After a brief stroll around Vast Sea City, Li Chang'an and Bibi Dong headed to the city's largest ship rental center. After asking around and comparing prices, Li Chang'an booked a large vessel set to depart the day after tomorrow—a massive steamship!
He paid a considerable deposit, and the ship owner promised that the vessel would be fully at their service. However, no matter how much extra money Li Chang'an offered, the owner refused to sail more than a hundred kilometers from the shoreline. Beyond that point, they might run into hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts—something the shipmaster clearly wanted no part of.
Li Chang'an didn't press the issue. Worst case, he and Bibi Dong could just fly out farther themselves—so long as the ship waited for them at the designated spot, that would suffice.
With their voyage settled, Li Chang'an then took Bibi Dong to Vast Sea City's bustling commercial district—under the excuse that he was hungry.
Perhaps it was the change of scenery, but Bibi Dong didn't refuse him. In fact, she earnestly followed along, sticking close as they browsed shop after shop.
It turns out that shopping is an instinctive talent for women. Even though Bibi Dong lacked for nothing, she still skipped around excitedly, dragging Li Chang'an with her for quite some time and picking up all sorts of trinkets along the way. Naturally, Li Chang'an also bought a few items in preparation for the sea trip.
At this moment, Bibi Dong had completely shed her usual pope-like air. She seemed more like a girl who'd been let out to play—chatty, curious, and full of life as she flitted from one item to the next.
Li Chang'an wasn't particularly fond of shopping, but he hid it well, putting on a cheerful expression the whole time. He even took the initiative to pay whenever she bought something, carry the bags, and offer suggestions.
By now, Li Chang'an had quietly slipped into the role of a boyfriend—not in an aggressive or obvious way, but with a quiet, almost imperceptible gentleness. Though Bibi Dong didn't seem too aware of it, the atmosphere between them had definitely shifted. The distance between them was shrinking.
Take right now, for example—Bibi Dong was eyeing a dress. Well, more precisely, it was a short swimsuit dress. Though the design was relatively modest, it was still a swimsuit—meaning there were certain parts that definitely caught Li Chang'an's eye.
The color was a soft blush pink—simple, but elegant. Not flashy at all. On Bibi Dong, it would no doubt give off a graceful and noble aura.
Of course, this was all in Li Chang'an's imagination.
Bibi Dong stood there hesitating. Should she buy it? She was the Pope, after all. Wasn't it a bit inappropriate? But then again… they were going out to sea, and opportunities like this didn't come often.
That was when Li Chang'an stepped in. His voice echoed softly in her mind via spiritual transmission:
"Teacher, I really think you should buy it. Once we're on the ship, you can sunbathe on the deck—or even try swimming near the coast."
"Besides, the color of this swimsuit is elegant and classy—just like you. It suits a beautiful woman like yourself perfectly."
Hearing him mention sunbathing and swimming, Bibi Dong's heart wavered. Add Li Chang'an's gentle encouragement, and eventually she nodded lightly in agreement.
Li Chang'an didn't wait for her to change her mind. He immediately made the purchase and had it packed up.
He had always believed in a certain truth: when a woman hesitates in front of a product, it's either because she doesn't have the money, or she needs a stronger reason to convince herself.
Clearly, Bibi Dong fell into the second category—and today, Li Chang'an provided that reason.
Thanks to his storage-type soul tool, Li Chang'an wasn't worried about carrying too many items. But still, he insisted on holding one or two shopping bags in his hand—a small gesture, but a thoughtful one.
They wandered the city until evening. Finally, Li Chang'an led the smiling Bibi Dong to a local restaurant to sample Vast Sea City's specialty cuisine. Following the owner's recommendation, they even shared two bottles of the region's signature liquor before heading to their hotel.
And that's where things got… unexpectedly interesting.
Li Chang'an hadn't originally planned to stay in the same room as Bibi Dong. But for reasons unknown, the receptionist greeted them with a polite smile and said:
"I'm very sorry, but we only have one luxury suite left."
Well… that was awkward.
Li Chang'an didn't want to go hotel-hopping, either. This was the best high-end hotel in all of Vast Sea City.
Bibi Dong simply shook her head lightly and told the receptionist, "We'll take it. Please check us in."
She was so calm and matter-of-fact about it… it was Li Chang'an, the man, who felt a little off balance.
The receptionist wasn't lying, though. The suite was indeed luxurious, with even three separate beds. It was quite impressive.
"Chang'an, can you give me another massage?"
Bibi Dong tapped her slender shoulder lightly and asked with a relaxed tone.
Li Chang'an nodded at once and began gently massaging her shoulders again. He could tell that Bibi Dong was in exceptionally good spirits today—better than usual.
Clearly, spending the afternoon shopping and unwinding had been a refreshing change for someone like her, a woman who'd long stood at the pinnacle of power. And of course, having Li Chang'an nearby playing the "boyfriend" role helped, too.
"Chang'an, thank you. I had a really good time today."
Bibi Dong closed her eyes and patted his hand with a warm smile.
"Every day I spend with you, Teacher, is a good day," Li Chang'an replied without hesitation, making Bibi Dong burst into a fit of laughter.
They didn't talk much more after that. Both seemed content to just relax in the cozy atmosphere of the room.
At some point, Li Chang'an found his guard dropping. Without even realizing it, his mind eased into a peaceful state. And that was when he noticed—Bibi Dong had already fallen asleep, breathing softly against his shoulder.
Li Chang'an didn't dare say a word. Gently, he carried her to the bed, removed her shoes and coat, and pulled the blanket over her.
When could a Titled Douluo sleep so soundly? Only when she felt completely safe, completely at ease, and utterly trusting of the person beside her.
At this moment, Li Chang'an had clearly earned that trust.
"Chang… Chang'an… don't go… don't leave…"
Just as Li Chang'an was about to get up and be a gentleman—go sleep in another bed—he felt his arm suddenly caught by Bibi Dong, and then her sleepy voice whispered those words.
"Don't worry. I'll never leave you."
He gently kissed her forehead, held her hand, and said softly.
Only he could understand the depth of Bibi Dong's loneliness—only he knew the burdens she bore.
That night, Li Chang'an didn't leave. But he didn't take advantage of her either. He simply sat at her bedside, letting her hold his hand as he watched her sleep.
And for some reason, in that quiet moment… a wave of sleepiness overtook him, too.
---
"Mmm? That was such a good nap~"
"Hmm? What's this? So soft..."
It was a man's voice. And after saying that, he instinctively gave it a squeeze—because, well, the feeling was just too nice.
"Mmm~ ahh~"
A soft, feminine moan echoed in his ear. One he was all too familiar with. After all, he'd heard that exact sound from more than a few women while using his massage skills.
Li Chang'an's eyes shot open in panic—only to find his hand resting on an ample, bountiful boob. One that was clearly soft and warm... and now slightly misshapen thanks to his firm grip.
At the same moment, the owner of that boob stirred awake as well—mainly because that pleasant sensation had suddenly stopped. With a slightly displeased expression, the beautiful woman slowly opened her eyes...
____
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