Chapter 23
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As Duan Zhen approached the reef, Li Xi was already sitting on it, leaning against the rock formation, and his tail slapped the water’s surface, creating splashes that reflected dazzling and colorful lights under the sunlight.
Watching him felt like time had slowed down.
“Brother Duan,” Li Xi heard his footsteps, turned around, and smiled at him, radiating happiness even in the corners of his eyes.
Duan Zhen made a sound of acknowledgment, walked over, and asked, “Is there something you want to talk about?”
Li Xi pressed down on the corners of his mouth, “Can’t I find Brother Duan without any reason?”
Biting his lip, the young man who was just full of spirit moments ago seemed to have turned back into the timid child, saying, “This world isn’t good at all. The ocean is dark and vast. There’s nothing but yourself and the fish.”
“But aren’t there other mermaids?” Duan Zhen was puzzled.
“Yes, but they’re encountered occasionally. The participants in this task seem scattered. I’ve been swimming in the ocean but haven’t seen them,” Li Xi said, holding onto Duan Zhen’s hand. “Can you accompany me and chat? The sea is too lonely. Just a moment ago, it felt unbearable.”
Duan Zhen hesitated for a moment.
If the ocean was indeed as Li Xi described, it wouldn’t be a good place. Mermaids might be accustomed to it, but Li Xi, who was new to this environment and a bit timid, would naturally feel scared when alone in the ocean.
He automatically found a good excuse for Li Xi. Finding a clean place, he sat next to Li Xi, whispering, “Alright.”
The so-called clean place, of course, was cleaned by Li Xi himself. It was not too close nor too far from him. Duan Zhen was indeed hooked.
Blinking his eyes, Li Xi happily scooted closer to Duan Zhen, sitting by his side and hugging his arm intimately. His bare skin immediately pressed against the man’s arm.
Luckily, Duan Zhen was wearing long sleeves; otherwise, he felt he might not be as calm as he was now. Nevertheless, he still attempted to pull his arm out of Li Xi’s embrace, exerting a bit of force. However, instead of succeeding, Li Xi clung to him even tighter.
Duan Zhen looked down at him, meeting Li Xi’s pitiful eyes. After a pause, he didn’t say anything and accepted Li Xi’s action.
Li Xi instantly raised a joyful smile, and he began recounting what he had done today in a cheerful tone.
Initially, he swam around searching for people, then found the shore, met Duan Zhen, and started wandering around to find others. These things were dull, and just by listening, Duan Zhen understood how boring and lonely it could be in the ocean. He speculated that Li Xi had developed his mermaid skills during this time.
Having described the dull parts, Li Xi briefly mentioned the unfamiliar mermaid.
“The mermaid kingdom is quite interesting,” Li Xi smiled. “According to him, mermaids are all about looks. As long as you’re good-looking, you receive the favor of the sea god and can enjoy the highest honors and resources in the kingdom.”
Duan Zhen raised an eyebrow, “Is it based only on appearance?”
“Probably,” Li Xi played with his hand, pinching Duan Zhen’s knuckles and gently massaging them. “Because I’m not a legitimate mermaid, I don’t know if the sea god’s favor he mentioned is just an empty title or has some other significance.”
Duan Zhen withdrew his hand coldly.
Li Xi quickly changed his expression to a QWQ face, but it didn’t make Duan Zhen reconsider.
He continued with a forlorn tone, “That mermaid said I could become the queen or even the king in their kingdom, but I declined.”
He hinted desperately to Duan Zhen, “Don’t you want to ask me why I refused?”
Duan Zhen felt there was a trap in this question, but seeing Li Xi’s expression, he went along and asked, “Why?”
“Because I told him I have someone I like, and that person is a human. So, I can’t become the king of the mermaids,” Li Xi said while staring into Duan Zhen’s eyes.
Ripples appeared in those ancient-well-like black eyes, like small dewdrops falling on the water’s surface—light, subtle, and hard to notice. But Li Xi saw it, and his heart was filled with joy for a moment.
He wasn’t a patient hunter; he was willing to conceal all the unpleasant aspects just for Duan Zhen, gradually getting closer.
This realization left him speechless for a moment. He continued, “I also discovered the method to turn humans into mermaids through this. It seems other mermaids don’t oppose this idea. Maybe we can seek their help if something happens later.”
Following the mermaid beauty standards, he wouldn’t be rejected when seeking help from others.
Duan Zhen made a sound of acknowledgment.
