In their shared vernacular, "taking a bath" was never simply about bathing. Especially in scenarios of such an "enthusiastic invitation." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Moreover, this was Xia Siyu’s first taste of freedom after being "imprisoned" for over ten days, as if she wanted to run wild. But Xia Siyu always played hard to get — her enthusiastic invitation undoubtedly had an ulterior motive!

Bo Yan deliberately replied, "Is that okay?"

Xia Siyu made an "Oh" sound, and unsurprisingly, she wasn’t disappointed, revealing that her previous comment was merely a tease. She chuckled and said, "Since that’s the case, I’ll go take a bath myself then."

"Wait a moment," Bo Yan wasn’t entirely reassured, "I’ll check to see if all the cameras and microphones in the room are turned off."

Though there were certainly no cameras and microphones in the bathroom, he worried that their playful antics might spill outside, risking exposure.

Xia Siyu laughed and kissed his cheek, "Thanks, hubby. Could you toss the petals in for me?"

While Bo Yan went to pick up the delivery, she had already cleaned the bathtub and filled it with water.

Bo Yan’s Adam’s apple bobbed, yet outwardly he maintained a facade of calm, quickly returning to the room. He grabbed a clean white T-shirt, filled it with petals, and scattered them in the tub. Just as he turned to check the cameras outside, he noticed Xia Siyu beginning her bath preparations — the pile of sleepwear she brought into the bathroom were clearly not her usual home clothes but a revealing, strappy little red dress.

Wasn’t this akin to signaling in advance, letting him know she planned to dress scantily?

Bo Yan had been a monk during this time. On one hand, it was because things were inconvenient for her; he had to wait until her cycle was over. On the other hand, despite the evenings not being recording time in the show’s filming, there was an imperceptible restraint that compelled him to control himself lest he inadvertently slip and regret for eternity.

His self-control was commendable. In the years apart from Xia Siyu, it wasn’t as if women hadn’t thrown themselves at him. Yet, adhering to the principle of preferring none to subpar options, he consistently compared others to Xia Siyu. If they weren’t as beautiful as her, he disregarded them entirely. This standard continued post-marriage, as long separations indeed brought moments of loneliness where young women expressed interest. He’s never encountered anyone prettier than her, but his affection for Xia Siyu wasn’t solely due to looks; her talent and personality enamored him deeply, ensuring steadfast control.

But Xia Siyu, the enchantress and adept at playing coy, who could resist? He struggled to hold back in recent days, but now that she’s fired her signal gun, he wished to subdue demons and cut her down.

Quickly turning back, he inspected the room’s equipment, ensuring all the show’s electronic devices were shut down, before rapidly returning. Halfway there, he recalled something, placed the previously poured red wine and goblet into the ice bucket, ready to enter.

Yet, upon reaching the bathroom door, he pushed — it wouldn’t open.

Bo Yan knocked, "It’s me."

Xia Siyu cheerfully replied "Oh" from within, followed by the sound of water rushing.

Bo Yan patiently waited, realizing the water sound didn’t mean she was coming to open the door, merely rinsing. He knocked again, "Are you done?"

"Just a moment."

Xia Siyu replied from inside; Bo Yan felt confident enough now, directly asking, "How long to wait?"

Xia Siyu’s voice teased with laughter, "Half an hour or so. Once I’m done bathing, I’ll open the door."

Exactly! This rascal was adept at abandoning bridges and destroying donkeys, passionately inviting him to bathe with her only to deny immediately after. Bo Yan knocked again, "Weren’t we supposed to bathe together?"

Xia Siyu’s laughter brimmed with pride, "Didn’t you reject me? I could only reluctantly enjoy it myself."

The rushing water ceased, replaced by a splash, signaling she likely applied shampoo and shower gel for hair washing before engaging in the luxury of a bath. Bo Yan stood outside, hearing her hand stirring the tub’s water, "Ah, bathing feels great. Mmm, these rose petals smell wonderful."

This rascal, acting purposely. Bo Yan wasn’t angered, but remarked, "Aren’t you drinking the wine?"

Xia Siyu, a glutton longing for ice cream and wine for over ten days, he didn’t believe she would resist!

Hearing this, water sounds paused briefly inside, then Xia Siyu spoke with calmness, "Place it at the door."

"Thud" outside, Bo Yan said, "Done, come get it."

This rascal hoped to send him away, wishful thinking. He stood at the door, curious what game she’d play next!

Soon, he heard cautious water sounds inside, hesitating briefly after exiting the tub, finally opening a crack when the coast was clear.

Sure enough, Bo Yan stood at the door, having only thudded the ice bucket on the ground quickly. Xia Siyu almost shut the door, Bo Yan said again, "Careful, don’t spill the wine."

Unable to risk ruining it, plus she wasn’t vehemently resistant, with a symbolic tug she allowed Bo Yan inside. Neither surprised nor angry, she glanced at Bo Yan, biting back while saying, "Oh, you’re good, left me outside, let’s see how I teach you a lesson!"

Xia Siyu tried pushing him, but Bo Yan already grabbed her wrist, wary of the bathroom’s slipperiness causing her to fall, he steadied her without rushing in.

Xia Siyu’s struggle was purely formal, barely resisting, actually inviting rather than rejecting. She kept laughing, "Clean yourself before coming in."

This rascal, respecting rituals thoroughly. Fine, since he was already in, her tricks held no threat. Bo Yan genuinely showered nearby while Xia Siyu, soaking in the tub, supervised, "Scrub properly! Use ample bubbles then rinse thoroughly. Don’t bring bubbles, ruining this tub of water."

Ultimately, he was present, savoring cleanliness without hurry. Even applying men’s facial cleanser and conditioner thoroughly, ensuring utmost cleanliness.

After rinsing, he shook off lingering water, "Satisfied?" curious what excuse she’d have now!

Xia Siyu, soaking in the tub, watching him bathe attentively nodded, "Satisfied, very satisfied."

Then, he entered, she arose, "I yield the tub to you. I’m done, enjoy yourself."