RAHHSFL - Chapter 68
Chapter 68
Qin Juran and Ruan Nan woke up early and told Qin Haotian about their trip during breakfast.
Seeing Qin Julai listening intently, Ruan Nan kindly asked if he wanted to join them. Before Qin Juran could glare at the potential "tagalong," Qin Haotian immediately vetoed the idea. With subject-specific exams coming up right after the school break, Qin Julai's main priority was studying.
Noticing the boy's undisguised disappointment, Qin Juran patted his shoulder. "Don't be sad. I'll bring you back souvenirs. Whatever you want."
Qin Julai offered a polite, forced smile.
Ruan Nan also smiled and patted him. "Julai, study hard, and after the college entrance exams, you can pick any place you want to go, and I'll treat you.”
Qin Julai's eyes widened behind his thick glasses. "Sister Ruan Nan, are you serious?"
Ruan Nan nodded. "Of course. I always keep my promises.”
Qin Julai glanced at his sister, who nodded, seemingly endorsing Ruan Nan's promise.
"But my college entrance exam is still two years away. By then, you and Sister will have graduated from university. Will you still be together?"
"..." Qin Haotian smacked him on the head. "Wish your sister well!"
Qin Juran: "..."
That morning, Qin Juran went to the mall with Ruan Nan and bought two thick down jackets and other travel necessities. Qin Juran checked the ticket prices and promptly transferred the cost of their two tickets back to Lin Wei.
Ruan Nan felt a little guilty, thinking that Qin Juran was spending her newly earned money on this somewhat "extravagant" trip. Qin Juran, however, said that no matter how successful one became, the purpose of earning money was to enjoy it with loved ones.
Besides, this trip would have additional benefits.
Qin Juran had visited those Nordic countries in her past life, including spending over half a month in Switzerland, so she knew exactly what essentials to pack.
She also ordered a box of finger cots for same-day delivery.
Qin Juran opened the package and was about to put the finger cots into her suitcase when Ruan Nan, blushing, blocked the suitcase, stammering, "They... they might open the suitcase during security..."
Qin Juran raised an eyebrow. "In the backpack then?"
"Can we just not bring them..."
Ruan Nan was still trying to reason with her when Qin Juran swiftly put the finger cots into her black backpack. She patted Ruan Nan's face sympathetically. "No can do."
Ruan Nan, her left foot entangled with her right, almost tripped, then snatched the backpack and clutched it to her chest. "I'll carry it."
"?"
Qin Juran paused, then realized what Ruan Nan was implying, nodding in understanding. "So even if Lin Wei and the others see it, if it's in your bag, it means you're the 'user'?"
Ruan Nan, her little scheme exposed, blushed even deeper.
Qin Juran chuckled, finding her as endearing as a child trying to act like an adult. She didn't try to take the backpack back, shaking her head and saying, "Who would believe that?" before walking away.
At two in the afternoon, they took a taxi to the airport. Zhou Ziqing happened to be in A City as well. Lin Wei had initially planned to depart from S City, but fearing a lonely journey and potential "attacks" from Wang Yuan Yuan along the way, he changed his flight and rushed to A City to join them.
Qin Juran and Ruan Nan entered the airport and spotted a group of wealthy young men in mink coats from afar. Wang Yuan Yuan rushed over to greet them, while Lin Wei, tall and handsome, waved enthusiastically. Qin Juran almost wished she could feign temporary blindness.
Two of Lin Wei's high school classmates were also joining them. One was named Lin Jin, who looked quite similar to Lin Wei; Lin Wei joked that in high school, everyone mistook them for brothers. The other, Yu Ran, wore glasses and seemed quite refined. Though not as boisterous as Lin Wei, the two were quite friendly and thoughtfully took Qin Juran's luggage.
Four guys, three girls, and after all the commotion, Wang Yuan Yuan was the only one left alone.
"Wang Yuan Yuan, if you call me 'Daddy,' I'll ditch Zhou Ziqing and go with you," Lin Wei teased.
Wang Yuan Yuan rolled her eyes. "My dad doesn't have a son like you."
Wang Yuan Yuan was the quietest of the four girls, but as they became closer, Qin Juran realized she was actually quite witty and had a very outgoing personality.
