On a rainy night, the school beauty knocked on my door and asked for shelter

After the initial playful banter and casual conversation, the four gradually quieted down and began to truly enjoy this rare gift from nature.

Wang Lan found a corner where the current was relatively calm, submerged his entire body in the water, leaving only his head above the surface, leaned against a large, smooth, round rock behind him, and let out a satisfied sigh: "Ah...this is so great! This is a hundred times more comfortable than any bathhouse in the city!"

He closed his eyes, feeling the water gently caress his skin, taking away the heat and leaving behind a refreshing coolness.

Li Zhe gradually overcame his initial nervousness and, following Wang Lan's example, found a shallow spot to sit down and let the cool stream water soak over his chest.

As he soaked in the water, he observed his surroundings with great interest. Sunlight filtered through the intertwined branches and leaves, casting shimmering spots of light on the surface. A few unidentified leaves drifted with the current. Occasionally, a small fish would curiously approach, brush against his feet, and then quickly swim away.

He murmured, "So this is the legendary open-air bath. Taking a bath in this environment must be a unique experience."

While the two chose to lie down in a spot with a gentler current, Chen Mo preferred a spot with a slightly stronger current.

He stood in waist-deep water, tilting his head slightly back, letting the powerful stream wash over the muscles of his shoulders, neck, and back.

The academic pressure of the past few days and the fatigue from setting up the tent were gradually dissipated by the rhythmic flow of water.

He took a deep breath of the fresh air rich in negative oxygen ions in the mountains and forests, listened to the continuous gurgling of water, the chirping of birds in the forest, and the occasional laughter of his companions nearby, and an unprecedented sense of relaxation spread throughout his body.

This feeling of being one with nature is something that no man-made facility can match.

Shen Xinghe closed his eyes and lay face up in the water, floating up and enjoying the tranquility of being enveloped by the water.

After lying down for a while, he would stand in the water like Chen Mo, close his eyes and feel the water washing over him, but his posture was more tranquil, and he was more immersed in the natural environment, with a sense of complete focus.

Water droplets rolled down his fair skin and jet-black hair, sparkling in the setting sun.

For him, soaking in this place for a while not only cleanses and relaxes his body, but also heals his mind.

“Hey, you guys,” Wang Lan broke the silence, her voice moist with moisture, “wouldn’t you say we’re ‘using the sky as our roof, the earth as our dwelling, and the mountain spring as our bath’? This is probably the kind of realm that ancient literati and scholars pursued, isn’t it?”

Li Zhe rarely echoed this sentiment, but with a smile, he said, "Although you have a rugged appearance, your vision is quite expansive. It's a genuine experience of returning to nature."

"How can you talk like that? I almost scored 700 on the college entrance exam. Do you really think I'm some kind of uncultured person?" Wang Lan retorted.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhe realized that he had gotten used to their interactions and only remembered their outstanding characteristics, almost forgetting that everyone present was an excellent student, either with a rugged appearance and personality, or someone who was all brawn and no brains.

Chen Mo smiled, scooped up a handful of water and splashed it on his face, feeling the refreshing coolness: "Yes, this kind of natural experience is an enjoyment that money can't buy."

Shen Xinghe did not join the discussion, but the slight upturn of his lips showed his contentment at the moment.

He slowly sank into the water, and when he floated up again, he gently shook his hair, and the splash drew a small rainbow in the sunset.

Four young boys, in this secluded natural pool, temporarily forgot the burden of their studies and the hustle and bustle of the city, simply feeling the gentle embrace of the water, the tranquil protection of the mountains and forests, and the warm comfort of the setting sun.

The fatigue of the body was washed away by the flowing water, and the dust of the soul was swept away by the mountain breeze, leaving only a feeling of complete comfort and peace of mind. This brief and wonderful soak not only cleansed the body but also infused them with a clear and vibrant natural energy.

The boys returned to camp refreshed, their hair still dripping wet, their faces relaxed after a shower.

Zhou Yue immediately leaned forward and asked curiously, "How was it? Was the water comfortable?"

"Amazing! Go now! I guarantee you won't want to come back!" Wang Lan exclaimed dramatically, waving his hand.

"Chen Mo, lead the way for us," Zhou Yue said with a smile, pulling Chen Mo aside.

After all, Chen Mo has a girlfriend to keep him in check, so he wouldn't dare to do anything reckless. At the same time, he wouldn't let other guys peep at his girlfriend while she was showering. It would be most appropriate to have him lead the way, which would prevent other guys from staying behind to peep after leading the way.

The girls, already impatient, grabbed their prepared towels and changes of clothes and chatted and laughed as Chen Mo led them along the previous route toward the pool.

The closer they got, the clearer the sound of the babbling water became, and all four girls could clearly smell the fresh fragrance of damp grass and trees in the air.

After passing through a small bamboo grove, the secluded pool immediately came into view.

The golden light of the setting sun shone on the surface of the pool, making it sparkle. The surrounding rocks and greenery created a private little world, making it a truly excellent open-air bath.

"Wow! This place is so beautiful!" Lin Xiaoxiao was the first to cheer.

"Then I'll be going now. You can enjoy your meal. Do you want me to keep watch for you on the rocks outside the woods?" Chen Mo said with a smile to the four girls.

"It would be best if there were bodyguards nearby, but you're not allowed to peek over there." Lin Xiaoxiao raised her little pink fist and shook it.

"My boss is standing right here, how could I dare to peek? I'd be skinned alive if I did," Chen Mo said with a smile, his gaze fixed on Su Yuqing.

This remark immediately drew good-natured laughter from several girls. "So Yuqing's family is very strict."

Su Yuqing's cheeks flushed slightly. She gave Chen Mo a coquettish look, but her eyes were full of sweetness. She made a rare joke, "Then you should leave now."

"Yes, sir." Chen Mo replied with a smile, then suddenly added, "The rocks at the bottom of the water are slippery, be careful."

Then he turned around and walked back the way he came. He sat down on a flat rock that was far enough away from the pool that he couldn't hear any specific sounds but could still see the direction of the entrance. With his back to the pool, he truly became a loyal "sentinel".

Four girls quietly followed her out. When they saw Chen Mo sitting there so honestly, guarding her, the other three girls all looked at Su Yuqing with smiles on their faces and praised her for finding a good man.

After confirming that it was safe and no one was around, the girls began to take off their sweat-soaked clothes.

Compared to the boys' initial awkwardness, the girls' movements were far more efficient and natural. (End of Chapter)