Chapter 43: Is It Really Just for Fun?
Is that Jumeng?
Even at such a time, why isn’t she in a hurry to collect cultural relics, but instead mingling with a strange witch? Mao Sanyou thought.
He waited for a long time in the old building of the Tangcheng University College of Arts and Literature last night. Aside from encountering two ill-intentioned spiritual ability users and the watching Liu Banxian, he didn’t wait for Jumeng to go for the appointment.
Worried about the safety of Tangcheng, he hurried to Antique Street early in the morning, intending to visit Jumeng, only to witness the earlier scene.
From a distance, he observed Jumeng and Luxianbei for a while, then withdrew his focus, pulled up his hoodie, took out a mask from his pocket, and hailed a taxi.
“Driver, please follow that car ahead!”
The taxi driver looked at the two beautiful girls in the cab through the front window and then through the rearview mirror at Mao Sanyou, whose face was obscured by the mask and hoodie, and whose muscular build resembled that of a half-orc. His gaze gradually turned cautious.
“Uh…” Mao Sanyou noticed the driver’s unease and gritted his teeth, “I’ll pay extra!”
For an operative of the Siye Society in Tangcheng, living on a meager stipend and often relying on reselling small trinkets to support his living, saying “extra money” took enormous courage.
“You do this kind of thing… It’s an extra three hundred on top of the fare!”
What do you mean, ‘this kind of thing’? Just add three hundred… Mao Sanyou thought indignantly, waving his hand reluctantly, “Alright, hurry up! Just don’t lose them.”
“Don’t worry! I definitely won’t lose them.” The taxi driver replied, pulling out his phone and opening a social media app to send a voice message.
“Hey? 07332, I just saw you on the road. Where are you headed?”
Mao Sanyou, “???”
Just like that? My three hundred is gone?
————
9:42 AM, in front of a theme park in Tangcheng, at the entrance of the Oceanarium.
Mao Sanyou watched Jumeng buy tickets with the witch and walk into the Oceanarium, laughing and chatting, his brows knitting together.
He initially suspected that Jumeng had come to the Oceanarium with the witch for some hidden agenda, but he never thought they were truly here to have fun.
Wait!
“No way! Maybe what they need to do can only be done in the Oceanarium?” Mao Sanyou muttered to himself.
As far as he knew, there were urban legends in the Oceanarium.
These creatures from the sea were more or less tainted by marine legends, which made them very strange.
Although their existence posed no threat to the city or its residents, neither Jumeng nor the Tangcheng Siye Society had dealt with them.
However, their existence at such a sensitive time, and Jumeng approaching them to scheme something unfathomable, was not impossible.
After all, Jumeng was no ordinary figure! An entity at the same level as her father, how could it be simply for fun?
Could she be seeking help from the urban legends in the sea?
Or perhaps…
“Sir, are you going to buy a ticket or not? The people behind are getting anxious.” The ticket window attendant’s voice interrupted Mao Sanyou’s thoughts.
“Buying, buying, how much is it?”
“238, cash or scan?”
So expensive… Mao Sanyou’s lips twitched, he weakly replied, “Can I pay with flowers?”
————
10:02 AM, in the souvenir shop near the Oceanarium entrance.
Looking at the cute plush toys, beautifully printed souvenir books, lifelike great white shark models, and various trinkets in the store, Jumeng’s eyes sparkled. She jumped off Luxianbei’s shoulder like a wild dog and dashed into the store, filling a shopping basket within three minutes.
Then, under Luxianbei’s resentful gaze, she stuck out her tongue, shrank her neck, and reluctantly returned most of her items, finally selecting two jellyfish-shaped knit hats.
One was light blue, and the other was pink, one for her and one for Luxianbei.
She had initially wanted to buy two rubber fish hats, but Luxianbei ruthlessly rejected her weak request.
Who would want to wear such ugly things on their head?
After they left, Mao Sanyou strolled into the souvenir shop, glancing at the price of the jellyfish knit hats, and inhaled sharply.
