Chapter 75: A Chorus of Voices, Words Within Words

“After that unexpected incident, not only did it reveal Yuanyuan’s deep affection for Brother Lan, but it also helped us discover a way to defeat this poisonous sea. Isn’t that a double blessing?” Yu Shang said softly with a gentle smile. Today, his eyes had truly been opened; not only had he witnessed the most genuine love in this world, but he had also unexpectedly found another use for this precious pearl. It was a delightful surprise. Though he felt a little jealous of Brother Lan, he was mostly filled with admiration. Without a doubt, Lan was currently the happiest among them all.

“Haha, you rascal, you really do see things differently! Only you, when everyone else is gripped by fear and anxiety, could still find the time to uncover something else,” Xiao Yin shook his head and laughed helplessly. It was clear he was envious of others’ loving relationships and lamented his own solitary existence. But it wasn’t just the rascal he envied—even he felt a pang of longing. He understood that few would treat their partner so tenderly, including his own woman. For the two of them, something else mattered even more: for the boy, it was his beloved; for her, it was herself.

“What’s there to be troubled about? From beginning to end, none of us have suffered any harm! Stop worrying so much; nothing happened, did it?” Yu Xiaoran chimed in, not because he felt bitter seeing others’ affection, but because he didn’t want his own woman to become infected by such selflessness. He didn’t want her to rush into danger for his sake; he’d rather die before her than have her sacrifice anything for him. After all, living on with this fragile life and carrying on for the one he loves is far wiser than blindly following each other into death. Perhaps Meng Yuyuan’s devotion was truly moving—even he was touched—but he didn’t wish for his own woman to make such sacrifices. In love, that’s the most foolish act, even if it is deeply touching.

“This time, I’ll toss Brother Yin’s words right back at you! Apparently, it’s only when it’s not your own woman that you’re so indifferent!” Lan Bingxian, usually composed, rolled his eyes at the other men. They really were cold-blooded! The person involved was nearly moved to tears, and they acted as though nothing had happened.

“Hahaha! Looks like everything I say is a famous quote, spreading so quickly!” Xiao Yin boasted gleefully, amazed that he had so many admirers who remembered his offhand remarks. Truly remarkable!

“Every time I see your arrogant face, I just want to slap you so the world goes quiet!” Yin Boxuan said disdainfully. This little snake—where did he get his confidence from?

“Don’t worry; sooner or later, we’ll have our showdown. I won’t let you, with your sharp tongue, off so easily!” Xiao Yin retorted with equal disdain. These two were truly rivals, never holding back with their words.

“Well, listening to you all, I really must thank you again. You’ve saved me once more—how am I ever to repay such kindness? Should I pledge myself to you?” Meng Yuyuan joked to the ethereal woman constantly by her side, but the gratitude in her eyes was sincere. She did not understand why this woman helped her time and again without expecting anything in return, but she could sense the woman’s genuine heart—her feelings were real.

The ethereal woman was delighted by Meng Yuyuan’s words, clutching at her sleeve and nestling against her neck like a kitten, smiling sweetly. It was like a younger sister seeking affection from her elder, filling the scene with warmth. Meng Yuyuan instinctively stroked her cheek, gazing at her with tenderness, as though she were family.

“That won’t do! If you pledge yourself to her, where does that leave me? I’m not generous enough to share you with anyone. Remember, Meng Yuyuan is mine alone!” Lan Bingxian’s voice was resolute and left no room for doubt. He could be magnanimous and selfless in every other matter—even accept losses—but in his feelings for Yuanyuan, no one was allowed to interfere. Others could call him petty, domineering, or selfish; it didn’t matter. In his world of love, there was room only for the two of them.

“All right, I know!” Meng Yuyuan replied shyly, her cheeks flushed. At that moment, she was like a delicate flower about to bloom, stunningly beautiful.

“So even Lan Bingxian, who is usually serene and detached, has such a strong desire to control his feelings. Yet perhaps that is another kind of happiness—to be enveloped so tightly in your beloved’s sincere affection, not allowing anyone else to behold your beauty. It shows he is devoted, not a fickle playboy. Yuanyuan, you are truly fortunate!” Yanxue Su smiled meaningfully at Yu Xiaoran, clearly hinting that he should learn from Lan and rein in his wandering heart, be more devoted. Though he hadn’t paid much attention to wildflowers along the roadside during their time together, he had always been used to a carefree lifestyle. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Outwardly, she seemed unconcerned, but after all, she was a woman—what woman would willingly share her lover with another? Maybe some could, but she was not one of them.

