Category: The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration]

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 92

    Chapter 92: I Love Slacking Off

    Tao Ning glanced at the lounge chair she had brought over yesterday for resting.

    Then, looking at the eager Mermaid, she said, “But the lounge chair is dry. Don’t you need to stay in the water?”

    Callista asked strangely, “Why do I need to stay in the water all the time?”

    Tao Ning looked at the large tail submerged in the water, covered in icy blue scales, powerful and graceful, possessing a magnificent beauty.

    She could imagine how dazzling this tail would look swimming in the ocean, a sight surely unforgettable.

    But now, both of them fell silent, looking at the tail, then at each other, with identical puzzled expressions.

    Tao Ning: “…”

    Callista: “…”

    They looked at each other, seemingly not understanding what the other was saying.

    Tao Ning suddenly slapped her forehead, realizing, “Oh, you’re amphibious. I was mistaken.”

    Seeing Lita swimming in the water every day, she had actually forgotten that the leader had also walked on land by herself. She couldn’t have carried a fish tank with her then.

    Mermaids indeed didn’t need to stay in the water constantly, though they preferred living in it. Staying out of the water for too long wasn’t good for them either.

    Callista: “?”

    Not understanding what Tao Ning was saying, Callista suddenly found herself being lifted horizontally, one arm under her armpits and the other supporting her tail.

    Her submerged tail emerged completely from the water, droplets rolling off her fins and splashing onto the floor.

    This lightness, different from being buoyed by the water, felt novel to Callista. She immediately forgot the previous topic, wrapping her arms around Tao Ning’s neck, her tail curling up slightly.

    This subtle movement indicated Callista’s good mood, which had just improved further.

    If a third person were present, they would surely be surprised. First, that the First Star System’s renowned flower vase could lift a Mermaid, whose long tail was no small weight.

    Second, that the overlord of the sea would be nestled in someone’s arms.

    And seemingly enjoying it.

    Placing Callista onto the lounge chair, Tao Ning checked it, confirming it could support the weight of the tail.

    Callista was indeed very satisfied, thinking that humans, although lacking in combat ability, were skilled at crafting things.

    She lay there for a while, then beckoned Tao Ning to join her.

    When being carried, Callista had already felt it. This human was warm and soft to the touch, with a faint pleasant scent. She liked the feeling.

    “Why are you just standing there? Come here.” Callista propped her head up with one hand, her waist-length hair spread out, some even reaching the floor.

    Tao Ning realized that the Callista of this world was a flirtatious Mermaid.

    She was the overlord of the sea, the queen of the ocean, so calling her a “sea king” wasn’t wrong either.

    Callista shifted slightly, patting the space beside her: “Since the pool needs to be changed, and you have nothing to do, come lie down.”

    [The Mermaid has sent you a cuddle request—]

    [Accept] or [Decline]

    “…” After standing by the chair for a moment, Tao Ning couldn’t resist the temptation and sat down.

    A hand adorned with a beautiful bracelet reached out, pressing on her shoulder, urging her to lie down. Tao Ning didn’t resist, her back against the soft lounge chair.

    A shadow fell over her. Tao Ning looked up, her gaze meeting ocean-like blue eyes, soft, cool platinum hair cascading down.

    The distance between them shortened, as if they were inches apart.

    The weight on Tao Ning wasn’t just the Mermaid’s tail; the cool, smooth feeling was like silk against her skin.

    The person leaning on her moved closer and closer, as if about to kiss her.

    Tao Ning suddenly raised her hand, gripping Callista’s arm through the gossamer shawl.

    She tightened her grip slightly, her breathing becoming rapid, her chin lifting slightly, as if about to do something.

    Just as they were about to touch, Callista’s crimson lips moved to the side, her nose nuzzling Tao Ning’s long, pale neck, her warm breath tickling her skin.

    Tao Ning, held down, could only let her do as she pleased.

    Callista lifted her head, her blue eyes looking at Tao Ning in confusion: “You always smell so good, what is that scent?”

    Sometimes, Tao Ning couldn’t tell if the Mermaid was doing this intentionally or not, making suggestive moves and then looking at her with innocent eyes.

    It made the person with impure thoughts feel guilty, wondering if they were overthinking things.

    Unable to move, Tao Ning could only maintain this position and ask, “Do you know about pheromones?”

    Callista hadn’t heard of this term. She shook her head: “No.”

    Tao Ning’s voice lowered, explaining gently, “We humans have conducted research and found evidence that if you like another person’s scent, it’s your genes making a choice, a subconscious mutual attraction, indicating you’re a perfect match.”

    “Just like in the Mermaid tribe, when a Mermaid reaches mating season, she will be attracted to another Mermaid, and if they choose each other, it means their pheromones are highly compatible.”

    Despite the flirtatious words, Callista’s expression changed slightly, and she sat up.

    Callista said, “Really?”

    Tao Ning, still held down, looked at her innocently.

    Callista stared into Tao Ning’s eyes for a long moment, keenly catching a fleeting smile. She felt she had caught her: “This is fake, isn’t it?”

    Tao Ning’s shoulders slumped, and she looked away, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips.

    The smile was subtle, but how could it escape a Mermaid’s sharp eyes?

    Curling her tail, kneeling on the lounge chair, she grabbed Tao Ning’s shoulders and shook her, trying to use this action to hide the heat rising in her face: “Tell me, is that right? It’s not true, right?”

    Tao Ning asked, “If I weren’t the most beautiful person on this ship, would you still be so clingy to me?”

    Callista hesitated for three seconds: “I think I would.” Because no one else could understand what she was saying.

    Tao Ning, however, said, “You hesitated.”

    Callista: “…”

    The warm human pillow instantly moved away, leaving Callista with a lonely back.

    For the first time, she found this human a bit petty.

    Callista couldn’t help but wonder if she had really been wrong, and if this human truly liked her.

    This thought was quickly dismissed.

    No, no human could endure the loneliness of the deep sea. That’s why she had grown up alone.

    After growing up, she had heard stories about her parents from the elders of her tribe, all of them shaking their heads and sighing.

    Callista had no feelings towards the human mother she had never met and the father who had removed his reverse scale and died, because she had grown up and become the leader of her tribe.

    This was something even her father couldn’t achieve, but she had. She was no longer the little Mermaid hiding in coral reefs, afraid of being attacked by sharks.

    After learning human language, she heard a lot about Tao Ning’s identity. They called her Zang Yuzhu.

    They said Zang Yuzhu was famous in the First Star System, had a loving family, and a guardian. The person who brought her ashore was her older brother, and perhaps through Zang Yuzhu, she could find her people.

    And her background, it sounded very similar to her own mother’s life.

    Callista thought about it and believed that Zang Yuzhu had many ties on land and wouldn’t be willing to stay in the ocean.

    Even if she was willing, it would only be a momentary impulse, like her young mother, blinded by appearances.

    Upon hearing that one of her people had come ashore, her first thought was to find them and bring them back to the ocean.

    As the leader, she had a responsibility to protect her people and couldn’t abandon her duty and leave the ocean.

    The self-proclaimed mature and rational Mermaid leader analyzed the situation, nodding in agreement with her own conclusion, then looked up.

    Tao Ning still had her back to her, slightly hunched, looking inexplicably pitiful.

    Callista’s heart softened. She casually picked up a peach from the table, tapped Tao Ning’s shoulder, and offered it to her.

    Here’s some fruit, hopefully you’re not angry anymore. Let’s talk, it’s too quiet, I’m not used to it.

    Tao Ning was deep in thought when she felt a tap on her shoulder, and then something appeared before her eyes.

    The long, slender hand holding the peach remained motionless, as if saying, I won’t leave until you take it.

    She stared at it for a moment, her heart relaxing.

    Mermaids didn’t have the concept of “why marry if you can flirt” or “love is forbearance.”

    They were still driven by instinct, seeking instant gratification, acting on whims.

    When happy, they would come closer, offering their most treasured possessions. When they felt something was wrong, they would push you away. Then, without understanding anything, seeing you unhappy, they would come back to coax you.

    Expecting Callista to think like a human was setting herself up for disappointment. Tao Ning never expected her to change in just a few days.

    Besides, when it came to feelings, giving didn’t always guarantee receiving. If it had to be reciprocal, it would become a transaction.

    In this vast world, meeting each other was the greatest fortune.

    Taking the peach, Tao Ning pulled out her butterfly knife and skillfully began cutting it.

    The peach was divided into several pieces, held in her pale palm, the fruity aroma filling the air.

    Callista’s mouth watered. She reached out and took a piece.

    Noticing Tao Ning’s gaze, Callista remembered that this was something she had given away and said a bit sheepishly, “I’ll just have one.”

    The Mermaid wasn’t aware of her habit of not keeping her word. She said she would only have one, but ended up eating half.

    One peach, cut into four pieces, shared equally between them.

    Then Callista looked at her with a look of wanting more. Tao Ning, meeting her gaze: “…”

    She hesitated between telling her the ancient story of sharing a peach as a symbol of homosexual love to scare this flirtatious Mermaid, and fulfilling her every request.

    After a moment of contemplation, Tao Ning chose the latter.

    She silently picked up another peach and, under Callista’s expectant gaze, cut it open. This time, all of it went into Callista’s belly.

    This afternoon, Callista seemed to have taken a liking to being on land, not mentioning returning to the water.

    Tao Ning didn’t bring it up either, sitting by the side and browsing information on the Starnet.

    Callista, watching curiously, touched the virtual screen, her hand passing through it, touching nothing.

    She also saw the dense patterns on the screen and moved closer, asking, “What are you doing? Why are you looking so intently?”

    Tao Ning replied in Mermaid language, “Research on psychic power.”

    Callista’s next question was interrupted by a sudden, violent tremor. The water in the pool sloshed, spilling over the edge.

    It wasn’t the tremor of a jump, but more like the ship being attacked.

    Tao Ning remembered the incident recorded in the original world line, where the returning ship was attacked, followed by a heroic rescue and the Mermaid’s repayment.

    But it wasn’t now; it happened later, after the Mermaid was transferred separately. After all, the ship was so large, and with Song Man in command, it was unlikely to be breached.

    Callista, unaware of what would happen later, listened attentively for a moment and said, “I hear many people outside, attacking this area.”

    She could even hear…

    “Someone wants to capture me for experiments.”

    Callista asked, puzzled, “What are experiments?”

    Tao Ning briefly explained the term, and Callista’s expression turned to disgust, muttering a Mermaid curse.

    Callista said, “Useless humans, their own psychic power isn’t strong enough, so they think there’s a way to improve it through us. How ridiculous.”

    Tao Ning asked, “Can you tell who’s attacking?”

    In this emergency, naturally, no one would announce which organization was attacking.

    Callista listened attentively again, then shook her head after a long while: “I can’t tell. There are too many sounds mixed together, it’s difficult to distinguish.”

    The tremors subsided three hours later. Judging by the time in the First Star System, it was already evening.

    During this time, Tao Ning hadn’t left, and no one had come, as everyone was busy defending the ship.

    Callista, tired from playing, went into the water to rest, leaving Tao Ning alone, reading lengthy articles on her smart device.

    It wasn’t until near dawn, after everything had been settled, that the swimming pool door opened.

    Song Man was at the front, followed by Gu Yuan, whose seniority was lower than hers, showing respect by walking a step behind.

    But in Tao Ning’s view, her understanding was that his rank wasn’t as solid as Song Man’s, and walking side-by-side would damage his image.

    Gu Yuan was skilled at maintaining appearances, appearing gentle and affectionate, always choosing the most advantageous course of action.

    Tao Ning feigned confusion, standing up and asking, “Major General Song, Cousin? It’s so late, why are you both here?”

    Song Man, having just commanded a successful defense against a space pirate attack, still carried a martial air. She said coldly, “I just received instructions from the Federation. To ensure the Mermaid reaches the First Star System as soon as possible, you will be leaving ahead of the main fleet.”

    Tao Ning thought: Here it comes.

    She couldn’t reveal her understanding in front of these people, so Tao Ning’s eyes widened in confusion: “Why leave early? Weren’t the attackers defeated this afternoon?”

    She asked too many questions. Song Man, having just finished a video conference, was in no mood to explain, looking towards her adjutant.

    Gu Yuan, however, explained first, “The previous supply station betrayed our location and leaked the information about the Mermaid on board.”

    “We predict there will be more attacks. Our main fleet is too large and slow-moving. The Federation has decided to have the Mermaid jump back to the First Star System first, while the main fleet will stay behind as a cover and jump later.”

    After speaking, Gu Yuan comforted her, “Don’t worry, we’ll arrive safely.”

    Song Man interrupted the endless explanation, her tone brisk: “That’s it. Get ready, we’ll be leaving soon.”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 91

    Chapter 91: I Love Slacking Off

    Tao Ning nodded. “It’s beautiful.”

    Callista became even more smug, swimming closer to the edge: “It’s just a scale. I have even more beautiful things. Do you want to see them?”

    Seemingly intrigued, Tao Ning put down what she was doing and walked over: “What is it?”

    Callista extended her arm, opening her palm towards Tao Ning. In her palm lay a shimmering gemstone, even more dazzling than the shed scale.

    Tao Ning had to admit, the first glance made her eyes sparkle.

    She had thought this Mermaid leader came ashore with nothing, but she had quite a few valuable possessions.

    Especially the gemstone in her hand. If it were put up for auction in the First Star System, it would fetch a sky-high price, enough to settle down in the central district and live a life of luxury.

    She had underestimated this wealthy Mermaid.

    Callista raised her hand slightly: “This is even more beautiful than the scale. Since you like it so much, I’ll give this to you too.”

    Tao Ning only touched it lightly with her finger before retracting her hand: “That’s not appropriate.”

    Callista: “What’s not appropriate? I have many of these. This is just one of them.”

    What Callista didn’t say was that she indeed had many such gems, practically filling her nest, using them as a bed.

    But this was her favorite, the one she had kept the longest, so precious that she brought it with her even when venturing out.

    She had been a bit reluctant, but seeing Tao Ning’s attitude, Callista’s stubbornness surfaced.

    She wouldn’t allow anyone to refuse her. Callista said, “You can’t refuse my gift.”

    Tao Ning hesitated: “But…among humans, giving precious gifts is a way of expressing love.”

    Callista’s expression went blank: “…” What are you talking about?

    Tao Ning continued: “For example, we give rings when proposing, as a token of love, to bind our fates together for life.”

    520 silently complained: [There’s no such rule! You’re just taking advantage of the Mermaid’s lack of internet access and tricking her.]

    It didn’t dare say it out loud, only to itself.

    Callista’s expression remained blank.

    Tao Ning said with a solemn expression, “If that’s the case, then my answer is yes.”

    As she said that, she reached out to take the gem, but the open palm retreated slightly.

    Tao Ning’s outstretched hand paused. She looked up at Callista, her beautiful eyes full of confusion: “What’s wrong?”

    Callista: “…” How could she refuse such a look?

    But Mermaids never broke their promises. She would eventually return to the ocean; land wasn’t a place for her to stay permanently. No matter what she did, it seemed to put her in a difficult position.

    But the clever leader, Callista, wouldn’t fall for this trick. Frowning in thought for a long time, she muttered softly, “You humans have so many rules.”

    Tao Ning: “What did you say?”

    Callista’s expression turned serious: “Then don’t take it that way, consider it an ordinary gift.”

    As she said that, she reached out and grabbed Tao Ning’s wrist, placing the gemstone in her hand, avoiding the trouble of back-and-forth refusal.

    A mere scale was nothing; she wouldn’t give such a shabby gift.

    Tao Ning looked reluctant: “But we’re not related, and you’re giving me such a valuable gift. I feel unworthy.”

    Judging by her expression, if Callista couldn’t come up with a convincing reason, the gift would be returned.

    The dignified Mermaid leader, accustomed to having her every command obeyed, whose every gift was a blessing, how could she accept having it returned?

    Callista: “…” What to do?

    Callista, her thoughts derailed, furrowed her brows, thinking hard. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and she slapped the edge of the pool, exclaiming, “You tricked me!”

    520 was startled, thinking the host’s lies had been exposed.

    Tao Ning looked surprised: “How did I trick you?”