98 yuan? Something that costs 18 yuan at the wholesale market is sold for 98 yuan? Once this is over, I’ll set up a stall at the Oceanarium entrance!
————
11:17 AM, viewing platform in the Oceanarium’s “Coral Secret Realm.”
Separated by a single layer of glass, the large space almost perfectly replicates a corner of the ocean.
Being within it feels like curling up in a corner of the sea. The distant water surface flickers, reflecting shimmering waves under the clear blue, and the colorful corals appear frozen in vibrant moments like fireworks trapped in water, surreal and dreamy.
But… where are the fish?
The aquarium was empty, resembling a grand underwater palace, deserted.
Jumeng furrowed her brows, looking around. Hearing a ruckus from upstairs, she followed the sound and ran up the steps. Her expression darkened instantly.
The fish that should be part of the scenery were gathered in front of Luxianbei, seemingly captivated by some breathtaking view, hovering in the water, reluctant to disperse, causing onlookers to gasp.
Noticing Jumeng’s presence, Luxianbei turned around and saw the little one whose face was filled with “grumpy.” She helplessly shook her head.
She then walked over and, ignoring Jumeng’s struggles, forcibly placed her on her shoulder, then turned back to stop in front of the glass and unleashed her charm ability toward the aquarium.
In an instant, the fish that had been swimming slightly farther away all gathered, moving up and down as if dancing, displaying various courting behaviors, coming together like a vibrant, boiling palette of colors.
“Ah, ah! This, this…”
The long-awaited spectacle presented itself in this way, and Jumeng, thrilled, became somewhat incoherent, leaning forward, pressing her little hands against the glass as if wanting to dive into the aquarium.
While Jumeng was immersed in the sight, utterly excited, Luxianbei was watching her.
Just like the poem says, “You stand on the bridge admiring the scenery, while those admiring the view on the bridge are looking at you.”
Her fair profile outlined youthful curves, and her jade-like eyes reflected the aquarium’s scenery, shimmering in colorful light.
As the gentle breeze blew, her skirt and the tips of her hair swayed lightly, delicate as if she were a figurine from a high-budget anime.
That innocent, carefree appearance caused Luxianbei to lose herself for a moment, almost forgetting that at this moment, the girl in her eyes was a deity who had existed for over five thousand years and was nearing d*ath.
In a nearby corner, the secretly observing Mao Sanyou was silent as he watched the scene before him.
Unbelievable, is the witch’s charm ability truly that strong?
No wonder she is an urban legend based on beauty, even the fish are not spared.
However, isn’t she engaging in some unknown communication with those urban legends hidden among the fish? Mao Sanyou pondered.
————
12:11 PM.
As Luxianbei and Jumeng exited the dessert shop in the Oceanarium’s rest area, a group of boys stopped them. Mao Sanyou thought the people supposed to meet them finally showed up.
But…
None of those boys radiated any spiritual energy; they only wanted Luxianbei’s contact information. They had followed her since the “Coral Jungle” and finally mustered the courage to approach her.
At that moment, Luxianbei suddenly regretted not having bought the rubber fish heads earlier.
————
Initially, Mao Sanyou completely didn’t believe that Jumeng and the witch had come to the Oceanarium just for fun.
But after seeing them like sisters on an outing—immersed in the beauty of the coral jungle, applauding the killer whale’s stunning performance, exchanging ice cream at the dessert shop—he started to doubt himself.
Could it really be that I was mistaken? They really are just here for fun?
Jumeng and the witch not only seemed to be enjoying themselves, but each moment of interaction even radiated an aroma of dog food, catching him off guard.
It didn’t make sense; she was in danger, how could she still be in the mood to have fun?
Moreover, that gang of thieves was still looking for her, wanting to end her life, wasn’t she afraid of being discovered?
Mao Sanyou thought to himself as he looked ahead to see Jumeng and Luxianbei heading towards the area marked “Penguin Park,” quickly snapping back to focus and following closely behind.
Then…
Just as he reached the entrance, he was stopped.
