Chapter 221: Hot Springs

As they stepped out of the airport, Lei Yin noticed Naoko’s pale face and couldn’t help but feel concerned. “Are you feeling unwell?” he asked gently.

Naoko smiled and shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a little airsick—it’ll pass soon.”

Still worried, Lei Yin suggested, “Let’s rest in the lounge for a while before heading to the inn.”

“There’s no need. I’m really fine.”

“Be good and listen,” Lei Yin said firmly. Carrying their luggage in one hand, he wrapped his other arm around her slender waist and led her toward the airport lounge.

Feeling his care and attentiveness, Naoko felt both sweetly moved and deeply touched. She leaned her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist.

At that moment, the man assigned to greet them noticed that Naoko wasn’t heading toward the gathering point but instead walking away. He quickly ran over and said, “Hasegawa-san, the bus to pick us up will be arriving soon. Could you please come to the meeting area?”

Before Naoko could respond, Lei Yin replied on her behalf, “My girlfriend isn’t feeling well. I’m taking her to the lounge to rest for a bit. We’ll take a separate car to the inn later, so there’s no need to wait for us.”

“Are you okay, Hasegawa-san?” The man looked at her, noticing her pale complexion.

“Thank you for your concern, Maruyama-san. I just need a little rest, and I’ll be fine,” Naoko replied politely.

“In that case, we’ll head off first. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“Thank you, Maruyama-san,” she said with a smile.

After Maruyama returned to the meeting area, a man in his mid-thirties approached him and asked, “Is something wrong with Hasegawa-san?”

“Well, Itetsu-san, Hasegawa-san isn’t feeling well, so she decided to rest in the airport lounge for a while. She’ll join us later at the inn,” Maruyama explained.

“I see,” Itetsu replied, glancing at the graceful figure who had just entered the lounge.

At that moment, a younger man with glasses and a thin build commented, “Beautiful women do tend to be more delicate. Tsk, I never expected Shimizu, the rising star in women’s columns, to be such a stunning beauty. If I’d known, I would’ve tried to woo her.”

“It’s not too late now. What’s wrong? Lost your nerve? That’s not like you, Murai,” a voluptuous woman nearby chimed in teasingly.

“Who said I wouldn’t dare? You’ve got a point, though. After all, she only has a boyfriend, not a husband. Besides, her boyfriend doesn’t seem that impressive,” Murai said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

“Why hasn’t the bus arrived yet? This is so annoying,” a heavily made-up woman in her forties grumbled.

“Asou-san, please wait a little longer. It should be here soon,” Maruyama said with an apologetic smile.

“This happens every year. Can’t your efficiency improve even a little?” Asou snapped impatiently.

“My apologies. We’ll do better next time,” Maruyama said, bowing slightly.

“You say that every year, yet nothing changes,” Asou retorted.

Maruyama could only keep apologizing.

“Forget it. By the way, tell me, why did you invite that woman this year? She’s only written a few articles in magazines and doesn’t even qualify as a proper author,” Asou said disdainfully.

“Are you referring to Hasegawa-san?”

“Don’t play dumb. Who else could I be talking about?”

“Well, Hasegawa-san’s essays and reflections in her magazine column have been gaining popularity among female readers. The president decided to invite her to this year’s exchange event,” Maruyama explained.

Asou sneered. “Hmph. She’s just a rookie. Let’s see how long her fame lasts.”

Not far away, Akagi Miho whispered to Itetsu and Murai, “That woman again. Her shamelessness is astounding. She’s over forty and still attends the Youth Writers Exchange every year.”

“What can you do? She’s the ex-wife of the former president. The current president has to show her some courtesy,” Murai said with a shrug.

“I heard she and the former president got divorced. Is that true?” Itetsu asked.

“Who knows? But with that old lecher’s habit of discarding the old for the new, it wouldn’t be surprising. Back then, he used to grope me at every chance. Thankfully, he retired early because of that scandal,” Akagi Miho said, clearly enjoying the thought.