    Her face was full of confusion, as if she genuinely didn’t understand what was happening.

    Callista’s tail swished irritably in the water: “Why does everyone call you Zang Yuzhu, but you told me your name is Tao Ning?”

    Tao Ning: “Because they’re both my names. Only you know the latter, and only you can call me that.”

    The Mermaid, who was about to explode, calmed down instantly. She blinked and asked, “Only I can call you that name, no one else?”

    Tao Ning said innocently, “Of course, have you seen me tell anyone else?”

    Callista felt something was off: “Why do you have two names?”

    The Mermaid was only occasionally slow-witted; most of the time, she was quite sharp. She wanted to see what explanation Tao Ning would give.

    Tao Ning offered proof: “You also have two names, Callista and Lita. They’re both your names.”

    Callista: “…” That seems to be true.

    Tao Ning nodded in agreement: “Right? You think so too, don’t you?”

    520 shook its head silently: [See, no wonder they’re a match, two hopeless romantics.]

    Having resolved the name issue, Tao Ning served Callista her first meal of the day. When lunchtime arrived, Tao Ning, refusing to eat nutrient solution, went to the cafeteria.

    Today, Tao Ning wasn’t wearing a high-collared shirt, just a simple top, revealing her long, slender, and pale neck, simple yet elegant.

    Therefore, almost everyone who saw her noticed the scale necklace, perfectly placed at the base of her throat.

    It actually looked quite nice.

    Although everyone avoided Zang Yuzhu, considering her a burdensome flower vase, she honestly lived up to the term “flower vase.”

    Many believed that God had opened a door for her but closed a window, giving her beauty and a terrible personality.

    A classmate passing by glanced at her neck and asked curiously, “Zang Yuzhu, your necklace is so unique, where did you buy it? I want one too.”

    Tao Ning touched the scale with her fingertip, warming it slightly, and smiled: “Someone gave it to me, I didn’t buy it.”

    The classmate looked disappointed: “Oh, well, I didn’t think it was something you could buy in stores.”

    Zang Yuzhu, after recovering from her serious injury, was like a polished gem, even more eye-catching. Many people looked her way.

    That gentle smile captivated quite a few people.

    Including An He, who was about to invite Zang Yuzhu to lunch, but someone beat her to it.

    That person was Song Fangzhou.

    “I thought… where is she?” Tina, who had been talking to her, turned around and found her gone. She looked up and called out to the figure ahead, “Where are you going?”

    Song Fangzhou walked a bit too quickly. She wanted to grab the shoulder of the person in front, but she suddenly remembered what happened the last time Tina grabbed Zang Yuzhu’s shoulder.

    Tina had said it hurt for days, although there were no visible bruises. She quickly retracted her hand.

    Tao Ning turned around before she could touch her, looking at her quizzically: “Something wrong?”

    Song Fangzhou pretended nothing happened, putting her hands behind her back, glancing at Tao Ning’s neck, and asking awkwardly, “What’s that?”

    Tao Ning answered truthfully, “It’s a scale the Mermaid gave me.”

    The Mermaid gave it to her?

    Looking closely at the color, it was indeed the color of a Mermaid’s tail, a clear, icy blue.

    But why would the Mermaid give her something? And why did she smile so…beautifully when asked about the scale?

    Song Fangzhou: “Didn’t the Mermaid make you slip into the water and get a fever last time? She’s still giving you gifts?”

    Not only did she give her gifts, but quite a few.

    But Tao Ning didn’t think it was necessary to tell her, just smiling and getting in line for food.

    Song Fangzhou stopped her: “You haven’t answered my question.”

    Tao Ning said, “She wanted to give it to me, is there something wrong with that?”

    For some reason, Song Fangzhou felt uncomfortable looking at the scale and reached out to touch it.

    Tao Ning quickly took a step back, making Song Fangzhou miss.

    Song Fangzhou felt annoyed, but being young, she pretended not to care: “It’s just a scale, is it really that precious to you?”

    Tao Ning started to regret not eating at a different time. She said, “Anything I like is precious to me, even if it’s just a rock.”

    Song Fangzhou was slightly taken aback: “…”

    Standing close, she could clearly see Zang Yuzhu’s expression and didn’t miss the fleeting gentleness in her eyes.

    It felt as if something was ending before it even began.

    Song Fangzhou, proud and competitive, instinctively felt she should say something to salvage the situation.

    Song Fangzhou said dismissively, “It seems the Gu family didn’t raise you well, treasuring a mere scale like this. My uncle’s auction house will be opening after we land. I’ll give you an invitation, so you can broaden your horizons.”

    The words were out before she could stop herself, and Song Fangzhou immediately regretted them.

    Tao Ning: “We’ll talk about it then.”

    With that, she turned and left, not giving Song Fangzhou another chance to speak.

    There was nothing left for her here. It was better to go back and enjoy Lita’s apples.

    Song Fangzhou instinctively wanted to say something to salvage the situation, but she couldn’t think of anything appropriate, only watching as Tao Ning left.

    Tina walked over, nudging her with her shoulder: “Hey, snap out of it. What did you say to her? Why do you look so dejected?”

    Song Fangzhou: “…Nothing.”

    Not far away, An He turned her back, carrying her tray and silently walking past.

    She couldn’t let Song Fangzhou see her, afraid that the smile on her face would betray her.

    520 was stunned by this sudden turn of events, taking a while to process it.

    No way, could this also be…?

    Remembering Tao Ning’s words, 520 exclaimed: [Zang Yuzhu, you’re a heartbreaker!]

    This time, however, 520 was wrong. The heartbreaker wasn’t Zang Yuzhu.

    The Mermaid’s pool was usually cleaned and refilled every two days, and today was the day. The operation wasn’t difficult; they just needed to get the Mermaid out, and the central control center would handle the rest.

    But getting the Mermaid out was usually a difficult task. They couldn’t communicate, and draining the water abruptly would frighten her.

    With Zang Yuzhu, who could communicate with the Mermaid, things became much easier.

    Callista was in a good mood today, resting her chin on her hands. Seeing Tao Ning approach, she asked, “Why haven’t you worn the gemstone I gave you?”

    She thought the color of the gemstone suited Tao Ning, a deep blue like the ocean, mysterious and profound. She had carried it with her, hidden among her scales, often taking it out to admire.

    And such a color would look frivolous on a young person, or be overshadowed by the gem’s brilliance, due to their lack of experience.

    Perhaps Tao Ning would be an exception.

    With this thought, Callista was looking forward to seeing Tao Ning wearing it, but after she went out and came back, she was still only wearing the scale necklace.

    Tao Ning didn’t know the Mermaid’s complicated thoughts. She said truthfully, “The gift you gave me is too precious and would be seen by many people. I want to admire it in private for a while.”

    So it wasn’t that she didn’t want to wear it. Callista nodded generously: “Alright, then you must keep it safe.”

    “Of course I will,” Tao Ning walked over and extended her hand towards Callista, “Come on, it’s time to change the water.”

    Callista placed her hand in Tao Ning’s and sat on the edge of the pool, saying, “I don’t want to stay in the small tank you prepared. It’s too small, I can’t stretch my tail.”

    Tao Ning knew she had another idea and asked, “Then where do you want to stay? Just sitting by the edge might not work, as the pool needs to be cleaned.”

    Callista’s eyes fixed on the lounge chair Tao Ning had brought. She said, “I want to stay there.”

    She had been eyeing it since yesterday, finally finding the opportunity to ask.

    Raising her long arms, the stunning Mermaid said, “Carry me over there.”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 90

    Chapter 90: I Love Slacking Off

    Emotions surged like waves, engulfing Tao Ning in a warm and soft feeling that was hard to resist.

    Her lowered eyes flickered, glancing to the side. Tao Ning couldn’t see Callista’s eyes, only her dreamy, delicate ear fins.

    Callista’s appearance was remarkably human-like, but there were always subtle details that revealed she wasn’t.

    Her other hand, resting on the edge of the pool, was also lifted by Callista, slowly, as if wanting to caress Tao Ning’s face.

    Before it could touch Tao Ning’s warm cheek, it was caught and held by another hand, slender fingers closing around it.

    A human hand grasped a Mermaid’s hand, the pearl bracelet on her wrist sliding down, creating a strangely beautiful image.

    Callista blinked. The last time she had felt this way was when she failed to influence Tao Ning with her psychic power.

    She had the keen instincts of a predator and rarely made mistakes.

    This meant she had been seen through again.

    Tao Ning held her hand, pressing it down, her lips close to Callista’s ear fin, replying in Mermaid language, “You say you like me, so will you choose me during your mating season?”

    The gentle voice echoed in her ear, each word burrowing deep, tempting her to listen more intently and agree to any request.

    The Mermaid’s crimson lips pursed slightly. If she didn’t do this, her promise would slip out.

    Wouldn’t that mean being bound to this human for life?

    Mermaids only recognized one partner in their lifetime. If the other party died prematurely, the remaining Mermaid would wait for death in the long years that followed.

    However, more often than not, the Mermaid would remove her reverse scale, choosing to die early.

    Callista fell silent, the force around Tao Ning’s neck loosening, her eyes like water, seemingly deep in thought.

    The wrist held in Tao Ning’s hand twitched involuntarily. Tao Ning subconsciously loosened her grip, and Callista immediately seized the opportunity, slipping away like a fish.

    Callista’s brows furrowed slightly: “You’re imitating me.”

    Tao Ning didn’t deny it. She had indeed learned from her. Mermaids could infuse their voices with psychic power to influence the minds of others.

    Right in front of Tao Ning, Callista sank into the water, her platinum hair spreading like seaweed.

    Her tail fin stirred the water with a splash before she disappeared beneath the surface.

    Ignoring the Mermaid’s teasing and irresponsibility, the scene itself was quite pleasing to the eye.

    Tao Ning wiped the water from her face, chuckling softly. She knew this would be her reaction.

    The ocean-bound leader wasn’t ready to settle down for anyone yet, and anyone she encountered along the way could be used.

    She sat by the pool, lost in thought, before slowly standing up and walking out.

    After she left, a figure emerged from the water, glanced at the closed door, and then submerged again.

    Since everything was readily available, Tao Ning wouldn’t waste the Gu family’s kindness in providing the medicine kit.

    They were still on their way back to the First Star System. The students hadn’t yet graduated and were busy training, rarely lingering outside.

    Moreover, with two Major Generals and several officers on board, it wouldn’t look good to be lazing around in the dormitories instead of training diligently.

    Even the most socially inept students followed suit, the training grounds always full, everyone brimming with enthusiasm.

    If a high-ranking official happened to visit and observe the students’ training, taking a liking to someone and recruiting them, it would be a wonderful opportunity.

    Therefore, among the students participating in the exercise, Tao Ning was the only one strolling around freely.

    “Yuzhu?”

    Tao Ning, walking alone down the long corridor, heard a voice behind her and turned around.

    Gu Yuan’s expression relaxed as he strode towards her: “Yuzhu, I heard you were sick today, and I haven’t had time to visit you… Why are you walking around outside instead of resting in your room?”

    In the Federation, Gu Yuan lacked nothing in terms of status, prestige, and reputation. He was a Major General, and any harm that befell him would be thoroughly investigated by the Federation.

    Zang Yuzhu, on the other hand, was just a spoiled young lady with a mediocre reputation. They weren’t on the same level.

    There was no benefit in antagonizing Gu Yuan now. Reaching this conclusion, Tao Ning’s expression subtly changed, appearing to the newcomer as a young girl smiling upon seeing him.

    Tao Ning said, “It’s too stuffy inside, I came out for a walk.”

    Gu Yuan: “I’ve been busy with official duties these past few days and forgot to consider your feelings. It’s just the right time, how about I accompany you to the cafeteria for dinner?”

    It was unclear where Gu Yuan learned this behavior, using such a gentle tone even with his sister. How could Zang Yuzhu not misunderstand?

    She already considered herself his fiancée, and Gu Yuan always verbally rejected her, but never denied it in front of her.

    Thinking back, it was unclear who had instilled this fiancée identity in her.

    There was a significant age gap of more than ten years between them. When Zang Yuzhu arrived at the Gu family, she was only eight, while Gu Yuan was already nineteen, preparing for the First Academy entrance exam.

    A person’s character was often shaped by external influences during their formative years. Now, she was Zang Yuzhu, and she couldn’t judge the original host’s character.

    Stepping out of that identity, from Tao Ning’s perspective as an outsider, she only saw the influence of third parties everywhere.

    Tao Ning: “You should have said so earlier, I just finished eating. By the way, Cousin, when are we going home? I can’t wait to return to the First Star System. It’s so boring on the ship, I feel restricted no matter what I do.”

    520 agreed: [Yeah, you’d be stuck to the wall if you got punched twice, so why bother trying?]

    Gu Yuan said helplessly, “I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay put. We’ll reach the next jump point tomorrow, and after that, we’ll be closer to the First Star System. You must go to the hospital then, don’t avoid treatment. I’ll handle everything for you.”

    Tao Ning: “You’ll handle everything for me? That’s too much trouble.”

    Is that handling it like the “Zang Yuzhu failed to inform her teammates and left the team early, resulting in the team’s injuries” incident?

    Gu Yuan: “It’s not trouble if it’s for you.”

    520 cringed: [You better stop talking, you’ll face the consequences if you provoke the widow who just got rejected. ]

    Tao Ning finally couldn’t take it anymore and asked 520, “What’s that crunching sound you’re making?”

    [Oh, I got paid yesterday,] 520 took another bite, its electronic voice muffled, [so I bought some watermelon-flavored data segments. They’re delicious and crunchy.]

    Tao Ning’s patience plummeted.

    What further depleted her patience was Gu Yuan finally asking the question he had been holding back: “I heard from Major General Song that you can speak Mermaid language. You never told me about this.”

    Tao Ning: “Well, it’s quite strange. I injured the back of my head that time, remember? When I woke up, my mind felt clear, and learning became easy. Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

    Gu Yuan’s train of thought was derailed. He thought for a moment: “I have heard of such cases. The human brain is fascinating, and injuries can sometimes lead to unexpected changes.”

    Tao Ning said casually, “So it’s actually a real thing? I listened to her speak a few times, analyzed the pronunciation of common phrases, and just like that, I learned Mermaid language.”

    If that were the case, it would indeed be quite remarkable, considering Zang Yuzhu’s learning abilities.

    “That’s amazing. Are there any side effects? Let me take a look…” Gu Yuan raised his gloved hand.

    “Bang!” A loud crash echoed from nearby, as something heavy fell to the ground.

    A full water bottle rolled towards them. Before it reached Tao Ning’s feet, she bent down and picked it up.

    An He, under their gazes: “…”

    Looking at the water bottle in Tao Ning’s hand, then at the puzzled Gu Yuan, An He felt her vision darken. She quickly stuffed the bag attached to the bottle’s neck into her pocket.

    With unsteady steps, she approached them.

    “Good evening, Major General Gu, Zang.”

    Tao Ning smiled politely: “Good evening, An.”

    Gu Yuan couldn’t continue his questioning in front of an outsider, so he simply offered a few words of concern before turning to leave.

    Before leaving, he glanced at An He, who was looking at Zang Yuzhu.

    Tao Ning walked back with An He. Nearing their dormitories, An He took a deep breath, preparing to say what she had been hesitating to say all along.

    Tao Ning said, “Thank you for what happened just now.”

    An He replied instinctively, “You’re welcome… I didn’t do anything, what are you thanking me for?”

    Tao Ning’s smile widened: “How could you have done nothing? If it weren’t for your water bottle appearing out of nowhere, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been able to hold back.”

    An He: “Ah?”

    Hold back? Hold back from doing what?

    Although she didn’t quite understand, since Zang Yuzhu had said so, An He replied, “You’re welcome?”

    Watching Zang Yuzhu turn the corner and disappear from sight, An He let out a long sigh, looking at the water bottle in her hand.

    Because of the clumsy way it had fallen, the water bottle, which had been with her for years, now had a dent in the bottom and more visible scratches.

    After a long while, a soft voice whispered, “Was that too obvious just now?”

    Back in her room, Tao Ning went straight to the medicine cabinet. These were common medications, and the one Zang Yuzhu used most frequently was…

    520: [Oh! With my years of sharp observation as a member of the Department of Fate, I’ve figured it out!]

