In the year 1528 of the Red Moon Era, in the Endless City of Bamanboya, Su Yili ascended the throne, becoming the second sovereign and the first Empress of the Abyssal Empire. She designated her reign as the "Era of Freedom."
A new election was soon completed in Holy Yejiana. The newly appointed Dictator answered the call of the times; he was a pure-blooded Oceanid. Although his backing came from Su Yi Fanxing’s team—meaning the political checks and balances between the Light and Dark Seas remained, and he could essentially not escape his fate as a puppet head of state—the appearance of the first Oceanid Dictator in the history of the Light Sea was nonetheless a milestone of a changing era.
In the year 214 of the Freedom Era, which was also August of the year 1641 in the Radiant Era, on the third Intercalary Day, a brand-new, polished supersonic private submersible was taken out by its owner for the first time. It impatiently cut through the wealthy West District and the Avenue of the Endless Sea God. Its propellers whirred loudly, drawing the gazes of countless passersby and leaving a trail of fine bubbles in its wake. With a burst of speed, it headed toward the Eternal Square of Holy Yejiana. When the green ship-shaped traffic light flickered on, it came to a halt at the "Crossroads of the Light Sea" alongside a multitude of other modern vessels.
The window of the private craft slid open in the blink of an eye. A young dandy of the Poseidon race inside whistled at a shapely Oceanid girl on the roadside. The girl extended a middle finger toward him and swam away without looking back. Unfazed, the young man turned his cabin music to maximum volume. His fingers, resting on the window frame, tapped rhythmically as if in sync with the dynamic arcane advertisements flashing above the buildings.
The most prosperous district was split in two: the south was thriving and vibrant, while the north was noble and luxurious. Between them lay the sixty-five-meter-wide Avenue of the Endless Sea God.
To the east were numerous shopping streets, street performances, and restaurants. By the roadside, an art student who had come from the Bodhi Sea to study in Holy Yejiana was dancing. She was of the Black-lipped Silk Goby tribe, swaying her vibrant yellow caudal fin with every movement perfectly harmonized. When people tossed coins to her, she could accurately catch them with her fin, flip them upward, and catch them in the bulging pouch at her waist.
A Scorpaenid boy spotted a girl of the same tribe on the street and excitedly approached her, wagging his head and tail in a display of affection, only to be unexpectedly bitten on the hand by the girl.
On a stone bench near the undersea fountain, an unemployed youth sat dejectedly. His tail felt as heavy as lead, its color as dull as gray paint. He flipped through a copy of the *Holy Yejiana Daily* left behind by an old man. His eyes scanned the pages until they landed on the recruitment column: "Restaurant seeking Chameleon Fish servers." His eyes suddenly lit up as if ignited by sunlight. He pulled out his communicator and dialed the restaurant. The moment he stood up, his ear fins and tail shifted into the most magnificent colors. "Hello? I am of the Blue-spotted Wrasse tribe. I’m male—yes, naturally male, not a female who transitioned, so my colors are definitely more vibrant than a female-to-male's! I’m on my way, I’ll be there in half an hour..."
Looking across from this street, submersibles were arranged from bottom to top according to size. Below, public transport vessels moved in a steady stream; at the very top, supersonic racing craft zipped past. Opposite them, separated only by a single road, was North Luo’ya Road, the gathering place for the elite of politics, business, art, and entertainment. Among them, the most striking building was the Holy Capital Opera House. There, the descendants of the Ancestral Gods, the Poseidons, and the High Predator races made up the majority, but since the beginning of the Radiant Era, Oceanids had become increasingly common.
Fanli and Yujin sat in an open-air restaurant near the Opera House. A three-tiered dessert tower sat on their table: the first tier held glasswort, seaweed, and supreme long-tail anchovy; the second tier featured "water ginseng" diving beetles and squid dumplings; the third tier consisted of delicate fresh shad meat, de-scaled but with the fat preserved.
They had been waiting here for two hours. However, Fanli felt no impatience. Instead, she rested her chin in her hand, watching the constant flow of people in Eternal Square and chatting idly with Yujin, quietly enjoying the pleasant weekend.
