purity and astonishment, yet also of bravery and determination.

The frail and beautiful petals dance in the air before gently landing on the ground or being whisked away by the breeze, spreading the fragrance of cherry blossoms, refreshing the soul.

The surrounding grass is also covered in a layer of pink floral carpet, and white-headed bulbuls sing on the branches. The classical charm of the hot spring resort, nestled among these sceneries, creates a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere, an earthly paradise.

Cherry blossom petals, carried by the wind over the garden wall, evoke longing and wonder.

Soaking in the hot springs in such a beautiful setting is a dual treat for the soul and body.

After the hot springs, enjoying a barbecue is delightful.

Staff arrive at the resort after the zoo closes, unable to help but pause to appreciate the vibrant cherry blossom scenery.

Entering the courtyard, smiles bloom on their faces.

Although Linhai Zoo is located on the outskirts, making trips to the city not so convenient, everything else is great.

Every day they get to see adorable, healing animals, receive high wages, and the wealthy Director occasionally provides extra perks.

Especially for the former programmer, Zhou Ke, who feels it the most!

Working in the company meant endless codes to write, bugs to fix, and demands from the product manager for "simple requests" to be completed urgently, leading to overwhelming stress and late-night overtime without even a taxi to catch home.

A young man in his twenties began showing signs of bald patches.

Now, with regular hours for work and leisure time in the morning and evening for exercise, running in the zoo.

With a better mood, the bald patches naturally disappeared, and recently, he's even considering finding a girlfriend.

Staff have a strong sense of belonging to Linhai Zoo.

Meng Shi and Xiao Bao, after finishing their work in the tiger pavilion, come over together.

Meng Shi comments, "The environment of this hot spring resort is truly sublime!"

Xiao Bao expresses regret, "Such beautiful cherry blossoms, gone after this bloom."

Upon entering the courtyard of the hot spring resort, a pond rockery greets them.

The pond surface is topped with green lotus leaves and some pink cherry blossom petals floating; the rockery is built from various uniquely shaped large rocks, with ferns and decorative plants growing in the crevices.

Clear water flows down stone steps into the pond below, next to a plump, flat toad-shaped stone sculpture squatting on a rock, shielded by a few broad green leaves overhead, gazing at passersby with bulging eyes, adding a touch of interest.

A welcoming pine stands in the center, its twisted branches spreading like an open green umbrella over the path.

With lotus-lined paths and streaming pines, the serene beauty is picturesque.

Walking through this elegant garden scenery naturally relaxes the mood.

Passing through the front hall leads to lodging accommodations.

The resort features an even broader courtyard in the back, where today's barbecue party will be held on the lawn.

Private bathing areas are scattered around the resort, each small house paired with a hot spring pool of about ten square meters.

The hall is bustling with many employees already arrived.

He Yifei sits on a sofa, munching on a cucumber and waves warmly at Meng Shi's arrival, "Yo, Meng Shi, you're here!"

He points to the plate on the table, filled with cleaned cucumbers, "Director's cucumbers, try it while you can! Once it's gone, it's gone. One each!"

Fang Ye isn't stingy; the reason for one each is mainly because the cucumbers are quite large. Eating one can be quite filling, fearing that if everyone indulges, who would have space for barbecue.

Today, a whole lamb has been prepared for grilling; it'd be a waste if it weren't finished.

Meng Shi's eyes light up, eagerly picking one up!

He admires it in his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Despite its size, the green cucumber feels substantial, exuding a resilience when squeezed.

Unlike some cucumbers that feel limp and rubbery, leaving much to be desired in taste.

Jokingly, "Such a beautiful cucumber, almost too pretty to eat!"

Of course, eat he must.

Just bringing it close to his nose, the cucumber's fresh scent already makes his mouth water.

One crisp bite, and a "crack" sounds!

"Wow!"

A refreshing coolness bursts in his mouth, accompanied by a subtle sweet taste of cucumber!

Meng Shi can't help but take several more bites.

As the sweet juice flows, he squints his eyes in pleasure, as if standing by a cool sea with the breeze blowing continuously.

The summer heat instantly vanishes.

Xiao Bao also takes a crunchy bite, shivering with delight.

Licking his lips, "Mom, the Director grows such delicious vegetables!"

He Yifei watches their reactions, silently enjoying his experience.

Regretfully tossing the cucumber end into the bin, if not for the lack of taste, he would've eaten even the roots.

After Meng Shi finishes, they pick up swimsuits, slippers, and locker keys, heading together for a soak in the hot springs.

The environment inside the resort is even more tranquil than outside.

The path is paved with flat stones, offering some unevenness without being uncomfortable. Surrounded by greenery, there are cherry trees and bamboo groves, with simple bamboo walls dividing the separate bathing areas.

It's already 7 pm, and the light isn't as bright, with roadside lights casting a soft, warm glow.

He Yifei reaches the hot spring edge, first testing the water with his foot and then eagerly sitting in.

Closing his eyes, he relishes the continuous warm flow beneath, as if receiving a gentle massage.

Feeling warm and cozy, he exhales contentedly, "Ah~ I feel like all worldly concerns are drifting away from me!"