    Tao Ning, rummaging through the medicine kit, was startled by the sudden exclamation. She continued searching and pulled out the remaining vitamins from the paper bag.

    Pouring the pills into her palm, she brought them close to her nose, smelling only a faint fruity scent, no different from ordinary vitamins.

    520, impatient from Tao Ning’s silence, couldn’t wait any longer and said, [Aren’t you going to ask what I’ve figured out?]

    Putting the pills back, Tao Ning decided to take one of each item from the medicine kit and put them into her storage space button.

    This space button was originally intended for Zang Yuzhu’s mecha, but her mecha had been destroyed in the attack, leaving the space empty, which was convenient for Tao Ning.

    After finishing, Tao Ning sat at the desk, opened the Starnet, and then slowly asked, “What did you figure out?”

    520, finally having the chance to show off, said triumphantly, [That An He likes you! You definitely didn’t notice!]

    Tao Ning replied calmly, “Oh? Really?”

    Her eyes remained glued to the screen, quickly scanning the pages. She was searching for information about the attack from over a decade ago, hoping to find some clues, but the results were disappointing.

    It made sense. The attack that killed the original host’s parents wasn’t small, and for the sake of public opinion, the Federation wouldn’t disclose too many details.

    She could only approach it from other angles.

    Tao Ning’s fingers moved, switching to searching for the White Raven organization.

    This was a space pirate organization that had existed for decades. Their base of operations was unknown, their movements unpredictable, and they were extremely secretive. They specialized in opposing the Federation, surviving by robbing Federation supplies and plundering nearby star systems.

    At their peak, they almost occupied the entire Ninth Star System, establishing their own nation and confronting the Federation.

    Due to the sudden appearance of Zang Xin, they ultimately failed. The Ninth Star System, which had been within their grasp, was liberated, and the White Raven leader fled in defeat.

    However, the previous leader had died three years ago due to a psychic sea outburst, and the current leader was his son, also a ruthless character.

    An organization that the Federation had struggled to eradicate for years must have hidden strengths beyond what was known publicly.

    Tao Ning’s hand paused on a certain page. It was a news report from two years ago about the successful rescue of an entire ship of hostages, with Gu Yuan being praised as the hero.

    For successfully rescuing dozens of hostages from the White Raven organization, Gu Yuan was awarded the rank of Major General, becoming the most promising young officer in the Federation.

    Clicking to the next page, it was also about Gu Yuan.

    It described his successful infiltration of a remote star system for several months, severely crippling the Black Sea organization, destroying their long-hidden black market, and seizing a batch of illegal drugs banned by the Federation for many years.

    These two incidents occurred within half a month of each other. Gu Yuan, who had achieved two consecutive feats, filled the only vacancy in the election due to public demand, despite not being due for promotion so soon.

    Putting aside the timing of these two achievements, which conveniently occurred right before the election, giving him the necessary merits, even his competitors had to admire his good luck.

    Staring at the report about crippling the Black Sea organization, Tao Ning suddenly thought of something.

    The Black Sea and White Raven organizations were originally founded by two brothers, who later split due to disagreements, each becoming a king in their own right, and both becoming the Federation’s top enemies.

    After several generations of leadership changes, the blood ties had long faded, and the two organizations became mortal enemies, fighting for territory.

    In recent years, the decline of the Black Sea had emboldened the White Ravens. From a logical standpoint, this rise and fall seemed normal.

    But Tao Ning wasn’t someone who believed in coincidences.

    Every world had its own rules, and in this world, she had to play by its rules. If she went too far, like directly killing Gu Yuan, Tao Ning could easily be logged out.

    In a world where the strong preyed on the weak, different methods were required.

    Besides, letting him die quickly would be too easy. Zang Yuzhu’s reputation was tarnished, and her body injured, so Gu Yuan should also be disgraced and lose everything he was proud of.

    The excitement of finally having some juicy gossip about the host gradually subsided, and 520 realized: [You knew all along? When did you find out?]

    Tao Ning said, “She likes Zang Yuzhu.”

    520 was confused: [Aren’t you Zang Yuzhu?]

    Tao Ning closed her smart device and stood up: “Wrong, I’m Tao Ning.”

    It was time to rest. She needed to wash up and sleep.

    The next day, Callista woke up earlier than usual. Tao Ning had just opened the door when she saw the bored figure by the pool.

    She had gathered a pile of pearls, imbuing each with her psychic power, making them stick together to form a small pyramid.

    Callista had never seen images of the ancient Earth pyramids; she simply found this shape amusing.

    It showed how bored the leader was while waiting, bored enough to play with pearls.

    Hearing the noise, the newly built pearl pyramid scattered with a clatter. Callista reached out and gathered them all back.

    Seeing her slightly evasive gaze, Tao Ning greeted her proactively: “Good morning, Lita.”

    Hearing this tone, Callista assumed the matter was over, and her tone also lightened: “Good morning.”

    Then Tao Ning fell silent, turning to her preparations, no longer chatting like she usually did.

    Watching the busy figure moving around, Callista felt a strange discomfort for the first time.

    Unconsciously, Callista’s eyes were glued to Tao Ning’s back.

    There wasn’t anything particularly interesting to see, not as captivating as the scenery of the ocean floor. In the end, this was just an upright-walking human.

    Thinking of this, Callista wondered if this human possessed some special ability, like how Mermaids could attract others with their singing.

    Suddenly, a faint, familiar blue flashed before her eyes.

    Callista suddenly exclaimed, “Why are you wearing my scale around your neck?”

    Tao Ning glanced down at her collarbone, where an ice-blue scale hung, shimmering and beautiful.

    Callista said proudly, “Do you like the scale that much? Why? Is it because I gave it to you?”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 89

    Chapter 89: I Love Slacking Off

    Seeing Tao Ning staring at her silently, Callista couldn’t help but urge, “So, what did you find out?”

    Tao Ning, still holding the restless wrist on her knee, organized her words: “I can tell you have a very good memory and can remember many things that happen each day.”

    Callista considered this, agreeing wholeheartedly. She could indeed remember many things that happened within a day.

    She could even remember the tail color and name of each of her subjects, as well as their psychic fluctuations.

    That’s why she was able to immediately notice their disappearance and come ashore to search for them.

    Then she asked, “What else?”

    Tao Ning said, “You’re very organized and tenacious, and you always achieve victory in the end.”

    Callista thought the human method of pulse-taking was magical, that it could reveal such things. Her blue eyes sparkled as she continued to ask, “Is that all? Anything else?”

    Anything else?

    Tao Ning pondered for a moment: “You’re very intelligent and have a keen sense of smell, always able to easily find the food and things you like.”

    This sounded like praise, and Callista was pleased. She hadn’t expected such a high evaluation from Tao Ning.

    With just a few words, Callista’s lingering anger dissipated, a smile spreading across her face.

    Judging by her expression, she had probably already forgotten her lengthy accusations from yesterday.

    520 translated in its mind: [Isn’t that just saying she’s petty, holds grudges, loves to eat, and is competitive?]

    After a moment of silence, 520 decided this was the art of language.

    Some things, even if taught step-by-step, 520 couldn’t replicate.

    Tao Ning seized the opportunity: “Since you’re so smart, learning human language must be very easy for you, right?”

    Callista’s first reaction was: “Why should I learn? You understand me just fine.”

    Tao Ning: “Learning another language gives you more control and allows you to accomplish what you want faster, eliminating the trouble caused by language barriers.”

    Seeing that Callista was still unmoved, Tao Ning said, “Don’t you have anything you want to accomplish quickly?”

    Callista, about to retort, fell silent. Her thoughts had been exposed. She did have something she wanted to accomplish quickly after coming ashore.

    This was a secret no one knew, and being guessed by the other party, Callista’s first reaction was vigilance.

    Meeting the other person’s clear, guileless eyes, Callista felt an urge to avoid her gaze.

    The reason she came ashore when Gu Yuan passed by was because she had heard from other sea creatures that they had seen one of her people boarding a similarly marked ship.

    Perhaps their destinations were the same, and she wouldn’t give up any opportunity to search.

    Callista asked, “Will you teach me?”

    Tao Ning coaxed, “As long as you’re willing to learn, it won’t be difficult.”

    Callista replied decisively, “Okay.” As long as she could achieve her goal, she didn’t share the human habit of needing to know every detail.

    520 felt this wasn’t the real reason, and it was also curious: [Why do you insist on her learning human language?]

    Tao Ning: “In case there are times when I’m not around and humans try to trick her, but she can’t understand them.”

    Wasn’t that exactly what happened in the original world line? Callista couldn’t understand human language, and the humans, in their self-righteousness, broadcasted her mate selection to the entire universe.

    After a lot of miscommunication, they set a wedding date, seemingly to everyone’s satisfaction, except for Callista, who couldn’t understand a word anyone was saying.

    On the eve of the wedding, Callista finally sensed something was wrong and found her people, who informed her that she was about to get married.

    Callista, who believed she belonged to the sea, not the land, thought it was absurd and immediately wanted to leave.

    With the wedding about to begin and one of the main characters wanting to leave, it naturally caused chaos.

    Then the tragic double death occurred, with the Federation’s youngest Major General torn apart like tissue paper.

    Recalling the human language she had heard before, Callista said, “Your human pronunciation is completely different from ours.”

    Tao Ning shrugged nonchalantly: “Human language is even more difficult for Mermaids to learn. I’ve already learned your language, don’t you even have the confidence to surpass me?”

    These words had the effect of a stimulant on Callista, who declared she would definitely learn human language.

    She would learn it before any other human learned Mermaid language.

    Although swayed by Tao Ning’s words, the leader’s remaining rationality told her that learning a language as quickly as Tao Ning had was impossible.

    The small human language class began. Tao Ning didn’t bother with elaborate methods, simply finding materials for systematic instruction, starting with everyday phrases.

    Not only that, but Tao Ning, inspired by her own experience learning Mermaid language, decided that the fastest way to learn a language was through insults.

    The pronunciation of human language and Mermaid language were completely different, and correcting the pronunciation from the beginning required a lot of effort.

    After Callista mispronounced her name for the umpteenth time, Tao Ning grabbed her hand and placed it on her throat.

    Tao Ning: “It’s not like that. Feel how my throat moves when I pronounce it.”

    Her movement was so sudden that Callista hurriedly retracted her nails, afraid of scratching the fragile throat.

    Her fingertips pressed against the thin, warm skin, the residual water droplets leaving a glistening trail on Tao Ning’s neck. Callista could even feel the blood flowing beneath the skin.

    For any creature, the neck was always a fatal weakness, never to be exposed to an enemy.

    This human was truly audacious, exposing her neck to a belligerent Mermaid’s claws. Wasn’t she afraid of being hurt?

    Or was she too confident that no one could harm her?

    The hand holding her wrist tightened, and a slightly deeper voice reminded her, “Focus, the pronunciation of this word is like this.”

    Callista immediately snapped back to attention, becoming focused.

    She had figured out this person’s temper. She seemed gentle and soft-spoken, always smiling and easy to talk to, but she was actually quite strict.

    Strangely, Callista felt nervous facing that serious expression, involuntarily becoming more attentive.

    The entire afternoon was spent correcting pronunciation, and it yielded results.

    Callista went from stammering repetitions of Tao Ning’s words to fluently pronouncing her name, clear and accurate.

    However, with other words, Callista would still mispronounce them, sometimes switching back to Mermaid language in frustration to repeat the word.

    “Refuse, refuse, refuse… I can say refuse now.”

    Repeating the same word in her melodious voice, her natural talent made it sound like a chant.

    Nodding, satisfied with her learning progress, Callista noticed Tao Ning’s expression, paused, and silently switched back to human language.

    Tao Ning: “…”

    Callista’s explanation for this was: “It’s not my fault. Your human language is difficult to learn, but your name is easier to pronounce.”

    Tao Ning affirmed her reasoning: “I believe you. Human language is too difficult, it’s not your fault.”

    Callista nodded vigorously in agreement: “Exactly!”

    520: […]

    After teaching her a few words, Tao Ning noticed something from the corner of her eye, a slight smile playing on her lips. She said to Callista, “How about I teach you a longer sentence?”

    Callista: “?” A long sentence already?

    Tao Ning whispered devilishly, “You’re so smart, you’ll definitely learn it quickly, right?”

    Callista was most susceptible to provocation. She immediately clenched her claws and declared, “Of course!”

    Tao Ning: “Good.”

    “What are you looking at? Don’t you have your own work to do?”

    The observer, turning on the monitor as scheduled, heard this slightly awkward sentence: “?”

    Who? Who’s scolding us?

    Switching to a closer view of the pool, she heard a female voice say, “The pronunciation is very accurate now, say it again.”

    Callista repeated the sentence, looking at the person on the shore with anticipation.

    Tao Ning didn’t hold back on her praise: “Very good.”

    Callista’s eyes sparkled: “I knew I would learn quickly!”

    The observer silently screamed behind the monitor: “Don’t teach the Mermaid strange things!”

    The sound from behind the monitor couldn’t reach the pool, and the Research Institute could only fret. The professors, however, remained optimistic.

    They had listened to the recording of the Mermaid cursing hundreds of times and would invariably ask: Who was the genius who managed to make the aloof and taciturn Mermaid speak so much?

    Before even returning to the First Star System, Zang Yuzhu’s name had spread throughout the Research Institute, and they were eager to offer her a position.

    The Mermaid socialization training, which countless others had struggled with, had actually been achieved by Zang Yuzhu.

    Just in a slightly unorthodox way.

    Ahhh, the Mermaid can now curse in human language!

    They belatedly realized that Zang Yuzhu not only spoke Mermaid language fluently but could also teach it.

    We need this kind of talent in our Research Institute.jpg

    No matter what Callista said, regardless of her intonation, Tao Ning would respond with an abundance of compliments, showering the impatient learner with positive reinforcement.

    Then she would meticulously correct her pronunciation.

    The compliments flowed endlessly, making the Mermaid practically bubble with joy. She even gave Tao Ning a fallen scale, shimmering and beautiful.

    The observers behind the monitor were green with envy. Mermaids didn’t shed scales easily, and they would collect the fallen ones, destroying any imperfect ones.

    A scale given as a gift by a Mermaid was perfect in shape, color, and hardness.

    Tao Ning examined the scale repeatedly, deciding to make a hole in it later and wear it as a necklace.

    It was a token of affection, and she would definitely wear it.

    520: [You know, in ancient times, you would be called a flatterer.]

    Tao Ning: “You flatter me.”

    520: […] I wasn’t complimenting you.

    But on second thought, wasn’t this a form of affirmation for Tao Ning?

    Indeed, those who dared to incur large debts and be hopelessly romantic weren’t the type to overthink.

    Callista, watching her examine the scale, asked in confusion, “You’ve looked at it so many times, are you not happy with it?”

    If she dared to say she didn’t like it, Callista would never give her anything again.

    Tao Ning put the scale into her pocket, close to her heart, and asked, “This is your scale. If I wear it every day, will you be able to find me wherever I am?”

    Callista paused, seemingly not having considered this question. She blinked: “Yes, but why do you ask?”

    Tao Ning smiled at her, a gentle smile, her eyes like the sunlit sea, sparkling with warmth.

    Callista was momentarily stunned, a certain part of her softening, the feeling fading too quickly for her to grasp.

    Then she heard Tao Ning say, “Nothing, just asking. I really like the gift you gave me.”

    Callista replied with a seemingly indifferent “Oh.”

    In reality, she hadn’t yet recovered, still immersed in the moment she had just witnessed.

    Callista, with her simple mindset, didn’t understand what it meant to be moved. For their species, reproduction was simply a matter of reaching maturity and entering the mating season. As long as there was mutual attraction, and they spent the mating season together, they would become lifelong partners.

    If they were lucky, they would conceive a child, raise it, and then drive it out of their nest, continuing to live with their partner.

    At least, that’s how Callista understood it.

    Callista was born without parents, with no one to teach her anything, including survival.

    In her life, learning to survive was already a complex and difficult task, struggling every day to learn how to hunt.

    After becoming the leader, some Mermaids admired her strength and expressed their affection.