Two hundred and fourteen years ago, the Gath clan had announced the news of Fanli’s return, causing a sensation.
However, Fanli had requested a long leave of absence from Hitian. She did not return to her post as the Great High Priestess but instead continued her arcane research. Over these past 214 years, she had worked on only one project, so she finally had time to relax.
This afternoon, the Municipal Official of Holy Yejiana was attending an event at the Opera House, and a group of Orca police officers had set up a security cordon for him. Two young, popular actresses were trying every means to strike up a conversation with him. Had it not been for the screams from the surrounding crowd, Fanli wouldn't have known how high their popularity was.
Above the Opera House, a giant dynamic "photograph" of a nostalgic old movie was playing. A woman swam down from a vintage high-horsepower private submersible, holding a wine glass. Because she was laughing so hard, she accidentally spilled her wine into the seawater, staining the shirt of the male lead before her. She drunkenly swam over to help him wipe it, only to look up and see the tall, handsome man arching an eyebrow, looking as if he were enjoying the show. Then, the camera focused on her. She was draped in snow-white fur, wearing a sequined low-cut top. Her waist was slender, but her skin was as soft as tofu. A sea feather was pinned in her short black hair, and the hair at her temples curled like commas against her cheeks. Her lips were as red as blood, yet her eyes were as innocent as an angel's—a perfect interpretation of how "superficial beauty" could be breathtakingly soul-stirring.
Every starlet at the Opera House entrance today had imitated this look, but none could surpass her. The movie was titled *The Lady of Luo’ya*. It was a commercial film, not the representative work that won her the Best Actress award, but it was remembered and revisited by fans forever because the director had captured the most beautiful actress of that era at her most beautiful, and because it was filmed during the period when she was the focus of the entire Light Sea.
That was the golden age of the Burning Era. The Abyssal race was still a barbaric people. After their war of invasion ended, research into micro-particle arcanum entered a brand-new stage. Forbidden potions for racial ascension spread secretly through the black markets of the Starry Sea. The liberated slaves of the Duchy of Charybdis shed blood for the revolution. All members of the tribes on Hot Sand Island became thousands of skeletons because they possessed a treasure they couldn't protect. The grandest engagement of the era marked the beginning of a transformation in the social system. The economy and military of the Light Sea were heading toward an unprecedented peak.
The torrent of history marched forward through time. This was a boundless sea of stars; in the shadow of every star in the deep sea, a familiar name was engraved.
"Sui-yi, Xiao Yu... Ah, I’m so sorry..."
Hearing this voice from behind, Fanli didn't turn around. She simply toyed with the chopsticks in her hand and said with a smile, "Is being a mother a valid excuse for being two hours late? Pay the bill."
"Alright, alright, I’ll pay."
With that, Fengjin swam in front of her, one hand supporting her lower back and the other resting on her heavily protruding belly. Her husband, Yuyou, supported her, helping her sit down in front of Fanli. She looked up and smiled softly at him. "Thank you, dear husband!"
"Looking at that shape, it’s a son," Fanli remarked.
Yuyou sat down beside Yujin, consciously playing deaf and mute to avoid intruding on the women's conversation, and began chatting with Yujin about recent work.
"Don't!!" Fengjin cried out, feeling provoked. "Don't curse me. This was an accidental pregnancy to begin with; I didn't want a child so soon. If it’s another son, it’ll be too tragic."
"If it’s a son, just have another one."
"I don't want to! Raising a bunch of kids means I won't have any time for just me and my husband." Fengjin poked a piece of anchovy and popped it into her mouth, eating with gusto. "Since getting pregnant, my tastes have become so strange. I love fish meat more and more, whereas I used to prefer shrimp. Now I can't eat shrimp at all; it makes me feel sick... Oh, right, Sui-yi, what have you been busy with lately?"
"Still that potion research I mentioned to you."
"Deep Blue Lord... you really don't give up. It’s been over two hundred years. That research sounds like a total fantasy... Stop wasting your effort. You should think about another issue." At this point, Fengjin used a soundproofing spell and leaned in close to Fanli. "Xiao Yu originally had a better promotion opportunity in the Rift Sea, but he didn't go. He stayed in Holy Yejiana the whole time. Why do you think that is..."