“Sister Su, you’re so mean, always making fun of me! You see others’ happiness, but you are the same yourself! Everyone can see how Brother Yu treats you—it’s just your standards are too high!” Anyone could discern the meaning in Yanxue Su’s words, so Meng Yuyuan hurried to speak, easing the awkwardness.

“You naughty girl, you’ve learned to scold your sister now!” Yanxue Su pinched Meng Yuyuan’s delicate cheek with a smile. Clearly, Yuanyuan understood her thoughts best. Sometimes, even Lanwu, who had known her for years, couldn’t grasp her feelings, but Yuanyuan, whom she’d only known for a few days, did. Perhaps it was because their attitudes toward love were so similar, allowing their hearts to connect.

“It’s not that her standards are too high—it’s that I haven’t done well enough. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so uneasy about trusting me. From today onward, I will work harder to give you all my love without reservation, never minding pride or appearances, for those things shouldn’t measure feelings.” Yu Xiaoran was unfazed by Yanxue Su’s subtle words. She had suffered betrayal before. Her cautious loyalty was not unreasonable. He understood and all he could do was restore her trust, especially in love. True, he used to treat love as a game, but being with her taught him what true love was.

“Why do you say such romantic things, making it seem as if I never care about you?” Yanxue Su responded with tender reproach, deeply moved. She knew she had chosen the right person, knew he would accept and understand her. Truly, she was happy.

“What syrupy words! Even I can’t listen anymore!” Lanwu teased, laughing beside them. Seeing their affection, she recalled how they once hid their feelings, obstacles making their path winding and almost leading them astray. Fortunately, in the end, each found their true love. Perhaps, to others, their story was not epic or stirring, but only they understood the bittersweet emotions, the joys and sorrows.

“Ahem, should I admire your calm in the face of danger, or lament your disregard for everything? Even if you’re in love, you should pick your moments! Has no one noticed the rising sea about to flood the land? Yet you still have the leisure to flirt here—defeated by you reckless lovers!” Yu Shang, watching the swelling sea, spoke angrily. They had been discussing the pearl moments before, and now, suddenly, it was all about romance! He admitted he was jealous—they all had companions, openly showing affection as if no one else existed. Still, he was right; if they delayed any longer, their lives would truly be at risk.

“Brother Yu is right, you all are blinded by love. We are surrounded by danger—one misstep and we’ll walk the road to the underworld. Stop wasting time and think of a way to escape!” Leng Huaiyi scolded, his face stern. Though he had been moved by their affection, the greater good should always come first, not personal matters.

“I disagree. We’ve already found a way to overcome the poisonous sea. Why not relax a little? If you always stay tense like you do, you’ll break down eventually!” At that moment, Xun Mishuang complained about Leng Huaiyi’s lack of romantic sense. Everyone was so affectionate, which made her envious. Yet he just stood there, saying and doing nothing. They’d agreed not to mention their age difference in this cursed place, just to be a couple. But what couple acted so distant? Was it that after so many years apart, he was estranged, or had he grown tired of their feelings? He was truly annoying—was she really expected to take the initiative?

“Shuang’er, everyone knows what’s important now. Don’t be so willful and inconsiderate. If you want to relax, there’ll be plenty of peaceful days ahead. Now is not the time for leisure!” Leng Huaiyi saw through her thoughts. Truthfully, he longed to hold her and express his years of longing, but now was not right. As the elder, he couldn’t lead everyone into reckless disregard, risking their safety.

“Hmph, it’s just that some people are too stiff, yet they accuse others of lacking propriety!” Xun Mishuang said angrily. If there weren’t so many people around, she’d want to settle some old scores with him.

“All right, you two, stop arguing! We need to move the sea water away—that’s what matters. Brother Yu, what should we do?” Yin Boxuan interrupted, seeing the tension rise, then turned to the thoughtful Yu Shang. Judging by his mood, perhaps he too felt the loneliness of solitude. Indeed, they were all exiles in the world—though he could still watch over his beloved, Yu Shang lived only with memories. No matter how carefree one seemed, no one escaped the shackles of love.