Fan Li hadn’t even thought that far ahead. She still couldn’t believe this was real.
"It feels pretty good to have a man propose, doesn't it?" Su Shiye said with a smile.
In truth, Fan Li’s materialistic desires weren't particularly strong; the diamond had only left her dazed for a moment. Compared to the diamond, Su Shiye clearly had a more lasting impact. However, she couldn't show that she liked him, nor could she explain why she felt a flicker of happiness. She could only say, "Can I just have the diamond and not you?"
"No. I’m an added bonus that comes with the diamond—the mandatory kind. If you want the diamond, you have to take me too."
Fan Li was amused by his teasing and giggled for a long while. Whether she was happy or nervous, he simply watched her with a smile, until she became too shy to meet his gaze.
"Why have you gone quiet?" Su Shiye leaned in to observe her. "Realized you played yourself by taking the joke too far? Take your time to discuss it with Xing Hai—you can tell him that I will grant any request he has, as long as it's within my power. I’ll wait for your answer."
Fan Li knew that this time, Su Shiye was truly serious.
She read a level of determination and possessiveness in his eyes that was a hundred times stronger than before, even if he masked it with a gentle smile. Yet, he didn't do anything else out of line; he didn't even touch her hand.
His persistent concessions left her with complicated feelings. Marrying Su Shiye would be a monumental event that everyone would know about; her life would change drastically because of it.
But if she nodded and agreed, it meant Su Shiye would become her husband. They would live together...
It would be a lie to say she wasn't happy; she even felt it was as beautiful as a dream.
However, once she left Su Shiye and returned to her dormitory, the euphoria gradually faded. After thinking it through calmly, her joy turned into sorrow.
She knew that although Su Shiye’s proposal was beneficial to her, it still wasn't a one-on-one relationship. It was hard for her to accept, and she didn't believe Xing Hai would accept such an arrangement either.
The next morning, Fan Li and Xing Hai stood in line at the school cafeteria for breakfast.
"Xing Hai, I want to ask you something..." she said softly. "Do you want to achieve great things in your career in the future?"
"Of course. I still aspire to work at 'Marine Race Vessels.' If possible, I want to try again after graduation and become a department head before I’m two hundred years old."
"Then, if it were possible for you to achieve that goal right after graduation, would you accept it?"
"I don't believe in the saying that 'sugar falls from the marine snow.' There’s no such thing as a free lunch. But if there really were, who wouldn't accept it?"
"If you never had to struggle again and had more money than you could ever spend, but you had to share me with someone else... would you accept it?"
"No," Xing Hai answered without a second thought.
A boy behind them overheard and asked curiously, "What do you mean by 'more money than you could ever spend'?"
"Maybe... a few million Fu falling from the sky every year?" It was certainly more than that, but Fan Li just threw out a random number.
"I’d definitely agree! With a deal that good, anyone who refuses is a fool!"
But Xing Hai remained firm. "I won't accept it. I wouldn't accept it even for a billion. What kind of man would that make me?"
"Brother, do you have to be so rigid?" the boy laughed. "Forget a few million Fu—even with a hundred thousand Fu, you could support a dozen girls as pretty as your girlfriend. With a few million, you’d be one of the manliest men in the entire ocean."
"A man's value isn't measured by money; it's measured by his backbone. Besides, I will accumulate wealth myself; I don't need anyone's charity. It took me a long time to win Li Li over. I can barely bring myself to touch her, and I certainly won't let anyone else touch her."
The boy originally wanted to call him stupid, but after carefully considering the meaning behind Xing Hai’s words, he felt a sense of solemn respect.
"A good man. This is a good man." He patted Xing Hai’s arm and pointed at him, saying to Fan Li, "Cherish your boyfriend. He’s the real deal."
Fan Li already knew what kind of person Xing Hai was; the result was exactly as she had guessed. There had been no need to ask.
Xing Hai seemed gentle, but he actually had quite a temper and a significant streak of traditional machismo. The choice Su Shiye offered her wasn't essentially about having Xing Hai or having both; it was forcing her to choose one or the other.
Never mind a man—even as a girl, Fan Li was moved by Xing Hai’s integrity. Although Su Shiye was incredibly attractive to her—her emotions and her body were involuntarily drawn to him—could she really abandon Xing Hai just because Su Shiye was more charming, more witty, wealthier, and held a higher status?