Likely because she loved Yuyou so much, Fengjin was always keen on playing matchmaker for Fanli and Yujin. But Fanli didn't appreciate the gesture and deactivated the soundproofing spell. "The research is basically a success. It has entered the clinical stage."
"What?!"
Fanli smiled and placed another piece of anchovy on her plate. "The results should be verified next month. I’m going to Luo’ya in a few days for an inspection."
"Wow, that’s amazing! Then again, with Yejia helping you, it should be twice the result with half the—"
Just then, a tall man sat down beside them. He was the same as ever: his white hair combed back, his face handsome and deep as if carved from stone. Wherever he went, he was met with bowed heads, humility, salutes, and endless flattery. But at this moment, he took a lower posture, leaning forward to say to Fengjin, "Continue your chat, don't mind me. I was just passing by and thought I’d check on you all."
"'Just' passing by? 'Thought' you'd check?" Fengjin gave Fanli a very playful look.
He looked Fanli up and down, feigning surprise. "Sui-yi, what a coincidence, you’re here too? You look beautiful today. How have you been lately?"
Fanli saw through his little trick instantly. She rolled her eyes and said listlessly, "I’m doing great. How are your eighty-nine children?"
"They’re all fine, all fine." He laughed brightly yet awkwardly.
At that moment, a waiter swam over and handed him the receipt for the bill he had already paid, whispering, "Prince Gath, the rare bluefin tuna you ordered might take a little while. Only the head chef knows how to prepare this dish, and he’s off today. He’s on his way here now."
"Still on his way?" Hitian commanded coldly. "Tell him to hurry up!"
"Yes... yes..."
Hitian took the receipt and, without even looking at it, said to Fanli, "Next week on Holy Day, are you free? I’ll take you to see the finals of the Holy Yejiana Grand Prix. Front row seats."
Fanli curled her lips into a deadpan smile, politely indicating she found it hilarious. "Take your sixty wives and eighty-nine children. Is the front row enough for all of them?"
"There aren't sixty, and they aren't wives—just ex-girlfriends. I’ve only ever had one wife: you."
"Whatever, it doesn't matter..."
Since Fanli’s return, Hitian’s "Hundred-Child Production Plan" had ceased. After Su Shiye disappeared, he had completely cut ties with the fifty-six mothers of his children, making it clear he would only provide money to raise them and nothing else. Fanli thought it was a bit of a waste to discard such a large harem, but she had no standing to stop him. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before he began frequently courting her, expressing a desire to remarry. At first, Fanli’s rejections were polite and cautious, but after being pestered too much, she simply couldn't be bothered to deal with him.
"I know you can't forget Su Shiye for the time being, but I will wait for you. This time I have plenty of patience and I’m serious. I won't lose you again," Hitian had once said.
"Hitian, you are quite excellent and handsome, but I feel absolutely no spark with you. In my eyes, there are only two kinds of men in the world: Su Shiye and everyone else. So, I’m sorry, please give up on this idea."
The frustrating part was that Hitian actually loved being rejected. In his view, the more devoted Fanli was to Su Shiye, the more devoted she would be to him once he finally won her over. He would even fantasize about her saying to others, "There are only two kinds of men in the world: Hitian and everyone else," becoming intoxicated by the thought. He had a unique, closed-loop logic; no matter what Fanli said, he only believed what he wanted to believe, making his pursuit even more relentless.
Now that Fanli no longer participated in political struggles, Hitian’s power advantage was useless against her. So, following his usual routine, Hitian began to urge her again: "When will you resume your work as the Great High Priestess? The Light Sea needs you."
Fanli leaned her head on her hand, not wanting to speak. Yujin cleared his throat. "Brother Hitian, Sister Fanli wants to rest. Don't make her too tired."
"She can just hold the title when she returns to work. I won't let her get tired."
"Let her do what she loves. To love her is to respect her, isn't it?"
"No one in the entire Light Sea knows how to respect Goddess Sui-yi better than I do."
Faced with this cosmic-level arrogance, Fanli felt like she was suffocating. Just as she was thinking of an excuse to leave, she received a call from Yejia.
"Sui-yi, come to Luo’ya quickly," Yejia said.
