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墨書 Inktalez
The ocean is a mysterious place, capable of transforming gentle waves into a serene bay or unleashing roaring tides that thrill the heart.
When boredom struck, Xu Nuan desperately searched her mind for any information about the sea. After recalling various details, she sadly realized that her dislike for water-related places had led her to willfully ignore anything associated with the ocean. Thus, her understanding of the sea was limited to what she had read in books or travel tips, which seemed of little help for this particular challenge.
"Sigh."
Xu Nuan sighed as she reached out to stir the seawater. The water was not cold; in fact, it felt quite pleasant against her skin. However, this did little to ease the growing anxiety she felt from being surrounded by endless water. Perhaps it was due to a childhood incident where she nearly drowned; despite growing older, she still found herself repeatedly dreaming of standing alone on a massive rock, surrounded by an infinite expanse of water. She could never forget the wails echoing in those dreams.
In the distance, the sky appeared to have been torn open, golden light spilling forth like a burst of hope. The soft gold illuminated the sea surface, reflecting the clouds above. Their boat glided through this ethereal scene as if traversing through white clouds, and this novel experience brought a smile to Tang Jingshu's face beside her.
Xie Huai had been startled by Xu Hang's earlier words and was now diligently maintaining his position without even considering taking a break. This made Xu Nuan realize for the first time that his frail silhouette could actually be quite dependable.
As Xu Nuan grew increasingly bored, she noted that Gu Ze and the others had been diving for some time now without any sign of returning or even surfacing for air. Well, being completely clueless about diving, Xu Nuan was unaware of the existence of compressed oxygen tanks—an essential for professional divers. Even without tanks, basic diving gear could allow them to stay underwater for a while.
The more she stirred the water, the more Xu Nuan sensed something unusual beneath the surface; it felt as if something was slicing through the water towards her direction. When she nervously scanned her surroundings, however, nothing seemed amiss—the surface merely rippled normally.
Am I really just too anxious and sensitive?
Whenever it came to the ocean, Xu Nuan lost her confidence. She absentmindedly raked her fingers through her hair, her expression becoming increasingly troubled, yet she couldn't find a way to express this turmoil. She didn't want her anxiety to affect anyone else around her.
"Nuan," Tang Jingshu said as she relaxed a bit and slowly moved closer, gently leaning against Xu Nuan as she sat down.
"Hmm?"
Xu Nuan turned to look at her while propping her chin on her hand out of boredom.
Tang Jingshu's eyes curved into a smile as she raised the corners of her lips, hugging her knees in a comfortable manner.
"I just feel that moments of quiet like this are rare; I wanted to chat with you."
"Sure, what should we talk about?"
Unable to sleep and with nothing else to do, Xu Nuan readily agreed.
Tang Jingshu's smile deepened.
"You really can't hide your thoughts, can you?"
Xu Nuan was momentarily taken aback; similar words had been said by Gu Ze before.
Tang Jingshu pointed at her own face.
"Your expression just now clearly said, 'I'm bored, so I might as well chat with you.'"
"Ahem." Xu Nuan felt a bit embarrassed. Wasn't she usually indifferent in expression? How could her thoughts be so easily read? She hadn't mastered the art of maintaining a poker face yet.
"I'm not forcing myself."
Xu Nuan quickly corrected herself, and it was the truth.
"I know. Although we haven't spent much time together, I've known you for a long time." Tang Jingshu wore her usual serene smile, as if she were not sitting on a drifting boat but rather in a quiet corner of a park, quietly reading a book. Every movement she made exuded an air of literary grace.
Xu Nuan couldn't help but smile. Honestly, she enjoyed being around Tang Jingshu. Being near her calmed Xu Nuan's restless heart and made the atmosphere feel peaceful and comfortable. Tang Jingshu was indeed a very special person.
Thinking of this, Xu Nuan felt an urge to talk more with Tang Jingshu.
"I remember your boyfriend is named Chi Xu Sheng; I should know him."
"You know him?" Tang Jingshu was somewhat surprised, her voice unconsciously rising in volume. Upon noticing Xie Huai's gaze from the other side, she couldn't help but blush.
"I thought you wouldn't pay attention to these things, and besides, you're at the headquarters while I'm at Heng Technology."
"Chi Group, a well-known securities investment company in the city," Xu Nuan said lightly, noticing the bitterness hidden beneath Tang Jingshu's shy expression. "The important thing is that Chi Group has had a partnership with our group for some time; they are a major investor in our branches' development in other cities."
"Huh? Is that true? How come I never heard about it?"
Tang Jingshu was quite surprised. Hearing about her boyfriend from another woman felt strange.
