310: Chapter 310 This man is really too cunning!

Moonlight, like water, spilled onto the temperature-controlled pool behind the base.

Lan Xin floated alone on the water's surface, gazing up at the bright, clear moon.

She had been on land for half a month now.

In these past two weeks, she had learned many things.

She learned to drink cola—though she still burped.

She learned to use chopsticks—though she often sent the food flying.

She learned to walk—though she walked like a penguin that had just come ashore.

But most importantly, she had learned one thing.

Falling in love.

"Sigh…"

Lan Xin sighed, submerging herself in the water, leaving only her eyes exposed.

That man's figure always floated into her mind involuntarily.

The gentleness when he brought her breakfast.

The patience when he taught her to use chopsticks.

The warmth from his palms when he supported her while learning to walk.

Every scene seemed to be carved deep into her soul.

"Is this… what liking someone feels like?"

Lan Xin murmured to herself, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

In the Merfolk Clan, feelings were an extremely serious matter.

A merfolk only commits to one partner in their lifetime; once committed, it is for life.

Therefore, the Merfolk Clan is exceptionally cautious when choosing a partner, requiring a long trial period.

Usually starting at three years, with ten years as the baseline.

But now…

She had only known Lin Yuan for half a month, yet she had already confirmed her feelings.

Is this normal?

"Forget it."

Lan Xin took a deep breath, a trace of determination flashing in her eyes.

She had been thinking about it for several days.

If she kept thinking, she was afraid she would turn into a salted fish that died of indecision.

Since her mind was made up, she would just do it.

This was the pride of the Merfolk Clan's royal family—never hesitate, never regret.

Lan Xin swam to the edge of the pool, braced her hands on the stone platform, and slowly pulled her body out of the water.

She closed her eyes and focused her Spiritual Power.

Her deep blue fish tail began to emit a faint glow, then slowly split and transformed…

A few seconds later, a pair of slender, fair, beautiful legs appeared.

She stood up, the water droplets on her body shimmering like starlight in the moonlight.

"Phew…"

Lan Xin steadied herself, then walked forward step by step.

After these few days of practice, she could barely manage to walk.

Although she was still a bit wobbly, at least she wouldn't fall down at every turn.

Her destination was Lin Yuan's study.

…

In the study, Lin Yuan was dealing with base affairs.

Recently, the base's population had grown rapidly, and various management problems had followed.

"The report shows that there is a problem with food distribution in the East District…"

Lin Yuan rubbed his temples, feeling a bit of a headache.

Just then, a slight knock on the door sounded.

"Come in."

The door pushed open, and a petite figure walked in.

It was Lan Xin.

She was wearing a light blue dress that Ye Qingxue had given her.

Her wet hair hung over her shoulders, shimmering with a faint fluorescence under the light.

And in her hands, she held an exquisite seashell box.

"It's so late, why aren't you resting?"

Lin Yuan put down the documents in his hand and looked at her.

Lan Xin didn't speak, just walked step by step to Lin Yuan.

Her steps were a bit unsteady, but her gaze was exceptionally firm.

She spoke, her voice trembling slightly, but it quickly stabilized.

"I have something I want to tell you."

Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.

Lan Xin took a deep breath, then slowly knelt down.

This action made Lin Yuan pause in surprise.

"You are…"

"In the Merfolk Clan, when we commit to someone, we offer the most precious sacred object of our tribe."

Lan Xin looked up, her sea-blue eyes filled with sincerity.

"This is the Heart of the Deep Sea, the supreme treasure passed down through generations of the Merfolk Clan's royal family."

She opened the seashell box in her hands.

Inside lay a bead the size of a fist, completely azure, emitting a soft light.

As if an entire ocean was sealed within it.

"Legend has it that the Heart of the Deep Sea contains the primal power of the ocean. Only the royal family of the Merfolk Clan can possess it, and furthermore…"

Lan Xin paused, her cheeks blushing.

"It can only be offered to the partner one has chosen."

Lin Yuan fell silent.

He looked at this mermaid princess who was a bit too innocent, a complex emotion rising in his heart.

To be honest, he had long guessed that Lan Xin had feelings for him.

But he didn't expect this girl to be so direct.

So direct that it caught him off guard.

"Do you know what this means?"

Lin Yuan spoke, his voice calm.

"I know."

Lan Xin nodded. "It means I will become your partner. For a lifetime, never to leave or forsake you."

"I am not a good person."

Lin Yuan looked into her eyes.

"I am selfish, cold-blooded, and self-interested. I have many women around me, and there will be more in the future. Are you sure you want to choose me?"

Lan Xin was stunned for a moment.

She didn't expect Lin Yuan to say these things so bluntly.

But soon, she smiled.

That smile was like a begonia blooming under the moonlight, heart-stoppingly beautiful.

"I know."

She said softly.

"I have observed you. You are good to everyone, but that kindness has a purpose. You give them food, you give them protection, because they can do things for you."