"Why..." Fanli paused, then suddenly looked up. "It succeeded?"
"You’ll know when you get here."
"I’m coming right now." Fanli stood up immediately, waved to her four friends, and continued talking to Yejia as she hurried away.
Fengjin watched Fanli’s receding figure and sighed. "Sui-yi being so devoted is quite a headache. Even if the experiment succeeds, so what? Her lifespan is so long; in the end, won't she just end up a widow again?"
"Stop worrying about other people's business. You’re about to give birth," Yuyou said with feigned sternness.
"I’ll go arrange a vessel for her right now." Hitian, never missing an opportunity to please her, threw the thought of the tuna—which cost enough to buy a small apartment—to the back of his mind and vanished in a flash.
"Hitian really is... Ugh, I can't watch this." Fengjin clicked her tongue in distaste, then looked at Yujin. "Xiao Yu, do you have the patience to wait another thousand or two thousand years?"
"I don't feel like I’m waiting for anything," Yujin said calmly. "I promised Sister Fanli that I would always stay by her side, and I will keep my word."
"That’s a good mindset. I knew I didn't misjudge you," Fengjin said with a smile.
Hitian did not succeed in currying favor with his goddess. Fanxing happened to call to check on his mother, and upon learning she was going to Luo’ya, he immediately arranged everything for her.
After returning home to pack her luggage, Fanli saw several diamond boxes in an old trunk. She suddenly remembered how she had once joked with Fengjin that she was a "diamond collector."
The first box contained a deep blue diamond, 130 carats, engraved: *To my wife. The Burning Era, Gath Hitian.*
The second box contained a pink diamond, 170 carats, engraved: *Sui-yi, my love, may you be with me for the rest of our lives. Moer Heiqiao.*
The third box contained a pure red diamond, 100 carats, engraved: *Goddess Sui-yi, it is my honor to marry you. Shao’an.*
But she didn't open any of those. She only opened a box that was somewhat worn from being opened so many times. Inside, there was no ring, only a diamond. It was a colorless, top-grade diamond from the Red Moon Sea, 160 carats. The giver was her last husband, the only man she had ever loved.
There were many regrets between them. For her, the greatest regret was that she had never fully understood him.
As for why he died, she had asked everyone, searching everywhere like a madwoman for an answer, but found nothing. He must have done it intentionally, leaving not a single clue. But she believed that Su Shiye still had her in his heart.
It was just that, in the end, Deep Blue was far more important to him than she was.
She reached out and gently stroked the surface of the diamond, but she couldn't touch the inscription inside—just as, in the deep-sea iceberg over two hundred years ago, she could only touch his palm through the ice.
Human emotion is a terrifying thing; the "happiness value" always has a constant baseline. No matter how joyful an event—even winning the lottery—after a period of excitement, one returns to their original level. Similarly, no matter how painful an event, after a period of grief, one returns to the starting point.
After the "Dream Agate" project was terminated, Fanli spent three years in agonizing grief before she adjusted her state and threw herself into new research. She didn't find herself unable to go on, as she had once feared. Life simply continued as usual.
She had thought her bottom line was being in the same world as him but not together. Yet now, she could calmly face the fact that he had left.
When facing a man like Su Shiye, she was always able to let her bottom line retreat further and further.
Now she thought that the memories of Su Shiye were all the oxygen and hope in her emotional world. They didn't need to be together day and night; the memories were enough to sustain her for a lifetime.
Having only memories was also quite good.
A few years ago, Fengjin told her that if she wanted to start dating again, she should remember to annul her marriage certificate. But opening that old version of the Abyssal Empire marriage certificate from over a thousand years ago and seeing "Husband: Su Shiye, Wife: Fanli," along with their respective ID numbers and dates of birth, Fanli had no intention of looking forward.
She was Su Shiye’s wife. She was then, she was now, and she would be in the future. Nothing would change just because he had died.
Su Shiye was quite ruthless. Later, Chihong had come to find her, complaining angrily that he had been played by Su Shiye—Su Shiye had promised him that once he helped complete the "Dream Agate" project, he would be released from his bonds and possess the full power of a god.
