At this moment, Shen Qingqing's gaze fell coolly on his lower half. Eisen inexplicably shivered, instinctively hiding behind Pei Ji.
The man, over six feet tall, hid behind Pei Ji, not even a strand of hair showing.
Pei Ji: "..."
If you're so afraid, why provoke her in the first place?
He rubbed his forehead, and for some reason, felt like laughing. Perhaps it was because he rarely saw Eisen in such a cowardly state. "That's just his personality. He's not very bright, but he means no harm. Don't hold it against him."
"My surname is Shen."
Shen Qingqing suddenly said. Pei Ji was taken aback, then a smile bloomed in his eyes. "Miss Shen, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Pei Ji."
"I know."
Eisen saw Pei Ji talking so warmly, yet this woman remained indifferent. He instantly felt she was utterly tactless!
"How dare you act like this? Do you know who Pei Ji is?"
Shen Qingqing shot him a cold glance, too lazy to bother with him, and turned to enter the cabin.
Eisen made faces and stuck out his tongue at her retreating back. But then she suddenly turned around, and Eisen's contorted face froze mid-grimace.
His expression was unspeakably ugly.
As if on cue, Shen Qingqing let out a soft chuckle, then turned and left.
Eisen gritted his teeth in anger. "You b*tch!"
Pei Ji couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, don't provoke her again. She didn't do anything to you, and you're acting like a fighting cock. What's the point?"
"I just don't like her! I'll remember this grudge. This isn't over!"
Eisen huffed indignantly. It was only when facing Pei Ji that he showed his childlike side, which made Pei Ji both annoyed and helpless.
The cruise ship sailed further away on the sea. Everyone still hadn't found Z.
Just as everyone was feeling dejected, they suddenly noticed Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu standing on the deck by the railing, gazing at the boundless sea, clearly enjoying themselves.
Everyone was speechless.
These two were far too calm.
But soon, they realized that the couple wasn't just calm; they were leisurely and at ease, savoring the salty scent of the sea in the air.
A gentle breeze swept over them, accompanied by an endless expanse of sky.
The waves occasionally surged, only to recede quickly. The sunlight from the horizon cascaded down, leaving a patch of golden light on the sea. The scenery was breathtaking.
In that moment, even the sea seemed incredibly gentle.
But more beautiful were the man and woman standing there. The man, cold and tall, carefully embraced the woman in his arms, his gaze filled with tenderness as he looked at her.
The couple didn't say a word, yet a warm atmosphere gradually spread.
Everyone silently endured the display of affection.
Just then, the man whispered something in the woman's ear. The woman chuckled, her smile as bright as the sun, her charm as fiery as a flame. Her eyes sparkled with allure, her enchanting gaze like flowing water.
It was enough to make one stare intently, their soul almost stolen away.
But soon, the man noticed the envious glances from others and pettily shielded the woman, revealing not an inch.
He held her close, speaking in a low, deep, and tender voice.
Everyone was stuffed with affection. Many, unwilling to endure any more, chose to return to their rooms. Soon, only the two of them remained on the deck.
But the couple was completely unfazed. The comings and goings of others were irrelevant to them.
Later, everyone grew accustomed to it, even numb.
This couple was truly inhumane!
When noon arrived, the butler arranged for meals. Everyone had intended to eat in their rooms, but he directed them to the deck.
There were over twenty people, but on the vast deck, it wasn't crowded.
Everyone was puzzled.
"Why don't you let us eat in our rooms? The wind outside is quite strong. Eating a belly full of wind might give us stomach aches later. Do you have a doctor here?"
This person was sharp-tongued, but they voiced the unspoken thoughts of everyone.
It would have been much better to eat peacefully in their rooms, occasionally taking in the sea view. No one wanted to eat outdoors, exposed to the sea breeze.
There was a risk of choking on the wind!
The butler wasn't angered. As usual, he was accommodating. "There is a reason for this arrangement."
In other words, just comply.
The person was momentarily speechless and retorted mockingly, "You're just a butler, acting like you're the owner. Where's your master? Didn't you say he had arrived?"
"Is he fond of hiding his face?"
The butler's smile remained impeccable. "Isn't he here now?"
The person was startled.
Footsteps echoed, and everyone looked in that direction. The voice arrived before the person: "My apologies for keeping everyone waiting."
The newcomer was nearly six feet tall, not exceptionally tall, and his appearance was merely decent. However, his brows held a gentle demeanor, and his entire presence exuded a refreshing warmth.
Upon seeing him, a word surfaced in everyone's minds.
A gentle scholar.
"You are Z?"
Z nodded slightly. "Yes, it is I. My health isn't very good. I caught a cold on the way here, and fearing I might infect everyone, I boarded the ship first. I had intended to appear this morning, but after taking my medicine, I accidentally fell asleep and only woke up now."
His explanation was flawless.
The crowd couldn't fault him. Every word he spoke was for their consideration. How ungrateful would one have to be to pick fault?
Moreover, those who came here either wanted to befriend Z or needed something from him.
"It's alright, it's alright. Are you feeling better?"
"If you're still unwell, you should go back and rest. You don't need to stay here with us."
"Yes, the weather has turned overcast, and the wind is strong. If you catch another chill, it might worsen, and we would all feel guilty."
Everyone chimed in with concerned words. Regardless of their true thoughts, their faces were sincere.
Z seemed genuinely touched. "I'm fine now. I took my medicine and slept well. I would be bored going back now. Besides, I invited everyone here. As the host, I naturally must accompany my guests."
The others were merely being polite. With his saying this, no one insisted further.
Shen Qingqing withdrew her gaze from him and looked at the old man. Since this person had appeared, the old man's reaction had been very unusual.
His spine was stiff, his hands tightly clenched, his expression blank, yet his face was faintly ashen.
She knew the reason. This Z looked exactly like the old man's disciple. But for now, she had to appease the old man. "Don't worry, there will be opportunities in the future."
The old man took a deep breath. "I know."
He cast one last, deep look at Z. Just as he was about to withdraw his gaze, the man suddenly looked over, and their eyes met unexpectedly.
The old man remained silent for a long time. In that instant, his memories were pulled back to the past.
He had truly cared for this disciple.
Yet, this disciple was also truly ruthless, leaving without hesitation, never looking back for all these years.
Z stared at the old man for a moment, then walked towards him, his eyes filled with confusion. "Esteemed elder... do you know me?"
The old man trembled.
Shen Qingqing also slightly frowned and asked pointedly, "I've heard that Mr. Z is extremely skilled in poison-making."
"Yes," Z finally shifted his gaze to Shen Qingqing.
"Then, if I may be so bold, what sect do you hail from?"