Xiao Wu stiffened. The person hugging her from behind was not Su Bai. She was all too familiar with Su Bai's embrace. She turned her head sharply, and upon seeing it was Zi Zhenzhu, she sighed in relief.
"It's you!" Xiao Wu exclaimed.
They were both women. Xiao Wu didn't think much of Zi Zhenzhu hugging her. Unlike Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu wasn't aware of people with unusual sexual orientations. Having spent most of her life in the Star Dou Forest, her experiences were limited.
Zi Zhenzhu's hold on Xiao Wu tightened. She buried her face in Xiao Wu's hair, inhaling deeply. Her cheeks flushed red. She realized she was utterly captivated by Xiao Wu. Unable to contain herself, she spoke, "Xiao Wu, I like you!"
"Huh?" Xiao Wu was stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"Zi Zhenzhu, what did you just say?" Xiao Wu asked for confirmation.
Zi Zhenzhu repeated earnestly, "Xiao Wu, I said I like you!"
Xiao Wu looked puzzled and said, "But we're both women. How can you like me?"
Zi Zhenzhu explained, "Xiao Wu, the world is vast and full of wonders. Some people are attracted to others of the same gender. It can be men liking men or women liking women. I happen to be one of those people."
Zi Zhenzhu lifted her head, looking deeply into Xiao Wu's eyes, and said, "Xiao Wu, from the moment I first saw you, I was deeply attracted to you. I like you, Xiao Wu. Be my woman!"
Xiao Wu was taken aback by Zi Zhenzhu's words. She had never heard of same-gender attraction before. Besides, she was Su Bai's woman. How could she possibly be Zi Zhenzhu's? Moreover, she wasn't interested in women. Zi Zhenzhu's notion was utterly unacceptable to her.
Xiao Wu pushed Zi Zhenzhu away forcefully. Now she understood why Zi Zhenzhu had been especially attentive to her. It was because she had a crush on her. Xiao Wu was at a loss for words, finding the situation utterly absurd.
Zi Zhenzhu, unwilling to miss the opportunity of being alone with Xiao Wu, stepped forward, pressing on, "Xiao Wu, don't worry. I will protect you from now on."
"Protect me?" Xiao Wu asked, puzzled.
Zi Zhenzhu nodded earnestly.
Xiao Wu, still baffled, said, "But I'm a level 96 Titled Douluo. Are you sure you want to protect me?"
"Level 96? Titled Douluo?" Zi Zhenzhu's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't fathom that Xiao Wu was a Titled Douluo. She found it hard to believe. How could she protect Xiao Wu or win her heart?
"Yes," Xiao Wu confirmed, releasing the pressure of her Titled Douluo aura to prove it.
Zi Zhenzhu was shocked, now fully convinced. She felt a sense of loss. How could she possibly win over someone as powerful as Xiao Wu? Looking at Xiao Wu's alluring figure and beautiful face, she felt incredibly unwilling to give up. She left, disheartened but not defeated.
Zi Zhenzhu decided that even if Xiao Wu was a Titled Douluo, she could win her over with her sincerity. Thus, her quest to win Xiao Wu's heart continued.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu stormed into Su Bai's room, kicking the door open. She stood with her hands on her hips and demanded, "Brother Bai, did you know all along that Zi Zhenzhu had ulterior motives towards me?"
Su Bai, caught off guard, chuckled and asked, "Did she make a move on you?"
Xiao Wu, annoyed, replied, "She hugged me and said... she said she liked me."
Su Bai couldn't help but laugh, finding the situation amusing. Zi Zhenzhu had taken advantage of his moment with Zhu Zhuqing to confess to Xiao Wu.
"You're laughing!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, pinching Su Bai's waist. "You must have known all along and just wanted to see me embarrassed!"
She recalled Su Bai's earlier warnings and his comments about Zi Zhenzhu not having any ill intentions. Now she understood the real meaning. Yes, Zi Zhenzhu had no malicious intent, but she was indeed lusting after her body. Shameless!
And Su Bai hadn't warned her, letting her fall into this embarrassing situation. Xiao Wu was furious.
Seeing this, Su Bai tried to comfort her, "Alright, don't be mad. With your strength, what can she possibly do to you?"
"That's true, but I'm your woman, Brother Bai. Are you just going to let someone else covet me?" Xiao Wu retorted.
Su Bai raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, I admit I was wrong!"
Xiao Wu's eyes gleamed with a mischievous smile, "Since you know you were wrong, I'll forgive you this time. But..."
"But what?" Su Bai asked.
Xiao Wu laughed, "Brother Bai, you have to make it up to me. Zi Zhenzhu's words really scared me."
Su Bai laughed, "Alright, alright, I'll make it up to you. What do you want?"
Xiao Wu jumped into Su Bai's arms, giving him a peck on the lips. She whispered seductively, "Of course, Brother Bai, you have to make it up to me with your body."
Su Bai grinned. What an unusual request! Zhu Zhuqing had been exhausted earlier, and he hadn't felt fully satisfied. Now, Xiao Wu was volunteering herself. Su Bai didn't hesitate, stripping Xiao Wu's clothes off and pinning her down.
...
Two days later.
"Up ahead is Zi Zhenzhu Island," Zi Zhenzhu pointed to the small island at the bow of the ship. From a distance, they could see the island's flag, adorned with a purple pearl emblem.
Once ashore, Zi Zhenzhu led everyone to her stronghold, instructing her people to treat Su Bai and his companions well. They had a feast with various delicacies and wines, enjoying themselves around the bonfire.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Zi Zhenzhu Island, a small boat docked. Three figures disembarked, led by a figure in a red dress: Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Oscar. They looked worn out.
Surprisingly, they had traveled all the way by small boat, enduring countless hardships along the way. But finally, they had reached their destination. The small boat was a necessity as they had no money and couldn't find a ship for hire before setting out.
Though exhausted, they were relieved to have arrived. They started a fire to warm up and discussed their plans.
Oscar asked, "Xiao San, what do you plan to do?"
Having lost a significant amount of flesh, Oscar's face was paler than before, devoid of any facial hair. The once heavily bearded man no longer needed to shave.
Tang San, in a serious tone, said, "Let's rest and recover our spirit power. Then, we'll storm in directly."
Dai Mubai, concerned, asked, "We don't know their numbers or strength. Wouldn't it be reckless to charge in?"
Tang San replied firmly, "Don't worry. Even though I'm only a Spirit Douluo, I can still fight against Titled Douluo. I doubt there are any Titled Douluo on Zi Zhenzhu Island. There's nothing to fear."
Hearing Tang San's confidence, Dai Mubai and Oscar felt reassured and said no more.
**********
This fanfiction is complete on my Patreon. If you want to read it, you can find it at patreon.com/Betek.