After the Red Moon Festival holiday began, Fanli and Dangdang entered the mimetic currents. They were swept from one station to the next by the waves, taking in the beautiful sights of the ocean and meeting many interesting travelers. Although it was already evening by the time they reached Geyamaiti, they didn't feel like any time had been wasted.
As the most economically backward sea region, Geyamaiti lived up to Fanli’s expectations; even the transport vessels were the oldest cable-stayed models. Jolting along through the city, one could easily fall into the illusion of riding a train through an old Eastern European town.
However, the most peculiar thing was the "Sailboat Hotel" Dangdang had booked.
To be precise, this "Sailboat Hotel" was more literal than the one in Dubai. They were actually a row of small sailboats moored together by iron chains, and the guests' accommodations were inside the cabins. Because the cabins were only a meter above the sea's surface, one could poke their head out and go for a swim whenever they liked—this was its selling point.
But the floor space of these cabin rooms was also the smallest Fanli had ever seen in her life: after entering, turning left meant lying on the bed, and turning right also meant lying on the bed. Facing the window was the mirror for washing up. One didn't even need to swim a single stroke during the entire process.
The two of them squeezed in miserably, stowing their luggage under the bed. Dangdang lay down while Fanli sat on the edge, flipping through a travel brochure for the Resurrection Sea.
"I used to think our house was the smallest, shabbiest place in the entire Light Sea, but I didn't expect to find a new rock bottom! This is impressive!" Dangdang rolled over and let out a "Wow" toward the skylight.
"But the starry sky is nice, isn't it?" Fanli said with a smile, not looking up.
"Yes!! Twelve De a night is still a bargain!"
Fanli smiled but didn't reply, continuing to read the brochure. Dangdang was enthusiastic about the travel arrangements, but she had gotten many of the routes wrong. Fanli had to redesign the plan, which would also save them about nine Fu.
"Uh, what is this..." Dangdang suddenly reached out to touch a reddish-orange mass on the wall. Finding it thick and elastic, she jerked her hand back. "Wow, this place is so unhygienic."
"An Elephant Ear Sponge?" Fanli swam over and removed it. She found it had a large opening at the top, a mesh-like structure of sponge fibers, and a goby fish resting on it. "These are quite common in shallow waters. It seems it mistook this place for a reef."
"I've seen them countless times and only knew they were sponges. You never even go out, so how can you name it instantly? Is this the magic of a Double-S top student..."
Before she could finish, Fanli’s ear fins suddenly stood erect. she covered Dangdang’s mouth with her hand. "Do you feel that?"
Dangdang shook her head, looking bewildered.
Fanli first felt a slight vibration deep within her ear fins. After a few seconds of silence, this micro-vibration spread to her body. Her swim bladder felt as if it were being vibrated by a hard object, as if it might rupture at any moment. She released the gas in her bladder, letting her body sink slightly, but the vibration did not disappear. Although this was her first time experiencing such a sensory warning, her physical instincts and her book knowledge told her that this vibration came from a massive undersea earthquake. It would damage a sea race's auditory cells and swim bladder. And if the vibration intensified, it would cause...
"Not good. A tsunami is coming." Fanli pushed the door open and pulled Dangdang out without a word. "We need to get down, fast."
"Ah!!! A tsunami?!" Dangdang’s eyes nearly popped out of her head in terror. She clung to Fanli’s neck with both hands, sticking to her like a remora on a shark. She held Fanli so tightly that Fanli could barely swim.
Sixteen minutes later, Fanli and Dangdang swam into the city center of Geyamaiti.
Sure enough, the tsunami arrived.
The movement of the seabed rocks transformed into water currents, churning a vast area of the Resurrection Sea. On the surface, giant waves traveling at eight hundred kilometers per hour pushed forward frantically, acting like a liquid bulldozer. They carried marine sediments—coral, seagrass, shells, dead fish, crustaceans, and more—slamming them onto the coast.
In the dimension of the Light Sea, the waves carried building debris; in the land dimension, the wreckage of human ships was pushed onto the roofs of island houses.
But regardless of the space, the destructiveness of a tsunami was fierce.
The deeper they dove, the smaller the impact of the tsunami became, but the citizens of Geyamaiti were still disturbed. To them, the waves were like a violent gale. Pedestrians on the street who were physically weaker clung to lampposts to prevent being swept away, their tails fluttering like national flags. On the lampposts in the busy districts, rows of citizens hung on—colorful and looking very much like fish-shaped bunting.
