The weather was getting colder and colder, and the forecast said it would snow soon.
Mia Moore called Cecilia Ye, inviting her to go skiing in the mountains—and maybe enjoy the hot springs while they were at it.
Cecilia had never skied before. The idea was exciting, so she agreed right away.
When she told Fu Zhiyue, he frowned.
His impression of Mia Moore wasn't the best—he remembered the first time at the coffee shop, when she and Cecilia argued with Vivian Belle. The second time was when she took Cecilia to a bar for drinks.
Still, he knew Mia Moore genuinely cared about Cecilia, which was why he hadn't made things difficult for her.
But what he found most unpleasant was that Mia Moore's brother was Julian Jarvis.
After thinking it over, Fu Zhiyue casually asked, "Just the two of you?"
Cecilia Ye nodded. Mia Moore hadn't mentioned anyone else; usually it was just the two of them when they went out shopping.
Fu Zhiyue asked about the location and time, only relaxing after he got the details.
They scheduled the ski trip for next Monday, two days in all—just right to avoid the crowded weekend.
Although it hadn’t snowed yet in the city, some places outside the downtown already had a dusting of white.
They were headed to Hè Míng Mountain, where thick snow covered the summit.
The mountain had a huge, famous ski resort that everyone raved about online.
Fu Zhiyue originally wanted to go with Cecilia, but he had important work that day, so instead he just reminded her to stay safe.
Monday came quickly. Mia Moore drove to the Fu house to pick her up.
Cecilia Ye was bundled up like a little bear—hat, scarf, gloves, the whole set, all because Fu Zhiyue insisted she wear them.
As soon as Mia Moore saw her, she gave Cecilia a big hug. Since that night at the bar, they'd only talked on the phone. It had been ages since they'd met in person.
"Honey, I've missed you so much!"
Cecilia smiled. She had no idea what to bring to a ski resort, but Mia Moore had it all covered.
They were both buzzing with excitement on the way.
Suddenly, a thought struck Cecilia.
"By the way, Yao Yao—is Julian Jarvis really your brother?"
Mia Moore kept her eyes on the road as she replied, "Yep, one's got our dad's surname and the other's got our mom's. My brother has always been a handful—brawling all the time. When I was little, I used to pretend I didn’t even know him."
"Haha, don’t joke around! I think he seems really nice."
With the heater on in the car, Cecilia took off her jacket. The pure white sweater underneath made her big eyes seem even softer and more innocent.
"Hah, that’s just around you. He can be a real demon with others," Mia Moore huffed.
Cecilia figured Mia Moore was just teasing and didn’t think any more of it.
After all, Julian Jarvis always smiled and spoke gently—he didn’t seem like someone who got into fights.
Their car gradually left the city behind. The roads grew emptier as they went; it would take two hours to reach Hè Míng Mountain.
"Cecilia, if you’re sleepy, nap a bit. I’ll wake you when we arrive," Mia Moore said, noticing her nodding off, her expression full of affection. Our sweet Cecilia really was the cutest.
"Okay," Cecilia answered drowsily. She truly was tired, but she'd been keeping herself awake, worried Mia Moore would get bored driving alone.
When she woke next, the car was parked at the base of the mountain, by the roadside.
She rubbed her eyes—Mia Moore wasn’t in the driver’s seat. She looked out the window.
Far off, she saw Mia Moore talking to someone.
Cecilia rolled down the window and called out, "Yao Yao!"
Mia Moore turned around—and now Cecilia could see clearly: Julian Jarvis stood beside her.
"Cecilia, both of us are total newbies at skiing. My brother’s a pro—he’ll teach us," Mia Moore said, grinning.
Cecilia was momentarily caught off guard. For some reason, she thought of Fu Zhiyue. She’d told him it would just be her and Mia Moore—would he be upset?
Before she could decide, Julian Jarvis walked over, smiling. Noticing she wasn’t wearing her jacket, he said in a low voice, "Roll up the window. It’s freezing outside."
