Ji Shuiyao’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but she quickly understood the truth.

She had been deceived!

Out of modesty, she instinctively wanted to push away the person in front of her. However, as she tried to do so, she found herself unable to muster any strength. Instead, she inadvertently wrapped her arms around the person’s neck, becoming immersed in the moment.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Ji Shuiyao finally managed to extricate herself.

She gasped for air for a while, calming her rapidly beating heart, and then looked at Wang Haoran with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Just as she was about to speak, Wang Haoran interrupted her with a serious tone, “The continuation of life is an instinct deeply ingrained in the genes of every living creature. In the absence of immortality, most creatures choose to reproduce as a means to extend their lineage. To ensure better offspring, men are naturally drawn to outstanding women, as this is a genetic instinct. I’m sorry for deceiving you earlier, but I couldn’t help myself.”

As a scientist, Ji Shuiyao understood the influence of genetic instincts on human behavior, which cannot be controlled by reason.

She nodded in agreement and said to Wang Haoran, “It’s… it’s okay, it’s not your fault!”

[Congratulations, host! You successfully manipulated the female lead Ji Shuiyao, earning 600 villain points. Lin Chen’s protagonist halo -30, host’s villain halo +30!]

This really worked…

Wang Haoran was secretly amazed after receiving the system notification.

Due to Ji Shuiyao’s unique personality and profession, Wang Haoran had been sunbathing on the boat when he suddenly had a whimsical idea and decided to give it a try.

To his surprise, it actually worked on Ji Shuiyao.

Of course, the prerequisite for this success was that Ji Shuiyao’s current favorability towards him was 70. If it had been any lower, she might have kicked him off the boat.

Seizing the opportunity, Wang Haoran decided to deepen his strategy and said to Ji Shuiyao, “There’s a small island over there that looks quite scenic. Shall we go take a look?”

There were some small boats coming and going here, which was inconvenient, so it was necessary to change locations.

Ji Shuiyao didn’t think much of it and nodded directly, “Yes, it looks beautiful. Let’s go have a look.”

Wang Haoran vigorously rowed the oars, quickly steering the small boat towards the nearby island.

In his eagerness, Wang Haoran didn’t notice a motorboat approaching them.

After a while, the small boat reached the island.

Wang Haoran secured the boat and then, together with Ji Shuiyao, stepped onto the island.

The island was lush and green, filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, creating a picturesque scene.

After wandering around for a while, Wang Haoran suddenly clutched his stomach, frowning.

Seeing this, Ji Shuiyao immediately asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Is your stomach uncomfortable?”

Wang Haoran nodded, “A bit. You wait here for a moment. I’ll go relieve myself and be right back.”

Ji Shuiyao reminded him, “Go ahead, but don’t go into the dense forest. Be careful of snakes.”

Wang Haoran dismissed her concern, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”

With that, he headed straight into the dense forest.

“Oh dear, why don’t you listen?”

Ji Shuiyao was anxious and wanted to stop him, but Wang Haoran moved too quickly and soon disappeared into the forest.

She didn’t dare to follow, fearing she might see something she shouldn’t, so she could only wait anxiously in place.

Meanwhile, a speedboat quietly approached the island, stopping near the small boat.

Bu Feiyan stepped onto the island and looked at the number 7 on the nearby boat.

She immediately confirmed that her target was on the island.

She had inquired about Wang Haoran when renting a boat earlier and knew that he and a woman had rented boat number 7.

Now that the boat was here, the people must be on the island.

Bu Feiyan followed the fresh footprints on the path, searching the island.

Just after she left the shore, another boat approached.

Eight people disembarked from the boat. Each had a black mamba tattoo on their arm and carried long-range cold weapons.

It wasn’t that they were too poor to obtain firearms, but the strict regulations in this tourist area prevented them from bringing such items.

However, long-range cold weapons were still quite lethal and more than sufficient.

“The target has landed on the island. Everyone, take your positions and aim for a swift success.”

These eight were well-trained, and after the leader spoke, they quickly blended into the island’s forest, moving stealthily towards other parts of the island.

Elsewhere, Bu Feiyan followed the footprints and soon saw the back of a woman.

The island wasn’t large, and besides her boat, there was only the number 7 boat at the shore.

There was no doubt that this was the woman she was looking for.

But why did this woman’s back look somewhat familiar?

Puzzled, the woman turned around, and her face soon came into Bu Feiyan’s view.

“Sixth Sister?!”

Bu Feiyan was startled and stopped hiding, stepping forward directly.

“Fourth Sister? What are you doing here?” Ji Shuiyao was both surprised and delighted.

Bu Feiyan replied sternly, “I should be asking you that. Why are you with Seventh Sister’s boyfriend?”

Ji Shuiyao looked bewildered, “Seventh Sister’s boyfriend?” She paused, then realized, “You mean Wang Haoran?”

Bu Feiyan nodded, “Yes, that’s the name. It’s him.”

Ji Shuiyao felt a bit jealous and confused, “I really didn’t know he was Seventh Sister’s boyfriend…”

Bu Feiyan asked, “Now that you know, how do you plan to face Seventh Sister?”

Ji Shuiyao explained, “There’s nothing between us, not that kind of relationship. I just wanted to ask him some scientific questions, so I came on this trip with him.”

Bu Feiyan was skeptical, “Are you serious?”

Ji Shuiyao said, “Fourth Sister, would I lie to you?”

Bu Feiyan pursed her lips and questioned, “Sixth Sister, I know you quite well. Be honest, did you really come on this trip just to ask him questions?”

Hearing this, Ji Shuiyao’s gaze shifted evasively, feeling a bit guilty, “Fourth Sister, please don’t tell Seventh Sister about this. I don’t want to hurt our sisterly bond.”

Bu Feiyan was exasperated, “Seventh Sister is naive and easily deceived, but you, with all your education, how can you be so easily fooled? What’s so good about that scumbag?!”

Ji Shuiyao defended, “He’s a knowledgeable and rare genius scientist, not a scumbag.”

Bu Feiyan scoffed, “So what if he’s knowledgeable? He’s still just a weak scholar. A real man should practice martial arts. ‘Zhao Ke with his Hu tassel, Wu hook gleaming like frost, silver saddle on a white horse, galloping like a meteor, killing a man in ten steps, traveling a thousand miles without stopping…’”

Ji Shuiyao quickly interrupted, “Fourth Sister, you’ve recited this ‘Ode to the Gallant’ to me a thousand times. I can recite it backward now, so please stop.” After stopping Bu Feiyan from reciting, she reminded her again, “Fourth Sister, please don’t tell Seventh Sister about this!”

…

Footnotes:

  • “Ode to the Gallant” is a famous Chinese poem that praises the heroic and martial spirit of ancient warriors. It emphasizes the virtues of bravery and martial prowess.