Fanli and Dangdang also gripped the edge of a building to avoid being washed away.
"Who was it that patted their chest when we left and said they'd already checked the weather forecast?" Fanli said helplessly.
"Waaaah, I might have misread it... I really did look!"
"I'll handle the preparations for the next trip," Fanli sighed. "You just need to bring yourself."
"Wow, it's all my fault, I'm so unreliable!" Dangdang started wailing again.
But Fanli had an even worse premonition: tonight, they wouldn't just be unable to sleep on a sailboat gazing at the stars; they would likely have to sleep on the street.
After the first wave of the tsunami passed, this premonition was confirmed. No matter which hotel they went to—whether it was one they could afford or one they wouldn't normally deign to stay in—they were all full. Those that weren't full saw their IDs—one from the Storm Sea, one from the Red Moon Sea—and required them to register at the Bureau of Floating Foreign Population before they could check in.
But it was already past ten at night. No government office was open.
Amidst wave after wave of surges, Fanli and Dangdang swam aimlessly toward the vicinity of the Resurrection Sect Divine Palace in the north of the city.
The architectural style here was completely different from the Red Moon Sea. The Resurrection Sect Divine Palace was built of pure white basalt, appearing symmetrical and orderly from any angle. A dome sat in the center, looking somewhat like an old Sultan’s hat. The dome alone was eighty meters high; including the lower sections, it stood about one hundred and eighty-two meters tall. Compared to other buildings, it wasn't just a crane among chickens—it was a crane among mantises.
This palace perfectly reflected the culture of the Resurrection Sea, where the wealth gap was appalling. For instance, in front of it was a cluster of magnificent buildings: Double-S luxury hotels, villas for politicians, the wealthy, and the clergy, luxury shopping malls, and entertainment centers with a minimum spend of 1,000 Fu per night... Yet, just across the street was a dilapidated slum, without even a transition—if the fifty-meter-wide street didn't count as one.
The roofs of the residential houses there were broken; some were so damaged they were patched with woven seagrass awnings. There were guesthouses here, of course. Fanli and Dangdang tried one with a glimmer of hope, but they didn't have a single vacancy.
They tried the one next door. Just as they approached the front desk, a fat man swam over, bumped them aside, and registered first.
Fanli immediately swam over to argue with him, but a bright light shone in from outside, sweeping over everyone. Fanli only gave it a casual glance, but Dangdang stared outside: a deep blue, elongated private vessel had pulled up. Cordon lines were being set up. Several slaves serving the Resurrection Sect Divine Palace laid out carpets before the hatch, simply because they heard the high-ranking individual inside preferred to walk in a terrestrial manner.
Then, a man stepped out. He reached out to put on the garment his attendant draped over him and strode toward the Resurrection Sect Divine Palace, followed by a group of Holy City Red Guards.
"How can you be so unreasonable?" Fanli didn't have the energy to see what great figure had arrived. She just kept nagging the fat man. "My friend and I were clearly here first. Besides, aren't you a citizen of the Resurrection Sea? You can stay in many places, so why must you snatch this one from us?"
"Because this place is cheap! You were too slow yourself, and you have the nerve to blame me? Scum of the Storm Party, get out of Geyamaiti!"
"Are you playing the regional prejudice card now? Do you represent the entire Resurrection Sea? Are you against the Storm Party or the Holy City Party? Come, let's sit down and chat. When we're done, I'll relay your 'representative' speech to your government."
"Damn it, don't you go labeling me! I got this spot by my own ability, why should I give it to you?!"
"Then why couldn't you speak properly instead of dragging political parties into it?" Fanli was getting angry, her voice more commanding than his. "We are all ordinary citizens. Why would you say I'm from the Storm Party..."
"You're from the Storm Sea, so how are you not Storm Party!"
Before Fanli could speak, a deep voice suddenly came from behind them: "This young lady is of the Holy City Party. I can testify to that."
"You can testify! Who do you think you are? Su Shiye? If you want to testify, then tes—" The fat man rolled his eyes and turned around with a mocking look toward the door, then froze.
It really was Su Shiye.
The entire room turned to stone.
"Miss Fanli," Su Shiye turned back and gave Fanli a slight smile. "I didn't expect to run into you here."