Cecilia nodded and rolled it up. Mia Moore got in the back, and Julian Jarvis took the driver’s seat.
They both brought in a rush of cold air, making Cecilia shiver.
Julian Jarvis gave an apologetic smile, switched the heat on, and explained, "I actually came with friends, but I saw Yao Yao’s car and figured I’d let them start first. Hope you don’t mind me tagging along?"
Of course, Cecilia couldn’t say she minded. Besides, Julian Jarvis was doing her a favor. As for Fu Zhiyue—well, he didn’t need to know. "Not at all."
The car climbed the winding mountain road, joining a procession of private cars. The further up they went, the colder it became.
Out the window, they could see tree branches hung with icicles. The snow grew heavier by the minute.
Honestly, if it had just been her and Mia Moore, the drive alone would’ve been risky.
At the summit, a stunning, silver world greeted them. Everything was sheathed in white.
Cecilia was delighted—this was her first time seeing snow that year. Even though it wasn’t snowing now, it was magical.
They parked and got out.
Mia Moore, full of pride, popped open the trunk. "Look—I’ve packed us everything!"
Typical over-prepared student, Cecilia thought.
There were ski jackets, skis, hats, gloves, knee guards—everything they’d need, with one set for each person.
"Cecilia—come on! I got you the pink ski jacket—it’ll look gorgeous on you. We have to take a million cute pictures!"
She swung the big bundle over, but just as she was about to hand it to Cecilia, Julian Jarvis intercepted her.
"Let me carry your things. Mine are in my friend’s car, so I’ll get them later. Let’s take yours to your room first."
Mia Moore had booked a big suite with one bedroom and one living room—spacious and comfy. They even had their own hot spring for bathing together at night.
Julian Jarvis stayed in the room he’d reserved earlier. After dropping off their gear and double-checking everything, he went to his own room.
The three of them agreed: Julian Jarvis would pick the girls up in half an hour.
Inside, the heater made the place feel heavenly compared to the freezing outdoors.
The girls couldn’t wait to change into their ski outfits. The pink ski jacket made Cecilia’s skin look especially soft and rosy—she was adorable beyond belief.
There were even fuzzy rabbit ears on her hat. With pigtails tied at each side, Cecilia was transformed into a little white bunny.
"Wow, Cecilia! I have such great taste—you’re cuter than ever!" Mia Moore squealed.
Cecilia glanced at herself in the mirror, her cheeks turning pink. Wasn’t this too cute…?
But Mia Moore absolutely refused to let her take the hat off. Thinking it over, Cecilia realized no one here knew her anyway, so she let Mia Moore have her way.
Mia Moore, in her own purple outfit with cat ears, looked just like a feisty little kitty—Cecilia couldn’t help but laugh.
Just as they finished up, Julian Jarvis knocked on the door.
He’d changed too; about as tall as Fu Zhiyue, Julian Jarvis looked striking in a blue ski jacket, his eyes deep and bright.
In his hands he carried a plush turtle and a white rabbit. On his handsome face, the plushies seemed a bit out of place.
Before hitting the slopes, Julian Jarvis leaned down to check their gear, then handed the little bunny to Cecilia.
Mia Moore, holding a bright green turtle, scowled. "Bro, what is this taste? The turtle totally clashes with my outfit!"
Julian Jarvis lifted an eyebrow. His tone was chilly: "Don’t want it? Fine."
Cecilia suppressed a giggle. Only now did she realize how similar the siblings were—just as sharp-tongued.
Mia Moore had skied a few times before, so as soon as she laced up her boots she was out on the slopes, leaving Cecilia and Julian Jarvis alone, a little awkward.
"Um, maybe you should go have some fun first? I can try on my own," Cecilia said, still unused to being coached by someone else.
Julian Jarvis crossed his arms, watching her: "Sure, go ahead. Let’s see how you do."