Under his command, the two girls worked like wind-up dolls, tirelessly swinging their iron hooks.
The efficiency was astonishing.
They basically hooked one target after another, never missing.
This seemingly clairvoyant ability deepened the awe they felt for him in their hearts.
It was as if he truly... could see through everything.
...
Until dusk fell, and the sea breeze carried a biting chill.
"Alright, time to wrap up."
Hearing these words, Gu Yihan and Su Qingyue felt as if granted amnesty.
They collapsed onto the deck, gasping for breath.
Gu Yihan’s black, form-fitting sports top now clung to her like a second skin, thoroughly soaked with sweat.
The fabric strained tightly across her chest, as if it might burst open at any moment.
Within the deep cleavage, glistening beads of sweat gathered and trickled down in tiny streams.
Su Qingyue’s situation was even more intense.
She wore a white shirt, which, drenched in sweat, had become semi-transparent, clinging tightly to her jade-like skin.
The faint pink color beneath was vaguely visible.
These two campus belles, usually aloof and untouchable, now resembled two ripe peaches in the sultry, humid sea breeze.
They exuded a deadly allure, tempting one to take a fierce bite.
But their eyes were bright.
Because in the corner of the sailboat, supplies had piled up into a small mountain.
Lin Ji walked over and began taking stock of the spoils.
It had to be said, many hands indeed made light work.
Coupled with his Insight ability, this haul was remarkably bountiful.
Aside from the junk he directly decomposed into Evolution Points, several very practical survival supplies remained.
[Simple Fishing Rod (Green)]: Though crudely made, it has excellent flexibility. Paired with bait, it solves the food source issue.
[Fruit Knife (White)]: Though just an ordinary blade, in times like these, a sharp tool can not only serve for self-defense but also for preparing food.
[Sturdy Fishing Net (Green)]: A passive fishing Divine Artifact; just hang it off the stern.
[Small Bag of Sea Salt (White)]: A human necessity. Though not much, it’s enough for a while.
[Compressed Biscuits (5 packs, White)]: These are hard currency; they can save lives in critical moments.
Looking at these supplies, both Su Qingyue and Gu Yihan felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment.
This was the capital for survival.
"Well done."
Lin Ji did not withhold his praise.
He casually picked up two bottles of water and two boxes of self-heating hot pot, tossing one of each to the two girls.
"Dinner."
Su Qingyue caught the supplies, her expression complex.
This time... she finally wouldn’t have to eat leftovers.
"Thank... you."
She said softly, her voice losing some of its usual coolness, gaining a touch of compliance.
However, the next second.
Lin Ji pulled a black object from his Backpack and casually threw it to Gu Yihan.
"Catch."
Gu Yihan instinctively caught it. Upon closer look, her eyes instantly lit up.
"Chocolate?"
This was a high-calorie luxury!
At a time like this, the value of a chocolate bar could even surpass a full meal.
"Your reward."
Lin Ji said calmly, "You performed well today. As my woman, you naturally have privileges."
Gu Yihan tore open the wrapper and took a small bite. The sweet flavor melted in her mouth, making her squint with happiness.
"Thank you, Lin Bao~ You’re the best!"
She deliberately spoke loudly and glanced subtly at Su Qingyue.
Su Qingyue held the hot pot in her hand, her initial satisfaction instantly fading by half.
More preferential treatment!
That sourness and grievance grew wildly in her heart like weeds.
Why does Gu Yihan get chocolate?
Just because she... has no shame?
Lin Ji took in Su Qingyue’s expression, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
This was exactly the effect he wanted.
To completely break through the psychological defenses of this aloof campus belle, relying solely on force wasn’t enough.
This constant preferential treatment, this palpable yet unreachable sense of disparity, was the deadliest.
Only by making her utterly jealous and desperate would she let go of all her pride and obediently crawl to his feet.
"Are you full?"
Watching the two finish eating, Lin Ji clapped his hands, his expression turning serious.
"Gu Yihan, come here."
Gu Yihan quickly wiped her mouth and obediently moved closer.
"What’s up, Lin Bao?"
Lin Ji looked at her and slowly spoke.
"Do you know why I had you desperately gather supplies earlier?"
Gu Yihan was taken aback for a moment, glancing at the sailboat beneath her feet.
"Could it be... to upgrade the sailboat again?"
After all, Lin Ji had been emphasizing the importance of upgrading the raft.
Lin Ji shook his head.
"The raft is sufficient for now."
"Those supplies converted into Evolution Points are for you to use."
"For me?" Gu Yihan pointed at her own nose, completely bewildered.
"Yes."
Lin Ji’s eyes burned intensely. "I said I can evolve talents."
"Right now, you’re too weak."
"An E-grade talent doesn’t deserve that Red bow."
As his words fell, the entire sailboat fell into dead silence.
Both Gu Yihan and Su Qingyue widened their eyes, their breaths almost halting.
It was really... to evolve a talent?
Although she had heard Su Qingyue mention it before, hearing Lin Ji confirm it personally was still incomparably shocking.
Breaking the system’s rules to evolve a talent!
This was nothing short of a miracle!
"Alright, stop spacing out."
"Kneel."
Lin Ji suddenly spoke, his tone flat yet carrying an undeniable authority.
Gu Yihan trembled.
Kneel... her?
As the esteemed young lady of the Gu family, besides heaven, earth, and her parents, when had she ever knelt to anyone else?
She instinctively wanted to refuse, but looking into Lin Ji’s deep, abyss-like eyes and thinking of that irresistible temptation to grow stronger...
Self-esteem seemed insignificant in the face of power.
Thud.
Biting her lip, Gu Yihan’s knees went weak, and she obediently knelt before Lin Ji.
She looked up, her eyes holding a trace of humiliation but even more anticipation.
Like a little dog waiting for its master’s blessing.
This scene made Su Qingyue, watching from the side, tremble with shock.
At the same time, an indescribable envy stirred within her.
What if... it were me kneeling there?
Lin Ji reached out and gently placed his hand on top of Gu Yihan’s head.
Her hair was soft, the touch exquisite.
"System, evolve."
He silently commanded in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Host command detected!]
[Target: Gu Yihan (Contractor)]
[Current Talent: Listening to the Wind (E-grade)]
[Evolution Points Consumed: 50 points.]
[Evolving...]
Hum!
A golden light, visible only to Lin Ji, flowed from his palm into Gu Yihan’s body.
Gu Yihan shuddered all over.
She felt a warm current instantly course through her entire body. Her originally heavy frame seemed to have its meridians unblocked, becoming incredibly light and agile.
The sound of the wind around her became clearer in her ears.
Even... she felt as if she had merged with the wind itself.
A moment later.
The light dissipated.
Gu Yihan’s eyes snapped open, a faint wisp of azure wind seeming to swirl deep within her pupils.
[Congratulations! Target talent has evolved to: Light Body (D-grade)!]
[Effect: Body light as a swallow. Movement speed increased by 30%. Sense of balance greatly enhanced. Jumping height increased.]
Gu Yihan stood up, walked onto the ship’s deck, and gave a light jump.
Her entire body seemed to have no weight at all, leaping over a meter straight up from a standstill before landing steadily on the railing!
It was just like the lightness skill from martial arts novels!
"I... I’ve become stronger!"
Gu Yihan looked at her own hands, her face filled with disbelief and wild joy.
It was true!
It was actually true!
Overwhelmed with excitement, she threw herself into Lin Ji’s arms and planted a firm kiss on his cheek.