Su Shiye ordered his men to help Fanli and Dangdang book rooms at the luxury hotel next door and brought them to the living room of his own suite.
"It must have been uncomfortable hanging onto a lamppost. Rest here for a while. Once they have the rooms ready, they'll come to take you over." Su Shiye took off his cloak and tossed it aside; it automatically drifted through the water to a corner and hung itself neatly on a red coral rack.
Dangdang had long been dumbstruck. she just stared wide-eyed at Fanli, her silent gestures screaming, *What on earth is happening?!* Fanli glanced back at her, her gaze roughly meaning, *Put away your curiosity for now and focus on answering the Dictator,* but Dangdang clearly didn't understand.
"Lord Su Shiye, how do you know Lili?"
Fanli slapped her own forehead. She desperately wanted to cover Dangdang’s mouth to prevent Su Shiye from thinking about his troublesome sister again.
But Su Shiye didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled and pointed to the refrigerator. "I had the honor of encountering Miss Fanli at Miss Bubble’s wedding. She is a very interesting girl." The refrigerator opened automatically, and three wine bottles drifted over through the water. Three glasses, an ice bucket, and a pile of ice cubes were arranged before him one after another.
Both Dangdang and Fanli were stunned by this arcane ability that rivaled stage magic. But Dangdang shook her head and then nodded. "Yes, yes, yes! Our Lili is interesting and smart. Her entrance exam score was a Double-S!"
"I have heard." Su Shiye poured the wine into the glasses and looked up at them. "Can you drink?"
"Is this... alcohol?" Seeing him nod, Fanli swam forward a bit, leaned down, and looked at the glass. "Did you put a binding agent in it? The wine isn't flowing out."
"Miss Fanli, you've learned quite a bit lately. However, there is no binding agent in here. Adding that would ruin the mellow flavor." Su Shiye pointed at the glass; the wine inside swirled. "I am controlling it with Arcane arts."
Fanli remembered clearly that most alcohol in the sea was brewed from angiosperms, with raw materials usually taken from Neptune grass, eelgrass, fringe-weed, and so on, so they were generally green or yellow. But the wine Su Shiye was drinking looked like terrestrial grape wine.
"Lord Su Shiye, is this brewed from land fruits?"
"Yes, grapes."
"Grape wine is quite rare." Su Shiye was certainly trendy. Currently, terrestrial grape wine was only popular in the French regions.
"No one in the sea drinks this; only humans like it. Actually, there are many imported land foods in the sea that everyone enjoys. But for some reason, grape wine just won't catch on. It's not a matter of price; some Sea Gods specifically like to buy expensive things."
"Is it because the raw materials aren't marine?"
"How so?"
"Humans like fruit wine because their primate ancestors liked the taste of ripe fruit; they evolved that food preference mechanism. But the sea race isn't used to eating fruit, nor do we have the habit of sitting under fruit trees to eat produce. So, compared to grape wine, perhaps seaweed wine is more likely to trigger our appetite instincts."
"That makes a lot of sense." Su Shiye nodded thoughtfully. "According to you, a love for alcohol and gluttony are essentially the same. I suppose I am a man of indulgence then. I like not only the wines of the sea but those of the land as well."
"Ah, I didn't mean it that way..."
"I'm teasing you." Su Shiye chuckled. He stood up to introduce the three wines to them. "This one is brewed from Black Pearl grapes; it has a heavy scent of ripe, dark-red fruit. This one is made from raisins, with a bit of lemon and spice added—it's on the sweeter side... And this one is my favorite, a red grape variety, pungent and powerful, with heavy notes of olives and dried fruit. Its name isn't quite fitting, though: 'Profane Love'."
"Why is it unfitting?" Fanli tilted her head.
"With such a pungent and intense flavor, 'Deep Love' would be more appropriate."
Fanli, however, felt "Profane Love" was quite fitting. Strong alcohol made one drunk easily; upon waking, one felt nothing but a headache. This was very much like those passionate but fruitless romances—if there is no result, if it's not for the sake of marriage but just for fun, it is a profanation of sacred love. In contrast, a light wine that can be drunk long-term and with a clear head is more like what true love should be.
But her interpretation of love was something Xinghai might understand, while Su Shiye certainly wouldn't. So, she didn't voice her thoughts.
"You can also try a blend." Su Shiye poured two types of wine together. His long fingers tapped twice beneath the glass, and the liquid inside swirled. Ice cubes dropped in, and a piece of seaweed drifted over to tuck into the rim.
