An odd atmosphere lingered among the group as they exited the room; Fu Zhiyan hadn’t even had time to change into ski gear last night.

But the hotel manager was no fool. He’d been waiting in the lobby, and as soon as Fu Zhiyan appeared, he rushed over and handed him a brand new set of ski equipment.

Fu Zhiyan reached out to take it, and—rare for him—offered the manager a smile.

The manager clutched his chest in shock. Was that... was that actually a smile from President Foster? Good heavens, a once-in-a-lifetime miracle!

At the ski resort, Julian Jarvis and Mia Moore headed out first, Mia Moore glancing back every few steps. "Cecilia, stop waiting for him, come hang out with us! He’s a grown man—how hard can it be to get changed?“

Cecilia Ye shook her head. "You guys go ahead, we’ll catch up soon."

After all, Fu Zhiyan had driven all night just to find her—how could she possibly leave him behind?

Mia Moore left, shaking her head in mock frustration.

Julian Jarvis walked behind Mia Moore, sparing a thoughtful glance backward.

Fu Zhiyan reappeared quickly. The white ski suit didn’t look bulky on him at all; instead, it accentuated his broad shoulders and trim waist. Every move he made radiated a subtle power—a kind of beautiful, controlled strength.

Tufts of fine hair peeked out from under his hat, brushing his forehead and offsetting that usual chill in his demeanor.

Cecilia Ye couldn’t help but stare. She’d never seen this side of Fu Zhiyan before. He’d always been handsome, sure, but right now, he felt different—livelier, more animated, less of his usual calm severity.

Fu Zhiyan reached out suddenly, tugged on the little ears on Cecilia Ye’s hat, and said in his low voice, "What’s got you so entranced?"

Cecilia Ye blushed, clutching her hat to cover herself. She wasn’t about to admit she’d been staring at him. "It’s nothing. The sun’s just really nice today."

Fu Zhiyan glanced up at the sky. "Hmm, it is pretty good."

"Zhiyan, do you know how to ski too?" Cecilia Ye asked. She’d honestly had no idea.

"Yeah. Did it a lot while studying abroad, less so after starting work."

He led Cecilia Ye to the slope, kneeling to help her into her boots and secure the knee pads with practiced efficiency.

Cecilia Ye watched him, her heart thumping. Fu Zhiyan always seemed so competent, like there was nothing he couldn’t do—he always shone, no matter where he was. Being with him, she couldn’t help but feel lucky.

Of course, Fu Zhiyan had no idea what was on her mind. He took her by the arm and headed across the snow.

Mia Moore had already wiped out once on the slopes. Spotting Cecilia Ye, she grimaced in defeat. "This is too hard! Cecilia, this is probably my limit for this lifetime!"

Cecilia Ye burst out laughing. "It’s fine. As long as you’re having fun, right?"

Mia Moore shot a proud look at her brother standing nearby. "Cecilia, watch my brother later—he’s seriously awesome at this. Don’t go thinking it’s just some half-baked hobby!" Though her words were directed at Cecilia Ye, her eyes flicked provocatively toward Fu Zhiyan.

Julian Jarvis was calmly adjusting his jacket beside the fencing, gloves held between his teeth as he fastened the wrist straps. He shot a cold look at Fu Zhiyan at the mention of skiing.

The two men’s gazes collided, then slipped away. Both, however, caught the flicker of disdain in the other’s eyes.

"Just messing around?" Julian Jarvis slipped on his gloves, his cool amber eyes fixed on Fu Zhiyan, chin raised arrogantly.

Sunlight caught in his brownish hair, giving it a dash of foreign flair.

Fu Zhiyan let out a short, derisive laugh. "Whatever you say."

The two tall, handsome figures stepped up to the top of the slope, drawing the attention of onlookers around them.

"Whoa, those two are seriously good looking!"

"Are they both about to go down from here? That’s the hardest run—level 100 obstacles!"

"They look confident. Maybe they’re from some provincial team?"

"No idea where these big shots came from, but they’re both handsome and skilled. I’m impressed."

"Do either of them have girlfriends? I have to see if I can get their contact info later…"

The crowd had begun parting of its own accord, murmurs rippling through the girls, more than a few of whom were blushing and giddy.

Cecilia Ye, however, wasn’t at all at ease. The slope was steep, full of variable drops. She didn’t really understand skiing, but it looked dangerous—and just standing at the edge gave her vertigo.