"Damn it, that Ether Lord fellow left me hanging and went off to die. What’s the difference between me and those thirty-six useless things in Soul-Devouring Valley now!" Chihong had roared in fury.
"I don't think what he did was bad. If he had given you the power of a god, you probably would have destroyed the Earth immediately," Fanli said calmly.
"Who said I’d destroy the Earth? Turning a sea of water into a sea of fire is destroying the Earth? Who gave you the nerve to think the Sea Race is the only way? To be honest, I’ve stayed at the bottom of the sea for billions of years. I thought you could make something of yourself, but in the end, it’s still such a terrible and unfair world. So, I wanted to destroy everything to build it anew. What’s wrong with that?"
"Oh? Then are you prepared to sacrifice yourself?"
"Why should I sacrifice myself?"
"Absolute, dominant power is meant for sacrifice for the weak. Only in a place without life is there no unfairness. In the world you rebuild, can there be no life?"
"Deep Blue, I have to hand it to you. You’ve sacrificed enough for this broken world."
"I am not Deep Blue. Deep Blue is long gone."
"But you are the most like her."
"That is because we are both mothers. You are a man; you don't understand a mother's feelings."
"Can you even use that metaphor? Stop joking, Deep Blue and I are both genderless."
"But her essence was like a woman's."
"Hahaha, true enough. Sigh, you aren't Deep Blue after all; you’re going to die eventually. When you die, I’m really going to be lonely."
"Then do you think there’s a big difference between 430 million years and a few hundred years?"
"A big one." Chihong thought for a moment, then added, "And yet, no difference at all."
The meaning of life lies in its depth, not its length. Fanli often wondered: the descendants of the Ancestral Gods lived for tens of thousands of years—was their life dozens of times more meaningful than that of an Oceanid? Didn't they also do the same things day after day?
The descendants of the Ancestral Gods were to the Oceanids as humans were to ants. Was a human's life more meaningful than an ant's? Both repeated the same cycles of mating and slaughter.
Due to personnel changes, Yejia had returned to work at Luo’ya University over the past two years. Therefore, the clinical trial portion of the "Mimic Life Extension" was also completed at Luo’ya.
Three days later, Fanli returned to the Red Moon Sea. Yujin came with her. They immediately rushed to the laboratory at Luo’ya University and met Yejia. Fanli asked urgently, "How is it? Can he speak? Is his physiology normal?"
"He can, and his lifespan has been extended, but... it might not be the state you wanted." Yejia picked up a dull pearl from the table and handed it back to Fanli.
"What do you mean?!"
"He doesn't have the memories of the original Ether body."
"Oh, you scared me. I thought something was wrong..." Fanli patted her chest and put the pearl back into her bag. "I know. How could a life pearl from the Mimic Starry Sea bring back Su Shiye’s memories? I’m not that greedy."
"It’s good that you know." Yejia let out a sigh, looked at Yujin, then at Fanli. "I think you two should change back to the forms he’s familiar with before seeing him. He might find it easier to accept. But no matter what, don't tell him the truth—that he is just a mimic lifeform. That would be too cruel."
"Okay."
They had long been prepared. Fanli took out a transformation potion and drank it, while Yujin used arcanum to turn back into a child.
"Ah, what a nostalgic face, my commoner little fairy. Little Yujin is also so cute." Yejia laughed for a long while, pushed up his glasses, swam to the door of the clinical lab, and pulled it open. "He’s inside. Go on."
Fanli and little Yujin looked at each other, took a deep breath, and swam to the door. "Xinghai, I’m here."
But no one answered.
"Xinghai?" Fanli blinked.
"Brother Xinghai?"
Still no answer.
Little Yujin extended his short arms, blocking Fanli’s path. He flicked his small tail and swam in cautiously to investigate. Fanli and Yejia followed. But there was no one inside.
"What happened?" Yejia was stunned for a moment, then looked down at the door handle inside. It had been twisted and broken. He slapped his forehead hard. "I forgot, this kid is of the Shark tribe. Just locking the door isn't enough; I should have used arcanum to keep it shut."
"Let’s go, we have to find him quickly. Otherwise, he’ll definitely be terrified facing the future world," little Yujin said.