    But Callista was indifferent, throwing away the flowers placed on her food and telling them that the leader ate fruit, not flowers.

    Gradually, the tribe knew that their leader was powerful, but she was still a youngster who hadn’t reached mating season.

    She didn’t understand their admiration, mistaking it for offerings.

    Tao Ning asked again, “Can I call you Lita?”

    “Lita?” Callista repeated the name. She said, “That sounds like a name for a baby.”

    Tao Ning was puzzled and asked, “Why do you think so?”

    Callista said, “The way you say it, it sounds soft like a sponge, as if I could squeeze water out of it.”

    520, never one to miss out on the fun, said: [She’s saying you have a cutesy voice.]

    Tao Ning: “So you’re willing to let me call you that, right?”

    With a splash, Callista’s other arm, which had been submerged, emerged from the water, reaching up to hook around the back of Tao Ning’s neck.

    The gentle force bent Tao Ning’s waist, bringing her closer and closer to the figure emerging from the water.

    The platinum-haired Mermaid breathed gently against her ear, her voice laced with temptation: “Actually, I like you very much, and I like being called that name by you.”

    She said she liked her.

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 88

    Chapter 88: I Love Slacking Off

    The next day, Tao Ning woke up in bed and exhaled a breath of hot air.

    Without touching her forehead, she knew she had caught a cold and developed a fever. She sat up, hugging the blanket.

    As expected, her newly recovered body couldn’t handle such a toss. Just contact with cold water had given her a cold. She’d have to be more careful next time.

    Opening her smart device to request leave, Tao Ning habitually ignored all messages from her adoptive parents, planning to reply to them later in the evening.

    The original host, Zang Yuzhu, had a good relationship with her adoptive parents and was quite spoiled. She used to say that if both children made a request at the same time, even their biological son, Gu Yuan, would have to wait.

    However, Tao Ning didn’t intend to build a close relationship with them for now. She cultivated a busy image, to the point that even Gu Yuan often couldn’t find her.

    This dispelled any doubts her adoptive parents might have.

    Despite this, she received high praise from her adoptive parents, saying she had matured, and that perhaps this incident would help her get into the Research Institute.

    They also said, “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll help you find a way, as long as you’re willing.”

    Tao Ning brushed them off with a few words, not committing to anything.

    Judging from their attitude, they treated her no differently than their biological child, doting on her every whim, at least ensuring she had everything she needed in terms of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

    It seemed that before Zang Yuzhu left, her adoptive parents had prepared a small medicine kit for her, which might contain the fever medicine Tao Ning needed.

    It was New Star Calendar 1101, an interstellar age where human physical fitness had greatly improved. An adult developing a fever from a cold was something no one would believe if posted online, yet it had actually happened to Tao Ning.

    Seeing Tao Ning searching the room for the medicine kit, 520 sighed: [You’re really like a glass cannon right now.]

    Possessing offensive power, yet fragile.

    After searching together, they finally found the medicine kit, which was well-stocked and contained a variety of items.

    There were both oral and topical medications. Zang Yuzhu, despite her seemingly careless attitude, had organized everything neatly and stored it in the cabinet.

    520 watched Tao Ning rummage through the medicine kit, saying, [There should be fever medicine. If not, you’ll have to find the accompanying doctor… What’s this?]

    Tao Ning picked up a small paper bag from the corner and squeezed it. There was also a partially eaten vitamin tablet, oval-shaped.

    Zang Yuzhu’s physical constitution was indeed weak, and she was prone to illness. Her adoptive parents, worried about her health, always prepared vitamins for her whenever she went out.

    It was said that Zang Yuzhu had suffered for a while before being sent to the military dependents’ orphanage. At that time, both her parents had died in battle, only having enough time to push her into an escape pod.

    In that surprise attack, the entire army was annihilated, with only Zang Yuzhu, who had been visiting her parents for her birthday, surviving.

    The escape pod’s landing location was also quite unfortunate. It crash-landed in a mixed zone on a remote planet when its energy was depleted. The mixed zone was a chaotic place, full of desperate individuals, and lacking kindness.

    Seeing an escape pod land, they ignored the possibility of someone being inside and immediately dismantled it to sell the parts.

    When Zang Yuzhu woke up inside, it was even more unfortunate. She was also taken to be sold.

    Just before she was put on the auction block, the military arrived in time, rescuing her and taking down the human trafficking ring.

    After that, Zang Yuzhu was about to be sent to an orphanage when Gu Yuan’s parents arrived and adopted her. But that period of hardship had left lasting effects on her health, making her physically weaker than other children her age.

    Her frail health made her adoptive parents particularly attentive to her, and Gu Yuan also took extra care of her, which contributed to her spoiled nature.

    Being able to grow up spoiled despite losing her parents was seen as proof of the Gu family’s dedication. This further enhanced Gu Yuan’s father’s reputation, and his position rose steadily.

    From this perspective, Zang Yuzhu being able to grow up healthy and strong was already quite an achievement.

    Tao Ning put the small paper bag back in its place. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find any fever medicine, so she messaged Dr. Howard for help, took the medicine, and lay down to rest.


    Having prepared the fruit, the academy teacher placed a basket of fruit in the service robot’s hands, letting it deliver the Mermaid’s meal.

    Activating the robot, he watched from the side, feeling a bit apprehensive.

    Although he hadn’t personally cared for a Mermaid, he had heard about their sharp claws. He heard that student Zang Yuzhu had been scratched by the Mermaid and almost drowned in the pool, which was why she requested leave.

    The Starnet was indeed full of lies, claiming that Mermaids were beautiful and gentle, with enchanting voices, harmless creatures.

    Callista, unaware of the rumors and the damage to her reputation, smelled the food from underwater and swam to the surface.

    She wondered what kind of excuses that cunning human would come up with today.

    Emerging from the water, Callista was faced with the service robot’s round body and its silly face.

    Callista: “?”

    Service Robot: “Please enjoy your meal OWO.”

    Callista: “…”

    The Mermaid didn’t understand. She looked towards the only living person nearby.

    The academy teacher, temporarily acting as a keeper, knew his presentation skills were lacking. He scratched his head, thinking for a long time, before placing the intact fruits on the platter.

    Looking at the aesthetically displeasing, haphazardly arranged fruit, Callista had no desire to eat.

    She’d rather go hungry than eat something ugly.

    Callista, whose taste had been refined by Tao Ning, looked at the academy teacher with a puzzled expression, then at the fruit platter with disdain.

    Ugly things remained ugly no matter how many times she looked.

    But in the temporary keeper’s eyes, the Mermaid’s gaze was full of sorrow, her eyes shimmering, as if she had a thousand words to say.

    If Tao Ning were there, she could interpret at least eight hundred words of complaints from those two glances, not some unspoken yearning.

    “Ah, Mermaids not only lure people with their singing, but also with their eyes!” The academy teacher quickly ran away, afraid of being tempted to enter the water.

    Some people yearned for Mermaids, while others avoided them like the plague.

    The academy teacher had originally belonged to the former group, but after researching, he had become like Lord Ye, who admired dragons from afar but was terrified of them up close.

    Callista, left behind: “…”

    She didn’t understand what the person had said, but she understood that the human wouldn’t be appearing today.

    Callista was unhappy. She wasn’t done being angry, and this human dared not show up.

    She didn’t care, so why should this human?

    Glaring at the fruit basket and the silly robot, Callista dove back into the water.

    Demonstrating with her actions that she didn’t care either, hmph.

    After a good sleep, Tao Ning’s fever had subsided. She got up, ate, and prepared to visit Callista, whom she hadn’t seen for most of the day.

    After what happened yesterday, without a proper explanation, and now not showing up, the short-tempered leader would definitely be fuming.

    However, Tao Ning didn’t make it. Just after washing up, she ran into An He, who had come to visit.

    An He had just finished training and had specifically changed into clean clothes.

    Tao Ning looked behind An He and said, “You brought two tails with you?”

    An He was puzzled: “Tails? What tails?”

    She turned around, and there were indeed two tails hiding not far away.

    Since they had been discovered, Song Fangzhou stepped out of her hiding place, dragging a protesting Tina along.

    Song Fangzhou said, “I heard you were sick, so I wanted to come and see you.”

    Tao Ning: “To see me make a fool of myself?”

    Song Fangzhou’s fair face twitched slightly, and she said curtly, “No, I misunderstood you about what happened before. An He explained it to me.”

    Tao Ning: “Young lady, you should stick to your convictions.”

    She gestured towards the room: “Come in.”

    “I…” Song Fangzhou swallowed her words, pulling Tina into the room.

    An He was the first to enter, sitting down at the table.

    The various medical devices had been removed from the room, making it look like an ordinary student dormitory. Yet, her posture was strangely stiff.

    Looking over, Song Fangzhou beside her also looked tense.

    So it wasn’t just her who felt nervous. For some reason, she always felt tense in front of Zang Yuzhu after she woke up.

    It wasn’t that she hadn’t felt nervous before, perhaps out of a sense of protectiveness towards the weaker individual, she would subconsciously take extra care of her.

    But this time, the nervousness seemed different. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

    An He relaxed slightly, then abruptly stopped.

    No way…

    She glanced at Song Fangzhou, who looked back at her quizzically, asking with her eyes, “What?”

    Tina reached out to take the glass of water Tao Ning offered: “Thank you. I never thought I’d see the day you’d pour water for someone.”

    After saying that, she received two stares.

    Tina: “…” I think I said something wrong.

    Realizing her mistake, Tina quickly apologized: “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I meant that I didn’t know you were the type to pour water for others… No, that’s not what I meant either…”

    Tao Ning gave her a knowing smile and simply said, “I understand.”

    520 thought it might be hallucinating, because what it heard was: “I’ll remember this.”

    Tina shut her mouth, like a timid kitten, afraid to make another sound.

    Tao Ning held the warm water with both hands, sitting alone, looking at her three former teammates: “Is there something you need?”

    Song Fangzhou: “Nothing, just checking in.”

    An He: “I heard you were injured, so I came to see you.”

    They spoke in unison, their words slightly different, but the underlying meaning was the same.

    Tao Ning feigned surprise: “How did I get injured?”

    Song Fangzhou glanced at the wrist holding the cup, so pale and translucent it looked like it would break: “You have quite a few injuries.”

    Tina, finally finding a topic she could speak on, said, “You don’t know? Everyone’s saying you requested leave because you were injured by the Mermaid. We were worried it was true, so we came to check on you.”

    An He continued, “Seeing you safe and sound, we’re relieved that you’re alright.”

    Tao Ning understood, letting out an “Ah,” then asking, “Why would such rumors spread?”

    Hearing this, Tina became animated, excitedly recounting everything she knew.

    Tao Ning, after hearing the whole story: “…”

    This was a classic case of a story changing as it’s retold. The young lady’s temper tantrum provoking the Mermaid and getting injured had become being pushed into the water and almost drowning.

    Seeing Tao Ning looking at them speechlessly, sitting there unharmed, they knew it was just a rumor.

    Tao Ning smiled: “I just slipped and fell into the water. I didn’t expect that’s what people were saying outside. How strange.”

    The three: “…”

    They felt Zang Yuzhu was being sarcastic about the rumors, but they had no proof.

    After sending them off, Tao Ning headed towards the swimming pool, naturally attracting many curious and surprised glances along the way.

    She ignored them all, skillfully entering the password and walking into the swimming pool area.

    A pearl came flying towards her. Tao Ning caught it between her fingers and lowered her hand. A figure appeared by the pool.

    Callista said, “You’re slower.”

    Tao Ning replied in Mermaid language, “I was sick, so I didn’t come to see you this morning.”

    “Sick.” Callista repeated the slightly unfamiliar word. She asked, “What is sick?”

    Tao Ning replied, “Being sick is like I was just now, slower and weaker.”

    Callista furrowed her brows, her expression full of disdain: “Then being sick isn’t good. I hate being sick too.”

    Tao Ning sat down by the pool. Seeing her sluggishness, Callista lost her playful mood and became unusually quiet.

    Looking at the full fruit basket, Tao Ning asked, “None of these suit your taste?”

    Callista pouted: “They’re piled together so uglily, I don’t want to eat them.”

    And that thing that delivered the food was also ugly, making her lose her appetite.

    Tao Ning pulled out a butterfly knife from her pocket and cut open a peach, the sweet scent wafting towards the Mermaid’s sensitive nose.

    Glancing at the peach in her hand, Callista’s slender fingers closed around the pink fruit, the pink and white contrasting beautifully against the silver blade she wielded with practiced ease.

    Callista then said, “But I suddenly have an appetite now.”

    Callista, full of anticipation, received the desired peach and even got a peeled apple.

    If Callista’s subjects saw this, they would surely think they had mistaken their leader, who would never deign to accept food cut into pieces from another Mermaid.

    That was too pampered. Only newborn Mermaids needed help with their food.

    Finally satisfied, Callista leaned against the edge of the pool with her elbow and said, “That human didn’t tell me you were sick. I thought you weren’t coming.”

    Looking at Callista’s expression, Tao Ning knew that this Mermaid leader had no concept of emotions, her gaze direct and unreserved.

    Expecting a Mermaid to develop feelings because of a kiss was indeed a fantasy.

    Tao Ning suppressed a slight feeling of disappointment: “I wouldn’t not come. They don’t understand Mermaid language, so they couldn’t tell you.”

    That made sense. Callista felt inexplicably irritated: “They’re so stupid, they can’t learn Mermaid language.”

    Watching the Mermaid’s tail swishing in the water, Tao Ning felt a little tempted. She sat by the edge and dipped her feet into the water.

    It was cool and refreshing, but she quickly pulled her feet back.

    Callista watched her actions with a puzzled look, seemingly understanding something: “Did you get sick because you touched the water?”

    Tao Ning corrected her: “I got sick because I was submerged in cold water.”

    In Callista’s eyes, Tao Ning’s fragility seemed to have increased another level, comparable to a newborn Mermaid. She said, “You shouldn’t be so fragile.”

    Tao Ning smiled: “I don’t want to be so fragile either. I wish I were as strong as you.”

    Callista shook her head: “That’s not what I meant. Humans can’t be as strong as us.”

    Mermaids were natural overlords of the sea. Without their claws that could tear through anything and their powerful tails, they would just be another food source for other sea creatures.

    “If that’s not what you meant, then…” Tao Ning suddenly realized something, looking into Callista’s blue eyes, repeating her words, “I shouldn’t be so fragile?”

    In front of Callista, Tao Ning placed two fingers on her wrist, feeling her pulse, and pondered for a moment.

    The person who had been talking suddenly fell silent, deep in thought while holding her wrist. Callista also reached out and touched her wrist, only feeling the smooth skin, nothing else.

    Water droplets from her hand splashed onto Tao Ning’s pale skin. Callista watched for a moment, then remembered that this human was even more fragile than a Mermaid baby, prone to illness from cold water, so she quickly wiped the droplets away with her skirt.

    Seeing Tao Ning open her eyes, Callista asked, trying to hide her actions, “What does that gesture mean?”

    Tao Ning, who had intended to teach her some basic human knowledge, said, “This is called taking a pulse. We humans can tell a person’s condition from their pulse.”

    Having spent a long time in the previous world, Tao Ning had dabbled in everything, including medicine.

    Even a medical layman, after spending hundreds of years focused on one thing, would have mastered it.

    Callista only half understood. She asked, “So what did you find out?”

    Externally strong but internally weak, with blocked meridians. This wasn’t just a result of long-term accumulation, but also half due to external factors. There were trace amounts of toxins in her body.

    The dosage wasn’t high, accumulated from long-term ingestion, having a moderate impact on her health, just enough to hinder the development of her psychic sea.

    That’s why Zang Yuzhu’s psychic power was only A-level after reaching adulthood.

    Compared to others, it wasn’t low, but compared to her biological parents, it was indeed inferior in every aspect.

    Tao Ning didn’t hide anything, explaining it to her in a way Callista could understand.

    She regretted lying before, so she wouldn’t lie to her now. Besides, Mermaid language wasn’t easy to decipher in a short time, so it didn’t matter if she revealed it.

    After listening, Callista nodded seriously: “You are indeed very fragile, I can smell it.”

