Chapitre 133: Hot Springs & Night Market (1)
As dusk began its quiet descent, Yasushi and Jingliu returned to their abode, where they quickly gathered their belongings. The clinking of zippers and rustling of fabric filled the room as they stuffed spare clothes, towels, and other essentials into their bags. Their plan for the evening was clear: a soak at the Mengyinhu Hot Springs followed by a stroll through the Night Market before heading home.
With their bags packed, they stepped out and began the short walk to the hot springs. The path was familiar, taking around fifteen minutes, during which the sky deepened from twilight to the darker shades of night. At last, they arrived at the Mengyinhu Hot Springs, and Yasushi pushed open the sliding doors, allowing a warm, fragrant steam to greet them.
The receptionist looked up from her desk, her face lighting up with recognition and warmth. "Oh, Lady Jingliu, you're back. Do you prefer the usual arrangement?" Her gaze flicked briefly to Yasushi. "Or would you like to explore the private mixed hot springs this time?"
"I'd like to use the private mixed hot springs, please," Jingliu requested. The receptionist nodded and began her task, fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard. After a few moments, she printed out two tickets and handed them to the pair with a friendly smile. "Here you go. Enjoy your time. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," she said.
Jingliu and Yasushi accepted the cards with appreciative nods and moved away from the desk. Jingliu led the way through a series of wooden and bamboo corridors, their footsteps muffled by the soft, woven rugs. As they walked, they passed rooms where patrons were engaged in various activities — playing pool, solving Scrabble puzzles, and singing their hearts out to karaoke. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter and conversation.
"This place is quite lively. Are there any other hot springs in town?" Yasushi inquired, glancing around at the lively environment.
Jingliu shook her head slightly. "No, this is the main spot. There are a few indoor swimming pools, but they're not very popular in summer. People prefer the rivers and lakes for cooling off. The pools mostly see use in winter, though even then, they don't attract much attention."
As Jingliu spoke, they arrived at their private open-air room. Yasushi slid the door open, and they stepped inside. The space was generously sized, with wooden floors and walls that added a natural warmth. Several baskets stood ready for their clothes.
"This room seems designed for more than just two people — maybe a group of ten," Yasushi observed as he began undressing, his clothes neatly folded and placed in one of the baskets. He wrapped a towel around his waist, adjusting it to make sure it was secure.
Jingliu followed suit, removing her clothing and wrapping a towel around her body. "You're right. This place is often rented by larger groups for a few hours. Smaller groups or individuals usually opt for the more intimate rooms. I used to come here to unwind after my grandparents passed away, so the owners know me fairly well."
Yasushi nodded in understanding as they moved into the adjoining room. It was equipped with showers, a necessary step before entering the hot springs. The idea of immersing themselves in the warm water without first washing off any impurities was not only unappealing but also unhygienic.
They took turns helping each other rinse off, ensuring that every trace of the day's grime was washed away. Once satisfied, they stepped out into the open night air. The steam rising from the hot spring mingled with the cooler evening breeze. Yasushi took in the scene: a spacious area with a single Sakura tree providing ample shade over the spring. The tree's branches extended over the water, creating a natural canopy that offered both seclusion and comfort. The surrounding fences were tall and solid, adding an extra layer of privacy.
They undressed and eased into the inviting warmth of the spring. The heat enveloped them, easing the tension from their bodies. Exhausted from their day's activities, they let out contented sighs, savoring the relaxing soak.
"That's the spot…" Yasushi muttered, sinking deeper into the soothing warmth of the water. His voice carried a note of contentment as he settled into the spring.
Jingliu's laughter bubbled up, light and teasing. "You sound like an old man," she said, giving him a gentle nudge on the shoulder.
Yasushi chuckled in response, acknowledging the playful jab. Her comment had a hint of truth; mentally, he often felt more aged than his years. But it wasn't quite enough to label him as an old man, despite her jest.
They enjoyed several minutes of peaceful silence, the sounds of nature mingling with the distant murmur of conversations from other hot springs. The atmosphere was tranquil, a welcome reprieve after their busy day. Eventually, Yasushi shifted, sitting up and casting his gaze towards the night sky. His eyes settled on the moon, which hung gracefully above them.
"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Yasushi remarked, his gaze lingering on the celestial body before shifting to Jingliu. She studied him for a moment, a smile forming on her lips.
"Did you really just say that cliché line?" she asked, her grin widening.
Yasushi blinked a few times, then laughed softly. "You know, that phrase isn't quite what it seems. It started as a bit of a joke among Japanese authors. Over time, it became a common expression, but originally, it was just meant to be playful."
Jingliu's curiosity was piqued. "Could you explain more?" she asked, leaning closer, intrigued by this new perspective.
"The phrase 'Tsuki ga kirei desu ne,' or 'The moon is beautiful, isn't it?' is often interpreted as a poetic way to convey affection in Japanese," Yasushi began. He leaned back, his eyes still fixed on the moon. "The tale goes that in the early 20th century, the renowned Japanese author Natsume Soseki used this expression to hint at romantic feelings."