Then, the three of them rushed out of the building, calling Xinghai’s name as they searched the university campus for him.
In Luo’ya University, besides the vibrant seaweed, there were also moon jellies, the most common sight in midsummer. They gathered in large clusters, forming a transparent cherry-blossom pink. Everywhere they passed, it seemed even the seawater was dyed pink. It was a good season; copepods were still abundant. In a while, the plankton would decline, and the moon jellies would also decrease significantly until they vanished entirely.
These beautiful creatures had short lifespans, but they weren't sad because of it. Instead, they pulsed up and down, each becoming a serene and elegant ballet dancer, performing a moving dance for the few students on campus for summer classes.
For some reason, even though everything had nothing to do with that man, Fanli still thought of him, just as she had for the past 214 years.
She took out her communicator and realized she had missed several calls. Fortunately, it was still glowing. She quickly answered.
"Lili?"
Hearing the boy's voice, Fanli froze.
It was strange yet familiar, distant yet right before her.
"Lili? Is that you?"
Fanli’s eyes widened, but she showed no other expression. "...It’s me."
"Did I stay in 'suspended death' a bit too long this time?" Xinghai said with some concern. "Why am I at Luo’ya? Did you bring me here for treatment?"
"It wasn't just a few days. Where are you?"
"In the coin-operated communication booth at the school gate."
"Wait for me, I’m coming." Fanli swam toward the school gate as if her soul had left her body.
"Not a few days? Then how long has it been?"
"It’s been a very, very long time..." Fanli shook her head. "But it doesn't matter. You haven't missed anything good. The Light Sea has become very good now. I’ll explain everything to you in detail later..."
"That’s great. What a shame—my memory is still stuck in yesterday's happiness."
It really was him. He was back.
This was him in his youth—flawless, untainted, without any memories of darkness or sorrow. He was the most perfect of the countless shadows of him in her memory.
Meanwhile, the version of him that was full of flaws, charismatic, cold, fragile, irritable, and helpless had vanished from this world forever.
"It’s okay. This is good enough," Fanli said with a smile.
*Brother, do you still remember our memories from when we were young?*
*Right now, I am swimming toward your youth.*
Finally, she knew that the meaning of life lay in its depth, not its length.
She finally had the chance to enjoy a peaceful life with him again. Compared to the moment of final, brief parting, Xinghai’s extended life was already very long and very luxurious. She could no longer see the most complete version of him, but she could see the most perfect version of him. That was already more than enough.
Little Yujin swam beside Fanli. He looked up at her, and in an instant, many stories from their school days came back to him. Then, he remembered a conversation he had with the Abyssal Emperor on a moonlit night over two hundred years ago, while walking in the Dream Palace.
"Xiao Yu, Lili’s personality isn't what you see." Su Shiye nodded slightly, looking at the narrow path ahead with a faint smile on his face. "She only wants to show you the side she wants you to see. To everyone else, she is a goddess—perfect, wise, strong, and steady. In reality, she’s very pampered. When she loses her temper, she’s completely unreasonable, and she’s so sensitive that sometimes her 'acting out' is enough to drive one mad. But she’s also incredibly cute and knows how to act spoiled. You really just can't do anything with her."
"Since you love her so much, why not stay with her for these last few days? Your Majesty clearly knows she loves you too, yet you choose to hurt her like this. I really don't understand."
"It is precisely because I know she loves me that I must do this. If she didn't love me this much and could withstand the blow of losing me, I would have chosen to say goodbye to her peacefully. Unfortunately, she can't. If I let her see my good side until the very last moment, I’m afraid she would spend the rest of her life alone."
"Your Majesty..."
"Although I don't want to be forgotten by her, I hope she forgets me."
Yujin turned those words over in his mind, feeling a massive shock to his heart. For a long time, he couldn't say a word.
"She and I haven't had the best luck; our happy times were always so brief. Sigh... forget it. No matter the circumstances, I want her to be happy." Su Shiye stopped and turned to look at Yujin. "Xiao Yu, I’ve only told you the full story."
"I won't tell anyone. This secret will stay with me until I die."
