At 11 p.m. in Shenghe Mansion, Lu Tingzhou tossed and turned, replaying his kiss with Qin Jia. He couldn't decipher her reaction—was she confused by his clumsy attempt or repulsed? Sleepless, he retreated to his study and stumbled on a TV series where the leads resolved conflicts online. Inspired, he posted a 10,000-yuan reward on a Q&A platform: "I kissed my girlfriend for the first time and left a bad impression—how to make up for it?"
Most replies blamed his kissing skills, urging him to practice and try again. He watched shared tutorials, realizing there was more to kissing than he'd thought.
Dating Tasks & Hot Spring Plan
Over the next few days, Qin Jia and Lu Tingzhou checked off couple tasks—crafts, Ferris wheel rides, couple photos—but the list felt overwhelming. She sent it to Lu Tingzhou, asking him to pick favorites.
Fresh from a meeting, Lu Tingzhou scanned the list and asked Planning Minister Cheng: "Know any good hot springs in Nancheng?" The team breathed a sigh of relief (it wasn't about the proposal) and Minister Cheng recommended a top resort, sending details immediately.
Shen Family Reunion Banquet
On the last Saturday of May, Qin Jia and Qin Mo attended the Shen family's banquet in Nancheng. The event celebrated Duan Baihan's reunion with his biological grandfather, Shen Ruhai. Shen Yushu was away, so they represented the Qin family.
Qin Jia, avoiding alcohol, sat at the children's table. A little girl admired her LQ dress, and Qin Jia shared Luo Shiqing's contact for customization. After the banquet's formalities, she focused on eating until Lu Jingnian approached with a greeting card: "Tingzhou waits for you at Qianxing Parking Lot—8:30 PM."
Curious, she headed to the parking lot, where Duan Baihan stopped her. He noticed the ring on her right ring finger (a sign of a passionate relationship) and asked, "You're with Lu Tingzhou?"
Qin Jia nodded. When he confessed his dilemma—choosing between the entertainment industry and inheriting the Shen Group—she advised: "Try both. You're young enough to experiment." Duan Baihan thanked her, feeling enlightened.
Late-Night Hot Spring Date
At 8:30 PM, Lu Tingzhou's Bentley waited. Qin Jia asked if Fifteen could join, and Lu Tingzhou agreed. They arrived at the hot spring resort quickly, and Qin Jia stared in surprise: "You brought me here to soak in hot springs?"
He showed her the date list—she'd sent it days earlier, and he'd circled "hot spring." "I have a curfew," she said.
"9:30 PM," he promised, brushing her cheek gently. His lips grazed her ear: "I'll take you home on time."
Qin Jia's cheeks warmed. She unbuckled her seatbelt, and Lu Tingzhou hooked her pinky: "Pinky promise."
She laughed, pulling her hand back: "I won't break my word."
They entered the resort, leaving Fifteen standing outside, clutching car keys and a room card, wondering if he'd be a third wheel all night.
Inside, the resort exuded luxury—soft lighting, wooden corridors, and the faint scent of osmanthus. A staff member led them to a private outdoor hot spring nestled among bamboo. The water steamed gently, reflecting the starry sky.
"Go change first," Lu Tingzhou said, handing her a linen bathrobe. "I'll wait here."
Qin Jia nodded, disappearing into the changing room. When she emerged, her hair tied up in a messy bun, Lu Tingzhou's breath hitched. He'd changed into a dark bathrobe, his sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms.
She hesitated at the edge of the spring. "The water's not too hot?"
He tested it with his hand: "Just right."
Qin Jia stepped in slowly, the warm water soothing her muscles. She sank to her shoulders, closing her eyes. Lu Tingzhou joined her, sitting a respectful distance away. For a while, only the sound of flowing water and crickets filled the air.
"Did you enjoy the banquet?" he asked, breaking the silence.
She opened her eyes: "The food was good. Duan Baihan seemed troubled—his grandfather wants him to inherit the business."
Lu Tingzhou nodded: "He's talented in entertainment. It'd be a waste to quit."
Qin Jia smiled: "That's what I told him. You're surprisingly understanding."
He turned to her, his eyes soft in the moonlight: "I just don't like seeing people give up on what they love." His gaze lingered on her lips, recalling the Q&A advice. He leaned closer slowly.
Qin Jia's heart raced. She didn't move away. His hand brushed her cheek, and this time, his kiss was gentle—not rushed like before. It was soft, tentative, and warm, like the spring water surrounding them.
When he pulled back, her cheeks were flushed. "Better?" he asked, his voice low.
She nodded, avoiding his eyes. "You… practiced?"
He chuckled: "Learned a few things."
They talked for a while—about the variety show, her work with Luo Shiqing, his upcoming projects. Qin Jia found herself relaxing, laughing at his dry humor. Before she knew it, Lu Tingzhou checked his watch: "It's 9:20. Time to go."
She sighed, a little reluctant. "Okay."
As they dried off and changed, Qin Jia's phone buzzed—Fifteen asking if they needed a ride. She replied that they'd be down soon.
In the car, Lu Tingzhou kept his promise, dropping her off at Shenghe Mansion at 9:28 PM. "Thanks for tonight," she said, unbuckling her seatbelt.
He grabbed her wrist gently. "Tomorrow? I found a bookstore with first-edition poetry collections—you mentioned liking classic literature."
Qin Jia's eyes lit up. "Yes, I'd like that."
He leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight."
She hurried inside, her heart still fluttering. Upstairs, she leaned against the door, touching her forehead and smiling. Maybe this one-month trial wasn't such a bad idea after all.
Lu Tingzhou watched her enter before telling the driver to leave. He pulled out his phone, opening the Q&A app. He clicked "fulfill reward," transferring 10,000 yuan to the top replies. Then he typed a new question, deleting it quickly—no need. He'd found his answer.