She and Xing Hai were each other's first loves, and they had been through so much together. The reason she hadn't drunk that Reverse Spatio-temporal Soul Exchange Potion yet was entirely because of Xing Hai.
She couldn't forget the way Xing Hai’s eyes had reddened before she ascended to the Predator Race. She couldn't forget how he had followed her every step of the way after she left the medication room, looking more worried than her own parents. Xing Hai’s sense of justice, kindness, loyalty, and his "poor but proud" spirit were the things she had always loved from the bottom of her heart.
Was it truly right to give up the most important soul-love of her life just because she met someone the world deemed "better"?
Her logic and her spirit told her that choosing Xing Hai was absolutely the right thing to do.
That evening, she called Su Shiye. "Lord Archon, I’ve made up my mind... I’m sorry."
Su Shiye didn't have much of a reaction; he only gave a soft chuckle. "I guessed you were calling to say 'sorry'."
"I’m sorry. Xing Hai can't accept your proposal, and I also think a three-person relationship is absurd. Let’s just forget it."
"You don't need to be in a hurry to reject me. I didn't ask for an immediate response. Take more time to observe; just treat me as a backup."
"A backup? How is that possible... I don't want to do something so disrespectful to you, or to Xing Hai."
"You aren't being disrespectful to me. I’ve already fallen for you; I think of you day and night. If I were forced to cut contact with you entirely, I would be the one in pain. Letting me hear your voice occasionally, letting me see you—that’s much more meaningful than your 'respect'."
His voice was gentle and calm, not at all like the head of the Sea of Light. But even though he controlled his tone, she could still feel his sadness. No matter how many times she told herself she didn't like this man and took the "correct" and rational actions, her heart couldn't lie to itself. Her eyes welled with tears, and she fought to keep them from falling, struggling to make her voice sound cold. "If you had appeared earlier, or if you had told me you were serious back in the Winter-Coming Sea, the result might have been different. Now, it’s too late."
"It’s my fault."
"You aren't at fault; it’s just too late. We aren't meant to be. Let’s not contact each other anymore. Goodbye."
Without waiting for his answer, Fan Li hung up the phone. Then, she looked up at the shimmering waves. A school of threadfin butterflyfish swam past the window. They were pouting little cuties with long, triangular dorsal fins and black-and-white stripes—typical tropical fish. These fish would clean sunfish; she used to encounter them often at the cleaning company. She stared at the fish blankly, completely unaware of what was happening outside her door.
"Who were you just talking to?"
Hearing Xing Hai’s voice, Fan Li’s entire back stiffened. she turned around in a panic, her mind a blank slate. She spoke quickly by instinct, "No... no one, just a friend."
"Which friend?"
Seeing her red eyes and her lost, frantic expression, Xing Hai couldn't even bear to let her keep lying. He simply exposed the truth. "It’s that man you went to the Winter-Coming Sea with, isn't it? You’re still in contact."
"Yes... he hasn't given up." Fan Li stood up, forcing a smile. "Don't worry, I’ve already rejected him."
"I heard. You rejected him, but you have him in your heart."
"I don't. The person I love is you."
"Loving me and having him in your heart aren't mutually exclusive. If you don't like him, why did you tell him that if he had been serious then, the result would be different?"
"Xing Hai, let’s not talk about this person anymore, okay? He’s not important."
Fan Li just felt exhausted. The act of rejecting Su Shiye was draining in itself. Lying to herself was already tiring enough; she didn't want to put on a mask and lie to Xing Hai again. But Xing Hai was worked up; he swam in and stared at her. "Is he serious now?"
"Yes. But I refused."
"How ridiculous," Xing Hai sneered. "When you were single and available, he didn't cherish you. Now that you have a boyfriend, he’s suddenly serious."
"Yeah, he’s just a scumbag. So, see? I’ve already rejected him. I didn't leave him a single chance..."
"You did!" Xing Hai suddenly snapped. "The way you just spoke to him makes him feel like you still like him. If you talk like that, he won't give up."
This was the first time Xing Hai had ever lost his temper with her like this. Fan Li was a bit startled and just stared at him blankly, her heart racing. "I’m sorry, I didn't handle it well. If he contacts me again, I’ll be more firm."