"Lord Su Shiye, you even know how to mix drinks! You're so amazing!!" Dangdang held her face in her hands like a fangirl. Compared to Fanli’s first meeting with Su Shiye, she was even more starstruck.
"It really is... the color is wonderful." Fanli stared at Su Shiye’s glass as if looking at an exhibit. "It makes one really want to drink it."
"Want a taste?" Su Shiye glanced at her.
"Sure!"
Just as Fanli reached for the glass, Su Shiye pressed his hand over hers. "Wait."
The moment his fingers touched the back of her hand, she jerked back as if struck by lightning. Feeling that her reaction was too exaggerated, she put her hand back. This "guilty conscience" behavior made things even more awkward.
Fortunately, Su Shiye didn't intend to mock her greenness. He simply continued the previous topic: "How is your tolerance?"
"It's okay. I can have two glasses."
"My tolerance is terrible!" Dangdang was also eager to try. "But it's okay, Lili will take me back!"
"Neither of you can drink much, then? Then drink sparingly."
The result was the exact opposite.
Dangdang and Su Shiye downed five full glasses together and remained as sober as if they had just woken up. Fanli took two sips and began to feel dizzy, entering a dreamlike state—what kind of wine was this? It felt several times stronger than vodka. And the intoxication was instantaneous.
But Fanli had decent self-control. Although the world had begun to spin while Su Shiye and Dangdang were talking, she still appeared very composed. However, when Dangdang asked to compete in drinking again, she firmly refused.
Later, even Su Shiye couldn't help but praise Dangdang: "You little girl, your tolerance is quite good."
"Hehe, of course I can't compare to the Dictator!" Dangdang swayed her waist shyly.
Then, a waiter knocked on the door, saying the rooms for the two ladies were ready and they could head over at any time.
Like everyone who spent time with Su Shiye, Dangdang was reluctant to leave. But Fanli knew she was reaching her limit, so she swam to the door first. Dangdang looked at Su Shiye, who said, "Dangdang, you go back to your room first. I want to have a quick word with Fanli."
Dangdang nodded and left. But Fanli didn't hear his words. Mumbling "Dangdang, wait for me," she pulled the door open to follow. But at that moment, a slender hand used its thumb, index, and middle fingers to close the door.
"Come, I have something to ask you." Su Shiye returned to the window and sat in a chair.
"Okay..."
Fanli followed him but didn't sit. She just stood by the bed.
"Sit." Su Shiye gestured toward the bed.
"Mm..." Fanli sat down cautiously, but two-thirds of her backside remained off the edge. She tried her best to keep her tail from touching the soft mattress.
The suite was vast and luxurious, so silent that only the sound of water remained. In a blue crystal tank in the corner, bubble snails with scarlet-striped shells had "lace skirts" that were transparent and glowing. There were also nautiluses, older than dinosaurs, with snail-like shells that looked like antique mollusks.
Cushioning this crystal tank was a brilliant "Geyamaiti-style" rug. The pattern inherited the traditions of the Resurrection Sea, featuring the ancient calligraphy of the Resurrection Sect Divine Palace and the image of Saifeilesi surrounded by seagrass—Saifeilesi was the oldest god of the Resurrection Sea, symbolizing the selflessness of the deep blue. This pattern was also the one on the back of the 1 Fu coin. During the mechanical age, it had served as the naval emblem of the Resurrection Sea.
"'From another perspective, it seems Su Shiye did not carry out a revolution at such a painful cost merely to oppose the land. Born into a family of military officers, he is not of grassroots origin. Making such a great sacrifice, caught between two classes and pushing himself into a dilemma, seems to require a greater motive. Furthermore, if he only wanted to oppose humans, he wouldn't need to be the Dictator himself. Promoting equality must have another reason. The thesis of this motive requires more exploration by historians and psychologists...'"
Su Shiye crossed his long legs and recited Fanli’s paper word for word. He swept a glance over her. "Tell me, why do you think I, who am not grassroots, would pretend to be?"
Fanli sobered up instantly. She desperately wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. She could only brace herself and tell the truth: "Is it to gain the following of the lower-class sea races?"
"Clever." Su Shiye narrowed his eyes, his pupil color deepening significantly. "Then... do you know the reason?"