Murai couldn’t help swallowing hard as he looked at Akagi Miho’s voluptuous figure.

Finally, the bus to pick them up arrived, and the group of about twenty young writers from Tokyo—some well-known, others moderately so—boarded one by one.

It was early autumn, and the weather was starting to cool. The Youth Writers Association had specially arranged for them to stay near Gero Onsen, a hot spring town in Gifu Prefecture, close to Nagoya. Most of the participants were very satisfied with this arrangement, though Asou complained about staying in a traditional inn instead of a hotel, calling it outdated.

After resting in the airport lounge for about twenty minutes, Naoko said to Lei Yin, “Lei, I’m fine now.”

Seeing her complexion had returned to normal, Lei Yin was reassured and took her to the car waiting outside the airport.

On the bus ride to Gero, Naoko leaned against his shoulder and said, “Lei, I’m so happy.”

Lei Yin kissed her lightly on the forehead. “If you feel the others are too noisy, we can move to another inn. There are plenty around here.”

Naoko didn’t reply. She simply gazed at him lovingly. After a while, her face flushed, and she shyly leaned forward to kiss him on the lips before quickly retreating into his arms.

Lei Yin smiled, gently stroking her soft hair at the nape of her neck.

Gero is one of Japan’s three most famous hot spring towns, along with Arima Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen. The bus they took from Nagoya Airport headed north along the expressway, and after about two hours, they arrived in Gero.

Following the directions provided by Maruyama, who was in charge of reception, Lei Yin led Naoko to their inn.

The inn was a medium-sized, traditional Japanese-style lodging. Its classic architecture and slightly aged wooden decor at the entrance indicated that it had been in operation for several decades.

After entering, Lei Yin communicated with the inn’s receptionist, who promptly showed them to their reserved double room.

Although the Youth Writers Association had offered to cover their airfare and accommodations, Lei Yin didn’t want to owe anyone a favor. He had personally paid for their plane tickets and lodging. Wanting some peace and quiet, he had also specifically booked a tranquil room.

“Get some good sleep. I’ll wake you up when it’s time to eat,” Lei Yin said to Naoko as he set down their luggage.

“Where are you going?” Naoko didn’t want to be apart from him for even a moment in this new environment.

“Silly girl, I’m not going anywhere. Go to sleep now.”

“Lei, will you sleep with me?” she pleaded softly, hugging him.

Unable to refuse her, Lei Yin carried her to the bed, placed her down gently, and lay beside her after removing his jacket.

Seeing him agree, Naoko happily clung to his waist.

After covering her with the blanket, Lei Yin whispered in her ear, “You’ve become so good at being spoiled.”

Naoko giggled, pressing her face against his chest.

After a comfortable nap, Naoko woke up looking radiant, even more stunning than before. When she and Lei Yin went to the dining area for dinner, all the men couldn’t help but stare at her.

“Do you mind if we join you here?” A curvaceous Akagi Miho and the bespectacled Murai approached just as Lei Yin and Naoko were eating.

“Akagi-san, Murai-san, Itetsu-san, good evening,” Naoko greeted them politely.

“Hasegawa-san, I’m a big fan of yours. You’re the best female essayist I’ve ever read,” Akagi Miho said warmly as she sat beside Naoko as if they were close friends. Seeing her sit down, Murai also took a seat.

“You flatter me. Compared to your serialized novels, mine are nothing,” Naoko replied modestly.

At this point, Murai chimed in, “Not to sound strange, Hasegawa-san, but even as a man, I really enjoy reading your women’s column.”

“You’re too kind, Murai-san.”

“Have you ever considered writing a novel? With your talent, I think it would be very well-received,” Murai continued, trying to ingratiate himself.

“I don’t have such plans for now.”

“I know many people in the publishing industry. If you ever want to publish a novel, feel free to contact me. Here’s my card. Call me anytime,” Murai said, handing her his business card.

“Thank you.” Naoko was at a loss for how to deal with his overbearing enthusiasm.