"That's just part of your relationship," Xu Nuan shrugged innocently. "I happened to meet him at a banquet with the manager. He was very proud that his girlfriend worked at our subsidiary, Heng Technology. It was only recently that I learned about your relationship when I heard your boyfriend's name."
"Proud?" Tang Jingshu placed her hand on her forehead, a genuine smile forming on her lips.
"This guy loves to show off our relationship. Honestly, he should just keep it private and live his own life."
Although it sounded like a complaint, Xu Nuan could detect a sweet undertone in her words, which reminded her of something else.
"Maybe I know why he kept this from you."
Xu Nuan felt a bit uncertain, but seeing Tang Jingshu's eager expression and curious eyes prompted her to continue.
"I vaguely remember that when the manager mentioned your boyfriend investing in that branch, it was mainly to expand into S City and establish a branch there. The manager was quite nosy; he said it was because Chi Xu Sheng's girlfriend is from S City, and he wanted to fulfill her wishes of balancing family and work."
Xu Nuan noticed tears welling up in Tang Jingshu's eyes, filled with both emotion and guilt.
"By the end of this year, the branch will open in S City."
"But..." Tang Jingshu's voice faltered, drawing Xie Huai's attention once again. Xu Nuan could only wave her hand at Xie Huai, signaling that everything was fine.
"I was still arguing with him before entering the game. I knew he was caught in the middle between me and his mother, yet I chose to sulk instead of finding a way to resolve the conflict together. I even blamed him for being born with a silver spoon, thinking he couldn't understand my pain."
Tears streamed down Tang Jingshu's face, splashing onto the boat.
Xu Nuan sighed lightly and handed her a handkerchief. At this moment, it was best to be a listener; this was Tang Jingshu's issue with her boyfriend. Outsiders could do nothing to help. Xu Nuan had come out merely to vent her feelings, not to seek solutions. After all, they were trapped in the game and unable to escape, weren't they?
Suddenly, Xu Nuan recalled her own conflict with Qin Yaojie, which revolved around her father believing that Qin Yaojie couldn't provide her with a comfortable life. What did a comfortable life mean? Endless money? Xu Nuan often felt a sense of sorrow, but after that sorrow came confusion. She and Qin Yaojie had grown up together; their families knew each other well. Qin Yaojie was exceptional, and her parents had once admired him greatly; it was impossible for them to suddenly change their minds.
As for Qin Yaojie, both of them had the ability to resolve their existing conflicts; all they needed was time. So when Qin Yaojie suddenly suggested breaking up and entered the game, Xu Nuan found it hard to accept.
What she couldn't accept wasn't just the breakup or his sudden departure; it was the concealment and the burden of bearing it alone.
In a relationship, the hardest thing to endure is secrecy. It is an invisible bomb that can explode when necessary, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
Now, between her and Qin Yaojie lay a bundle of explosives, and when she found him, it was uncertain whether the bomb would detonate or be defused.
"Actually, I don't mind if you laugh at me for not coming," Tang Jingshu suddenly pulled out a locked diary from her clothing, covered with a rubber sleeve likely meant for waterproofing.
"Since entering the game, I've developed a habit of keeping a diary. I take time each day to write about what has happened and then document my journey of getting to know him and falling in love."
Tang Jingshu held the diary as if it contained her entire world—serious yet comforting.
"I usually carry this diary with me to prevent losing it along with my backpack. If I ever put it in my bag, I would probably feel like I couldn't escape this game and would have to ask you to help me take it out later."
With that, Tang Jingshu changed the subject.
"I've always thought you were amazing and outstanding. If it's you, I believe we can definitely find our way out of this game."
"We will get out together."
Xu Nuan interrupted Tang Jingshu's words with a sense of urgency. For some reason, Tang Jingshu's words made her feel uneasy, and this unease had no clear source.
"We have already acknowledged each other; we are companions, aren't we?"
It was rare for Xu Nuan to say something so sentimental, and Tang Jingshu wore a resigned expression that made her uncomfortable. The thought of losing to the game was distressing.
"We had conflicts before, but we resolved them. So, you will definitely get out of the game and then resolve your issues with Chi Xu Sheng, living the life you want."
Xu Nuan looked directly at Tang Jingshu, her tone slow and serious.
"You must believe in yourself and in us. We will win this game."
"Yes, Tang Jingshu, we will win."
Suddenly, a voice joined in.
Xu Nuan turned to see Xie Huai standing by the side of the boat. At that moment, he had his back to her and Tang Jingshu, making it hard to see his expression. However, his words carried a determination and courage that did not belong to the timid Xie Huai.
"Yeah," Tang Jingshu smiled again, her eyes brightening. "We will win."
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