"Forget it. No need." Seeing how scared she was, Xing Hai’s heart softened. He sat down and hugged her. "You still love me, right?"
"Yes. I love you, and I will always love you."
The tears she had been holding back suddenly surged out. Fan Li hugged him tightly, feeling as if her entire body had been taken apart and put back together. "It really hurts when you’re mean to me like that. Xing Hai, you aren't just the person I love; you’re the one who saved me countless times and stayed by my side when I was at my lowest. I know right from wrong, and I know how to be grateful. If you don't give up on me, I will absolutely never give up on you."
"Okay." Xing Hai tightened his embrace. "I’m sorry I was so harsh just now."
As she said these things, Fan Li felt a sharp pain in her heart the entire time. But she knew this heartache wasn't just because Xing Hai had been mean or because she felt wronged. As for the real reason, she was no longer willing to think about it.
After ten minutes, Xing Hai suddenly asked, "You’ve had so much money lately... Su Shiye gave it to you, didn't he?"
"No." Fan Li sighed, forced to come clean. "Su Yi left a large sum of money in the bank account, so I’m not short on money for the time being."
"Oh, I see."
Although the two had made up, Xing Hai became extremely tense after that day. During classes, he no longer went his separate way from Fan Li; instead, he escorted her everywhere, just as he had back in Luoya. After class, whether she was reviewing in the dorm or borrowing books from the library, he would study with her—though he spent half the time distracted, staring at her. He gave up his two part-time jobs just so he could pick her up from "Marine Race Vessels" on time. Even while she was working, he would call every two or three hours just to say a quick hello before hanging up. Whenever they saw Su Shiye on any media, he would immediately turn off the TV, throw away the newspaper, or flip the page...
Fan Li knew what Xing Hai was afraid of. But the topic was too sensitive to address directly. She simply tried her best to appear relaxed and happy, frequently thanking him for spending so much time with her.
Two weeks later, Fan Li’s team completed the research and development of a new chip technology. That same weekend, the closing ceremony of the Guanghai SS-class Racing Vessel Championship was set to take place.
Her supervisor gave Fan Li four first-class tickets. She felt incredibly flattered—these tickets were usually reserved for company executives; she hadn't expected him to be so generous. She gave one to Xing Hai and distributed the others to her girlfriends. The non-discounted price for a first-class seat was 888 Fu; receiving such a gift made her friends ecstatic once again.
Xing Hai was originally a vessel enthusiast, but this time, he didn't seem particularly happy.
Vessel racing originated in the mid-Mechanical Era. At that time, members of the Predator Race who smuggled toxins—led by Bobbit worm toxin—would put the drugs on vessels and drive their private crafts faster than police vessels. The smugglers' piloting skills were astonishing; they could fly through wild rapids. It was some of them who organized the original Sheng Yejiana Grand Prix. Two hundred years later, the first Luoya Vessel Grand Prix was officially launched. The event was thrilling, witnessing racing vessels complete 100 laps on narrow, winding urban waterways. The famous "180-degree hairpin turn" was one of the most notorious bends racers ever faced.
The first Guanghai SS-class Racing Vessel Championship was held in the year 219 of the Burning Era, a full era later than the other two, but its style and momentum had surpassed similar competitions.
On this day, over 40 high-speed racing vessels sped around the circular track for a long-distance race. No matter where one sat in the audience, the vessels blurred past in the blink of an eye. If not for the "rumbling" of the propellers, the intense sound of water, and the splashing bubbles, it would be hard to track their movement.
In the arcane 3D phantom at the center of the arena, scenes from the track were displayed in 360 degrees: the pilots sat in front of the engines, wearing blast suits, thick gloves, neck braces, and helmets. When the pilots drove into the pit stops, the fleet crews helped change the twin propellers, replenished the solar energy, and polished the helmets—everything was completed within 10 seconds. The vessel in the lead was bright red; since it was the projected winner, the organizers gave it many close-up shots...
On the subtitles below, rows of educational content scrolled by:
"The lifespan of a racing vessel's propeller is not enough to last until the end of the race."
"Pilots must wear crash helmets, and the vessels are equipped with a crash cockpit featuring a protective internal frame made of steel tubes."
