Chapter 425 - 424: Extra 20: Let’s Go to Ocean Star 2 (Jiang Xia)

Chapter 425: Chapter 424: Extra 20: Let’s Go to Ocean Star 2 (Jiang Xia)

As a tourist planet, Ocean Star had a management team that handled all its resources.

These team members held positions similar to secure government jobs; even if the planet changed hands, they wouldn’t be easily dismissed.

Besides, Shi Lan had no intention of firing them. With them around, she could just happily lie back and rake in the cash. It saved her a lot of trouble.

The administrator enthusiastically led Shi Lan and Jiang Xia inside.

Knowing that Shi Lan, the new owner, had never visited, the administrator was very perceptive and spent the journey explaining the planet’s main attractions and sources of revenue.

The main attraction of Ocean Star was, naturally, the sea itself. But beyond that, there were also many other water-based activities.

Its revenue streams were just as varied, including admission tickets, food and entertainment, and the sale of marine products. As for lodging, since it was a private planet, outsiders were not permitted to stay overnight without the owner’s consent.

So, all tourists who came here had to leave on the same day.

Shi Lan listened with great interest. Jiang Xia, his arm linked with hers, let his eyes dart around to take in the scenery, a happy smile playing on his lips.

Ocean Star was mostly water, and as they walked, the warm breeze carried the salty, damp smell of the sea. Since they were on a path lined with green trees, the wind also seemed to carry the fresh scent of grass and wood.

Shi Lan had first learned of Ocean Star inside a holographic game pod, but experiencing it in person felt much more real.

She could hear the sound of distant, rolling waves, the cries of seagulls, and what sounded like the rumble of ships and yachts.

Everything felt so alive.

Shi Lan was already starting to look forward to their trip. She couldn’t resist giving Jiang Xia’s arm a little shake. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "I’m so glad we came. This feels amazing."

"Yeah, I think so too. Lanlan, let’s grab some breakfast and then go have some fun."

"Okay."

Shi Lan nodded.

When the administrator heard they hadn’t eaten, he took them to a restaurant. There, Shi Lan freshened up and changed into an outfit more suitable for seaside photos.

Thankfully, when Jiang Xia had carried her out, he’d had the presence of mind to drape a jacket over her instead of just letting her leave in her pajamas.

Jiang Xia had brought plenty of breakfast, so they didn’t eat anything from the restaurant.

After they ate their fill, Jiang Xia politely sent the administrator on his way, then took Shi Lan by the hand to enjoy some time alone together by the sea.

Knowing Shi Lan couldn’t swim, Jiang Xia didn’t plan on taking her into the water. Instead, they boarded a yacht.

He had secretly done some research the night before, so he knew they could go sea fishing on the yachts. He also knew there was a chance of seeing pink dolphins at Ocean Star, and legend had it that any couple who saw them would be blessed to never be separated for all eternity.

Before getting on the yacht, Jiang Xia couldn’t help but press his hands together and pray.

Shi Lan looked at him, puzzled. "What are you doing?"

Jiang Xia felt a bit silly for indulging in such superstitions instead of trusting science, and he was too embarrassed to tell Shi Lan the truth. He just pursed his lips evasively. "N-Nothing. Just warming up my wrist joints. For fishing later."

As he spoke, he smoothly transitioned from his prayer-like gesture to interlocking his fingers, then forcefully swung his hands back and forth.

Shi Lan just said, "Oh." ’That’s a bit strange,’ she thought, but didn’t dwell on it.

Soon, the two put on life jackets and boarded the yacht.

The yacht was incredibly luxurious, with about four decks. The first deck above the water had a fishing area with railings. The second was more business-oriented, with a restaurant and lounge area. The roof of the third deck was for sunbathing. There were even masseurs on board available for hire.

Finally, there was a submerged lower deck. This level was like a submarine, constructed almost entirely of transparent glass, offering a direct view of the scenery beneath the waves.

Fishing was best out in the central ocean region, so they had some time to kill at the start. Shi Lan and Jiang Xia went straight to the submerged deck.

The lower deck was enclosed by transparent glass on all sides; only the floor was solid and opaque. Even so, Shi Lan felt as if she had entered a 4D theater, personally plunging into the ocean. The illusion was so strong she couldn’t help but hold her breath, half-afraid she might choke on seawater.

Noticing her discomfort, Jiang Xia looked at her with concern. "Lanlan, are you okay? Are you scared?"

"If you’re not feeling well, we can go back up."

A holographic game pod, after all, wasn’t the same as her body physically entering the ocean. Subconsciously, Shi Lan had known she was completely safe then, which was why she had been so relaxed even when she and Jiang Xia spent all that time in the underwater bubble.

But now, feeling the yacht’s motion and seeing the water churn outside the glass, a sudden fear of the ocean welled up inside her, making her tense.

It wasn’t a severe fear, though. She felt she could overcome it if she just stayed a while longer. Besides, the life jacket she wore was incredibly safe—not like the ones from the old days. It could inflate and even fly up in an emergency. On top of that, with all the supplies in her Space Chain, falling into the ocean wouldn’t be so terrible.

’Things are different now,’ Shi Lan thought. She had her spirit body and Jiang Xia with her. The thought gradually put her at ease.

She held Jiang Xia’s hand, and after a moment, she relaxed and shook her head. "It’s okay. I’m much better now."

With that, Shi Lan turned her gaze back to the scenery outside.

One of the perks of enjoying the view from the yacht was that the underwater scenery was constantly changing. And since they were still in the shallows, the view was crystal clear.

Schools of fish chased each other playfully. Attracted by the yacht’s lights, they would curiously swim alongside it. A few with big, staring eyes pressed against the glass, coming face-to-face with Shi Lan.

Shi Lan used to find fish a little frightening. Their eyes seemed to bulge as if they might pop, their skin was slick and slimy, and their mouths were oddly shaped.

But after watching them for a while, seeing them swim and play so freely, she started to see them differently. When a pair of big eyes occasionally turned to her with a look of pure, innocent curiosity, it was like looking at a small child.

Perhaps it was because she was a mother now, but Shi Lan found her heart softening involuntarily in the face of such innocent creatures.

She was completely engrossed in the view. At first, Jiang Xia managed to hold back, but soon he couldn’t stay still. He wrapped his arms around Shi Lan’s neck, nestling against her fair, slender nape. His warm breath, tinged with a mix of grievance and jealousy, puffed against her skin. "Lanlan, you keep looking at the fish outside, but you’re not looking at me. Am I not prettier than those fish?"

He tilted his head up as he spoke, his handsome face magnified right below her chin. The corners of his soft, pink lips brushed faintly against her jawline. His brilliant golden eyes caught the light, and in them, she could clearly see her own reflection.

Even after all these years, Jiang Xia’s face still radiated a vibrant, youthful energy. Perhaps it was his carefree nature, unburdened by worries, that kept him this way. His eyes had always been so clear and pure, bright and brilliant. You could see right into his soul, and you could feel the profound affection contained within them.

A young man’s love was just that bright and dazzling.

Looking at him, Shi Lan felt herself become a little mesmerized.