The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1353: RISSAI VALLEY (II)

AFTER swimming in the heated pool, with a side of making out, Luo Yan and Shen Ji Yun went to the lounge lobby. They had tea and listened to traditional Tibetan string instruments playing in the background. When that was over, they took the golf buggy to Cai Lin Xuan.

It was the resort’s specialty restaurant, known for its focus on local flavors. It was smaller than the main dining hall, with a more intimate feel. But just like in Bo Ri Village, the menu featured dishes inspired by Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine, made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding region.

Luo Yan and Shen Ji Yun chose a private booth. In the center of the table sat a clay pot of braised beef short ribs, the meat dark and tender in a rich sauce. Beside it were wok-fried river shrimp with dried chilies, stir-fried wild mushrooms, and a small bowl of pickled vegetables. A pot of jasmine tea sat off to the side.

They ate slowly, savoring their meal without rushing. At one point, Luo Yan playfully reached over to try a piece of beef from Shen Ji Yun’s bowl, and Shen Ji Yun just smiled helplessly at him. Their conversation was sparse, yet the majority of the meal unfolded in comfortable quiet. The room was warm, and the food settled pleasantly in their stomachs. They finished dinner by sharing a plate of sweet, light osmanthus cake.

And that wrapped up their planned activities for the day. After dinner, they took the golf buggy back to their villa.

***

Luo Yan took his time bathing, using the scented bath bomb the resort had left in the bathroom. The water turned a pale lilac, and the smell of lavender and sandalwood filled the air. He stayed in the water long after he was clean, letting the warmth sink into his skin. He scooped up handfuls of water and let them run over his arms and legs.

He wanted to tell himself that he was taking his time because he wanted to smell good for Shen Ji Yun. But if he was honest, he was just stalling. He hoped that he could postpone what came next until tomorrow. But he knew that would only delay the inevitable. He had already decided to do this tonight. And since he wasn’t a coward, he would follow through.

Luo Yan stood up and dried himself off. He put on the robe the resort had provided, soft and thick against his skin. He liked that it didn’t feel rough or cheap. He used the hair dryer to dry his hair, running his fingers through it until it was mostly dry. When he was satisfied, he walked out of the bathroom.

He walked straight to the closet, took out a pair of pajamas, and changed into them. Then, he walked out of the room and found Shen Ji Yun in the kitchen, making hot chocolate. The other was also in his pajamas, which meant he had taken a bath—or, more likely, knowing Shen Ji Yun, a quick shower—in the spare bathroom.

Luo Yan walked over to the bar counter and took a seat on one of the stools. "Can I have one of those too?"

Shen Ji Yun glanced back at him, a small smile already forming on his lips. "You didn’t have to ask."

Shen Ji Yun poured the hot chocolate into two mugs, the dark liquid steaming as it filled each one. He dropped a handful of marshmallows into both, then carried them over to the counter. He set one in front of Luo Yan and took the seat across from him, placing his own mug down as he sat.

Luo Yan picked up the mug, blew on it, and took a sip. The chocolate was rich and smooth, with a hint of cinnamon underneath that warmed his tongue. He took another sip, then looked at Shen Ji Yun. "This is really good."

Shen Ji Yun just smiled and brought his own mug to his lips, taking a quiet sip.

Luo Yan stared at Shen Ji Yun quietly. He thought back to what he had decided when he booked this trip. He hesitated, wondering if he should go through with it or not. A part of him said he didn’t need to. They could keep going the way they were without Shen Ji Yun ever knowing. But another part, quieter but more persistent, told him that wouldn’t be true. If he kept this one big secret from him, there would always be something between them. A gap that would never fully close.

He looked down and let out a small laugh when he noticed his fingers trembling. He was really that nervous. But why? Was he afraid that after telling Shen Ji Yun the truth, things would change? That Shen Ji Yun would look at him differently? That maybe, he would stop loving him?

Luo Yan shook his head. Was his trust in Shen Ji Yun’s feelings really that weak? No, he didn’t believe that. He couldn’t.

"Yan Yan?"

Shen Ji Yun’s voice pulled Luo Yan’s attention back. He looked up and saw the worry on the other’s face. Seeing that, his own fear and hesitation began to fade, replaced by a quiet resolve. How could he ever doubt Shen Ji Yun? The worry was still there, but he decided he wouldn’t let it stop him.

"Is something wrong?" Shen Ji Yun asked, his brow creased and his eyes fixed on Luo Yan. He had set his mug down and was leaning forward slightly, like he was ready to reach out if needed.

Luo Yan shook his head with a small smile. "Brother Ji Yun, I want to tell you something. Can you listen to me and not interrupt until I’m done?"

Shen Ji Yun didn’t understand why Luo Yan would ask that, but since that was what he wanted, he nodded. They both knew he couldn’t say no to him. Not when he looked at him like that.

"Okay."

Luo Yan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, he had made up his mind. No matter how Shen Ji Yun reacted, he would see this through to the end.

"This story is about an orphan boy..."