    She pointed at her nose. A Mermaid’s sensitive five senses, especially her sense of smell, could detect almost anything.

    Extending her hand towards Tao Ning, Callista said excitedly, “You’re so good at touching, how about you touch me?”

    A wrist rested on Tao Ning’s knee, adorned with a pearl bracelet, interspersed with shells and gems she had collected.

    Callista had made it herself when she was bored. It wasn’t as refined as human craftsmanship, but it had a unique, wild beauty.

    The Mermaid’s webbed claws, capable of tearing through mecha, now rested casually on her knee, seemingly boneless, the red mole on her fingertip prominent.

    Staring at the wrist, Tao Ning placed two fingers on it, taking her pulse.

    Callista watched Tao Ning’s contemplative face with curiosity, her gaze fixed.

    Perhaps because she hadn’t seen many people since coming ashore, this human was indeed the most beautiful she had ever seen, her skin as white as the white gossamer woven by silver Mermaids, and her voice pleasant.

    When she opened her eyes, they were like the black pearls she had once collected.

    It was a pity she had forgotten where she had put that handful of black pearls. Otherwise, she could compare them now, to see which was brighter, the pearls or her eyes.

    Well, her lips were quite soft.

    Thinking of this, Callista felt a little regretful.

    She knew humans couldn’t be collected like black pearls, and they didn’t like living in the ocean.

    Seeing Tao Ning open her eyes, Callista leaned closer and asked curiously, “So?”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 87

    Chapter 87: I Love Slacking Off

    Due to a certain leader’s repeated defeats, Tao Ning had accumulated quite a few small pearls, making a rustling sound as she walked.

    When people asked about the sound, Tao Ning would proudly announce: “These are pearls the Mermaid gave me. She gives me so many every day.”

    Only 520, knowing the truth, thought: […]

    By putting herself in the line of fire and becoming a target for the Mermaid, of course there would be many pearls.

    If the Mermaid knew you were making up stories, she’d be so angry her scales would explode.

    But they didn’t know, and expressed envy at Tao Ning’s good fortune: “Really? I also want to receive pearls from the Mermaid.”

    Tao Ning smiled and nodded: “It’s true, but the Mermaid doesn’t give pearls easily.”

    520 silently added: Of course, you’re the only one she consistently misses. The competitive Mermaid is now completely focused on you.

    An He said regretfully, “That’s true. You’re taking care of her personally, so you’ve gained her trust.”

    Thus, everyone on the ship knew that Zang Yuzhu had gained the Mermaid’s trust, and the Mermaid frequently gave her pearls.

    Those who had wanted to see her become a laughingstock were dumbfounded. Unexpectedly, Zang Yuzhu, who was incompetent at everything else, was actually good at raising fish.

    It was said that the Mermaid engaged in friendly exchanges with Zang Yuzhu every day.

    Occasionally bumping into them, Song Man couldn’t help but say to Gu Yuan, “You shouldn’t have let her study in the Command Department. With her affinity for Mermaids, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to enter the Research Institute.”

    Gu Yuan: “…” Who knew this would happen?

    Meanwhile, Callista was excitedly devising new tactics. She swam along the edge of the pool, only her eyes visible above the water.

    Her bright blue eyes reflected the busy figure pacing back and forth.

    Callista, undeterred by her repeated failures, found even greater amusement in them.

    She had thought the journey to find her people would be boring, but unexpectedly, there was a human to play with her.

    Based on Mermaid age, Callista, at just over a hundred years old, was barely an adult, very young, and at an age full of playful energy.

    In the past, under the sea, she had to maintain the demeanor of a leader, earning the respect of her subjects. She never played around and had to be dignified and composed.

    Now, with someone to play with, it instantly captured all her attention.

    Thinking this, Callista stealthily prepared to surface.

    With a splash, her upper body emerged, a pearl flicked from her fingertips.

    The person cutting fruit didn’t even turn around, reaching out to catch the incoming pearl and skillfully putting it into her pocket.

    Callista: “…”

    Tao Ning turned around.

    Callista sullenly sank back down, only her eyes remaining above the water, blowing bubbles.

    Tao Ning: “…” Holding back laughter was quite difficult.

    To avoid completely offending the proud leader, Tao Ning held back, walked over, and placed the prepared fruit platter in front of her.

    Colorful and diverse, regardless of the taste, the presentation was impeccable.

    Tao Ning said, “You can start eating. Put aside anything you don’t like, and I’ll clean it up.”

    Whether Callista understood or not, Tao Ning never gave up on establishing communication with her.

    Mermaids were wary and proud, responding only to gentle approaches, unwilling to even speak to those they disliked, even preferring death to interaction.

    This was also why Callista was particularly tolerant of Tao Ning. Her subjects would bring her offerings in heaps, often with bites taken out by other fish, or partially rotten.

    Unlike this human, who only selected the best for her and arranged them beautifully.

    Also, because the decorative silver fork looked pretty, Callista learned to use it to eat fruit, a socialization achievement that shocked the Research Institute.

    So socialization training could be this simple?

    Tao Ning was unaware of the feat she had accomplished in the eyes of the Research Institute. She sat cross-legged, browsing the Starnet on her smart device while observing the Mermaid eating.

    Mealtime was a truce between them—a truce unilaterally declared by Callista.

    The scene had a strange harmony, especially with both individuals being exceptionally beautiful. The observer, sometimes switching to the surveillance feed, would often think she was watching a movie.

    Callista realized that pearl attacks were no longer effective against this cunning human, so she decided to change tactics.

    Tao Ning soon noticed that the Mermaid no longer ambushed her with pearls when she passed by. She had switched to water attacks.

    Tao Ning, arriving dry every day and occasionally leaving with wet pants: “…”

    520 sometimes couldn’t understand what these two stubborn individuals were trying to do.

    It wouldn’t hurt to let the Mermaid splash her, would it?

    But Tao Ning refused, dodging every splash. 520 gave up, thinking these two deserved each other.

    The observer occasionally monitoring the Mermaid’s living conditions also thought: “…”

    This is so frustrating to watch.

    A stubborn keeper caring for a stubborn Mermaid, neither able to communicate effectively, yet having countless silent battles.

    The Mermaid, with her superior physical strength, was being trained to be even more cunning, learning various tricks and pranks.

    The observer was already imagining what kind of Mermaid they would be facing when the ship arrived at the Research Institute, the thought making her scalp tingle.

    Fortunately, Tao Ning’s approach, in the eyes of the Research Institute, effectively maintained the Mermaid’s vitality. They didn’t stop her and even approved, gradually reducing the monitoring of the Mermaid’s daily life.

    Finally, Callista realized that water attacks were also ineffective against Tao Ning, so she abandoned that tactic.

    She started thinking of other methods, having long forgotten about the forehead flick, now only remembering that she had to win.

    Tao Ning quickly noticed the change in strategy, thinking that the little Mermaid was quite resourceful.

    Soon, Tao Ning discovered the Mermaid’s new tactic.

    As she was passing by, the Mermaid suddenly grabbed her pants leg, then her ankle, her red lips curving into a triumphant smile as she pulled.

    Tao Ning glanced at the hand on her ankle, then her center of gravity shifted, and she fell into the water.

    Amidst 520’s panicked cries of “Eh, eh, eh, be careful!”, a splash echoed as the water sprayed the shore.

    Callista, with a smug smile, retreated to the deeper part of the pool, looking up to see a figure falling backwards into the water, arms outstretched, her tied-up hair coming loose.

    The figure seemed to float in mid-air, not struggling at all.

    After watching for a few moments, Callista felt something was wrong. Why was this human just sinking instead of swimming up?

    Realizing something was amiss, Callista swam over, her tail fin shimmering with dreamy colors in the water.

    She approached the figure, whose eyes were tightly closed, sinking deeper and deeper, as if asleep, her expression peaceful, undisturbed by the flowing water.

    The figure sank quickly, lying quietly on the bottom, landing on Callista’s bed of shells, like a sleeping beauty of the sea.

    She seemed to fit quite well on her bed… Wait! That wasn’t the point!

    Why wasn’t this cunning human opening her eyes!

    The pondering Mermaid’s expression became serious as she considered a possibility.

    Callista: “…” No way, I heard some humans can’t swim.

    Could this be one of those humans who can’t swim?

    Truly afraid of the human dying on her bed, Callista spread her arms and swam over, her long hair billowing in the water as she gently landed beside the bed.

    She reached out a webbed claw to touch the person on the shell bed, but noticed her nails were a bit long, so she retracted them slightly.

    After observing, she retracted them a bit more, until they wouldn’t cause any scratches, then gently placed her hand on the human’s shoulder and shook her.

    To Callista, humans were incredibly fragile, as easily torn as seawater.

    However, the other party didn’t react at all, sleeping peacefully.

    Seeing that no amount of teasing elicited a response, Callista finally panicked, swimming around the shell bed in a fluster.

    Suddenly remembering that humans couldn’t stay in water for too long, she quickly carried the person upwards, thinking that pushing her ashore might help.

    Grabbing the human’s shoulders with both hands, she felt this position wasn’t very effective, so she switched to one arm around the shoulder and the other around the waist, flicking her tail to quickly approach the surface.

    Pushing the person onto the surface with all her might, Callista felt her tail working hard. After placing her on the shore, she felt the position was awkward, so she flipped the person over.

    With a plop, Tao Ning was now face up, a few strands of hair clinging to her cheek, giving her a strangely vulnerable appearance.

    Then what? What should she do next?

    Callista pondered over the face for a few seconds. Was this human’s face this pale before falling into the water?

    Racking her brains, the Mermaid couldn’t remember, so she assumed the human had always been this pale.

    Still no reaction after being brought ashore. Callista recalled a scene she had witnessed before coming ashore, where a person fell into the deep sea and was thrown back to the shore by a wave from her tail. She didn’t allow trash in her territory.

    After that person was rescued, many two-legged creatures surrounded him, chattering in words she didn’t understand. Then one of them pressed on his stomach, making the person lying on the beach spit out a lot of water. The hand pressing on his stomach continued, then they leaned down and kissed him.

    Then the person woke up and was carried away by a group of two-legged creatures.

    Her deep, contemplative gaze fell on Tao Ning. Callista couldn’t let this human die just like that.

    She touched Tao Ning’s stomach, finding it very flat, unlike the scene she had witnessed before.

    The Mermaid had no first-aid knowledge, simply assuming she could skip a step and proceed to the next.

    She carefully positioned the person on the shore like she had seen before, observing for a few moments, feeling it was about right.

    Then what?

    Her gaze slowly lowered, her blue eyes landing on the slightly pursed, pale lips. From Callista’s perspective, they were quite beautiful, just too pale.

    Would she die if left unattended?

    Placing her hands on the shore, her ice-blue tail emerged from the water. Before Callista could finish thinking, her body acted before her mind, and she sat on the shore.

    Looking down, her dazzling ice-blue tail rested in the water, the thin, gauze-like fin rippling. The Mermaid, with her platinum blonde hair, stared intently at the person lying on the shore.

    Leaning down, Callista thought: This is part of the plan to find my people. After all, it would be troublesome if this human actually died by my pool.

    She didn’t understand human laws, but if anyone harmed her people, she would pursue them to the ends of the earth for revenge.

    Callista was about to bite her tongue and feed the human her blood, which would prevent her from fearing the sea upon waking up.

    This was an innate ability of Mermaids, now bestowed upon this human.

    Her cool lips touched the other’s. Compared to a Mermaid, a creature of the sea, human lips were much warmer.

    Callista gently rubbed her lips against the other’s, afraid that using her hands to open the human’s mouth would dislocate her jaw. After a moment of silence, she used her tongue to pry open Tao Ning’s lips.

    This time she succeeded. The tightly closed lips parted slightly. The next hurdle was the teeth.

    But whether the teeth opened or not didn’t matter anymore. Callista was about to bite her tongue and transfer her blood.

    Suddenly, a warm hand gripped the back of her neck, pressing their lips even closer.

    Callista’s eyes widened slightly. The person, whose eyes were still closed, used her tongue to pry open Callista’s lips in return.

    Like a bold bandit, she barged in, meticulously searching every corner before leaving, satisfied.

    The Mermaid, who had rescued the human, thought she had saved a shy sleeping beauty, but this sleeping beauty wasn’t shy at all, instead taking advantage of the Mermaid.

    Tao Ning opened her eyes slightly, meeting the ocean-like blue eyes. After taking a deep breath, she regained her strength.

    Chuckling softly, Tao Ning said, “That’s not how you do CPR. But neither is this.”

    Callista: “…”

    She sat up in shock, her blue eyes reflecting the other person’s face. She clearly saw the other’s lips, slightly swollen and red.

    Perhaps hers were too, but Callista avoided Tao Ning’s eyes, instinctively looking away.

    She quickly remembered what she wanted to say, almost forgetting everything when she met the other’s newly opened eyes.

    Callista: “You’re alright? When did you wake up? You tricked me?”

    Tao Ning: “…”

    520, having witnessed the heavily censored scene: [Oh dear. ]

    On the other side of the monitor, the observer, holding a coffee mug, said to her colleague, “It’s about time. Let’s check on the Mermaid.”

    “I’ve prepared today’s record, let’s begin.”

    Switching to the feed, the Mermaid’s scolding clearly came through the audio monitor.

    The two were stunned: “…” They couldn’t believe their ears.

    The Mermaid’s naturally gifted voice made even her scolding sound like singing, melodious and captivating.

    How could they tell it was scolding?

    Because the Mermaid’s tone was urgent, her brows furrowed, clearly indicating anger.

    The observer behind the monitor: “…”

    Honestly, in all her years, the amount of Mermaid speech recordings she heard today surpassed the total she had heard before by several times.

    This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, hearing a Mermaid curse.

    Thinking this, the observer and her colleague exchanged glances, looking at the soaking wet person in the pool with admiration.

    It had to be this person, born with the talent to infuriate others.

    On the other side of the screen, Tao Ning endured the scolding quietly.

    Actually, Mermaids didn’t know how to curse. Callista was someone who preferred actions to words. She was simply accusing Tao Ning of deceiving her, and she had truly been frightened.

    Tao Ning listened quietly, offering no rebuttal. After she finished, Tao Ning asked, “What’s your name?”

    Callista subconsciously answered with her name, then realized what she had just heard, looking at Tao Ning with surprise.

    Just now, this human seemed to have spoken Mermaid language.

    Tao Ning, supporting herself with her hands, slowly sat up, smiling slightly: “I just choked on some water. I didn’t wake up late on purpose. I’m still recovering from a serious injury, and my physical condition isn’t very good. I was accidentally knocked unconscious by the water, it wasn’t intentional.”

    These words were all in Mermaid language, occasionally a bit halting, with a few incorrect word choices, but undoubtedly Mermaid language.

    Unlike the clumsy and unpleasant imitations of other humans, this Mermaid language was near perfect.

    Not only Callista, but 520, which had been diligently recording Mermaid language, could finally understand it, and couldn’t help but make a disrespectful comment.

    520 said faintly: [Although the screen is full of mosaics, if you weren’t intentional, who was?]

    Taking advantage of Callista not being able to hear 520, Tao Ning said to the Mermaid in front of her, “Your name is Callista. It’s a beautiful name. In exchange, I’ll tell you how to pronounce my name in Mermaid language.”

    Callista blinked in confusion: “No, you’ve always been able to speak Mermaid language?”

    Tao Ning: “No, I just learned it.”

    Callista: “Where did you learn it from?”

    After a moment of silence, Tao Ning said, “From you.”

    Callista: “…”

    She had to admit, this human’s appearance did meet her aesthetic standards.

    But in some aspects, this human also knew exactly how to annoy her.

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 86

    Chapter 86: I Love Slacking Off

    When Tao Ning looked over, the Mermaid’s eyes held an innocent expression, as if the fleeting playfulness had never been there.

    Seeing that Tao Ning wasn’t falling for it, the Mermaid swayed her hand, looking up at an angle that resembled a water sprite.

    An innocent allure mixed with unintentional temptation. No one could resist the urge to pull her ashore when she reached out.

    Mermaids were collectively obsessed with beauty, possessing both powerful combat abilities and stunning appearances.