"No." Su Shiye paused. "What I mean is, I am entrusting her entirely to you. You don't need to worry about her living situation; I’ve handled all of that. Even if she stops working, Lili and Fanxing will provide her with more than enough material security. If she encounters difficulties in the Light Sea, Huange and Aize will take care of her needs in Bamanboya. But emotionally... only when a man loves and pampers her exclusively will she find complete happiness. I am giving this task to you."
It was a humid seaside night. The bright moon was a curved blade, showing no sorrow. The water-red proteas were in bloom, their fragrance drifting through the moon-soaked air. Su Shiye’s stray hairs were whiter than pigeon feathers. He stood with his back to the clear light, leaving the darkness to himself, but his eyes and earrings were like golden springs or resilient beacon fires in the desert, overflowing with deep stories.
Yujin looked at him in shock, unable to believe this was the same man who was once so possessive. "Your Majesty Su Shiye..."
"I’m quite terrible; I’m always making her cry. I hope you can make her laugh more. Can you do that?"
"Why... why me..." Yujin’s eyes grew red. "The person she loves is you."
"There are many ways to love someone. 'Being together' is just one of them. You’ll understand in the future." At this point, Su Shiye gave a meaningful smile. "Xiao Yu, you aren't young anymore. You should understand—as long as you are good to Lili, her son and daughter will remember it."
Yujin understood the meaning behind those words. Fanxing and Yili now held great power. As long as they "remembered his kindness," they would fully support his career and provide a platform for his future far higher than that of an ordinary clan scion, directly elevating the comprehensive strength of the Rift Sea within the Light Sea.
Su Shiye was still the same Su Shiye—a typical politician, old and cunning. When asking someone for a favor, he always gave full trust and full benefits. This was why the people around him were so convinced and loyal.
However, these words didn't make Yujin happy. Instead, he felt insulted and somewhat angry. "Please don't say such things, Your Majesty! Even if Sister Fanli were an ordinary woman, I would still take good care of her! If you want to use benefits to exchange for my kindness toward her, then please look elsewhere!"
As if he had expected this response, Su Shiye wasn't surprised at all. He laughed happily. "Good, very good. The fact that you think this way proves that Brother Xinghai didn't choose the wrong person."
Yujin grew even angrier.
*Why, even at a time like this, must he test human nature and set up schemes? Doesn't His Majesty Su Shiye find it exhausting to live like this?*
*What is he even after...*
Yujin opened his mouth to speak, but quickly raised his arm, buried his eyes in his sleeve, and turned his mouth downward, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
Su Shiye was amused by his childishness. He patted Yujin’s shoulder and let out a silent sigh. Then, he cleared his throat and said sternly, "Xiao Yu, no crying. You’re a man; you need to be strong, otherwise how will you take care of your Sister Fanli?"
"Okay, I won't cry." Yujin gritted his teeth and stood up straight, just as he had when hearing a commander's orders in the army, though tears still disobeyed and poured out. "I’m a man! I will take care of Sister Fanli!!"
...
Fanli finally swam outside the university.
Looking around, she saw the bustling square. The surrounding buildings were curved and undulating like swirling nebulae, possessing the unique artistic beauty of the Red Moon Sea. The coral reefs were as colorful as if paint had been splashed on them, unfolding a dynamic tapestry across the city. A massive city-circling blue whale swam slowly overhead, casting a cloud-like shadow over them.
Returning to the gates of Luo’ya University after more than 1,700 years, everything felt both real and illusory.
Not seeing Xinghai, Fanli took her communicator out of her bag, intending to wait for his call. But then, little Yujin shouted toward someone behind her, "Ah, Brother Xinghai!"
Before Fanli could turn around, a pair of hands reached from behind and rested on her wrists, gently embracing her. Those hands were long and slender, and the voice of their owner was clear and pleasant.
"Lili, I found you."
The boy named Xinghai expressed his love and gratitude in the shallow summer bay.
Everything seemed like a coincidence, yet also like destiny.
Over two hundred years ago, there was also a man who gazed at the sea of stars, giving thanks for their 430 million years.
*The End of "Her 430 Million Years" (Fanxing Edition).*
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Her 4.3 Billion Years | Chapter 128 | Echoes of the Deep | Novela.app | Novela.app