“Also, those participants on the island, I suspect they hold other chips in their hands; otherwise, they wouldn’t persist until the end and agree to cooperate.” Li Xi leaned closer to his ear, lowering his voice, “Brother Duan, could you please go and investigate?”
He got even closer, and Duan Zhen furrowed his brows. When he was about to tell him that they couldn’t get too close, Li Xi suddenly planted a light, fleeting kiss on his nose.
Those lips were soft and cool, like a brief touch of snow.
He was momentarily stunned.
Li Xi’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, and taking advantage of Duan Zhen’s momentary confusion, he kissed him on the cheek. This time, without waiting for Duan Zhen to react, Li Xi swiftly dove back into the water, swimming about half a meter away. He made sure Duan Zhen couldn’t catch him before saying, “I ran to many places to find clues. Consider it a reward. Brother Duan, don’t be mad.”
He intentionally used an adorable tone.
After saying that, he dived into the water with a splash. The tail fin he raised for a moment appeared, and the droplets splashed from the tail’s movement. Some drops fell on Duan Zhen’s face, giving him a chilly feeling, much like the sensation of the kiss moments ago.
Duan Zhen stood still for a moment, covering his face with one hand. After taking a few deep breaths, he calmed down. He couldn’t believe he had let himself be swayed by a kiss just now.
Even though he appeared mature now, that was still a child, someone around his brother’s age. How could he have such a terrible reaction?
Li Xi, despite his seemingly calm demeanor, acted quite differently once he was far enough from Duan Zhen. Rolling and spinning in the water, his tail swayed almost as if reaching for the sky.
He had just kissed Duan Zhen! On the little mole and even on his cheek. He successfully completed two milestones in one go!
Excited like a silly fish, he rolled around until he finally stopped, leaning against the coral to calm himself.
Although this attempt succeeded, he had caught Duan Zhen off guard. Next time, the other person would surely be more vigilant, and there was a risk of being distanced. Li Xi had to find a way to avoid this; preferably, he could make Duan Zhen fall for him in this world.
Li Xi licked his lips, and his eyes revealed a hint of cunning while contemplating the issue.
As he pondered, there was a slight disturbance in the murky seawater that he had stirred up earlier. Something seemed to crawl out from the sand and landed on his tail fin.
Li Xi casually lowered his head, and a small octopus, about the size of his palm, gently touched his tail fin with its tiny tentacles.
The small octopus was black, and its tentacles had various-sized turquoise spots. Emitting a faint glow in the pitch-black seabed, its small, round head had two big eyes like black pearls that looked at Li Xi cautiously.
Seeing Li Xi looking at him, the shy octopus tentacles flailed around, almost tying themselves into a knot.
Li Xi raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued, and bent down to pick it up from below. The tiny tentacles immediately wrapped around his wrist, delicately suctioning onto it.
“Your eyes are somewhat similar to Duan Duan’s,” Li Xi mused. “Though his are more beautiful.”
Although not the type to find a substitute, this little octopus was somewhat cute. Li Xi reached out to touch its round head, allowing it to cling to his wrist.
And that’s all for the extra updates of this special day
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
As Duan Zhen approached the reef, Li Xi was already sitting on it, leaning against the rock formation, and his tail slapped the water’s surface, creating splashes that reflected dazzling and colorful lights under the sunlight.
Watching him felt like time had slowed down.
“Brother Duan,” Li Xi heard his footsteps, turned around, and smiled at him, radiating happiness even in the corners of his eyes.
Duan Zhen made a sound of acknowledgment, walked over, and asked, “Is there something you want to talk about?”
Li Xi pressed down on the corners of his mouth, “Can’t I find Brother Duan without any reason?”
Biting his lip, the young man who was just full of spirit moments ago seemed to have turned back into the timid child, saying, “This world isn’t good at all. The ocean is dark and vast. There’s nothing but yourself and the fish.”
“But aren’t there other mermaids?” Duan Zhen was puzzled.
“Yes, but they’re encountered occasionally. The participants in this task seem scattered. I’ve been swimming in the ocean but haven’t seen them,” Li Xi said, holding onto Duan Zhen’s hand. “Can you accompany me and chat? The sea is too lonely. Just a moment ago, it felt unbearable.”
Duan Zhen hesitated for a moment.
If the ocean was indeed as Li Xi described, it wouldn’t be a good place. Mermaids might be accustomed to it, but Li Xi, who was new to this environment and a bit timid, would naturally feel scared when alone in the ocean.