    The one before her couldn’t possibly be unaware of her own beauty, nor could she not know that the person in front of her would be captivated.

    Under her subtle, urging gaze, Tao Ning stood still, meeting her eyes for a long moment before slowly extending her hand.

    If a third person were present, they would surely hold their breath, taking in this picturesque scene.

    Beside the deep blue pool stood a young woman with a bucket, sleeves and pants rolled up, looking down at the stunning Mermaid by the shore.

    The Mermaid, her upper body exposed, ice-blue fins peeking out from her platinum blonde hair, possessed an otherworldly beauty.

    Both human and not, exceptionally enchanting.

    Her long hair fanned out behind her, the lower half swaying like seaweed in the water, tempting one to reach out and touch it.

    This was a siren, whose hair alone could spark endless fantasies.

    Feeling the other person bending down, the Mermaid’s lips curled up. She knew no one could resist her charm.

    Another face slowly enlarged before her eyes, but stopped at a certain distance, motionless.

    Glancing at the outstretched hand, Callista thought: “?” She offered her hand further.

    But the hand, which was also beautiful in the Mermaid’s eyes, hesitated. Callista finally realized something and looked up at the standing figure.

    The other person’s supple waist bent into a curve, her water-soaked feet pale. Callista thought the nails on her toes resembled the shells she collected as a child.

    Pinkish-white, smooth to the touch.

    Tao Ning said, “You want to pull me into the water?”

    A slightly deep voice, not loud, like a whisper, sounded near her ear fin.

    Callista couldn’t understand the meaning, but she could keenly discern the questioning tone.

    Her long, platinum eyelashes fluttered, and her dreamy eyes gradually cleared, as if the mist of a dream had dissipated.

    She snapped out of her psychic network connection. Putting together the retracting hand and the question, her first reaction was: My intention has been discovered.

    Her second reaction was: How could someone wake up from a Mermaid’s psychic influence?

    Interesting, this was a formidable opponent.

    So, the Mermaid put on an innocent expression: “??”

    I don’t understand, I don’t understand what you’re saying, I just want you to give me your hand.

    Although they didn’t share a language, Tao Ning couldn’t understand her words, but she could sense her intention.

    Tao Ning said, “I didn’t try to tame you, but you want to tame me.”

    She lowered her voice for the last sentence, just loud enough for Callista to hear: “I bet the desk behind the monitors is soaked because of you, isn’t it?”

    Lifting her outstretched hand, Tao Ning flicked the Mermaid’s forehead, the force light but impactful.

    Caught off guard, Callista let out an “Eh?”

    As if by magic, a peach appeared in Tao Ning’s hand from seemingly nowhere and was placed in the Mermaid’s hand.

    Holding the peach in one hand and covering her forehead with the other, Callista stared at Tao Ning, still dazed.

    Tao Ning straightened up, picked up the bucket, and walked out.

    She needed to find someone to clear all this away, whether it was to be taken to the cafeteria as an extra meal for the graduates or dried into fish jerky. They couldn’t just be left here taking up space; she wasn’t raising a second fish.

    This particular Mermaid wouldn’t eat fish smaller than her thumb, and even then, she only liked fried fish jerky, refusing anything else.

    520 finally spoke: [The way you were staring just now, I really thought you were mesmerized.]

    It only spoke up after noticing Tao Ning wasn’t, so as not to interrupt her interest.

    Tao Ning thought for a moment: “It was almost like that.”

    The carefully considered probe having received a response, 520 knew its guess was correct. This widow was indeed remarrying.

    In the previous life, she had clung to the other person, heartbroken and inconsolable, even spending a considerable amount of points to leave behind a jade pendant… No, wait, she also left a ring in the first world.

    Suddenly realizing something, 520 felt its nonexistent hair fall out. It was already bald, now even balder.

    In a flash of inspiration, a certain thought became increasingly clear.

    Could it be that its host was a collector?

    520 hesitated: [You…]

    Tao Ning’s expression was nonchalant: “The more debts, the less pressure.”

    520: […]

    After a long silence, while Tao Ning was negotiating with someone to remove the buckets of fish, a sudden electronic voice made her choke.

    520 said: [Okay, I get it. At least you’re consistent, never abandoning anyone!]

    Tao Ning covered her mouth: “Cough, cough, cough…”

    520, calculating its bills with heartache: [Missions are precious, points are even more valuable, but if it’s for love, both can be tossed aside! I understand, I understand.]

    “…” Tao Ning chuckled, “You really do understand.”

    The other person handed Tao Ning a tissue. Why would she choke on water for no reason?

    “Thanks.” Tao Ning wiped the water from her lips. “By the way, I noticed the Mermaid seems agitated, often hitting the walls. Is there something she dislikes there? I suggest removing it.”

    The other person’s expression shifted subtly upon hearing Tao Ning’s words. He was about to refuse.

    Zang Yuzhu was known for not reading social cues, so she continued, “After all, the Federation’s order is to bring the Mermaid back safe and sound. If something on the way makes her uncomfortable, and she develops a resistance to humans, it will be difficult to do anything with her.”

    This last part, however, moved the liaison teacher.

    He was an instructor at the First Academy, holding a position of moderate authority on the ship. He handled minor matters himself, but anything related to the Mermaid, big or small, had to be reported.

    The liaison teacher held his cup, hesitating for a moment before nodding: “I’ll report this as soon as possible.”

    Tao Ning smiled politely: “Then I’ll go back now. The Mermaid needs me.”

    In reality, Callista had seen something shiny on the wall at night, thinking it was something that emitted light, and had used pearls to knock it down to take a closer look.

    But her own pearls ended up embedded in the wall, and when she used another pearl to try and dislodge them, it was also lost.

    After a while, perhaps finding it pointless, she stopped, as the visible surveillance cameras had already been destroyed by Callista. Only a few hidden ones remained to observe the Mermaid’s daily life.

    After the issue was reported, feedback from the Federation Research Institute came quickly, confirming the report. The Mermaid who had come ashore this time was sensitive to being watched, and they had already reduced the observation time accordingly.


    Callista didn’t know someone was taking advantage of the language barrier to misrepresent her actions.

    Looking at the departing figure, Callista clenched her webbed claws, only then remembering the fuzzy pink peach in her hand.

    This was a fruit she had never seen in the ocean, emitting an even sweeter scent than the apple.

    And it was softer, as if it would bruise with a squeeze.

    Callista immediately loosened her grip, afraid of damaging the delicate peach.

    Covering her forehead with one hand while biting into the peach, she belatedly realized that this audacious human had dared to flick the leader’s forehead!

    As she was happily munching on the peach, her ear fin twitched. The human who had given her the peach was back.

    Before the door opened, Callista quickly dove into the water.

    Her movements were quick and smooth, without a splash, a perfect dive that would score full marks in a diving competition.

    Callista, coming to her senses, stared at the half-eaten peach in her hand. She thought: Why did I hide from a human?

    Realizing the implications of her actions, Callista felt she had been tricked.

    Furious, Callista spun around in the water. She didn’t realize she looked like a proud wildcat whose head had been patted by a human, her seaweed-like hair practically standing on end.

    Finally, she looked at the blurry figure on the water’s surface and made up her mind.

    She had to teach her a lesson!

    Callista was an abandoned Mermaid since childhood, raised by various families. As she grew older, her small desire for revenge grew with her.

    So, she was someone who held grudges.

    Tao Ning was walking around the area, picking up pearls one by one and putting them into her pocket.

    Mermaids could weep tears that turned into pearls, and the more powerful the Mermaid, the more beautiful the pearls.

    Picking up another pearl, Tao Ning held it up between her thumb and forefinger.

    Under the light, the pearl in her hand was almost perfectly round. As for its quality, Tao Ning recalled the auction house she had visited in the original host’s memories, where a pearl necklace had been auctioned off for a sky-high price.

    The pearls in her memory were far inferior in quality and luster to the one in Tao Ning’s hand.

    One could imagine how many eager ladies would rush to buy these pearls, which the Mermaid treated as mere marbles.

    Now they were all in the “abusing her authority” Tao Ning’s pockets.

    A pearl rolled not far away, emitting a faint glow. She walked over to pick it up.

    Tao Ning hissed, muttering, “That’s not right.”

    520 was also envious of the pearls. Unable to touch or possess them, it could only feast its eyes. Hearing her words, it asked: [What’s wrong?]

    Tao Ning: “But the Mermaid leader isn’t the type to cry. Where did she get so many pearls?”

    520 offered a reasonable guess: [Did she make her subjects cry, and then collect the pearls?]

    Tao Ning: “…” Surely not.

    Looking at the pearls filling her pockets, Tao Ning, for the first time, thought that maybe it was possible.

    A splash came from the pool. Tao Ning turned to see the Mermaid, who had been submerged, emerge, her beautiful face slightly puffed out, her eyes cold.

    520, seeing this expression, thought: Here we go, this Mermaid is wild and has a real temper.

    After a long stare-down with Tao Ning, the Mermaid raised her submerged hand.

    Both the human and the system watched as she punched herself, skillfully cupping her hands under her face, quickly collecting two handfuls of pearls.

    This unrestrained method of acquiring weapons deeply shocked both of them.

    520 was dumbfounded: […Host, run! She’s serious!]

    Without 520 needing to say it, Tao Ning had already retreated to a safe distance, raising her hands: “Don’t be impulsive, let’s talk things out. How about we establish friendly communication?”

    As she spoke of friendship, the Mermaid gave her answer.

    A pearl came flying towards her. The Mermaid’s aim seemed to be off, as Tao Ning easily dodged it.

    Callista: “…?”

    She looked at the scene in disbelief, then at her own hand, unable to believe it was real.

    The overlord of the sea, the leader of the Mermaid tribe, the top predator, who had a record of taking down birds with pearls, actually missed?

    Callista questioned her existence, her gaze becoming firm. If this tactic didn’t work, she would try another.

    Tao Ning was about to ask if she wanted to try a new kind of fruit when she saw the figure in the pool dive back underwater.

    Truly a creature of whims, changing her mind at the slightest displeasure.

    Tao Ning lowered her hands. What could she do? It was her wife, she had to be patient.

    520’s comment on this was: [It was already a disastrous start, and that flick to the forehead made it even worse.]

    However, there’s a saying that fish only have a seven-second memory, implying that fish aren’t very smart. Could she really gain an advantage over the cunning fox?

    Callista, focused on revenge, plotted in the water. Sometimes she heard footsteps above, but she wasn’t interested in looking.

    Once, she heard people talking at the door, one voice very familiar. She thought for a moment, it seemed to be the male, ugly two-legged beast who had brought her ashore.

    The door opened, and heavy boots walked in. The person who had provoked Callista had gone to fetch her dinner and hadn’t returned yet.

    Callista was counting pearls underwater, too lazy to pay attention to the person walking around the pool. Seemingly because there was no response to his calls, the person was called away.

    Not long after, another set of footsteps approached. Beneath her flowing platinum hair, her ice-blue ear fins twitched.

    Callista’s lips curled into a smile. She suddenly surfaced and threw a pearl.

    Then she waited leisurely to see the human get hit.

    The result, however, disappointed Callista.

    Tao Ning instinctively reached out and caught it, looking at it in confusion. Between her right index and middle fingers was a pearl, lustrous and denser than ordinary pearls.

    It was a pearl that the leader had personally cried to create for the purpose of attacking.

    Tao Ning smiled at the stunned Mermaid: “Is this a pearl for me? I like it very much.”

    Callista’s face immediately fell.

    Why didn’t the sneak attack work either?

    With a splash, the Mermaid who had surfaced dove back down.

    Tao Ning scratched her face, sighing softly: “She really holds a grudge. It’s a good thing she’s the leader.”

    She didn’t finish the sentence, but 520 eerily understood what Tao Ning meant.

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 85

    Chapter 85: I Love Slacking Off

    Cooking in the interstellar age was very convenient. Ingredients were prepped, and one only needed to retrieve them from the freezer, set the desired cooking method, and the meal would be ready in no time.

    From beside her, Gu Yuan’s voice drifted over: “There’s not much variety here… There happens to be some dishes you like, so let’s make those.”

    An He looked towards the freezer. Gu Yuan had already rolled up his sleeves, looking quite experienced.

    Tao Ning, resting her head on the table, simply replied with an “Mm,” showing no courtesy.

    Zang Yuzhu herself was someone who didn’t know the meaning of politeness, so it wasn’t surprising that Gu Yuan would cook for her.

    However, she was also frail and sickly, so what could be expected of her?

    An He hesitated for a moment before quietly going over to hand him plates.

    Soon, the dishes were served, fragrant and enticing. An He, who hadn’t felt hungry before, suddenly felt her stomach rumble, wanting to sit down and feast.

    Tao Ning, who had been resting her head on the table, finally deigned to lift it. Her eyes immediately landed on shredded carrots, and her brows furrowed.

    Pushing the plate away with her fingertip, Tao Ning said, “I don’t like carrots. Get me another one.”

    Tao Ning herself wasn’t a picky eater, but Zang Yuzhu hated carrots with a passion, once declaring that she wanted to eradicate all carrots in the universe.

    To annoy her, netizens specifically changed their usernames to “Universe Filled with Carrots,” infuriating Zang Yuzhu to the point of staying up all night arguing with them online.

    An He, being good-tempered, looked at the three dishes and said, “They all have carrots. I can’t change them. Why don’t you just…” give the carrots to me.

    Another hand reached out, pushing the plate back to its original position. It was Gu Yuan, who had finished washing his hands.

    Gu Yuan said gently, “Carrots are good for you. Don’t be picky. There’s not much, just eat it.”

    Tao Ning stared at the carrots with a look of utter despair: “I’d rather eat three bitter melons than a single bite of carrot.”

    An He was surprised: “You hate carrots that much?”

    Tao Ning looked up at An He: “Yes, I hate carrots the most.”

    An He offered, “Then give them all to me. I don’t hate carrots, but I don’t like cooked tomatoes, or tomato sauce.”

    Tao Ning asked, puzzled, “Doesn’t your mother cook them differently for you?”

    An He replied, equally puzzled, “Other vegetables can also provide vitamins. Eating a little less of one and a little more of another won’t make much difference. Why be so fixated on one vegetable?”

    After speaking, An He felt something was off.

    Tao Ning smiled at her, using her untouched spoon to transfer all the carrots to An He’s plate, saying cheerfully, “Thank you.”

    Meeting those smiling eyes, An He immediately dismissed her doubts, shaking her head: “You’re welcome, it’s nothing.”

    Gu Yuan, who had been silent, spoke up: “Let’s eat.”

    The two girls sat together, with Gu Yuan opposite Tao Ning. After a few bites, Gu Yuan, not accustomed to eating in silence, started a conversation.

    Gu Yuan said, “You’ve just recovered from your injury, yet you’re still running around at night without sleeping. What if you develop headaches?”

    It was easy to let one’s guard down at the dinner table.

    Tao Ning sighed, putting down her spoon: “I actually wanted to sleep, but I heard a sound that drew me to the lower decks.”

    520, hearing this tone, thought to itself: Here we go again.

    Gu Yuan, still unaware that the person before him was no longer the outspoken Zang Yuzhu but the cunning Tao Ning, followed her words and asked, “What sound?”

    Tao Ning said, “The Mermaid’s singing.”

    Gu Yuan replied without thinking, “Impossible. The ship has special equipment that would detect any attempt by the Mermaid to lure someone with her singing.”

    Tao Ning let out an “Ah,” as if realizing her words weren’t very convincing. She furrowed her brows slightly: “What if she didn’t make any sound?”

    Gu Yuan chuckled: “If she didn’t make any sound, how did you hear her singing?”

    Tao Ning showed an expression of displeasure at being questioned: “I just heard it, that’s why I went down there, believe it or not.”

    Gu Yuan surrendered: “Alright, alright, you heard the singing. I’ll take you back to your dormitory to rest later. After we go home, you don’t have to worry about anything else, I’ll take care of it for you.”

    An He tried to approach the matter from a scientific perspective: “I heard that Mermaids have very strong psychic powers, and their singing also carries psychic energy. Is it possible that the sound waves affected Zang?”

    Tao Ning, unexpectedly finding someone so understanding, gave her an appreciative look: “You make a good point.”