“Sir, the area ahead is for feeding the penguins; you need to purchase an additional ticket to enter! Would you like one?”
“Didn’t I already buy a ticket? Why do I need to pay for another one?”
“Sir, this isn’t an extra ticket; you don’t need a ticket ahead, but…” the ticket clerk said, glancing at the price list beside her.
Mao Sanyou followed her gaze and saw the price of “A Bucket of Small Fish for 198,” and his lips couldn’t help but twitch.
Can’t afford it, can’t afford it.
d*mn it, I want to play with the cute little penguins too!
Indeed, Mao Sanyou loved penguins; to be precise, he liked most birds.
But…
He checked his account balance on his phone and fell silent.
I really have nothing left.JPG
At that moment, Mao Sanyou’s mood felt like he was playing one of those free-to-play games that turn out to be trash, which force you to pay to keep playing—oh, right, it probably also relates to penguins, how frustrating!
Better to wait for them outside.
Poverty has left me desireless; may we meet again, little penguins!
Just as Mao Sanyou was begrudgingly thinking, a wave of ominous spiritual energy flashed through his senses, lightly disturbing his thoughts, irksome.
Although that spiritual energy was not strong, it felt like grit hidden in rice or a bug residing in an apple, leaving a sense of unexpected disgust.
In fact, having tailed Luxianbei and Jumeng for so long, although he was surprised they hadn’t done anything serious and were merely enjoying themselves, he was actually not bored at all, even feeling somewhat happy.
Finally getting a moment of relaxation away from high-pressure work, along with the bonus of watching beautiful girls interact closely, could anything be more enjoyable?
Moreover, who doesn’t like watching beautiful girls being close together?
Now, someone actually wants to disrupt this?
In one thought, watch and see if I deal with you!
Mao Sanyou thought fiercely as he turned his gaze to the direction from which the spiritual energy came, landing on a staff member in a uniform with a penguin logo on the back, a smile gradually turning sinister.
That spiritual ability user, who had been lurking in Tangcheng for days and even attempted to attack the pawnshop in Arrow Tower but had not been able to join the frontlines, never imagined he would encounter the severely injured Jumeng while idly wandering, finally trailing her, and now found an opportunity to strike, unaware that danger was quietly approaching.
Just as he pushed a cart of small fish deeper into the employee passage, a hand as large as a fan reached from behind and patted his shoulder.
“Hey there, have you heard of the Phoenix urban legend?”
“???”
Amidst confusion and slight anger, the spiritual ability user turned around and locked eyes with a pair of sun-like blazing pupils.
The next moment, a barely audible bird-like cry echoed through the narrow employee passage.
“Chirp——!”
Suddenly, a wave of heat swept through, accompanied by a uniform set with slightly charred edges, slowly falling to the ground…
————
In Penguin Park, on a man-made ice surface the size of a skating rink.
Amidst the white, chilly atmosphere, Jumeng, wearing a rented down jacket, held small fish in one hand and placed the other on her hip, gazing at the round little penguins before her. Her cherry lips slightly parted, emitting faint bird-like chirps.
As an urban legend partly symbolized by birds, she understood some bird language.
“Don’t grab, did you hear me? I told you not to grab!”
“I’m telling you, there are rules here. If you’ve eaten, move aside. If you haven’t, line up properly, one at a time. We have to maintain fairness and order, get it?”
A group of adorably awkward penguins looked eagerly at the human who was only slightly taller than them, tilting their heads and blinking, surprisingly moving and forming a messy line.
Jumeng put a small fish into the mouth of the little penguin in front of her, then patted its head, declaring, “Very good, since you are so obedient, I’ll give you a title… Let’s call you the Remorseless Fish-Eating Machine. From now on, I’ll be your queen, and you all must listen, understand?”
As her words fell, the penguins seemed to respond to her, chirping in a chaotic chorus.
Successfully taming the penguins and incorporating them as temporary members of the Peach Source, Jumeng turned to Luxianbei, who was sitting on a bench in the corner of the rink, waving her hand excitedly, “Look, look!”
