This night, I slept the most peacefully since arriving on the island. When I woke up, I felt lighter than before.
I walked to the cave entrance and looked out. The sun was already shining brightly.
I couldn't help but feel happy. Finally, I could go out and gather food!
I moved the fence and stepped outside. The air was filled with the earthy scent of the soil after the rain.
I greedily took a deep breath. I hadn't smelled this scent in so long. I stretched my body, feeling that I was mostly recovered, and turned back.
By then, everyone had woken up. After we finished the last of our food, I cleared my throat.
"Now that the weather is clear, we need to make some preparations. I'll go find some food, and you girls can go to the stream to fetch some water."
Shangguan Yao heard this and crossed her arms, looking displeased.
"I don't mind fetching water, but I don't want to go with Luo Yaqin."
I was taken aback. Weren't they fine yesterday?
What did Luo Yaqin do to offend you now?
Luo Yaqin glanced at Shangguan Yao disdainfully and said sweetly, "As if I'm eager to go with you. Lu Ziye, I'll go find food with you. After all, some people don't want to see me."
Seeing the apparent conflict between the two women, I felt that forcing them to go together would surely lead to trouble. So I said, "Then Luo Yaqin, you come with me to find food. Shangguan Yao and Pan Lili will go fetch water, and Guan Hai'er will stay in the cave to guard the place. We'll meet up at noon."
After I finished speaking, Luo Yaqin gave Shangguan Yao a triumphant look and walked out with me.
Shangguan Yao snorted and pulled Pan Lili, also heading out.
Along the way, Shangguan Yao complained to Pan Lili a few times about Luo Yaqin, mentioning something about dark shadows shaking the book and scaring people, and then their voices gradually faded.
Meanwhile, I led Luo Yaqin towards the sea. The faint fragrance from her body kept wafting into my nose, making me feel restless.
When we reached the seaside, the tide, which had risen due to the heavy rain overnight, had receded. Many fish and shrimp were left stranded on the beach, struggling weakly.
Luo Yaqin and I exchanged glances, both very happy.
Indeed, after surviving a great disaster, good fortune would follow.
The seafood left on this beach alone would be enough for us to eat for a while!
I stuck my alloy knife into the beach and placed the bamboo basket aside.
Then, Luo Yaqin and I began sweeping along the shoreline.
With so much seafood, I wondered if Guan Hai'er would make a seafood platter. It seemed like I hadn't had hot pot in a long time. Dipping these fresh fish into the pot would be amazing!
As I picked up seafood, all sorts of recipes filled my mind, and I couldn't help but swallow.
Luo Yaqin heard my voice and looked at me. She was very close to me, and as the sea breeze blew, her slightly curled hair occasionally brushed against my face.
I involuntarily shifted slightly to the side. She immediately leaned closer, giving me a playful glare as if it were a crime for me not to let her be close to me.
What did Luo Yaqin mean by this? Did she think I was too handsome and had fallen for me? I stroked my chin, thinking this possibility was quite high.
Just as my mind was wandering, Luo Yaqin suddenly shrieked and stumbled towards me.
I instinctively caught her. She looked up, somewhat flustered, and said, "Lu Ziye, look at what's on the ground ahead."
I looked down at the ground and couldn't help but laugh and cry.
"It's just a little clownfish that somehow got washed up here. You're scared by this little thing?"
After I said that, I didn't get a response from Luo Yaqin. I looked down and saw that she was staring intently into my eyes, her eyes full of amusement.
Good heavens, the most cunning hunters always appear as prey!
Luo Yaqin wasn't scared at all. She clearly found an excuse to throw herself into my arms!
We looked at each other for a few seconds. She slowly closed her eyes, her alluring red lips pouting slightly, presenting herself as ready to be tasted.
My heart also began to race. I wanted to push Luo Yaqin away, but she seemed to possess some kind of magic, drawing me closer to her unconsciously.
Just as I was about to kiss Luo Yaqin, a shriek suddenly came from not far away. It was Shangguan Yao, shouting for help!
Shangguan Yao was in danger!
My body trembled, and I immediately pushed Luo Yaqin away.
"Luo Yaqin, take the bamboo basket and go back first!"
I dropped the sentence and rushed towards the stream with my alloy knife.
Although Shangguan Yao often provoked me, at this critical juncture, I didn't want anything to happen to her.
In my anxiety, I didn't notice that my speed was much faster than usual.
Soon, I reached the stream.
I pushed aside the bushes in front of me and saw Shangguan Yao and Pan Lili squatting by the stream, looking at something in horror.
I followed their gaze, and my pupils contracted!
An adult black bear was crouching not far away, sticking out its tongue to drink water.
Strange!
How could there be a black bear on this tropical island!
This is trouble!
Black bears are apex predators. Even an average adult male, armed with a gun, might not be able to defeat one, let alone the fact that my handgun was still in the cave.
Shangguan Yao, seeing me, seemed to want to ask for help.
Seeing this, my heart tightened. I quickly gestured for her to be quiet and not to attract the bear's attention. I tiptoed towards me.
My adrenaline was pumping. The best outcome would be if the bear had already eaten and would leave after drinking. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Shangguan Yao and Pan Lili, seeing my gesture, shakily crept towards me. Suddenly, Pan Lili's legs gave out, and she fell to the ground with a cry of pain.
Damn it, you're always messing things up!
To make a mistake at such a critical moment!
The black bear slowly raised its head from the stream, noticed the two women, and began to slowly approach them!