He automatically found a good excuse for Li Xi. Finding a clean place, he sat next to Li Xi, whispering, “Alright.”
The so-called clean place, of course, was cleaned by Li Xi himself. It was not too close nor too far from him. Duan Zhen was indeed hooked.
Blinking his eyes, Li Xi happily scooted closer to Duan Zhen, sitting by his side and hugging his arm intimately. His bare skin immediately pressed against the man’s arm.
Luckily, Duan Zhen was wearing long sleeves; otherwise, he felt he might not be as calm as he was now. Nevertheless, he still attempted to pull his arm out of Li Xi’s embrace, exerting a bit of force. However, instead of succeeding, Li Xi clung to him even tighter.
Duan Zhen looked down at him, meeting Li Xi’s pitiful eyes. After a pause, he didn’t say anything and accepted Li Xi’s action.
Li Xi instantly raised a joyful smile, and he began recounting what he had done today in a cheerful tone.
Initially, he swam around searching for people, then found the shore, met Duan Zhen, and started wandering around to find others. These things were dull, and just by listening, Duan Zhen understood how boring and lonely it could be in the ocean. He speculated that Li Xi had developed his mermaid skills during this time.
Having described the dull parts, Li Xi briefly mentioned the unfamiliar mermaid.
“The mermaid kingdom is quite interesting,” Li Xi smiled. “According to him, mermaids are all about looks. As long as you’re good-looking, you receive the favor of the sea god and can enjoy the highest honors and resources in the kingdom.”
Duan Zhen raised an eyebrow, “Is it based only on appearance?”
“Probably,” Li Xi played with his hand, pinching Duan Zhen’s knuckles and gently massaging them. “Because I’m not a legitimate mermaid, I don’t know if the sea god’s favor he mentioned is just an empty title or has some other significance.”
Duan Zhen withdrew his hand coldly.
Li Xi quickly changed his expression to a QWQ face, but it didn’t make Duan Zhen reconsider.
He continued with a forlorn tone, “That mermaid said I could become the queen or even the king in their kingdom, but I declined.”
He hinted desperately to Duan Zhen, “Don’t you want to ask me why I refused?”
Duan Zhen felt there was a trap in this question, but seeing Li Xi’s expression, he went along and asked, “Why?”
“Because I told him I have someone I like, and that person is a human. So, I can’t become the king of the mermaids,” Li Xi said while staring into Duan Zhen’s eyes.
Ripples appeared in those ancient-well-like black eyes, like small dewdrops falling on the water’s surface—light, subtle, and hard to notice. But Li Xi saw it, and his heart was filled with joy for a moment.
He wasn’t a patient hunter; he was willing to conceal all the unpleasant aspects just for Duan Zhen, gradually getting closer.
This realization left him speechless for a moment. He continued, “I also discovered the method to turn humans into mermaids through this. It seems other mermaids don’t oppose this idea. Maybe we can seek their help if something happens later.”
Following the mermaid beauty standards, he wouldn’t be rejected when seeking help from others.
Duan Zhen made a sound of acknowledgment.
“Also, those participants on the island, I suspect they hold other chips in their hands; otherwise, they wouldn’t persist until the end and agree to cooperate.” Li Xi leaned closer to his ear, lowering his voice, “Brother Duan, could you please go and investigate?”
He got even closer, and Duan Zhen furrowed his brows. When he was about to tell him that they couldn’t get too close, Li Xi suddenly planted a light, fleeting kiss on his nose.
Those lips were soft and cool, like a brief touch of snow.
He was momentarily stunned.
Li Xi’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, and taking advantage of Duan Zhen’s momentary confusion, he kissed him on the cheek. This time, without waiting for Duan Zhen to react, Li Xi swiftly dove back into the water, swimming about half a meter away. He made sure Duan Zhen couldn’t catch him before saying, “I ran to many places to find clues. Consider it a reward. Brother Duan, don’t be mad.”
He intentionally used an adorable tone.
After saying that, he dived into the water with a splash. The tail fin he raised for a moment appeared, and the droplets splashed from the tail’s movement. Some drops fell on Duan Zhen’s face, giving him a chilly feeling, much like the sensation of the kiss moments ago.
Duan Zhen stood still for a moment, covering his face with one hand. After taking a few deep breaths, he calmed down. He couldn’t believe he had let himself be swayed by a kiss just now.
Even though he appeared mature now, that was still a child, someone around his brother’s age. How could he have such a terrible reaction?