"Racing vessels look very similar to everyday vessels, but they are actually high-power crafts with more than five times the power of an ordinary family vessel."
"Different propellers are equipped based on different ocean current conditions."
...
On the nearby advertising screens, the logos of various vessel companies scrolled in rotation; "Marine Race Vessels" and "Shengdu Sonic" appeared most frequently.
Over the broadcast, the raspy voice of a gender-neutral commentator was at times calm and rational, and at others passionate and soaring, staying in perfect sync with the silence and cheers of the crowd.
Fan Li was watching the race intently when she suddenly heard colleagues from another department nearby say:
"Did you hear? There’s an epic reform in the R&D department’s new F8245 arcane chip."
"I heard. Didn't they push three chips? The F8245 is Dirui’s secret weapon; he handled it all by himself. You really can't tell with people's careers—he was almost fired by the big boss in the first half of the year, and now he’s achieved such a huge success. Is this a stroke of luck?"
"Yeah, I guess that scolding from the big boss woke him up. Dirui seemed like such a 'nice guy' pushover; I didn't expect him to have such boldness. I have a whole new level of respect for him."
"I should apologize for calling him a mediocre talent before."
Hearing this, Fan Li’s heart leaped into her throat. Their project had developed three chips in total: the S482, the F8244, and the F8245. The first two were team efforts, but the F8245 was something she had developed alone through grueling effort, without anyone else's involvement. During her research, her supervisor, Dirui, had told her that they would primarily promote the first two, and if the upper management was interested in the F8245, they would give it a big push. After that, he had given her a promotion and a raise. Even if the credit had to be under the team's name, it should have been the whole team, not the supervisor alone.
"Excuse me," Fan Li leaned in and whispered, "I’m part of that team. This matter has always been a secret—how did you find out?"
"The big boss was there at the opening ceremony, and Dirui went public with everyone. Your boss is really something."
Fan Li finally knew why her supervisor hadn't let her come to the race that day.
For the past two months, she had worked herself to death with overtime and all-nighters, tearing up over seven hundred design drafts. To select the lightest monocrystalline silicon ingots, she had specifically devoured 19 books on crystalline silicon wafers. She had personally overseen the packaging, testing, and screening of the first finished product, running between the company and the factory until her tail was nearly exhausted.
And now, this bastard boss who did nothing but swim around with a string of shrimp meat all day had just taken all the credit for himself?!
"Li Li, what’s wrong?" Xing Hai leaned in and asked.
"Nothing."
She didn't want anyone to see her expression right now, especially Xing Hai, because she knew it was probably ugly enough to be a meme. However, Xing Hai never missed her slight shifts in emotion. He stared at her, seemingly infected by her anger, and said seriously, "Did something happen?"
"It’s nothing. I’m going to step out for a moment."
Fan Li left her seat and swam out of the arena in one breath. The race was at its peak, and the cheers inside and outside the venue were almost indistinguishable.
Fan Li let out a cry of frustration, but her chest remained tight with unvented rage.
Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded behind her.
"It seems our Li Li is smart, but perhaps a bit too naive and defenseless. How could you hand over your research results directly to a colleague?"
She turned around to see Su Shiye.
Fan Li bowed to him, stunned. "How did you know?"
"I was sitting four rows in front of you. I heard everything."
"Dirui isn't my colleague; he’s my supervisor," Fan Li said with a bitter smile.
"A supervisor is also a colleague, and one you must guard against. You need to realize that what was stolen from you wasn't the credit for ordering takeout, printing documents, or cleaning the office—it was a research achievement that could be patented. Before handing drawings to a supervisor, sign your name, submit them to the R&D management department, and send a backup to the company headquarters. Basic common sense."
"You’re right. I lack common sense. I’m just a bookworm."
"It’s fine. I like bookworms. Send all your drawings and materials from this period to the White Eagle Palace. I’ll handle it for you."
"No," Fan Li said resistantly. "If I let the Archon step in for such a small matter, how will I ever survive in the company?"
"I wouldn't personally intervene in something like this, you little silly," Su Shiye smiled slightly. "Don't be upset over this. No one can be an expert in everything. Only someone like you, who doesn't focus on interpersonal politics, can truly produce results. In the future, no matter what work you do, leave the 'political' parts to me."
"But I’d feel bad owing you so many favors. I’ll go back and reflect on this properly."