"But to me…"

She looked up, her eyes shining with light.

"You built a temperature-controlled pool for me, had people bring me fresh seafood every day, came to chat with me when I sang, taught me to drink cola, use chopsticks, walk…"

"These things have no benefit for you. But you did them anyway."

"So I know you are not a bad person."

"You are just… disguising yourself as a bad person."

Lin Yuan was stunned.

He looked at the mermaid princess before him, a strange emotion stirring in his heart.

This girl… saw through things more clearly than he imagined.

"Aren't you afraid I'm just acting?"

Lin Yuan asked.

"I'm not."

Lan Xin shook her head. "The Merfolk Clan has a talent: we can perceive the emotional fluctuations of others."

"When you said those words, your heartbeat accelerated."

"This means… you were nervous."

Lin Yuan: "…"

Good grief, does she come with a built-in lie detector?

"And…"

Lan Xin's face turned even redder, and her voice became smaller and smaller.

"Ye Qingyue told me that if a man is nervous in front of you, it means he cares about you…"

Lin Yuan's mouth twitched.

That little girl Ye Qingyue, what nonsense is she teaching again?

"So…"

Lan Xin gathered her courage and pushed the seashell box forward.

"Lin Yuan, please accept the Heart of the Deep Sea."

"Accept me."

Her voice was very soft, but it carried an undeniable firmness.

Lin Yuan was silent for a moment.

Then, he reached out and gently lifted Lan Xin's chin, making her look up.

"Are you sure?"

His voice was soft, but carried a hint of seriousness.

"Once a choice is made, there is no room for regret."

Lan Xin looked into his eyes and nodded firmly.

"I am sure."

Lin Yuan smiled.

He reached out to take the Heart of the Deep Sea, then helped Lan Xin up from the floor.

"Since that's the case, then I will accept it."

His voice carried a hint of gentleness.

"From now on, you are mine."

Lan Xin's eyes instantly turned red.

She didn't expect Lin Yuan to accept her so easily.

"Th-thank you…"

Her voice was choked with emotion.

"What are you thanking me for?"

Lin Yuan gently flicked the tip of her nose.

"It should be me thanking you."

"After all, being able to have a mermaid princess take the initiative to offer herself is my honor, Lin Yuan's honor."

Lan Xin laughed through her tears and gently punched Lin Yuan's chest.

"You… you only know how to bully me."

"This is just the beginning."

Lin Yuan's mouth curved into a wicked smile.

"The bullying is still to come."

Lan Xin was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant, her face turning bright red instantly.

"You… you pervert!"

"Pervert?"

Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow. "I am the one you chose yourself. It's still not too late to regret it."

"Who… who wants to regret it!"

Lan Xin glared at him, pouting, but her eyes were full of smiles.

…

Moonlight spilled through the window into the study, coating the two of them in a silver halo.

Lin Yuan held Lan Xin's hand and walked out of the study to the edge of the pool in the backyard.

"Why come here?"

Lan Xin was a bit confused.

"Aren't you a mermaid?"

Lin Yuan looked at her, his eyes carrying a hint of teasing.

"The Merfolk ritual, of course, must be performed in the water."

Lan Xin's face turned even redder.

She, of course, knew what ritual Lin Yuan was talking about.

In the Merfolk Clan, when two people confirm their relationship, a special ritual is required.

That ritual…

Needs to be completed in the water.

"You… how did you know?"

Lan Xin asked, stuttering.

"I guessed."

Lin Yuan smiled. "But judging by your reaction, I guessed right."

Lan Xin: "…"

This man is truly too cunning!

Lin Yuan didn't say anything more and jumped straight into the pool.

Splash—

Water splashed everywhere, and ripples spread across the moonlit surface of the water.

"What are you standing there for? Come down."

Lin Yuan beckoned to her from the water.

Lan Xin bit her lip and jumped into the pool as well.

The moment she entered the water, her legs transformed back into a fish tail.

The deep blue scales shimmered with a dreamlike luster in the moonlight.

"Truly beautiful."

Lin Yuan exclaimed sincerely.

Lan Xin's face turned even redder, as red as a boiled shrimp.

"You… don't look…"

"How can I not look?"

Lin Yuan swam to her side and pulled her into his arms.

"My woman, of course, I must admire properly."

Lan Xin's heartbeat accelerated instantly, so fast it felt like it would jump out of her chest.

She could feel Lin Yuan's body temperature coming through the water, warm and powerful.

"Lin Yuan…"

She called out softly.

"Hmm?"

"I… I'm a little nervous…"

"Nervous about what?"

Lin Yuan looked down at her, his eyes carrying a hint of gentleness.

"With me here, there's no need to be afraid."

Having said that, he lowered his head and gently kissed her lips.

Lan Xin trembled all over, but soon became lost in the kiss.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the two of them.

Ripples spread across the pool, as if playing a silent movement for them.