"I don't know." Fanli pondered for a moment and said uncertainly, "I'm not sure. If I were very sure, I would have written it in the paper and wouldn't have held back."
"Interesting, truly interesting. You usually look quite gentle and harmless, but you're so serious when it comes to academics. Is it because you inherited the brain of my crazy sister?"
"Lord Su Shiye overestimates me."
"Then tell me your guess."
"Because you want to be the Dictator." Fanli paused. "But not in the way others say you want to be. You want to be the Dictator because there is another reason. I don't know that reason. Lord Su Shiye’s information isn't entirely public. For example, specific descriptions of your family of origin, childhood experiences, educational background... I only know you are a Master's graduate from the Military Arcane Department of St. Yegana University. Everything else is much more brief than that of a typical politician..."
"Since you don't understand," Su Shiye gave a shallow smile, yet it was cold as ice, "then do not be self-righteous."
Fanli was stunned. "I-I'm sorry. I just wanted to get a high grade on my paper. I didn't realize I'd caused trouble..."
"Don't do this kind of research again." Su Shiye stood up, poured her some more wine, and handed it over. "You remind me of Sui this way. You know that with Sui, I wouldn't be so tender toward the fair sex."
"Y-yes!" Fanli quickly lowered her head and bowed to him. She took the wine and drank it as a self-punishment. "I'm sorry, truly sorry."
Su Shiye also drank a glass, but it was like drinking plain water to him. His attitude softened slightly as he said softly, "Are you used to your new life?"
"It's not bad. I'm slowly adapting."
"And your life? Have you encountered any difficulties?"
"At first, I worried about money and even regretted not asking you for some." Fanli scratched her head, not wanting to trouble him. "But now everything is on the right track. Thank you for your concern, Lord Su Shiye."
"What about your school courses?"
"With Academician Sui’s brain, those aren't a problem."
"That's her only merit." Su Shiye smiled.
They chatted for a while longer about trivial topics. In Fanli’s impression, Su Shiye was purposeful and extremely efficient in everything he did, including speaking. But as they talked, he didn't seem to have a goal; it was as if he just wanted to talk to her more—of course, she knew this must be an illusion. Su Shiye was likely trying to get information out of her or checking on the condition of Sui’s physical body.
After a topic ended, there was a brief silence. Su Shiye suddenly asked, "Are you drunk?"
Fanli blinked. She didn't want to lose her composure in front of him, so she stood up and said, "No, just a bit sleepy. I think I should go back..." But her tail felt completely paralyzed by the alcohol. She couldn't muster any strength, and her body began to fall toward the floor.
With a crisp splash, Su Shiye flashed in front of her to catch her. Because the counter-force was too great, he accidentally pushed her toward the bed. But at the moment they were about to fall, fearing he might hurt her, he reacted quickly and swapped positions with her.
The bubble snails, startled, retracted into their shells.
When Fanli regained her senses, she found herself sprawled on top of Su Shiye. One of his elbows was propped back against the mattress, while his other hand was wrapped around her waist.
In an instant, his snow-white hair, beautiful lips, and fine skin were only inches away. His golden eyes widened slightly, revealing a hint of astonishment. But soon, those eyes were filled with nothing but tenderness. "You should have said so if you couldn't drink."
"I didn't dare. You're so scary... no, very strict."
"You're a girl. Don't drink casually in the future." He reached out and stroked Fanli’s hair. "Unless there is someone who can protect you."
Fanli nodded, her face flushed red.
"You look like you're inviting a kiss." Su Shiye pinched her chin and shook it gently. "Unfortunately, I don't kiss drunk women. We'll talk when you're sober."
Fanli was startled sober again. But he only helped her up. "Let's go. I'll take you back to your room."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
给亚麦提 | Geyamaiti | A city/region in the Resurrection Sea.
复活海 | Resurrection Sea | One of the sea regions.
复活宗神宫 | Resurrection Sect Divine Palace | A major religious/political landmark in Geyamaiti.
圣都红衣卫 | Holy City Red Guards | Su Shiye's elite guards.
赛菲乐司 | Saifeilesi | An ancient god of the Resurrection Sea.
亵渎的爱 | Profane Love | The name of a strong red wine.
圣耶迦那大学 | St. Yegana University | The university Su Shiye attended.
象耳海绵 | Elephant Ear Sponge | A type of marine sponge.
德 | De | A minor currency unit.
浮 | Fu | A currency unit.
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