Li Xi, despite his seemingly calm demeanor, acted quite differently once he was far enough from Duan Zhen. Rolling and spinning in the water, his tail swayed almost as if reaching for the sky.
He had just kissed Duan Zhen! On the little mole and even on his cheek. He successfully completed two milestones in one go!
Excited like a silly fish, he rolled around until he finally stopped, leaning against the coral to calm himself.
Although this attempt succeeded, he had caught Duan Zhen off guard. Next time, the other person would surely be more vigilant, and there was a risk of being distanced. Li Xi had to find a way to avoid this; preferably, he could make Duan Zhen fall for him in this world.
Li Xi licked his lips, and his eyes revealed a hint of cunning while contemplating the issue.
As he pondered, there was a slight disturbance in the murky seawater that he had stirred up earlier. Something seemed to crawl out from the sand and landed on his tail fin.
Li Xi casually lowered his head, and a small octopus, about the size of his palm, gently touched his tail fin with its tiny tentacles.
The small octopus was black, and its tentacles had various-sized turquoise spots. Emitting a faint glow in the pitch-black seabed, its small, round head had two big eyes like black pearls that looked at Li Xi cautiously.
Seeing Li Xi looking at him, the shy octopus tentacles flailed around, almost tying themselves into a knot.
Li Xi raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued, and bent down to pick it up from below. The tiny tentacles immediately wrapped around his wrist, delicately suctioning onto it.
“Your eyes are somewhat similar to Duan Duan’s,” Li Xi mused. “Though his are more beautiful.”
Although not the type to find a substitute, this little octopus was somewhat cute. Li Xi reached out to touch its round head, allowing it to cling to his wrist.
And that’s all for the extra updates of this special day
As Duan Zhen approached the reef, Li Xi was already sitting on it, leaning against the rock formation, and his tail slapped the water's surface, creating splashes that reflected dazzling and colorful lights under the sunlight.Watching him felt like time had slowed down.Brother Duan, Li Xi heard his footsteps, turned around, and smiled at him, radiating happiness even in the corners of his eyes.Duan Zhen made a sound of acknowledgment, walked over, and asked, Is there something you want to talk about?Li Xi pressed down on the corners of his mouth, Can't I find Brother Duan without any reason?Biting his lip, the young man who was just full of spirit moments ago seemed to have turned back into the timid child, saying, This world isn't good at all. The ocean is dark and vast. There's nothing but yourself and the fish.But aren't there other mermaids? Duan Zhen was puzzled.Yes, but they're encountered occasionally. The participants in this task seem scattered. I've been swimming in the ocean but haven't seen them, Li Xi said, holding onto Duan Zhen's hand. Can you accompany me and chat? The sea is too lonely. Just a moment ago, it felt unbearable.Duan Zhen hesitated for a moment.If the ocean was indeed as Li Xi described, it wouldn't be a good place. Mermaids might be accustomed to it, but Li Xi, who was new to this environment and a bit timid, would naturally feel scared when alone in the ocean.He automatically found a good excuse for Li Xi. Finding a clean place, he sat next to Li Xi, whispering, Alright.The so-called clean place, of course, was cleaned by Li Xi himself. It was not too close nor too far from him. Duan Zhen was indeed hooked.Blinking his eyes, Li Xi happily scooted closer to Duan Zhen, sitting by his side and hugging his arm intimately. His bare skin immediately pressed against the man's arm.Luckily, Duan Zhen was wearing long sleeves; otherwise, he felt he might not be as calm as he was now. Nevertheless, he still attempted to pull his arm out of Li Xi's embrace, exerting a bit of force. However, instead of succeeding, Li Xi clung to him even tighter.Duan Zhen looked down at him, meeting Li Xi's pitiful eyes. After a pause, he didn't say anything and accepted Li Xi's action.Li Xi instantly raised a joyful smile, and he began recounting what he had done today in a cheerful tone.Initially, he swam around searching for people, then found the shore, met Duan Zhen, and started wandering around to find others. These things were dull, and just by listening, Duan Zhen understood how boring and lonely it could be in the ocean. He speculated that Li Xi had developed his mermaid skills during this time.Having described the dull parts, Li Xi briefly mentioned the unfamiliar mermaid.The mermaid kingdom is quite interesting, Li Xi smiled. According to him, mermaids are all about looks. As long as you're good-looking, you receive the favor of the sea god and can enjoy the highest honors and resources in the kingdom.Duan Zhen raised an eyebrow, Is it based only on appearance?Probably, Li Xi played