…

Don't know how long passed.

By the side of the pool, Lan Xin leaned in Lin Yuan's arms, her face still flushed with an unfading blush.

Her breathing was slightly rapid, her eyes filled with a daze.

"How was it?"

Lin Yuan looked down at her, a wicked smile on his lips.

"Still nervous?"

Lan Xin didn't speak, just buried her face in his chest, not letting him see her expression.

But the flushed tips of her ears had already betrayed her mood.

"Hateful…"

She said muffledly.

Lin Yuan smiled and gently stroked her long hair.

Just then, the system's notification sound rang in his mind.

【Ding! Congratulations to the Host for successfully collecting the goddess—Lan Xin!】

【Unlocked Resource: Intelligent Construction Module (1 second/1 unit)】

【Resource Description: Can automatically assemble into various types of buildings, including residences, factories, defense facilities, etc. Modules can be combined freely according to needs, with extremely fast construction speed—a divine artifact for Apocalypse infrastructure!】

A gleam of light flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes.

Intelligent Construction Module?

This is good stuff!

With this, he could quickly expand the base and build more facilities.

Even… build a real city!

"Lin Yuan?"

Lan Xin felt his strangeness and looked up at him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Lin Yuan composed himself and lowered his head to kiss her forehead gently.

"Just thinking about how to cherish you properly in the future."

Lan Xin's face turned red again.

"You… you only know how to say sweet things…"

"These aren't just sweet words."

Lin Yuan looked at her seriously.

"This is a promise."

Lan Xin was stunned for a moment, then her eyes turned red.

She buried her head in Lin Yuan's arms and held him tightly.

"Lin Yuan…"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you… for being willing to accept me."

Lin Yuan was silent for a moment, then gently patted her back.

"Silly girl."

"It should be me thanking you."

Under the moonlight, the two embraced in the pool.

In the distance, the base was brightly lit and bustling with noise.

But in this moment, it felt like only the two of them remained in the entire world.

…

Early the next morning.

As soon as Lin Yuan returned to the villa from the pool, he was surrounded by a group of women.

"Hubby! Where did you go last night?!"

Ji Wushuang rushed up first, her eyes full of suspicion.

"I smell… fishy!"

Lin Yuan's mouth twitched.

Is this nose made from a dog?

"I went for a walk in the backyard."

He said calmly.

"A walk? A walk for the whole night?"

Ye Qingyue leaned in, her eyes sparkling.

"Big Brother Lin Yuan, did you go to find that mermaid sister?"

"Did you confess?"

"Did you kiss?"

"Did you…"

"Stop!"

Lin Yuan quickly interrupted her.

"You are a child, why are you thinking about these messy things?"

"I'm not a child!"

Ye Qingyue puffed out her cheeks in defiance.

"I'm already nineteen!"

"Nineteen is still a child."

Lin Yuan said solemnly.

"In my eyes, you will always be a little girl."

Ye Qingyue: "…"

She always felt something was wrong with these words, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Just then, a figure walked over from the backyard.

It was Lan Xin.

She was wearing that light blue dress, her long hair still a bit damp.

Her face had a faint blush, and she radiated an indescribable, gentle beauty.

"Go… good morning."

She greeted them shyly.

The eyes of the women instantly focused on her.

Then, they noticed a detail.

On Lan Xin's neck, there was a faint red mark.

That spot…

"Holy crap!"

Ji Wushuang swore again.

"Lin Yuan, you beast! What did you do to that little girl?!"

"What did I do?"

Lin Yuan looked innocent.

"I was just teaching her how to swim."

"Swimming?!"

Ji Wushuang pointed at the red mark on Lan Xin's neck.

"Can you get a mark like that from swimming?!"

"Uh…"

Lin Yuan thought for a moment and said solemnly.

"Maybe it was scratched by water plants?"

The women: "…"

Water plants: I'm not taking the blame for this!

Lan Xin's face was as red as it could possibly be.

She wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

"Alright, alright, stop making a scene."

Chu Yanran stepped out to smooth things over.

"The little girl is thin-skinned, so don't bully her."

"Besides…"

She looked at Lin Yuan, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly.

"This kind of thing is inevitable sooner or later."

"Instead of dwelling on this, why not think about how to welcome the new member."

The women fell silent.

Yes, instead of being jealous, it's better to accept reality.

After all, they had long known that Lin Yuan could not belong to just one person.

"Fine, fine."

Ji Wushuang sighed and walked over to Lan Xin.

"Welcome to our big family, little fish sister."

"If you don't understand anything in the future, just ask me, your big sister."

"But there is one thing you must remember—"

She leaned into Lan Xin's ear and lowered her voice.

"The braised pork is mine, no one is allowed to snatch it!"

Lan Xin: "…"

She suddenly felt that this "big family" seemed a bit strange.

But for some reason, a warm current welled up in her heart.

This feeling…

Is very good.