Worrying, she glanced at Fu Zhiyan. He’d only said he skied a lot when he studied abroad, but it had been a long time. Would he really be okay?

She tried to call him back, her voice small, "Fu Zhiyan…"

He turned around at once, stepped closer, and brushed some windblown hair from her lips. "Don’t worry. Just watch—it’ll be fine."

There was a disappointed sigh from the crowd. "Oh, so he does have a girlfriend. What a shame."

The snow crunched beneath heavy boots. Fu Zhiyan shot Julian Jarvis an icy glance, and Julian Jarvis archly returned it.

Then, with a sudden whoosh, their skis sliced down the slope. Before anyone could react, the two were already off—one following right behind the other.

They shot down the hill, poles digging into the snow, rapidly gaining speed.

In the blink of an eye, the two were meters ahead.

Cecilia Ye’s heart was in her throat. Clutching the railing, she didn’t dare blink.

She saw that white figure spinning and crouching low, one hand touching the ski as he vaulted off a small bump. Sunlight dappled his body as he soared—wild and unrestrained like an eagle leaping over a snowy peak.

The crowd erupted. They were floored by his flawless technique.

Fu Zhiyan looked cold and proud; he possessed a fierce, predatory grace, impossible to ignore.

Ahead, Julian Jarvis in his blue suit twisted at the waist, flipping gracefully through the air and landing solidly. Compared to Fu Zhiyan’s boldness, he was all refinement and elegance.

The two shadows raced like arrows from a bow, speeding away until they became distant blurs.

Mia Moore cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Go, big bro! You’re so cool!"

Meanwhile, Cecilia Ye’s palms were sweaty from nerves as she squeezed the railing, almost forgetting to breathe.

Shouts burst from the crowd, and only then did Cecilia Ye finally let out her held breath—they’d both landed safely at the bottom.

"See? Didn’t I tell you? My brother is amazing!" Mia Moore clung to Cecilia Ye’s arm, beaming with pride. Then she added, "But I didn’t expect Fu Zhiyan to be that skilled. My brother’s hardly ever met a real rival."

"Yeah, he really is incredible…" Cecilia Ye murmured. Fu Zhiyan excelled at everything; no matter where he was, all eyes were drawn to him.

The two men rode up the ski lift carrying their skis, faces flushed from the thrill.

Fu Zhiyan looked happier than usual, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Cecilia Ye nudged over. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Mm, I’m fine. Let me teach you."

Guiding her to the slopes, Fu Zhiyan diligently coached her while she tried, failed, and laughed at every fall—thank goodness snow wasn’t painful.

For once, Fu Zhiyan was patient, never leaving her side.

They played all day. Since Fu Zhiyan had come all this way, they decided to stay an extra day rather than leave as planned.

On the way back to the hotel, Fu Zhiyan gently tugged Cecilia Ye aside. "Stay with me tonight. Let’s get a different room."

Cecilia Ye frowned as he led her away, softly protesting, "But Yaoyao will have to stay by herself…"

"She’s not a kid. What’s the big deal about one night alone?" Fu Zhiyan didn’t pause for her objections.

"Fine, but you’re not a kid either," Cecilia Ye muttered under her breath.

Just then, Fu Zhiyan stopped short, and Cecilia Ye—caught off-guard—bumped right into his shoulder.

He reached out and rubbed her head. "Of course I’m not a kid. But you are. That’s why I have to hold you while you sleep."

Cecilia Ye’s face instantly turned crimson. She wasn’t a kid either!

The new room was spacious, with soft, ambient lighting that glowed like mist.

Unlike the previous room, this one’s hot spring was outdoors. The building only had one floor, surrounded by tall red brick walls. The steaming spring lay in the center of a small enclosed courtyard, shaded on one side by a large square umbrella.

Huge flakes of snow floated down from the sky into the spring and melted instantly.

Cecilia Ye was transfixed by the enchanting scene, nose pressed to the floor-to-ceiling window as she watched the snow fall. It was breathtaking.

Behind her, Fu Zhiyan had just shed his coat when he saw her leaning forward at the glass, furry rabbit ears still drooping from her hat. Against the backdrop of swirling snow, she looked every bit the curious little bunny.

Unable to resist, he approached, bracing both hands on the window just to either side of her.