Chapter 211: The Island

Ji Shuiyao’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching for a moment—but clarity soon followed.

She’d been tricked.

Her hand moved reflexively, intending to push the man in front of her away. Yet just as she made the attempt, she realized her strength had mysteriously vanished. Instead, without meaning to, her arm hooked around his neck. And then, like a small boat caught in a tide, she was swept into the moment—drawn deeper and deeper.

She didn’t know how long it lasted. Time lost all meaning.

When she finally pulled away, her chest heaved as she gasped for breath, her heart thundering in her chest. It took several long seconds for the flush on her cheeks to begin fading. Her eyes narrowed, tinged with shame and frustration, as she looked at Wang Haoran, ready to speak—

But he beat her to it.

“Life seeks continuation,” he said seriously, as though giving a lecture rather than making an excuse. “For all species, it’s a fundamental instinct written deep into their genes. Since we humans can’t achieve immortality, most living creatures resort to reproduction—to leaving behind offspring as a way to extend themselves.”

He gazed at her with what almost looked like helpless honesty. “That’s why, when a man faces a truly outstanding woman… it becomes impossible to resist. It’s not about willpower. It’s biology—etched into our very code. I’m sorry I deceived you earlier. But I… I honestly couldn’t help myself.”

Ji Shuiyao, a scientist herself, understood more than most the pull of genetic imperatives. She understood how much human behavior was governed by things far deeper than logic or reason. She found herself nodding in agreement, murmuring, “It’s okay… I don’t blame you.”

【Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully tricking the heroine Ji Shuiyao. Gained 600 Villain Points. Lin Chen’s Protagonist Halo -30. Host’s Villain Halo +30.】

Not bad at all.

Wang Haoran’s eyes flickered with amusement as the system notification chimed in his mind. Ji Shuiyao’s unique personality and profession had made her a particularly challenging target. Just moments earlier, he’d been lounging at the bow of the boat, basking in the sunlight, when the idea had struck him. He decided to test it—just to see what might happen.

And it had actually worked.

Of course, it hadn’t been blind luck. Her current Favorability rating toward him was sitting comfortably at 70. Any lower, and she likely would’ve kicked him off the boat before he could blink.

Seizing the momentum, Wang Haoran leaned in and suggested casually, “There’s a small island up ahead. Looks nice—scenery’s pretty. Want to go take a look?”

With all the small boats weaving through this area, it was getting inconvenient. Time for a change of location.

Ji Shuiyao didn’t think twice. She nodded with a faint smile. “Mhm, looks beautiful. Let’s check it out.”

With renewed energy, Wang Haoran grabbed the oars and began rowing with purpose, steering their small boat toward the distant island.

He was in such a rush, so focused on the moment, that he didn’t notice the motorboat silently closing in behind them.

Soon, they arrived.

After tying the boat securely, Wang Haoran helped Ji Shuiyao ashore.

The island was small but lush, filled with dense greenery, the scent of flowers on the wind, and birdsong dancing through the trees. For a moment, it felt like they had escaped the world entirely.

They wandered together for a while before Wang Haoran suddenly winced and clutched his stomach.

Ji Shuiyao noticed right away. “What’s wrong? Is your stomach acting up?”

“Just a little.” He grimaced. “Wait here, I’ll go take care of it real quick.”

She frowned. “Don’t go too deep into the forest. Be careful—there might be snakes.”

He waved her concern away with a confident grin. “Relax. I’ll be fine.”

Without another word, he disappeared into the thick underbrush.

“Ugh! Why won’t he listen?” Ji Shuiyao muttered, stomping her foot. She wanted to stop him, but he was already too far ahead—and she didn’t dare chase after him for fear of seeing something she shouldn’t. So she stayed where she was, growing more anxious by the second.

Meanwhile, a speedboat quietly approached the island and docked beside Boat No. 7.

Bu Feiyan stepped ashore, her eyes scanning the vessels. When she saw the number etched onto the side of the boat—7—her expression hardened with certainty.

She’d asked around earlier while renting her own boat. Wang Haoran had been seen with a woman, boarding Boat 7. If the boat was here, the man was on the island.

She began following the fresh footprints in the sand, tracing their path into the heart of the island.

Not long after she left the shore, another boat approached.

This one carried eight men. Each one had a black mamba tattoo inked around their biceps, and all were armed—not with guns, but with ranged cold weapons.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t afford firearms. The resort’s strict security made smuggling in heat practically impossible.

But crossbows, throwing blades, and other silent weapons could kill just as effectively. And in trained hands, they were more than enough.

“The target’s on the island,” said their leader. “Take your positions. Make it quick and clean.”

The squad dissolved into the trees, vanishing like shadows, each moving toward a different quadrant of the island.

Elsewhere…

Bu Feiyan followed the trail until she spotted a lone figure up ahead—a woman.

There were only two boats docked here: hers, and No. 7.

No need to guess. This had to be that woman.

But something about the figure’s back felt… familiar.

She narrowed her eyes. As the woman turned and scanned the area, her face came into view.

Bu Feiyan’s eyes went wide. “Sixth Sister?!”

Startled, she stepped out from cover.

Ji Shuiyao turned and gasped. “Fourth Sister? What are you doing here?”

“I should be asking you that,” Bu Feiyan replied, her expression dark. “Why are you here—with Seventh Sister’s boyfriend?”

“Seventh Sister’s… boyfriend?” Ji Shuiyao blinked. “You mean Wang Haoran?”

“That’s the name. Him.”

Ji Shuiyao’s face paled. “I… I didn’t know. I really didn’t know he was with Seventh Sister.”

Bu Feiyan’s voice was cold. “Well, now you do. So how do you plan on facing her?”

“I swear, there’s nothing between us like that. I only came on this trip because I wanted to ask him some scientific questions. That’s all.”

Bu Feiyan arched a brow, skeptical. “Are you telling the truth?”

Ji Shuiyao’s voice softened. “Would I lie to you, Fourth Sister?”

Bu Feiyan pursed her lips, eyes narrowing. “Sixth Sister, I know you better than you think. Ask yourself honestly—was this really just about asking questions? You came on vacation with him for science?”

At that, Ji Shuiyao’s eyes flickered with guilt. Her gaze fell. “Please, don’t tell Seventh Sister… I don’t want to hurt our bond.”

Bu Feiyan’s anger surged. “Seventh Sister is too kind for her own good—easy to trick, fine. But you? You’ve read more books than any of us. How could you fall for that scumbag? What does he have that’s so special?”

Ji Shuiyao snapped back, “He’s a genius! A brilliant scientist! Not some lowlife scumbag!”

Bu Feiyan scoffed. “A scholar? So what? He’s still just a frail bookworm. A real man practices martial arts. Zhao guest with fluttering tassels, Wu hook gleaming with frost. Silver saddles shine on white horses, galloping like shooting stars. Ten steps, one kill—miles away, no trace remains.”

Ji Shuiyao groaned. “Fourth Sister, you’ve recited The Song of the Hero in front of me a thousand times. I can recite it backward. Please, enough.”

Bu Feiyan paused, then relented.

Ji Shuiyao took a breath, then said softly, “Just… promise me, don’t tell Seventh Sister. Please.”