"This isn't about owing me favors, Li Li. It’s that I need you. In the near future, the Sea of Light will face the greatest transformation in its history, and there will be an extreme shortage of talent. Which is to say, I will desperately need you. For now, just focus on your studies, do your research, and make the most of your talent. That will be your repayment to me."
"The greatest transformation?"
"Yes. Many people will be reborn. It will be a brand-new era, an era where the Marine Race truly moves toward equality for all."
Su Shiye still used his habitual way of speaking, only mentioning the pleasant parts. The other side of "many people will be reborn" was "many people will die," which he would never say out loud.
Fan Li really wanted to know what Su Shiye planned to do. But she understood that if Su Shiye wanted her to know, he would tell her. So, she simply nodded.
"I’ll do my best to resolve your issue. If it can't be resolved, I’ll just have Marvin place Xing Hai in your company. Although being a 'parachuted' hire might draw criticism, it’s better than it affecting your studies. For now, study your Life Arcanology and Potions well, understood?"
"Okay..."
"Although a woman focused on her career is most beautiful, you still need to rest." Su Shiye moved closer and touched her lower eyelid. "You have dark circles."
Fan Li backed away a bit.
"I’m sorry. I was just expressing concern; I didn't intend to overstep. You’ve already rejected me, I know. But I will continue to wait for you."
"Don't wait. I love Xing Hai."
"Rejecting me is your freedom; liking you and waiting for you is mine," Su Shiye smiled faintly. "I hope Miss Fan Li won't interfere with my freedom."
After returning to the dorm, Fan Li rummaged through her things and pulled out all her recent work drawings, organizing them chronologically. She ended up busy until past eleven at night.
Xing Hai had arrived at some point. He leaned lightly against the windowsill with his arms crossed, remaining silent for a long time. Fan Li looked up at him, stood, and swam over to hug him, but he avoided her.
"Today is the weekend," Xing Hai said coldly.
"Exactly. Shouldn't a weekend have a sweet hug? Come in." Fan Li tilted her head and smiled, trying to hug him again, but he avoided her once more.
"On past weekends, we would always do things together."
"Ah, you mean because I’m busy with this..." Fan Li looked back at the drawings. "I was just tidying up and lost track of time... This is only temporary; it won't be like this next week."
"Li Li, haven't you noticed?" Xing Hai’s smile held no warmth. "Su Shiye is a better fit for you now."
"What nonsense are you talking about..." Fan Li looked at him in disbelief. "Don't involve a third person in our relationship. The person I love is you. I know that."
"Love is meaningless. For a man, ability is everything. Whatever you want, the Archon can give you. Money, status, a bright future—he can provide it all. And what can I give you? A broken card and a worthless life. You say you love me, but you know in your heart that you and he are a match made in heaven."
It felt like ten thousand arrows piercing her heart.
"Do you have to hurt each other like this?" Fan Li’s eyes were red, but she still wore a stubborn expression. "Why did I take the 'Styx Heart'? Why did I stay and choose not to return to the human world? Now, just because our lives have had some small changes, you’re going to erase our most precious past? Are you still the boy I love?"
"I’m not." Xing Hai’s eyes were also red. "That way, it’ll be easier for you to go find Su Shiye, right? Go on then."
"You’re being completely unreasonable!" Fan Li trembled with rage. She turned to swim away, but after a short distance, she turned back. "Even though you’re slandering me like this, I still love you. But right now, I also hate you!"
With that, she pulled open the bedroom door and swam straight downstairs. However, Xing Hai blocked her at the dormitory entrance. "You say you love me. How will you prove it?"
"How do you want me to prove it?"
"Go with me to register our marriage tomorrow morning. Then I’ll believe you love me."
Fan Li was stunned. Xing Hai’s greatest strengths were his patience and high emotional intelligence; she couldn't believe he would say something so childish.
Seeing her silence, Xing Hai sneered. "You’re wavering."
She wanted to say that marriage shouldn't be used as a tool to test each other's sincerity. Two people should become husband and wife when they feel secure and happy. Otherwise, it becomes a shackle. But Xing Hai was currently very insecure; she couldn't let the rift between them grow any wider. She nodded gently. "Fine. I promise you. We’ll go register tomorrow."
***
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