177: Chapter 177 Only one room left

Cao Kun didn't respond, he just looked at her.

"You don't want anything from us—not money, not sex, nothing at all."

White Lotus Flower continued, "You just... simply want to help us."

She lowered her head, her voice growing even softer: "This is the first time in my life I've met someone like that."

The lake breeze blew past, ruffling her long hair.

Cao Kun looked at her, his heart stirring slightly.

He knew what White Lotus Flower was thinking.

He also knew what might happen next.

But he didn't stop it.

Because he couldn't quite explain what his feelings for these three women actually were.

The two of them spent the afternoon wandering through the Ancient Town, visiting several old residences, buying some local specialties, and having a cup of tea at a teahouse.

Unknowingly, it began to get late.

"Time to head back." Cao Kun checked the time; it was 5:30 PM.

"Mhm." White Lotus Flower nodded, but instead of heading toward the parking lot, she walked toward the lakeshore.

Cao Kun followed her.

As the sun set, the lake's surface was dyed golden.

The distant mountains became hazy in the twilight, a few small boats had already docked, and the boatmen were finishing their work for the day.

"So beautiful," White Lotus Flower said softly.

Cao Kun stood beside her, taking in the scene.

It was indeed very beautiful.

The two of them just stood there, neither of them speaking.

Suddenly.

A drop of rain fell on White Lotus Flower's face.

She looked up, and a few more drops followed.

"Is it raining?" she muttered, startled.

The words had barely left her mouth when the rain suddenly intensified.

It wasn't a pitter-patter drizzle, but a sudden downpour. Raindrops as large as beans pelted down, instantly drenching them both to the bone.

"Run!" Cao Kun grabbed White Lotus Flower and ran toward the nearest shelter.

It was a pavilion, not far from the lakeshore.

By the time they rushed into the pavilion, they were both soaking wet.

White Lotus Flower was panting, her hair plastered to her face and her wet clothes clinging to her body.

Her white knit sweater had become semi-transparent from the water, faintly revealing her silhouette underneath.

She looked down, her face instantly flushing bright red, and she hurriedly crossed her arms over her chest.

Cao Kun took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

"Put this on."

White Lotus Flower looked at him, a warmth spreading through her heart.

Cao Kun's clothes were also wet, but he was only wearing a thin T-shirt and didn't seem to mind at all.

"But you..."

"I'm fine." Cao Kun looked at the rain outside the pavilion. "This rain came fast, so it should pass quickly too."

White Lotus Flower pulled his jacket tighter; it still held his body heat and a faint scent.

She stole a glance at him. Rainwater slid down his cheeks, yet he remained indifferent, simply staring quietly into the curtain of rain.

This man, really...

The rain fell for half an hour with no sign of stopping; instead, it grew even heavier.

The sky had turned completely dark.

"Looks like we can't leave." Cao Kun checked his phone. "Is there a hotel nearby?"

White Lotus Flower was taken aback, her heart rate instantly quickening.

"Yes... there is. I saw one on the way here."

"Let's go take a look."

The two of them braved the rain and ran to the nearest hotel.

It was a small hotel converted from a traditional guesthouse—quaint and antique, but with decent facilities.

The receptionist was a middle-aged woman who gave them a glance: "Staying the night?"

"Yes, two rooms," Cao Kun said.

The woman checked her computer and shook her head. "Only one left, a room with a king-sized bed. Do you want it?"

White Lotus Flower's face turned completely red.

Cao Kun glanced at her. "Should we try the next place?"

"The next place is a twenty-minute walk," the woman said. "With rain this heavy, how are you going to get there?"

White Lotus Flower bit her lip and whispered, "How about... just the one room? It'll save money..."

As soon as she said it, she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

Save money?

Even a fool would know what saying something like that implied.

Cao Kun looked at her, his eyes questioning.

White Lotus Flower didn't dare look at him; she just kept her head down and gave a small nod.

"We'll take this room," Cao Kun told the receptionist.

...

The room was on the second floor; it wasn't large, but it was very clean.

A large bed took up most of the space. There was a warm yellow lamp at the bedside, a small coffee table by the window, and two chairs.

Outside the window, the rain was still falling with a steady pitter-patter.

White Lotus Flower stood at the doorway, staring at the bed, her heart beating so fast it felt like it would jump out of her chest.

"Go take a shower first so you don't catch a cold," Cao Kun said.

"You... you go first."

"Ladies first."

White Lotus Flower couldn't win the argument, so she took the bathrobe provided by the hotel and entered the bathroom.

As the hot water poured down, she stood under the showerhead, her mind a complete mess.

What would happen later?

Would he...

What did she want?

Taking a deep breath, she looked at herself in the mirror.

Her face was flushed pink, though she didn't know if it was from the hot water or the nerves.

After drying herself and putting on the bathrobe, she took another deep breath and pushed open the door.

Cao Kun was sitting on a chair by the window, watching the rain outside.

Hearing the door open, he turned his head.

Fresh from the shower, White Lotus Flower looked completely different from how she did during the day.

Her damp hair was draped over her shoulders, and the collar of the bathrobe was slightly open, revealing a section of her pale collarbone.

Her cheeks were flushed pink from the steam, and her eyes were moist, like a startled fawn.

She was beautiful.

Cao Kun's heart stirred.

"Your turn to shower," White Lotus Flower whispered, not daring to look at him.

Cao Kun nodded and walked into the bathroom.

White Lotus Flower sat on the edge of the bed. Listening to the sound of the water from the bathroom, her heart rate grew faster and faster.

She stared at the bed, countless thoughts flashing through her mind.

If he... in a moment...

What should she do?

Refuse? Or...

But if she refused, would he think she was playing with him?

And if she didn't refuse, then...

She bit her lip, her face burning intensely.

...