“……”
Stinky Sister, don’t get too happy too soon; I can charm fish, let alone penguins!
Believe it or not, I can make them perform a Pure Land dance?
Luxianbei silently thought a few rebellious thoughts before suppressing the rising competitive spirit and raised her hands, giving Jumeng a thumbs up.
Just then, the door to the employee passage opened, and a towering figure walked in, quietly taking a seat beside Luxianbei, exuding a faint smell of bl**d.
Noticing someone suddenly beside her, Luxianbei froze for a moment, turned to look, and her eyes widened in shock.
Mao Sanyou, why is he here? Is he here to deal with Jumeng? Luxianbei thought, unconsciously tightening her fists.
In the next moment, she heard Mao Sanyou lazily say, “Penguins really are adorable and comically silly creatures! Do you like penguins too, miss?”
“…” Luxianbei warily sized up Mao Sanyou from the corner of her eye. Seeing he had no intention of attacking for now, she rolled her eyes and replied, “Don’t be fooled by their appearance.”
“They just look cute and silly; actually, they are particularly disgusting and naughty, ambushing their companions, living off their parents, and even lewdly approaching seal pups. They can do anything.”
“I once watched a documentary, and in one scene, a male penguin returned with food only to find its mate living in its nest with her new boyfriend. The two male penguins attacked each other, and it was very violent.”
Mao Sanyou, “…… Don’t ruin the image of penguins in my heart, you j*rk!”
“Stop with the nonsense; you’re with the Siye Society, right?” Luxianbei suddenly asked bluntly, hitting Mao Sanyou with a direct ball.
Today, she had come out with Jumeng to have fun and didn’t want to be disturbed by anything. If possible, she preferred to handle this without conflict and let Mao Sanyou leave.
“……” After a moment of silence, Mao Sanyou chuckled softly, “Hehe, looks like this witch lady is quite straightforward?”
“Then I won’t beat around the bush. Actually, I’ve been following you all morning. I just want to ask, what exactly are you doing?”
“Having fun,” Luxianbei succinctly replied, “To be precise, I’m here to accompany her.”
While speaking, she turned to look into Mao Sanyou’s eyes, emphasizing each word, “So if you have any intentions, can we discuss it another day? I don’t want to fight, nor do I want to ruin her good mood.”
If you have to stir trouble, even if you’re a senior or a colleague in the Siye Society, I’ll still beat you up! Luxianbei internally added.
“Is it really just for fun?” Mao Sanyou asked.
Though he had a hunch, upon hearing the other party’s affirmation, he was still taken aback.
A king of urban legends ruling over an area of eight hundred miles and a witch with a hint of danger in her spiritual energy were genuinely out together like sisters, friends, lovers, or some other close relationship, joyfully enjoying the outing without any other intentions.
“Why?”
“Because…” Luxianbei looked at Jumeng, who was surrounded by penguins, and said softly, “Her time is running out. As a friend, I can only help her by keeping her company.”
“……”
After a moment of contemplation, Mao Sanyou smiled wryly, “I understand. I won’t disturb you. Look, I even helped you deal with a guy who was about to cause trouble earlier!”
“However, I must say, if you continue playing like this, you’re likely to attract more troublemakers. I can try to help you fend them off, but if I can’t…”
Just as Mao Sanyou was speaking, a sudden scream interrupted him.
“Ah——! Help, help, help!”
Hearing the sound, both Luxianbei and he froze, looking towards the source. The flock of penguins that had just been obediently surrounding Jumeng was now in the midst of a massive rebellion.
Two penguins had somehow crawled onto her lap and were squirming uncomfortably, while several others had mischievously grabbed her hair and skirt, pulling in different directions.
This scene might very well be the most embarrassing moment of Jumeng’s life as a divine being.
Of course, it needed a keepsake!
So, Luxianbei and Mao Sanyou almost simultaneously took out their phones, switched to video recording mode, and pointed their cameras at Jumeng…
