Clasp!
My heart skipped a beat as blood surged towards my brain, forcing it to overheat. Since I couldn't see my face, I don't know what kind of expression I was wearing but I could tell that my face was reddening.
If one were faced with such a surprise, how could someone keep calm and take it in in a relaxed way? That's utterly impossible!
Or maybe, it's because I'm a hopeless guy who never had any experience with romance that I found such a situation overwhelming.
Sigh~
"I figured you might get lost in the crowd so~ " Wu Yan trailed off as she looked down on the ground. Although she was the one who initiated to hold my hand, she couldn't help but feel bashful about it.
Wu Yan was actually not making excuses, though. For some reason, the crowd has gotten thicker in this part of the shelter. They've all been trying to get to a building that had the same red and gold color as the building where they hold the Red Sea Tournament. But this building was incomparably bigger than the previous one.
"That's the auction hall. Every once in a while, some nearby shelters would come here and sell their goods. Once we've accumulated enough items, we will hold an auction where people of prestige and wealth are invited. Of course, if you don't have the money then you can't possibly attend so we only invite those from rich families from nearby shelters."
I see, so even though the outbreak has already happened, certain traditions such as tournaments and auctions are still relevant in this day and age. When I first got my consciousness back from being a mindless rabid human, I've never had any problems with money. But after seeing these, it seems like money holds great power in this day and age as well.
"Now that I think about it, I have quite a few precious materials that could greatly aid in cultivation." I brought up. "From refinement pills to rare herbs and minerals that boost cultivation, as well as high-grade equipment, I have some in my inventory. If ever you're holding an auction, please keep me in mind, Wu Yan."
Wu Yan's face reddened once again as she bashfully nodded her head.
"Spirit beasts are also pretty popular in auctions, Yong Rui. So if you ever get your hands on some, please don't hesitate to tell us."
"Sure, I'll keep it in mind."
For some reason, Wu Yan kept on drooping her head lower and lower every time I sneak a glance towards her. Her face was so low that it almost touched her chest, making me feel rather embarrassed myself. I never thought that Wu Yan was such a maiden that she will get flustered over mere handholding.
As if I have the right to think about that. Even I'm getting flustered at the moment! No, I, Tang Yongrui, have only worried about becoming stronger in terms of cultivation. I can't let such small matters affect my thinking!
Arrgh~ this is not working at all.
When we finally got close to the edge of the Red Sea Shelter, Wu Yan pulled me towards a forest inside the Red Sea Shelter.
"This forest is connected outside but there's an array that doesn't let the zombies get through it. That's why it's safe to have an open forest like this even inside the shelter." Wu Yan continued her explanation as we resumed our sightseeing. "This is also the source of our steady supply of food. Since this forest is pretty much untouched by the virus, a lot of wild beasts roam here."
"So you're taking me to the forest to hunt some wild beast for food?
"No silly," Wu Yan let out a chuckle.
Until now, she still held my hand. I wonder how my hand feels on hers? Does it feel cold like my lifeless body? Or does it feel warm like my heart right now?
Urk~ that sounded so cheesy I'm going to puke!
Since the forest had a dark greenish color due to the darkness, I was surprised when we've arrived at the spot which was bathed by the moonlight. Although it was just a small clearing, it seemed so peaceful and serene like a lighthouse amidst the torrential ocean.
The ground gave off pure Qi, allowing the brightness to be even more potent, which in turn added to the surrealness of the place. I never thought that such pure output of qi could look so beautiful under the ocean. Who would've thought that there's more to Qi than being a source of greater power.
"It's beautiful." I couldn't help but utter, which made Wu Yan gasp in surprise.
"Wait, you don't find it silly? Everyone else who'd seen it said that it's so childish... " Wu Yan mumbled. "Thank you for saying that, Yong Rui."
"No, I didn't say it just to make you feel better. It's really beautiful." I cut her off since her face clearly showed that I didn't appreciate the aesthetics of the place. "When I was young, all I ever did was climb to the top and become the strongest cultivator in the world. But now that I thought about it, I think it's all pointless. Power alone doesn't bring you happiness. When it comes down to it, the people around you, those whom you wish to protect, and the beauty of peace and tranquility are what really matters in life. If I didn't know anything about Qi and you showed me this place, I wouldn't have believed you if you were to tell me this is used as a tool for war and conflict. That's how beautiful it is."
Yabai, why did I just say all that?
But well, Wu Yan is genuinely smiling towards me. Am I always this smooth? Maybe I have an innate talent when it comes to wooing girls?!
No, don't be overconfident in yourself, Yong Rui. You're a failure who has never even experienced romance. Not even once!
Wait, why must I hurt myself with that mindset?
"Yong Rui, come here. I'm going to show you something even better."
Before I knew it, Wu Yan and I were lying side by side in the middle of the clearing. For a moment, I thought that I would feel embarrassed at the sudden turn of events, but upon seeing the view of the stars and the moon in the heavenly blanket, I immediately ignored everything and just admired the view.
If only life is this peaceful.