    Gu Yuan: “…”

    520 didn’t expect an honest person to be caught in the middle, feeling a bit sorry for An He, who was seriously trying to interpret the host’s words.

    Tao Ning changed the subject: “Cousin, why did you come here? This isn’t the way back to your quarters. Don’t tell me you also heard the singing?”

    “…” Gu Yuan was speechless. “I have military duties, I came back late.”

    Tao Ning nodded: “I see.”

    Gu Yuan: “I won’t be so busy after we go back. I should have a few days off.”

    An He, caught in the middle, was bewildered. How did the conversation suddenly turn into casual chatter?

    Tao Ning dropped a bombshell: “In that case, Cousin, can I be the Mermaid’s keeper? You’re so capable, you can definitely make it happen, right?”

    Gu Yuan choked, his face turning red as he tried to suppress a cough to maintain his image. The two people opposite him didn’t think to offer him water.

    This was because An He thought Zang Yuzhu would offer, but Tao Ning wouldn’t, only looking at him with concern: “Are you alright? Why are you coughing so badly? Are you catching a cold?”

    She feigned concern with remarkable skill.

    After a while, Gu Yuan, supporting himself on the table, stood up to pour himself some water. Taking a large gulp, he coughed lightly: “What did you say?”

    Tao Ning said, “It’ll take quite a while to return to the First Star System. I’m afraid I won’t be able to graduate. How about I take care of the Mermaid? The Federation might recognize my contribution, and perhaps it will offset my failings.”

    Gu Yuan wanted to say that this wasn’t how things worked, that she was just making things up as she went along.

    But the words changed as they left his mouth. Gu Yuan said with difficulty, “I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee success.”

    After the meal, Tao Ning declined her cousin’s offer to escort her back, using the excuse that it wasn’t on his way, and returned to the dormitory area with An He.

    Gu Yuan stood there, watching them leave. After they disappeared from sight, he turned and left as well.

    Back in her dormitory, An He followed her usual routine, washing up and changing into her pajamas. Lying in bed, she pulled the blanket over her stomach, ready to sleep.

    Half an hour later, lying in the darkness, An He opened her eyes. For some reason, she kept replaying the events of the evening in her mind.

    Suddenly, a phrase came to her: Don’t listen to what people say, watch what they do.

    Treating one’s sister like this wasn’t unusual if they were blood-related, but what if they weren’t?


    The next day, the Mermaid was transferred to another location. Having her in the lower decks, with people coming and going, wasn’t conducive to her emotional stability.

    The ship’s swimming pool was temporarily requisitioned and, after some modifications, used to house the Mermaid, keeping her under strict protection.

    Now, no one could see the Mermaid without permission.

    On the third day, Song Man suddenly announced that Zang Yuzhu, who was still recovering, would be taking care of the Mermaid. Her dormitory was also moved next to the swimming pool.

    Hearing this news, An He assumed Gu Yuan had actually succeeded in his persuasion, wondering how he managed it.

    She woke up according to her schedule, changed into her training clothes, and headed towards the training grounds. Along the way, she was surprised to find that everyone knew about it.

    A student who wasn’t aware of the situation asked, “What’s wrong with taking care of a benefactor’s orphaned child? And it’s not guaranteed to make up for her mistakes.”

    “See? Another person deceived by Zang Yuzhu’s appearance.”

    Then the student was bombarded with gossip, listening in astonishment.

    On the fifth floor, Song Fangzhou knocked on Song Man’s door.

    Song Fangzhou frowned: “Aunt, why let Zang Yuzhu take care of the Mermaid? Aren’t more specialized personnel on their way? I think Gu Yuan is showing favoritism to Zang Yuzhu.”

    Song Man held a pen: “Last night, the Federation Research Institute, monitoring remotely, reviewed a video. Within 72 hours of coming ashore, the Mermaid only interacted with Zang Yuzhu.”

    What does that have to do with anything? Thinking carefully about Song Man’s words, she seemed to understand, yet didn’t.

    Song Fangzhou held her aunt in high regard. She asked, “Is that the reason?”

    Looking at her expression, Song Man knew she didn’t understand and patiently explained, “The Federation Research Institute has been studying Mermaid language for a long time. This isn’t a secret. But do you know why our research in this area is still largely blank?”

    Song Fangzhou: “Isn’t it because Mermaid language is different from most existing languages, and human vocal cords have difficulty mimicking Mermaid sounds?”

    Song Man: “That’s only a small part of the reason. Because this species rarely speaks, we have very little audio data, making it naturally difficult to decipher their language.”

    Song Fangzhou hadn’t considered this reason and fell silent.

    Song Man stood up, walking around the desk: “Therefore, the Federation Research Institute believes that the most suitable person to care for the Mermaid at this stage is Zang Yuzhu. Even Gu Yuan, who brought her ashore, can’t get close to her. Don’t worry, she’s a thoughtful person.”

    She had never imagined that Zang Yuzhu, in her aunt’s eyes, could be associated with the words “thoughtful” and “careful.”

    In the end, she could only attribute it to Song Man’s filter for her comrades, which had transferred to Zang Yuzhu. She wasn’t often in the First Star System, so naturally, she wasn’t aware of this delicate rose’s true nature.

    Song Fangzhou left in a daze, only realizing after returning to her dormitory: “So, this is a Federation order?”

    “Yes, I’m willing to accept the Federation’s appointment to care for the Mermaid,” Tao Ning said to several academy teachers.

    The teachers nodded. The appointment had been conveyed, the conversation was over, and they all stood up.

    The teacher who was a step behind was Zang Yuzhu’s main course instructor. She paused at the door, looking at Tao Ning, a hint of worry in her eyes: “Be careful.”

    Mermaids were wild and untamed. Humans were no match for them physically. The teacher didn’t understand the Federation’s appointment, but she couldn’t stop it.

    Tao Ning: “I will, teacher.”

    On their way downstairs, the person leading the way said, “You’ll be alone for a few days. Personnel from the Research Institute will come to assist you later.”

    Research Institute personnel? Were there such people?

    Tao Ning recalled the world line. There was no specific time recorded for the space pirate attack, only that it happened one day, and then Gu Yuan stepped forward to protect the Mermaid.

    This act of saving her life made the Mermaid realize that this might be an opportunity to find her people, and her attitude gradually softened.

    Seeing the person beside her lost in thought, the guide said, “Did you hear me?”

    Tao Ning snapped back to attention: “I heard you.” She repeated the other person’s words verbatim.

    This surprised the guide. Her memory seemed fine, so why did everyone say her grades were terrible? Most of the Command Department courses were purely theoretical; even a quick glance before the exam shouldn’t result in such poor results.

    Back at the pool, Tao Ning picked up the bucket of live fish and set it aside: “The Mermaid doesn’t eat fish. No need to feed her this.”

    The man who had been temporarily assigned as a keeper asked, “She doesn’t eat fish? Then what does she eat?”

    Tao Ning pointed at the pool full of live fish: “They’re all alive and kicking. If you keep feeding her live fish, you’ll create an ecosystem for her. Perhaps she prefers fruit.”

    The man looked speechless: “Are you kidding me?”

    Tao Ning didn’t bother arguing. She took an apple from her pocket, casually tossed it towards the pool, and quickly retreated: “Go, go quickly.”

    The man stood there: “?”

    A blue figure surged out of the water, snatching the apple mid-air with lightning speed before crashing back down, sending splashes everywhere, drenching the man on the shore.

    The speed was so fast that he didn’t see anything clearly, only a blur.

    The man: “…”

    Tao Ning strolled back, a faint smile on her face: “Believe me now?”

    The man wiped his face. How could he not believe it? He said, “I’ll apply to my superiors. You take good care of her.”

    With that, he left, soaking wet.

    Tao Ning found a fishing net and began scooping the live fish from the pool, transferring them to another bucket.

    These rough soldiers on the ship were formidable in combat, yet they hadn’t noticed that the Mermaid hadn’t touched a single fish in the pool.

    In fact, not only had they not noticed that the number of live fish hadn’t decreased, but a piece of coral that had been brought up with her was also missing.

    Walking around the pool with the net, scooping as she went, Tao Ning was slow but precise, never missing a scoop.

    She heard a plop behind her and turned to see a fish flapping on the shore.

    Tao Ning: “Are you dissatisfied with my slow pace and came to help?”

    The fish didn’t understand. It tossed another live fish onto the shore.

    The fish thrown onto the shore stared with wide eyes, innocent, anxious, and dehydrated, desperately flapping its tail, trying to absorb moisture.

    Tao Ning said humbly, “Alright, you’re indeed faster than me.”

    She put down the net and picked up the bucket to collect the fish. The Mermaid threw, and she chased after them, changing buckets when one was full.

    The human and the Mermaid worked together seamlessly.

    Another splash sounded. Tao Ning instinctively reached out to pick up the fish, but stopped midway.

    Because it wasn’t a fish thrown ashore, but the Mermaid’s hand, deliberately placed on the edge.

    Long, slender fingers, palm up, with transparent webbing between them, and sharp nails at the tips.

    These were the Mermaid’s webbed claws, cold and soft in appearance, yet the nails could easily dislodge a tile from the pool.

    The reason she was content to stay in the pool was because she chose to.

    The Mermaid’s pale skin had a faint blue tinge, clearly different from human skin, which was soft, while the Mermaid’s skin was supple.

    Tao Ning also noticed a red dot on the Mermaid’s middle finger, not a bloodstain from an injury, but more like a cinnabar mole.

    Slowly raising her head, the Mermaid, who had surfaced at some point, looked at Tao Ning with narrowed eyes, a playful glint in them.

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 84

    Chapter 84: I Love Slacking Off

    Tao Ning spoke to her, but as expected, she received no response. The Mermaid stared at her unblinkingly, seemingly deaf to her words.

    No one could remain unmoved under the focused gaze of such a beauty.

    Earlier that afternoon, Tao Ning had heard the soldiers who captured the Mermaid say, “With just one glance from her, my face flushed red. I’m not kidding.”

    As if realizing something, Tao Ning held up the mostly eaten apple, wiggled it back and forth, then put it down.

    Sure enough, the Mermaid’s head turned left, then right, finally fixing her gaze on Tao Ning’s lowered hand.

    Two big words were clearly written in her blue eyes: I want.

    Tao Ning didn’t give it to her. Instead, she took the last bite, leaving only the core.

    Mermaid: “…”

    If this frail human’s voice wasn’t the most pleasant among this group, the Mermaid would never have shown herself.

    In the Mermaid’s simple and crude classification, all upright, two-legged creatures were divided into two categories: noisy and ugly two-legged beasts, and humans.

    The one before her was temporarily classified as human.

    Feeling tricked, the Mermaid was about to sink back down when, as if performing a magic trick, Tao Ning pulled another whole apple from her other pocket.

    The Mermaid’s swaying tail fin stilled. Pretending nothing had happened, she hung by the edge of the pool.

    Tao Ning knelt down a short distance away, close enough to see the Mermaid clearly but far enough to avoid being pulled in if the Mermaid reached out.

    Holding the apple, Tao Ning said, “Want to eat?”

    The Mermaid tilted her head: “?” Her pointed ears twitched.

    Tao Ning noticed the subtle movement hidden beneath her hair. She repeated herself, then brought the apple to her face, mimicking a bite.

    The Mermaid became anxious, reaching out to grab it, her brows slightly furrowed, a picture of pitiful beauty.

    Tao Ning pulled her hand back, a bright smile curving her pale lips: “If you want to eat, you have to trade me your name.”

    The Mermaid, not understanding, continued to reach for the fruit. Realizing this person was truly unyielding, she looked at her with pleading eyes.

    Tao Ning wouldn’t fall for it. This was an apex predator of the ocean, with a temper to match. Getting too close would result in being dragged into the water.

    As a leader who dared to feign injury to come ashore, she couldn’t be truly foolish. She was probably suspecting that Tao Ning was testing her, playing along with the appearance humans wanted to see.

    Indeed, Tao Ning had guessed the Mermaid’s thoughts. The Mermaid was constantly mindful of the persona she was portraying to deceive humans.

    Pointing a finger at herself, Tao Ning said earnestly, her eyes focused: “Me, name, Tao Ning.”

    The Mermaid opened her mouth, meeting Tao Ning’s gaze for a long moment before looking away, her eyes glancing at the object in Tao Ning’s hand.

    520, observing the “fishing” from the sidelines, finally realized something was amiss. The original host’s name was Zang Yuzhu, why was she telling the Mermaid her real name?

    Then it dawned on her, this widow was planning to remarry, finally free from her burdens.

    Hesitating for a moment, 520 swallowed its words. It was her host, who else would it support?

    Tao Ning broke the apple in half, releasing an even stronger fruity aroma. This was a subtle torture for the Mermaid, who had a keen sense of smell but couldn’t eat it. Her expression became agitated.

    And the human kept speaking words she couldn’t understand.

    The Mermaid could probably tell that the other party was introducing herself, but she didn’t care right now.

    Humans actually had quite a bit of research data on Mermaids, it’s just that very little was publicly available. If they truly knew very little, or even nothing, how could the First Academy have a Mermaid language major?

    There were even Mermaid language translator positions in research institutes. As for accuracy, being able to understand half of what was said was considered excellent.

    Mermaid language was obscure and difficult to learn, and human vocal cords couldn’t accurately and fluently pronounce all Mermaid sounds.

    Holding half an apple in each hand, Tao Ning moved a little closer: “You, what name?”

    The Mermaid’s name recorded in the original world line was given by Gu Yuan: Xiao En (Little Grace).

    No matter what others said, the Mermaid would only reply with “En” (a sound of agreement), so he suggested calling her Xiao En. The Mermaid, upon hearing this, simply replied with “En.”

    But Tao Ning didn’t think that was the Mermaid’s real name. The reason she accepted that name was because she disdained revealing her true name.

    Tao Ning wanted to know her real name. Exchanging names was the true beginning of a relationship.

    After speaking, she quietly watched the Mermaid, observing her expression as she processed the words.

    Recognizing someone wasn’t just about appearance, it was also about feeling.

    Even with the changed appearance and personality, the moment Tao Ning saw her, she felt a voice deep inside confirming her thoughts.

    Yes, it was her.

    After a while, the Mermaid’s tail twitched, and she moved closer to the edge.

    Her webbed claws rested on the glass, her hair spreading like seaweed. She parted her red lips, uttering a phrase with an ancient cadence.

    “isu?”

    Mermaid language.

    The phrase flashed through Tao Ning’s mind.

    As expected, she didn’t understand.

    Tao Ning was prepared for the difficulty in communication. Regardless of what the other party said, she would offer the item in her hand.

    After uttering the questioning sound, the Mermaid received what she desired, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

    She reached out and took half of the apple from Tao Ning, quickly finishing it.

    The outwardly elegant Mermaid had a natural wildness when eating, perhaps a habit developed from quickly consuming food to prevent it from being snatched.

    Tao Ning waited for her to finish, then offered the other half, which she had originally intended to eat herself.

    Tao Ning said, “This is for you too.”

    The Mermaid was stunned. She didn’t expect this human, who wasn’t her subject, to offer her food. She took the fruit and couldn’t help but speak again.

    In Mermaid language, she said, “You’re giving this to me too? Aren’t you going to eat it?”

    Naturally, Tao Ning still didn’t understand. She just smiled and continued speaking to herself, “I have more in my dormitory. I’ll bring you some tomorrow. If I had known you liked them, I would have brought more.”

    The Mermaid, enjoying her apple, saw the person suddenly stand up, swaying slightly from the dizziness caused by the abrupt movement.

    The Mermaid, surprised, moved back a little, in case the other person lost their balance and fell on her.

    With a thud, Tao Ning reached out and grabbed the railing beside her, steadying herself, glancing at the surveillance camera facing the pool as she massaged her temples.

    Someone was coming, and quite quickly.

    The Mermaid could hear every movement on the entire ship. She was already immune to various subtle sounds, unlike Tao Ning’s sensitivity.

    Tao Ning looked at the Mermaid. Before she could say anything, the Mermaid finished the other half of the apple, not even leaving the seeds, and quietly retreated underwater.

    Tao Ning: “…” Very good, very quick escape.

