"Mr. Albert, why are you shouting so loudly? You scared my friend."
Jams calmly reminded the frustrated young man with brown short hair.
As an experienced gamer, Jams had a deep impression of this man called "Albert."
The reason for this profound impression was not because Albert was exceptional in any way, but because this guy claimed to be Barbara's number one fan.
He would express his concern for Barbara's life, but in reality, he behaved like a pervert, often lurking outside the Cathedral of the Anemo God.
In Jams' view, this fanatical behavior had gone beyond the boundaries of a normal fan and became a mental torment for Barbara.
Barbara was innocent and kind, full of hope for life.
She wished for the winds of freedom to sweep through every corner of Mondstadt, hoping to bring health and laughter to its residents, and seeking her sister's approval.
Even when she was being stalked by obsessive fans, blocked by strangers at her door, or had her discarded rubbish stolen from the bin, she would quietly wipe away her tears and only show everyone her positive and optimistic side.
Among these fanatics, Albert was undoubtedly the most troublesome for Barbara.
Normally, even if Barbara felt upset, she would still put on a polite smile and listen quietly to Albert's endless nonsense.
However, with Jams by her side today, Barbara felt like a small boat finding a safe harbor.
She instinctively hid behind Jams, her eyes filled with grievances and dependence on him, just like a girlfriend who had suffered outside and finally dropped her pretenses in front of her boyfriend, revealing her vulnerable side.
"Jams..."
Barbara sniffled softly, her voice choking up.
She didn't know why she suddenly had the urge to cry, even though she could always maintain a smile in front of her dear sister, Jean.
"Jams..."
Barbara tightly grasped the hem of Jams' clothes, exerting too much force that her knuckles turned pale, and then...
Rip!
Perhaps due to her unstable emotions, Barbara's grip was too strong, and she accidentally tore off a piece of Jams' clothes!
"Oh, this..."
Jams looked at his torn clothes, looking puzzled.
What's going on here? Can someone explain?
"Barbara, can't you just maintain your image of a pitiful, weak, and helpless person a little bit? You've ruined all the emotions I just brewed!"
Thump!
Jams raised his hand and lightly tapped Barbara's smooth forehead, feeling both annoyed and amused.
Actually, Barbara didn't need to say much. From her slightly reddened eyes, one could see that this girl had silently endured a lot of grievances.
But if you're feeling down, why did you suddenly tear my clothes?
The melancholic atmosphere was instantly disrupted!
"I don't mind if you act a little wild in private, but why are you so anxious now?"
Jams couldn't help but cup Barbara's rosy face and give it a gentle rub, hoping that this girl could maintain her cheerful and cute image.
"Um..."
Barbara felt embarrassed by Jams' words. While enjoying his face rubbing, she made a muffled voice, "I'm sorry... I... I didn't mean to... I was just showing my true feelings... sniffles."
"Tsk, when others express their true emotions, it's all about being cute and adorable. But when you show your true emotions, you just tear off your clothes without a second thought... Well, she is my own little sister-in-law, so this kind of behavior is still worthy of encouragement."
After Jams finished speaking, he stopped teasing a blushing Barbara and approached Albert, dressed in tattered clothing.
"What... What are you trying to do!?"
Through the holes in his clothes, Albert caught a glimpse of Jams' perfectly sculpted abdominal muscles, causing him to become wary.
This young pretty face seems like it can pack a punch!
"Tsk, already backing down?"
Jams halted his steps, amusingly looking at the nervous Albert. "Weren't you the one who asked me to remove my dirty hands from Barbara just now? Since you dare to say such things, don't chicken out. Stand up like a man!"
"..."
Albert stared at Jams, who was half a head taller and possessed greater charm and aura. He silently swallowed a mouthful of cold sweat.
It's in the nature of living beings to bully the weak and fear the strong. Even the giant baby of Mondstadt feels fear when faced with someone not to be trifled with.
Blame it on Captain Jean for protecting Mondstadt too well, not allowing them to see the rules of this world—survival of the fittest!
Jams simply wanted to be a carefree fisher, minding his own business, but not afraid of trouble either!
Even if it's the Stormterror itself, I would still strike back with all my might!
"Is this the extent of Barbara's fanatic fan's fighting prowess? If you can't handle it, go find a job at a factory in Liyue Harbor and tighten screws. Stop bothering my little sister-in-law."
Seeing Albert's pathetic appearance, Jams rolled his eyes.
As a man, it's fine if you want to be a lapdog, but what does it mean when you don't dare to stand up for your goddess in critical moments?
If you can't even be a good lapdog, what hope is there for you!?
"I... I'm not afraid of you!"
Hearing Jams' mockery, Albert's forehead veins throbbed, and he mustered up some courage to walk toward Jams, his legs trembling.
"Heh, not running away, but actually coming towards me..."
Jams' lips curled up slightly, not intending to mock, just a habitual smile.
People like Albert are not worth mocking or playing with.
As a man, Jams finds him simply pitiful.
Why can't he be a decent person? Why must he be a lapdog?
Step, step, step...
At this moment, Albert had already reached Jams, his young face tense, and his voice low:
"I'm here, what do you want to do? Kill me in front of Barbara!?"
"Uh, actually, I do want to kill you. Although we have no grudges, you made my little sister-in-law shed tears, and that's enough reason for you to die a hundred times."
Jams doesn't have a saintly heart; his gentleness is reserved for family and friends.
You respect me, and I'll respect you in return.
If you treat me as an enemy, then in my eyes, you're just an NPC that gives experience points!
Clang!
Jams took out two kitchen knives usually used for preparing ingredients and threw one of them at Albert's feet.
The shining silver blades emitted a chilling light under the morning sun, piercing to the eyes!
"We're both men, so let's settle this like men."
Jams flicked the knife in his hand and pointed to the one at Albert's feet, grinning. "If I let you fight me with your fists, you won't be able to break through my defense. That's unfair to you."
"So, I won't take advantage of you. Let's duel with knives. Whoever falls first will forever stay away from my little sister-in-law... Barbara's life, how about that?"
"..."
"Don't be afraid, we can agree in advance not to aim for the heart."
Jams blinked at the increasingly pale-faced Albert. "As long as the heart keeps beating, Barbara will ensure our safety."
"You... you... you madman..."
On this sunny morning, Albert suddenly felt a chilling sensation throughout his body. His eyes were filled with fear, as if he had seen a demon crawling out of the abyss!
"Mr. Albert, come on, I'll let you make the first move~"
Jams spread his arms, his gaze clear, without a trace of fear.
"Jams..."
Barbara watched Jams' back, her eyes filled with concern, and her delicate body trembling slightly.
Yum, how exciting! It feels like the power of Hydro within me is about to overflow.