The Spring Festival holiday wasn't over yet, and the airport was decorated with festive decorations. Many of the travelers were on vacation, their excitement palpable even beneath their thick winter clothes.
Zhou Ziqing offered to carry Ruan Nan's backpack, but she clutched it protectively. Lin Wei teased, "What secrets are you hiding in there, Nan Jie? It's not bikini season in Switzerland."
"..."
Lin Wei's unintentional hit struck a chord, and everyone burst into laughter. Qin Juran, in on the secret, laughed even harder, surprisingly not defending Ruan Nan. Having been one-upped by Lin Wei, she simply hugged her blushing girlfriend and headed towards security.
Qin Juran had once mentioned her personal motto: "The anticipation is the most exciting part." So, when an already extraordinary trip was about to become even more so, every gesture, every flirtatious word exchanged between the lovers amplified the anticipation.
As if every touch, every playful remark was a prelude to the nights to come, making their hearts race.
Ruan Nan was even a little nervous. The temperature dropped once they were on the plane. Qin Juran immediately asked the flight attendant for a blanket for her.
After settling in, Ruan Nan needed to use the restroom. A few foreign passengers with a strong body odor were seated in the row ahead, hitting on the girls around them as soon as they boarded. Ruan Nan frowned, and Qin Juran took her hand and accompanied her to the restroom.
When they returned, Qin Juran tucked Ruan Nan back into her blanket, hoping she would get some rest. Just as she was snugly wrapped up, Ruan Nan said she was thirsty.
Qin Juran told her not to move, asked the flight attendant for a straw, and fed her water from the cup.
After drinking, Ruan Nan looked up at Qin Juran, a hint of unease in her eyes. Qin Juran quickly put down the cup. "What's wrong?"
Ruan Nan blinked innocently. "Qin Juran, why are you so good to me?"
"?" Qin Juran was puzzled.
"J-just... why are you being extra nice to me today?"
Qin Juran thought about her actions today. She hadn't done anything differently. She was about to explain that perhaps Ruan Nan was just extra sensitive during the trip when Ruan Nan whispered in her ear, "Is it because you want to... you know... with me, that's why you're being so nice?"
...
So that's what she was getting at.
The foxy Qin Juran, unfazed by her little darling's provocation, nodded. "Yes."
"Qin Juran, you..."
"Enjoy it while it lasts," Qin Juran whispered in her ear. "I'm not always this gentle, you know.”
Switzerland was six hours behind China. Lin Wei had booked first-class tickets for Qin Juran and Ruan Nan, but after changing his flight, he could only get business class. Zhou Ziqing had no choice but to join him in "experiencing the common life." By the time they landed, after the long flight, both were dizzy.
Long-distance travel was indeed tiring. A local guide was waiting for them at the airport. They rented a minibus. Most of the tourists visiting Switzerland this time of year were young people. Stepping out of the airport, Qin Juran felt a sense of familiarity mixed with strangeness.
A place she'd visited in another world was now appearing before her eyes again, creating a surreal and magical feeling.
It was cold in Switzerland in winter. Foreigners were bundled up in thick clothes. It had just snowed, and rime-covered trees stood stark white in the distance, while neat little houses dotted the town like something out of a fairytale.
Their destination was Zermatt. Besides its excellent ski resorts, the town was even more attractive for the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Many of the wooden chalets were characteristic of the town, and Lin Wei had wanted to book one, but due to his last-minute planning and the peak tourist season, they were all fully booked. They ended up paying double the price for a luxurious hotel.
Their guide was a local student, around their age, working part-time during the holidays. When the bus stopped at the hotel, everyone got off. Lin Jin, the one Lin Wei called his "younger brother," suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
Qin Juran looked at the hotel. Besides its opulence, she didn't see anything special. Zhou Ziqing curiously asked him what was wrong. Lin Jin pointed to a symbol-like emblem at the hotel entrance. "That's the Chengmao Group logo. I heard they were interested in acquiring a large ski resort in Switzerland. Looks like it’s true."
"Whoa, others build 'Little Switzerlands' in China, and Chengmao is building a 'Little Orient' in Switzerland? The resources they have access to... how much money must that deal be worth?" Lin Wei exclaimed.