with his hand, pinching Duan Zhen's knuckles and gently massaging them. Because I'm not a legitimate mermaid, I don't know if the sea god's favor he mentioned is just an empty title or has some other significance.Duan Zhen withdrew his hand coldly.Li Xi quickly changed his expression to a QWQ face, but it didn't make Duan Zhen reconsider.He continued with a forlorn tone, That mermaid said I could become the queen or even the king in their kingdom, but I declined.He hinted desperately to Duan Zhen, Don't you want to ask me why I refused?Duan Zhen felt there was a trap in this question, but seeing Li Xi's expression, he went along and asked, Why?Because I told him I have someone I like, and that person is a human. So, I can't become the king of the mermaids, Li Xi said while staring into Duan Zhen's eyes.Ripples appeared in those ancient-well-like black eyes, like small dewdrops falling on the water's surfacelight, subtle, and hard to notice. But Li Xi saw it, and his heart was filled with joy for a moment.He wasn't a patient hunter; he was willing to conceal all the unpleasant aspects just for Duan Zhen, gradually getting closer.This realization left him speechless for a moment. He continued, I also discovered the method to turn humans into mermaids through this. It seems other mermaids don't oppose this idea. Maybe we can seek their help if something happens later.Following the mermaid beauty standards, he wouldn't be rejected when seeking help from others.Duan Zhen made a sound of acknowledgment.Also, those participants on the island, I suspect they hold other chips in their hands; otherwise, they wouldn't persist until the end and agree to cooperate. Li Xi leaned closer to his ear, lowering his voice, Brother Duan, could you please go and investigate?He got even closer, and Duan Zhen furrowed his brows. When he was about to tell him that they couldn't get too close, Li Xi suddenly planted a light, fleeting kiss on his nose.Those lips were soft and cool, like a brief touch of snow.He was momentarily stunned.Li Xi's Adam's apple moved slightly, and taking advantage of Duan Zhen's momentary confusion, he kissed him on the cheek. This time, without waiting for Duan Zhen to react, Li Xi swiftly dove back into the water, swimming about half a meter away. He made sure Duan Zhen couldn't catch him before saying, I ran to many places to find clues. Consider it a reward. Brother Duan, don't be mad.He intentionally used an adorable tone.After saying that, he dived into the water with a splash. The tail fin he raised for a moment appeared, and the droplets splashed from the tail's movement. Some drops fell on Duan Zhen's face, giving him a chilly feeling, much like the sensation of the kiss moments ago.Duan Zhen stood still for a moment, covering his face with one hand. After taking a few deep breaths, he calmed down. He couldn't believe he had let himself be swayed by a kiss just now.Even though he appeared mature now, that was still a child, someone around his brother's age. How could he have such a terrible reaction?Li Xi, despite his seemingly calm demeanor, acted quite differently once he was far enough from Duan Zhen. Rolling and spinning in the water, his tail swayed almost as if reaching for the sky.He had just kissed Duan Zhen! On the little mole and even on his cheek. He successfully completed two milestones in one go!Excited like a silly fish, he rolled around until he finally stopped, leaning against the coral to calm himself.Although this attempt succeeded, he had caught Duan Zhen off guard. Next time, the other person would surely be more vigilant, and there was a risk of being distanced. Li Xi had to find a way to avoid this; preferably, he could make Duan Zhen fall for him in this world.Li Xi licked his lips, and his eyes revealed a hint of cunning while contemplating the issue.As he pondered, there was a slight disturbance in the murky seawater that he had stirred up earlier. Something seemed to crawl out from the sand and landed on his tail fin.Li Xi casually lowered his head, and a small octopus, about the size of his palm, gently touched his tail fin with its tiny tentacles.The small octopus was black, and its tentacles had various-sized turquoise spots. Emitting a faint glow in the pitch-black seabed, its small, round head had two big eyes like black pearls that looked at Li Xi cautiously.Seeing Li Xi looking at him, the shy octopus tentacles flailed around, almost tying themselves into a knot.Li Xi raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued, and bent down to pick it up from below. The tiny tentacles immediately wrapped around his wrist, delicately suctioning onto it.Your eyes are somewhat similar to Duan Duan's, Li Xi mused. Though his are more beautiful.Although not the type to find a substitute, this little octopus was somewhat cute. Li Xi reached out to touch its round head, allowing it to cling to his wrist.And that's all for the extra updates of this special day