He continued, "Soseki's choice of words was deliberate. Instead of straightforwardly declaring 'I love you,' he used the moon's beauty as a subtle metaphor for his emotions. The idea was to express a profound, unspoken sentiment, where the moon's splendor reflected the admiration he felt for the person he was addressing."
Jingliu listened attentively as Yasushi elaborated. "But it's crucial to understand that this interpretation isn't universally recognized. In daily Japanese usage, the phrase simply means 'The moon is beautiful, isn't it?' It doesn't automatically imply love unless additional context supports that meaning."
Jingliu listened intently, absorbing every detail of Yasushi's explanation. A soft smile spread across her face as she inched closer to him. Leaning in, she whispered in his ear, "But you meant it like that for me, didn't you?"
Yasushi turned to face her, his own smile matching hers. Without a word, he pressed his lips to hers. Their kiss was brief yet laden with meaning, a silent acknowledgment of their shared feelings. When they parted, he said, "Of course I did. I also wanted to mention that." He chuckled softly, his laughter mingling with hers.
Jingliu responded with gentle, playful kisses along his cheek and neck. She then shifted, straddling him in the warm water. The atmosphere around them seemed to vanish as they lost themselves in each other, their kisses deepening with passion. The quiet of the hot springs enveloped them, the only sounds being their muted breaths and the faint rustling of the nearby trees.
Eventually, they pulled back, both slightly breathless. Yasushi met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and concern. "I heard it's considered poor etiquette to be so affectionate in the hot springs," he remarked.
Jingliu shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It is… but I'm not really worried about that right now." For several moments, they shared a tender, intimate connection, their closeness enhanced by the serene environment.
+-+
Eventually, their allotted time came to an end. Yasushi and Jingliu emerged from the hot springs, dressed once more, and began their exit. As they approached the exit, the receptionist intercepted them with a knowing smile.
"I hope you had a wonderful time, Lady Jingliu~" she said in a playful, high-pitched tone, which caused a flush to rise on Jingliu's cheeks. Without a word, Jingliu quickly tugged Yasushi toward the door, eager to escape.
Yasushi, noticing her reaction, chuckled and remarked, "I'd think by now, you wouldn't be so easily embarrassed by that."
Jingliu shot him a mock pout and playfully swung her bag in his direction. Yasushi had to let go of her hand to deflect the bag, laughing as he did. "I'd argue that your comfort with lewd remarks is a bigger issue than my occasional embarrassment!" she shot back, a grin on her face as they continued to bicker lightly.
As Yasushi and Jingliu continued their playful banter, they reached the entrance to the Night Market. The scene before them was vibrant and bustling. Rows of vendors lined the streets, offering an array of food and assorted items. The air was filled with the scent of grilled meats and sweet treats. In addition to the food stalls, there were entertainment spots like a shooting gallery and, surprisingly, a whack-a-mole game.
"This… isn't quite what I anticipated, but then again, I wasn't sure what to expect," Yasushi commented, his gaze sweeping over the lively market. "How often does this market operate each week?" he asked as they started to stroll further into the crowd.
Jingliu glanced around, her expression thoughtful. "It used to be held on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the weekends. If they haven't changed it recently, that should still be the schedule. However, during holidays, the frequency often shifted since more people were free from work or school."
They arrived at a small stall adorned with an array of inexpensive yet striking jewelry. The display featured various pieces that caught the light and shimmered enticingly. Yasushi and Jingliu paused for a moment, their eyes drawn to the assortment. Yasushi leaned in closer, scrutinizing one particular item.
The stall vendor, a man with a friendly demeanor, noticed Yasushi's interest. "Oh? Are you thinking of buying that, sir?" he asked, his smile widening.
Yasushi nodded, inquiring, "How much is it?"
The vendor responded promptly, "That'll be 20 CNY."
With a quick transaction, Yasushi paid the amount and accepted the item. As they began to walk away, the vendor called after them, "Thank you for your patronage!"
Jingliu turned to Yasushi, a puzzled expression on her face. "Why did you choose that piece? We both know it's probably not genuine."
Yasushi glanced at the piece in his hand, his tone thoughtful. "For reference, really. My mother mentioned years ago that she was looking for something like this. I'm wasn't sure of its exact name back then, but I remember what it looked like. Even if this one isn't authentic, it can still help with my research." He continued, "I believe this stone is called Green Aventurine. It belongs to the Quartz family and has been linked with luck since its discovery."
Jingliu nodded thoughtfully and said, "Yes, that's Green Aventurine. Many people have bought it over the years since its discovery. If you're looking to enhance its effects, it's often paired with Lapis Lazuli and Jet gemstones. These three stones have been associated with luck, prosperity, and good fortune across various cultures for thousands of years."
Yasushi's eyes brightened with interest. "Really? That's good to know. I'll make an effort to find all three and have them crafted into a gift." He tucked the piece of Green Aventurine into the secure pocket of his wristband. With a satisfied smile, he and Jingliu resumed their exploration of the Night Market, their steps light as they continued their evening adventure.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Haruki_Murakami
Haruki_Murakami "Nemo dat quod non habet" - Latin proverb
"No one gives what they do not have."
Meaning: You cannot give what you don’t possess.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone