Rueben

Rueben would be the first to admit he was stubborn. He hated being told something wasn't possible when there was no scientific basis for their claims. So, when his peers told him searching for fossils in China wouldn't be a worthwhile endeavour, instead of quitting Rueben doubled down his efforts to raise the necessary funds to travel there.

But his arrival in Shanghai started with embarrassment and left Rueben fearing his distracted clumsiness had scared away his translator and guide, Yuan Xi, before they'd even left for their destination: the Taihang Mountains in Shanxi Province.

Yet Rueben hadn't imagined the most important discovery he'd make in those mountains would be about himself. An overwhelming and confusing discovery that had Rueben wanting to run... had him never wanting to leave Yuan's side.

Yuan Xi prided himself on being a sought-after translator, capable of hiding his anger despite the way his European employers treated him and his countrymen. Knew how to keep a smile on his face while being treated like a servant; remaining invisible until needed.

But this latest job could be hazardous to his health, and Yuan didn't mean physically. The endearingly clumsy scientist employing Yuan made him question whether he wanted more than emotionless, casual relationships... and whether taking a risk with his heart might be worth it.