“Naoko, your food’s getting cold.” Lei Yin placed a piece of food into her bowl, subtly shielding her from Murai’s continued questioning.

Seeing that the one who interrupted was her rightful boyfriend, Murai felt a bit annoyed but couldn’t do much about it.

“Can I ask what Gennai-san does for work?” Akagi Miho turned to Lei Yin and asked.

Lei Yin casually responded, “I sometimes buy stocks as a hobby; I’m a freelancer.”

“That’s an unusual profession, but it must be a bit easier than what we do as writers. For us, editors who keep pushing for drafts are like debt collectors, and deadlines feel like days of torture. When you have no marketable work, not only do you have no pension, but you also can’t get unemployment insurance. Staying up late to meet deadlines doesn’t come with overtime pay, and even on consecutive holidays, we’re stuck at the studio torturing ourselves. And the final product we worked so hard on has to be critiqued by those so-called critics who’ve never published anything,” Akagi Miho complained, her voice growing more impassioned as she spoke, until she called a waiter over for a bottle of red wine.

“Don’t you think we have it rough?” After a round of grievances, Akagi Miho pat Lei Yin on the shoulder as she took a sip of wine.

Lei Yin found her casual and familiar nature somewhat amusing.

When Naoko looked at Akagi Miho, a trace of sympathy appeared in her eyes. Seeing this, Murai, who was also a writer, cleared his throat and said, “Miho, you’re drinking too much.”

“Hmph, do you think I’m as much of a weakling as you? You know what happened the last time I went drinking with this guy? He only had two drinks, just two, and he passed out. There were others there, too. Everyone saw it. How embarrassing is that?” Akagi Miho laughed loudly as she slapped the table.

Seeing this woman embarrass him in front of the beautiful Naoko, Murai’s face turned red with embarrassment and anger. He immediately stepped forward, wanting to pull her away. “Miho, you’re drunk. I’m sorry, but my friend is drunk, and I need to take her back.”

“Let go of me. I’m not drunk. Not everyone’s as weak as you. Hasegawa-san, let’s go soak in the hot spring,” Miho said as she grabbed Naoko and started walking away.

“Akagi-san, you should rest a bit,” Naoko said, concerned by Miho’s heavy smell of alcohol.

“Don’t worry, I have a great tolerance for alcohol, even better than most men. Come on. Let’s talk about some womanly topics while we soak,” Miho insisted, pulling Naoko further.

Naoko had no choice but to comply. She turned to Lei Yin and said, “Masashi, I’ll accompany Akagi-san. Wait for me in the room, okay?”

Lei Yin nodded. “Call me if anything happens.”

“I will,” Naoko replied, and she walked out with Akagi Miho.

Most of the others had already left, so after eating a bit, Lei Yin returned to their room.

In the women’s changing area of the hot spring, Naoko was changing into her yukata. When she turned around after getting dressed, she found Akagi Miho staring at her with an odd look in her eyes.

“What is it, Akagi-san?” Naoko asked, a little confused.

“Nothing. Let’s go,” Miho said as she led the way toward the hot spring.

There was no one else in the hot spring area, and it was very quiet.

After testing the water temperature, Miho removed her yukata and placed it in a wooden tub before stepping into the water. Naoko did the same, putting her yukata in the wooden tub and following Miho into the spring.

Gero Onsen was known as one of Japan’s top three hot springs not only for its clean, transparent water but also for its special therapeutic effects on conditions like rheumatism, sports injuries, and neuralgia.

Though Naoko didn’t have any of these conditions, she still felt extremely comfortable soaking in the warm water.

Miho stretched lazily in the water and said, “Looks like the arrangements for this exchange meeting aren’t so bad after all.”

Naoko asked, “How many times have you attended this exchange meeting, Akagi-san?”

“This is my fifth time. The first time I attended, I was so excited, thinking I was really being valued. But after attending more, I realized it’s just a consolation-type benefit.”

Naoko smiled.

Suddenly, Miho said, “Hasegawa-san, let me give you a massage. I’m really good at it.”

“That’s not necessary,” Naoko said, refusing politely.

