This is tricky…

After listening to Qiu Qianwei’s detailed introduction, Wang Haoran couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. His usual overwhelming charm seemed to have no effect on this “oddity,” Ji Shuiyao. Winning her over was not going to be an easy task.

Beside him, Ji Shuiyao continued to stare at him seriously.

“I happen to have a mask here for you,” Qiu Qianwei said, pulling out a spare new mask from her bag to cover his face.

Wang Haoran reluctantly put on the mask.

Only then did Ji Shuiyao shift her gaze to Qiu Qianwei.

“Tomorrow, my colleagues from the research institute and I are going to explore a newly discovered unknown ocean area. Would you like to join us?” Ji Shuiyao asked.

“I have other commitments, so I won’t be going,” Qiu Qianwei replied. Having already achieved her highest musical dreams, her focus on music had lessened. She just wanted to spend time with her beloved and wasn’t interested in going elsewhere.

“My research team took many beautiful ocean photos while scouting the area. They are some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Let me show you,” Ji Shuiyao insisted, eager to share the good things with her sister.

With that, she immediately took out her phone and showed some photos to Qiu Qianwei.

After looking at them, Qiu Qianwei thought the scenery was nice but had no desire to visit.

Her sixth sister’s description was indeed exaggerated. But that was understandable because her sixth sister specialized in marine biology and had an almost obsessive fascination with the ocean.

“Sixth sister, I…” Qiu Qianwei was about to refuse.

“Wow, what a beautiful ocean!” Wang Haoran exclaimed exaggeratedly, staring at the photos on Ji Shuiyao’s phone as if he were mesmerized.

“You like the ocean too?” Ji Shuiyao’s serious face showed a hint of surprise.

“Yes, I’ve been fascinated by the ocean since I was a child. I’m especially curious about whether mermaids exist in the ocean,” Wang Haoran said, making up a story to cater to her interests.

“Mermaids are just a legend. Whether such creatures exist in this world is still a mystery, but it’s one of the directions I’ve been exploring,” Ji Shuiyao said, her face full of the fervor of a scientist seeking knowledge.

With Wang Haoran’s words, Ji Shuiyao’s gaze towards him softened a little.

[Ding, the heroine Ji Shuiyao’s favorability towards the host has increased by 10. The current total favorability is 10 (Friendly).]

[Ding, the host has influenced the plot direction, gaining 400 villain points!]

“Miss Ji, may I join your team to take a look?” Wang Haoran asked, seizing the opportunity after receiving the notification.

“Sure,” Ji Shuiyao nodded.

“Sixth sister, I want to go too,” Qiu Qianwei changed her mind upon seeing Wang Haoran going.

…

A few days later, a research vessel appeared in an unknown subtropical sea area.

Wang Haoran, Qiu Qianwei, Ji Shuiyao, and some research personnel stood on the deck, looking at the scenery of this unknown sea area.

Suddenly, a small figure ran out from the cabin, appearing in everyone’s view.

“Xiao Chen, why are you here too?” Qiu Qianwei asked in surprise.

“Since Sixth Sister didn’t bring me, I hid on the research vessel in advance and came along,” Lin Chen said proudly.

“Since you’re here, behave yourself and don’t make me worry,” Ji Shuiyao said.

“Sixth Sister, not only will I not cause trouble, but I might even help you!”

“If you don’t cause trouble, that would be good enough. Arranging accommodation for you is already an issue.”

“I live alone anyway, so let him stay with me,” Wang Haoran said with a smile, glancing at Lin Chen and addressing Ji Shuiyao.

“Alright,” Ji Shuiyao nodded.

“Big brother, why are you here too?” Lin Chen looked at Wang Haoran, his heart skipping a beat.

Before meeting Wang Haoran, he had been quite successful in showing off, but after meeting him, he often found himself at a disadvantage. It was as if Wang Haoran was his nemesis.

“Of course, I came openly,” Wang Haoran said with a teasing smile.

Lin Chen’s sudden appearance caused a small stir, but it quickly subsided.

The research vessel continued to advance, heading deeper into the unknown sea area.

According to the planned route, they would reach the marked exploration point by tomorrow. At that time, they could dive into the sea to explore, and if there were no issues, they could start collecting marine biological specimens.

Late at night, Lin Chen heard the even breathing beside him, so he quietly got up and left the cabin.

Just as Lin Chen left the cabin, Wang Haoran suddenly opened his eyes. However, he didn’t get up because he could monitor Lin Chen’s movements just by using his eyes.

Lin Chen sneaked into a storage room where he had previously hidden, took out a diving suit he had subtly marked, and hid it in an inconspicuous corner of the storage room, covering it with miscellaneous items.

This diving suit looked the same as the others on the surface, but its functions were vastly different. It was a super diving suit he had exchanged for many points from the system store!

Wearing the super diving suit allowed one to swim at speeds comparable to a submarine and withstand terrifying sea pressure, enabling exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean. With this super diving equipment, collecting specimens of marine life living in the deep sea would be a breeze.

“When I present this equipment to Sixth Sister, she’ll be overjoyed. Given her dedication to science, she might even agree to any excessive requests I make!” Lin Chen thought gleefully.

After hiding the super diving suit, he finally felt at ease and went to sleep.

…

Late at night, after discussing some scientific matters with her colleagues, Ji Shuiyao prepared to return to her quarters. However, as she passed by other cabins, she suddenly heard someone complaining inside.

“The research vessel is only so big, and there are so many of us. It’s already a bit cramped, and now we have to vacate a cabin for someone who does nothing, making it even more crowded for us. What’s the deal with that?”

“Exactly, if he could do something, we wouldn’t mind.”

“He looks like a young master from a wealthy family, pampered and delicate. What can he do?”

“We explorers are crammed two, three, or even four to a cabin, while that freeloader has a cabin all to himself. It’s really annoying.”

Ji Shuiyao had intended for Wang Haoran to squeeze in with the other research personnel, but Qiu Qianwei, worried about Wang Haoran’s comfort, had asked Ji Shuiyao to arrange a separate cabin for him. Ji Shuiyao hadn’t thought much about it at the time and had agreed.

The next morning, Ji Shuiyao sought out Wang Haoran for a private conversation.

“My seventh sister isn’t suited for rough work, and Xiao Chen is too young. But you’re a strong and healthy man, and since you’re using the resources of the research vessel, I hope you can contribute a bit to avoid gossip,” Ji Shuiyao said straightforwardly.

“No problem, I can dive. If there’s anything you need me for, just let me know,” Wang Haoran replied with a cheerful smile.