"Doesn't matter how much, it's got nothing to do with you. Don't worry about it. We'll probably never meet people like that in our lives.”
"Why not? Aren't we staying in the same hotel? What if the chairman suddenly needs to use the restroom in my room?"
"You're so naive. Qin Yuan wouldn't come personally for something like this, 90% chance. At most, they'll send a couple of representatives."
Qin Juran suddenly recalled Qin Yuan’s message from three days ago, “In Switzerland for a meeting.” She exchanged a glance with Ruan Nan but didn't say anything, heading inside to check in. Lin Jin was right; Qin Yuan probably wouldn't stay long for something like this. The meeting he mentioned three days ago was likely over, and he would've flown elsewhere by now.
Fortunately, Chengmao Group had booked out floors 10 to 18. Qin Juran and her friends were on the seventh floor, so they shouldn't cross paths.
The rooms were booked according to their individual needs. The four guys shared two double rooms, Wang Yuan Yuan had a single room. Before Qin Juran and Ruan Nan could even discuss their room arrangements, Lin Wei and Zhou Ziqing started arguing.
Lin Wei: "A double bed, obviously.”
Zhou Ziqing: "Two single beds is more appropriate."
Lin Wei was shocked. "Do couples need to be 'appropriate'?"
Zhou Ziqing retorted, "Qin Juran has never publicly acknowledged their relationship. Who knows if they're even a couple.”
Zhou Ziqing's meaning was clear. Qin Juran, too lazy to argue, went to the front desk, pushed the two guys aside, and turned to Ruan Nan. "Double bed or two single beds?"
?
Ruan Nan was stunned. She had a choice?
Looking at Qin Juran's open expression, Ruan Nan felt that overthinking it would make her seem petty. She adjusted the straps of her backpack and asked tentatively, "C-could we have two single beds?"
Qin Juran smiled faintly. "Sure."
"Really?" Ruan Nan's eyes widened.
"Yes." Qin Juran nodded and proceeded to check in with their passports.
Even after she received two key cards, Ruan Nan still couldn’t quite believe it. Qin Juran put one key card into Ruan Nan’s backpack and the other into her own pocket.
Their rooms were at the end of the hallway. As they got into the elevator, Ruan Nan thought of something else. "Ju Ju, do you think that Qin Yuan, and Chengmao Group, are really as influential and busy as Lin Jin said?"
Qin Juran nodded. A real estate tycoon in China, practically the epitome of financial and social status in this era.
"Then, if he’s so powerful, why would he suddenly approach our small, fledgling studio?" Ruan Nan had been pondering this since their last conversation, even asking Ruan Huyue if he knew Qin Yuan, if there was some favor or deal involved.
Ruan Huyue's main business was in steel and other raw materials. He'd been trying to connect with Qin Yuan for years, but it had always been a one-sided pursuit. Ruan Huyue himself knew it was a "reach" and hadn't had any success.
Someone even Ruan Huyue couldn't get close to, would he really approach Qin Juran just based on "shared hometown sentiment?"
"Maybe because they're from the same hometown," Qin Juran replied, turning slightly. "After all, the further you go, the more you miss home."
Ruan Nan nodded, lost in thought again. When the elevator dinged, arriving on the seventh floor, a wave of foreign tourists carrying ski equipment poured in, dispelling her doubts. Whatever the reason, as long as it didn't harm Qin Juran, it was fine.
They arrived at room 716. Qin Juran swiped the key card and opened the door. Ruan Nan peeked inside. It was indeed a spacious room with two single beds.
Ruan Nan turned around, a smug "I knew it" expression on her face, and tugged on Qin Juran’s arm, her dimples showing. “I knew President Qin wouldn’t do that~”
Qin Juran let her pull her arm, raising an eyebrow. "Do what?"
Ruan Nan paused. "You know~ That~” She leaned closer. "The things people do in a room with a double bed~”
Qin Juran understood what "that" meant, chuckling as she pulled Ruan Nan into a back hug. "Ah Ruan, you're overthinking it. We'll still be doing 'that' tonight."
Ruan Nan’s eyes widened. “Then why did you agree to two single beds?"
Qin Juran leaned in closer. "Because usually, a room is cleaned once a day."
"And a room with two single beds… has two beds.”
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