“Don’t be shy. At most, let me give you a quick massage,” Miho said, walking over to Naoko and placing her hands on her shoulders, beginning to rub gently.

Seeing how insistent Miho was, Naoko could only allow it.

While giving the massage, Miho said, “Naoko, you have such a beautiful figure. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a stunning body; so beautiful that even I, a woman, can’t help but feel attracted.”

Hearing such direct praise, Naoko’s face flushed. “You flatter me, Akagi-san. Your figure is great too.”

“I mean it. I rarely compliment anyone’s figure. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

“You’re really overestimating me.”

Naoko noticed Miho’s hands slowly moving from her shoulders down to her armpits, with hints of moving forward.

“Hasegawa-san, may I ask you a question?” Miho said.

“What is it?” Naoko was surprised to see Miho’s hands reach her chest, one hand now moving down her abdomen.

“Can your friend satisfy you in that regard?” Miho asked, her hand continuing its descent as she spoke.

“Akagi-san, please let go of me,” Naoko said, a hint of panic in her voice.

“Relax, Naoko. Let me show you the kind of pleasure that men cannot give you. You should know that some things can only be understood by women themselves.” As she spoke, her hand moved further down.

At that moment, Naoko forcefully pushed Miho’s hands away, quickly retreating to the other side of the hot spring and watching Miho warily.

“Akagi-san, please have some decency.”

Seeing Naoko break free, Miho looked disappointed.

After a moment, she said, “Naoko, don’t be so nervous. I wouldn’t force anyone. Since you don’t like it, I won’t touch you again.”

Although Miho said this, Naoko still dared not approach her. If not for her bathrobe being on Miho’s side, she would have left immediately.

Seeing her still so tense, Miho smiled and said, “I just wanted you to experience something new. I didn’t expect you to react so strongly. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything I said I wouldn’t.”

After giving Miho a deep look, Naoko said, “Akagi-san, this behavior is inappropriate.”

“I’m not really a lesbian. I just do this with other women sometimes. It’s only because you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve seen that I couldn’t help myself. It seems you really care about your boyfriend; you’re the most reactive woman I’ve ever met.”

“I won’t let anyone else touch me, not even a woman, except for him.”

“Hmph, what’s so great about those men? They’re just shallow animals who care only about appearances. When you’re no longer useful or beautiful, they’ll discard you like trash,” Miho said with a cold laugh.

Naoko looked at her and said, “I don’t know why you think that, but he would never be like that. I’m sorry, but I need to go. Please let me pass.”

Miho smiled, stepping aside graciously.

Seeing her step away, Naoko quickly retrieved her bathrobe from the wooden tub, put it on, and headed for the changing room.

Watching Naoko’s somewhat hurried back, Miho smiled and submerged her head into the water.

Back in the room, Lei Yin, who was watching TV, saw Naoko rush over and embraced her.

“What happened?” he asked softly, his eyes full of concern.

Looking into his caring eyes, Naoko slowly told him what had just happened.

After listening, Lei Yin frowned.

“Lei, please don’t hurt her. I can tell she’s just a poor, lonely woman,” Naoko said, looking worriedly at him.

Seeing her expression, Lei Yin gently stroked her hair. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything rash.”

Hearing this, Naoko felt a bit reassured. “Lei, I was really scared. I’ve heard about such people before, but this was the first time I encountered one.”

“It’s all over now,” Lei Yin whispered to her gently.

“Lei…” Naoko buried her head deep into his embrace.

---

ED/N: these Japanese honorifics gives me headaches on what to change it to English. In some context we can easily translate it to an English equivalent, like sensei(teacher) if used in Uni can be translated as Professor. However, we can’t just transliterate it to “teacher.” You don’t typically call your teacher as “teacher.” You can call them Ms., Ma’am, Sir, etc, but -san can also mean Ms., Mr. There are also instances where it just doesn’t feel right to call them Ms. or Mr. It can get really convoluted.

So from now on I’ll just use Japanese honorifics if it fits more.