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{Chapter: 361 Intimacy!}
Even though Qiu Wanxi clearly knew it was Lin Yuan who was holding her from behind, her cheeks immediately flushed a soft pink and her heart began to pound wildly in her chest.
The warmth of his body against hers, the closeness, and the subtle scent of his skin—all of it was intoxicating. But what truly made her nervous wasn't just Lin Yuan's affectionate embrace.
It was the fact that they were still in the swimming pool, surrounded by other people.
Xiao Lian, Xiao He, Jiang Rou, and Chen Yu were all present and only a few meters away.
Even though most of them already knew about her relationship with Lin Yuan, Qiu Wanxi still felt shy and reserved about displaying too much affection in public.
Especially in a swimsuit.
She instinctively raised her delicate hands to gently remove Lin Yuan's arms from around her, her small fingers gripping his forearm lightly.
But before she could even pull away, Lin Yuan leaned closer to her ear and said with a playful smile, "What's wrong? You don't like it when I hold you like this?"
His voice was low and teasing, filled with that uniquely confident charm only Lin Yuan could exude.
Qiu Wanxi's entire body stiffened for a moment. Her lashes trembled slightly as she looked back at him over her shoulder.
"N-No... It's not like that," she replied in a whisper, quickly lowering her hands and letting them fall back to her sides.
Her soft voice sounded like the wind brushing past the surface of the water.
She didn't dislike it.
On the contrary—she loved being this close to Lin Yuan.
The sense of security she felt whenever he was near, his warmth, his attention—it was something she had come to crave.
But still, she was bashful. Her heart was fluttering like a trapped bird inside her chest. After all, she was wearing only a swimsuit, and she felt extremely self-conscious under everyone's eyes.
Fortunately for her, the others didn't make a big deal out of it.
Everyone present knew that Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi were in a romantic relationship, and to them, such public intimacy wasn't a surprise.
If anything, it was endearing.
But for Qiu Wanxi, the awareness of being watched made her feel like she was about to melt into the water from embarrassment.
Noticing her stiffness, Lin Yuan gently loosened his arms and settled one hand softly on her shoulder instead, still staying close, but giving her some space to breathe.
He smiled at her and said, "Wanxi, would you like to have a swimming race?"
"Um... I don't know how to swim," she replied honestly, lowering her head slightly with a sheepish expression.
She dipped her hands in the water and stirred it lightly. "I was just playing with Xiao Lian and Xiao He earlier."
"It's fine. I'll teach you," Lin Yuan said with a reassuring smile.
"Really? You will?" Qiu Wanxi's eyes lit up with joy, and she quickly nodded. "Okay!"
With that, Lin Yuan moved to her side and guided her gently into a horizontal position on the surface of the water.
He supported her carefully, one hand under her lower back and the other just beneath her chest, guiding her to float and find balance.
"Relax your arms... yes, like that."
"Now kick gently. Keep your legs straight."
Lin Yuan's voice was patient and soft, like a coach coaxing a timid student.
His touch was careful but firm, and the warm sun above made the pool water sparkle like a field of diamonds.
Qiu Wanxi nodded and followed his instructions carefully, feeling both nervous and excited.
She was enjoying every second of his attention.
The way he looked at her, encouraged her, corrected her form—it all made her feel special, like she was the only person in the world that mattered to him in that moment.
But the peaceful atmosphere didn't last long.
Suddenly, two streams of water shot in their direction, splashing over both their heads.
"Ack!"
Qiu Wanxi blinked rapidly, water dripping down her face.
"Excuse me, store manager!" giggled Xiao Lian.
"Sorry, Young Master!" added Xiao He mischievously.
The two troublemakers didn't look sorry at all.
Instead, they were grinning from ear to ear like naughty children who had just pulled off a successful prank.
Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi looked at each other, then smiled knowingly.
"Well, it looks like someone wants to play," Lin Yuan said with a smirk.
He scooped up a handful of water and splashed it back at Xiao Lian and Xiao He.
"Take this!"
"Ahhh! Retreat, retreat!" Xiao Lian shrieked with laughter as she dove underwater to dodge.
But the water fight had already begun.
Splash after splash, laughter filled the air. Chen Yu joined in soon after, her usually calm demeanor replaced with playful excitement.
Even Jiang Rou, who had been standing at the edge of the pool quietly observing, couldn't help but smile.
But deep down, there was a twinge of something she couldn't ignore—jealousy.
She watched as Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi played together, their chemistry undeniable, their affection clear for everyone to see.
Jiang Rou stood quietly, her eyes slightly dim, hands gently clasped in front of her.
Lin Yuan's teasing smile... the way he held Qiu Wanxi so naturally... all of it reminded her of that passionate, unforgettable kiss in the hospital.
The moment when he had kissed her with such dominance that it had taken her breath away.
That memory still lingered in her heart like a whisper she couldn't silence.
And so, even as the others played joyfully in the pool, Jiang Rou stepped out of the water, her long hair cascading down her back.
"I'm feeling a little tired. You guys continue playing," she said softly.
Her smile was gentle, but there was a hint of melancholy hidden beneath it.
She didn't want to ruin the moment for everyone.
But she also couldn't bear to keep watching Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi together, knowing she wasn't the one in his arms.
As she wrapped herself in a towel and walked away quietly, her figure reflected in the pool's shimmering surface, Lin Yuan briefly glanced in her direction.
He understood her feelings more than she thought.
But now wasn't the right time.
The water fight continued, laughter echoing under the afternoon sun.
But somewhere on the edge of the pool deck, a girl with complicated feelings sat alone, wondering when her moment would come.