234: Chapter 233 gave me a fright

The misty steam in the hot spring grew thicker and thicker.

The originally warm spring water now felt as if boiling magma had been injected into it, scorching one's heart into a faster beat and turning faces crimson.

Lu Fan's technique was slightly unrefined; at first, he couldn't gauge the pressure correctly, and with just a little force, An Lan couldn't help but let out a soft "hiss."

This tiny sound instantly threw Lu Fan into a panic. He jerked his hand back as if struck by lightning, his voice filled with concern and tension as he asked urgently, "Did I hurt you? I'll be gentler."

The worry and nervousness in his eyes made it seem as though he were terrified of harming the priceless treasure before him.

An Lan shook her head hurriedly, her voice unconsciously carrying a hint of haste as if to soothe Lu Fan's unease. "It's fine, continue."

Lu Fan took a deep breath, trying his best to calm himself down. He adjusted his strength and, stroke by stroke, gently kneaded An Lan's shoulders and arms.

He was fully concentrated on every movement, as if what he was touching was a rare treasure that would shatter at the slightest mistake.

His gaze was locked tightly onto his own hands, not daring to drift even an inch.

Yet, like a revolving lantern, thoughts that made him blush uncontrollably flashed through his mind.

He only felt that her skin was delicate and smooth, just like high-quality silk. As his fingertips slid across, they brought a wave of tingling that made his heart beat even faster, like an incessant drumroll.

He felt his heartbeat had spiraled completely out of control, like a war drum being beaten rapidly, "thump-thump," as if it would burst through his chest in the next second.

His movements became extremely light and soft, barely touching her like a dragonfly skimming the water. He kept his head turned away the entire time, his eyes fixed on the stones by the hot spring as if they held the world's most mysterious treasure.

In reality, however, his mind was already a tangled mess, completely disoriented by the ambiguous atmosphere before him.

He froze in place, terrified, not daring to move a muscle. His breathing became rapid and heavy, each exhale carrying a scorching heat.

An Lan also stiffened all over, not daring to even breathe loudly, as if a binding spell had been cast upon her.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze at this moment, and the whole world went silent.

After a long while, Lu Fan took a deep breath, trying to suppress the waves surging within him, and began to massage gently once more.

A sudden wave of thirst hit him. He subconsciously swallowed his saliva, his throat making a dry sound.

At this time, An Lan also felt as if she were in the middle of a blazing fire; her cheeks were flushed crimson, and she was at a loss for what to do.

Her heart was beating faster than ever before, as if it would burst through her chest at any moment, leaving her feeling lightheaded.

He could clearly smell the fresh scent of honey locust emanating from An Lan's hair. That refreshing aroma drifted into his nostrils in wisps, making him increasingly intoxicated and unable to pull himself away.

His breathing grew even more rapid and hot, and his eyes reddened slightly due to this intense, suggestive atmosphere.

After all, he was a vigorous young man. Under such intimate contact, his internal defenses were crumbling inch by inch... At this moment, both their minds were in a state of chaos, as if swept into a scorching emotional storm, completely losing their way.

"Splash!!"

An abrupt sound shattered the romantic atmosphere.

An Lan was frightened out of her wits. She instinctively shoved Lu Fan away, then quickly pulled up the animal hide and retreated into the water like a startled fawn.

Her heart raced, a lingering blush remained on her face, and her eyes were filled with panic and bashfulness.

Lu Fan was also caught off guard by this sudden push, and he tumbled into the water all at once.

The hot spring water instantly enveloped his body, flooding into his ears and nostrils.

In an instant, he was forced awake. The heat and confusion in his eyes vanished immediately, replaced by endless embarrassment and regret.

Immediately after, he scrambled out of the water and ran toward the shore, stumbling and crawling.

His steps were frantic and hurried, as if something terrifying were chasing him from behind.