    Supporting herself on the stairs as she descended, she indeed encountered someone.

    An He, who had been searching everywhere and finally found her on the lower decks, strode over: “Finally found you. What are you doing here?”

    Tao Ning had just reached the ground, her coat draped over her. She used the lining to wipe the seawater from her hands.

    Tao Ning said, “I heard the Mermaid’s singing in my dream, and then I came here.”

    An He was not a liar. Tao Ning’s words were beyond her comprehension. She let out a puzzled monosyllable: “Ah?”

    Tao Ning had to say, “I couldn’t sleep, so I got up for a walk and unknowingly ended up here.”

    An He: “I see.”

    Looking at the pale and frail face under the dim light, An He couldn’t help but recall her injuries, her sympathy growing.

    Putting aside everything else, if she woke up one day and found herself crippled, it would be impossible not to go crazy.

    Not many people possessed high psychic power, and even fewer lacked it. Having it and then losing it, that sense of loss was difficult to accept.

    And so, the once arrogant young lady had become introverted.

    Tao Ning interrupted An He’s thoughts, saying, “It’s so late, did you need something?”

    An He finally remembered the real reason she came, tapping her head with a frustrated expression: “It wasn’t anything important, but after seeing Dr. Howard, I felt that the record of your attack that day wasn’t quite right.”

    Tao Ning said, “Did you come to find me for a late-night snack? That’s fine, I’m also sick of the taste of nutrient solution.”

    An He: “?” What does that have to do with what I just said?

    A smiling voice came from nearby: “That might not be possible. The ship’s cafeteria has just closed after the late-night snack period, half an hour ago.”

    An He looked up in surprise, towards the source of the voice.

    The sound of hard-soled boots hitting the ground grew clearer. A figure approached from the opposite direction. Since they were standing with their backs to that direction, neither of them had noticed anyone approaching.

    Recognizing the person, An He straightened up and saluted: “Major General Gu.”

    Tao Ning didn’t even raise her hand, her face full of displeasure: “I rarely want to eat something, and it’s already closed. How disappointing.”

    Gu Yuan was clearly accustomed to Zang Yuzhu’s temper and didn’t bother correcting her about addressing him by his title in public.

    Stopping in front of them, Gu Yuan said, “There’s nothing I can do about the cafeteria. I can’t help you there.”

    Tao Ning put on a disappointed expression.

    But Gu Yuan changed his tune: “However, the cafeteria is only closed to the public. It’s not yet closed for the staff, and there are still plenty of ingredients. I can take you inside.”

    Following behind him towards the cafeteria, An He felt a little lost.

    Her original intention wasn’t to discuss the student exercise records with Zang Yuzhu, so how did it turn into a late-night snack run?

    Gu Yuan walked in front, with Zang Yuzhu beside him.

    This scene was actually quite common. Everyone had heard Zang Yuzhu’s “fiancée declaration” long ago and was used to it.

    Judging by the Gu parents’ attitude, they seemed to approve. Otherwise, they wouldn’t let Zang Yuzhu say such things and sometimes even responded to the criticisms from the Starnet on her behalf.

    As the Federation’s youngest Major General, Gu Yuan had many admirers. In an interview, he had expressed that he would protect his significant other, and fighting for his loved one was his honor.

    This interview further boosted Gu Yuan’s already high popularity.

    At the same time, it was revealed that Zang Yuzhu was only admitted to the First Academy due to her martyred parents’ connections, yet she didn’t study hard and had the worst grades. The public developed a dislike for the clingy cousin, Zang Yuzhu.

    But in An He’s eyes, these weren’t principled issues. Although she came from an ordinary background, her parents were both alive, and she grew up in a healthy family environment.

    Before the exercise began, she had video-called her parents, telling them about her teammates. When she mentioned Zang Yuzhu, her mother showed sympathy.

    Her mother had said to An He, “I still don’t believe General Zang’s child would be like that.”

    An He’s parents were both from the Ninth Star System. After getting married, they immigrated with her father and settled in the Fifth Star System. Both of them had experienced war.

    If given a choice, she believed Zang Yuzhu wouldn’t want the opportunity to attend the First Academy at the cost of her parents’ lives.

    And thinking deeper, if Zang Yuzhu’s parents were still alive, as the child of a General, Zang Yuzhu would have been guaranteed admission to the First Academy, regardless of her grades.

    Looking at the two figures ahead, An He paused slightly.

    Gu Yuan’s attitude seemed disapproving. He always referred to himself as Zang Yuzhu’s older brother, both publicly and privately, often mentioning his younger sister at home but rarely using her name.

    They arrived at the cafeteria, which, as expected, wasn’t completely closed. After Gu Yuan explained the reason, they obtained permission from the staff.

    “Major General Gu, please let us know when you’re finished. We have regulations…”

    “I understand, we won’t cause you any trouble.” Gu Yuan readily agreed, even promising to clean up after themselves.

    The staff member, having received the promise, left. Only the three of them remained in the cafeteria kitchen. Tao Ning skillfully sat down, supporting herself on the table.

    One was a patient recovering from a serious illness, the other a Federal Major General. An He, standing between them: “…”

    It’s always me.

    She rolled up her sleeves, preparing to cook.

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 83

    Chapter 83: I Love Slacking Off

    Seemingly realizing her slip-up, Tao Ning fell silent after sitting up, hugging the blanket on her lap and staring into space.

    After finishing the examination, the doctor said with both surprise and relief, “You’re recovering quite well. Make sure to rest during this period. I’ll go check on the other students’ injuries. Call me if you need anything.”

    Since Zang Yuzhu was the only patient placed in her own dormitory, and the doctor couldn’t come by frequently, she gave extra instructions.

    Noticing her pale and dry lips, the doctor poured her a glass of warm water and handed it over: “Drink some water, and then have a good rest.”

    Tao Ning took the glass with both hands, giving her a faint smile, her calm eyes becoming captivating: “Thank you, Dr. Howard.”

    Seeing this smile, Dr. Howard suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. She thought: She’s just a student who recently came of age. It’s normal for her not to be perfect in everything. Why be so harsh on her?

    Tao Ning, drinking water with her head lowered, resembled a fragile glass flower, beautiful and easily broken.

    Dr. Howard took in the scene, inexplicably feeling that this glass flower’s greatest sin was not knowing how fragile she was.

    “I’ll be going now.”

    Dr. Howard, after saying her goodbyes, walked towards the door, ready to enter the password.

    She suddenly remembered something and turned back, saying, “Oh, right, Major General Gu came to see you just now, but since you weren’t awake, he didn’t want to disturb you.”

    Tao Ning, having skimmed through the original host’s memories, paused for a moment and asked, “…My cousin? Did he say anything?”

    Dr. Howard said, “He asked us to take good care of you, otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to explain it to your parents. He also said that before coming here, he made a promise to your parents to bring you back safe and sound.”

    Recounting these words, Dr. Howard couldn’t help but smile. Seeing that elegant young face speaking so seriously added a touch of vibrancy.

    Tao Ning said, “He personally rescued me and insisted on finding me. He’s already very thoughtful.”

    The silver-white door closed in front of her, but Dr. Howard didn’t leave. She stood there, pondering for a moment.

    Then, she dismissed all her thoughts, thinking it must have been an illusion. Zang Yuzhu never spoke so indirectly.

    Turning to leave, she bumped into An He, who had come to visit Zang Yuzhu.

    An He took the opportunity to ask Dr. Howard about Zang Yuzhu’s condition. She was already prepared to face questioning from the school upon her return.

    Although Zang Yuzhu was randomly assigned to her team, as the captain, she was responsible for the safety of her subordinates.

    This thought puzzled Song Fangzhou and Tina. Everything had already been reported truthfully, so why take responsibility?

    Moreover, the Gu parents were notoriously doting on Zang Yuzhu. An He came from an ordinary background; if she were to be taken advantage of, it would only cause trouble.

    However, Dr. Howard affirmed An He’s thoughts. When she smiled, a few faint wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes, making her seem particularly approachable.

    Dr. Howard said, “That’s a good thought. I’ve followed Major General Song Man for many years, and she once said: ‘Since the soldiers are assigned to you, it’s your responsibility to maximize their potential.’”

    An He, despite receiving praise, wasn’t complacent. She said, “I failed to protect her.”

    Dr. Howard comforted her, “Don’t blame yourself too much. I’m sure she has realized her mistake of leaving the team’s defense zone without permission.”

    An He stopped Dr. Howard, who was about to leave, and said in surprise, “Leaving the team without permission? No, Zang Yuzhu didn’t leave the team without permission.”

    Before Dr. Howard could ask further, An He had already recounted the details of what happened that day.

    After listening, Dr. Howard said, “You’re saying that Zang Yuzhu didn’t leave the team’s defense zone without notifying her teammates, but reported it before leaving?”

    An He: “Yes. At the time, three squads were attacking us. Song Fangzhou’s mecha lost an arm, which affected the communication system. Not only did we not have time to repair it, but we also had to escape the siege. Tina was anxious to fix her mecha and finally managed to shake off the attackers and reach Song Fangzhou.”

    Dr. Howard: “Then Zang Yuzhu…?”

    An He: “I was being held back by three people. Zang Yuzhu was outnumbered, so she had to escape the battle to protect herself. She might have panicked and unknowingly drifted outside the safe zone, where members of the White Raven organization were hiding in the landing pit.”

    The White Ravens were notorious space pirates, sworn enemies of the Federation. Although it was unclear why they appeared on a deserted planet used for graduation exercises, the First Academy students were considered fair game.

    Zang Yuzhu was the unlucky one.

    Among the First Academy graduates, An He had the best results, and many hoped to be assigned to her team.

    Even before the list was announced, there was a saying circulating in the academy: “With An He, excellent graduation is guaranteed,” making her very popular among Command Department students.

    The reason they were besieged near the end of the exercise was because, under An He’s leadership, the team had been advancing rapidly, accumulating a significant lead in points.

    In this exercise, besides earning points for eliminating enemies, during the last three hours, if a team defeated a higher-ranked team, they could seize all of their points.

    The First Academy didn’t discourage this within reasonable limits, as it could cultivate fighting spirit and assess the students’ adaptability and combat abilities.

    It wasn’t surprising that An He’s team was targeted.

    Dr. Howard blinked in confusion, hesitantly saying, “But…that’s what the record says.”

    An He asked, puzzled, “What?”

    Hurried footsteps echoed in the night corridor. An He quickly entered the password and opened the door.

    An He said urgently, “Zang Yuzhu, why aren’t you…”

    The room was empty, a white blanket draped over the edge of the capsule-like medical chamber.

    An He looked around inside, then outside, scratching her head in confusion: “Where is she? She’s gone again.”


    Ten minutes earlier, after seeing Dr. Howard off, Tao Ning threw off the blanket and got out of bed, casually putting on a coat.

    As she was about to leave, she noticed the fruit on the table, emitting a fruity aroma.

    Unexpectedly, even in the interstellar age, the most common fruit was still the apple, the plain water of the fruit world.

    Weighing the terrible taste of nutrient solution, which was on par with fasting pills, Tao Ning grabbed two apples and pocketed them.

    To stave off hunger if needed.

    Seeing that this ancestor couldn’t stay still, 520, abandoning its drama, hurriedly came online and asked: [What are you planning to do now?]

    Tao Ning used facial recognition to open the door: “Go fishing.”

    520 was puzzled: [Fishing? Going fishing at night? Do you think you’re awake but the fish aren’t, and you’re exploiting the time difference?]

    Tao Ning: “You’re so smart.”

    520 choked. The tone sounded sincere, so it took it as a compliment.

    Seeing Tao Ning staring at the name on the doorplate, it asked: [What are you thinking about? Is there something special about the name?]

    The doorplate read: Zang Yuzhu, Command Department.

    Looking away, Tao Ning said, “It is quite special.” She walked out.

    While walking, she sorted through the memories to avoid the possibility of being exposed when meeting acquaintances.

    The original host’s parents had a deep and loving relationship. Her father was an Admiral, and her mother, after being injured, transferred to the logistics department, also holding a high position.

    Neither of them was from the First Star System; they had worked their way up from the Fifth Star System. Focused on their careers in their early years, they didn’t have the original host until they were both over two hundred and sixty years old.

    She was their daughter in their later years, naturally treasured and cherished, hence the name Yuzhu (Jade Pearl).

    Based on the parents’ psychic power levels, one S-class and the other 2A-class, their lifespans far exceeded the average, and living until their daughter’s middle age wouldn’t be a problem.

    After the original host was born, she did inherit her parents’ excellent genes. With proper nurturing, she had great potential to reach S-class psychic power.

    However, they both died in battle on the eve of the original host’s eighth birthday, their bodies never recovered.

    The original host, left in a military dependents’ orphanage, was quickly adopted by her cousin’s family. Although distantly related, there was still a familial connection.

    The Federation, seeing this as a strengthening of family ties, and hearing that the Gu parents had once served under the original host’s mother and owed her a debt of gratitude, readily approved the adoption application.

    Thus, the original host grew up in the Gu family and regarded Gu Yuan as her fiancé, often declaring that she would marry him when she grew up.

    When the original host’s parents were active on the battlefield, the Federation wasn’t as peaceful as it was now.

    Even the current Federation wasn’t truly peaceful. Peace was limited to the first eight star systems.

    As the residents of the Ninth Star System and various scattered planets self-deprecatingly put it: “What do we have to care about? We’re just talking monkeys. The Ninth Star System is just a zoo in their eyes.”

    These words, posted on the Starnet, garnered quite a bit of agreement, not out of sympathy, but simply agreement with the literal meaning.

    In the eyes of residents of other star systems, the Ninth Star System and various scattered planets were inhabited by stubborn, inferior, uncivilized people.

    It was even called the exile land, because in the early days of the Federation, the Ninth Star System, due to its harsh environment, was used as a prison for punishing heinous criminals.

    As time went on, the Ninth Star System gradually developed and was no longer used as a place of exile.

    Ignoring the ubiquitous cameras, Tao Ning headed towards the lower decks. Instead of trying to avoid the all-encompassing surveillance, it was better to be open and aboveboard.

    Tao Ning said, “Did Zang Yuzhu leave any last words?”

    520 recited Zang Yuzhu’s last wish: [Yes, hold on.]

    [She said: How did I die?]

    Tao Ning frowned almost imperceptibly, lost in thought.

    [I think the original host left this last wish not because she wanted you to find a medical report or treatment record.] 520 paused, its electronic voice becoming uncertain, [But, Zang Yuzhu’s parents had quite a few enemies.]

    This was indeed true. Zang Yuzhu’s parents were active on the battlefields near the Ninth Star System, earning military merits by fighting space pirates and various evil organizations.

    For example, the White Raven organization also had a convoluted vendetta against Zang Yuzhu’s parents.

    It was possible that previous leaders had died at the hands of Zang Yuzhu’s parents, or perhaps the wife’s cousin’s neighbor’s son of some leader had died at their hands.

    However, the most likely scenario was that they all died at the hands of Zang Yuzhu’s parents, as they were once the most promising candidates for restoring order in the Ninth Star System.

    Previously, Zang Yuzhu had lived in the First Star System, the political center, and had always been well-protected. But after leaving just once, she died during the exercise on a deserted planet.

    Slowly strolling to the lower decks and descending the stairs, Tao Ning saw the three-story-high transport pod.

    The lighting here was dim. The entire ship was filled with their own people, so there was no need for dedicated guards, just more cameras.

    This made things easier for Tao Ning, as she didn’t have to make up excuses like being “attracted by the Mermaid’s singing in a dream” to fool the guards.

    She just wanted to see what the Mermaid looked like. If it wasn’t her…

    520 watched as she climbed the metal stairs, its voice suddenly rising: [This is what you call fishing?]

    Her pale hand gripped the railing, slowly ascending. Her physical condition wasn’t actually bad; she was, after all, a First Academy student.

    It was just that Tao Ning had just woken up from a serious injury and had been running around without any rest, which was draining, even for an A-class psychic.

    However, everyone now assumed that Zang Yuzhu’s psychic sea had been destroyed in that attack. Even the doctors didn’t dare mention it in front of her, always telling her to rest.

    A living person was what mattered. Even if the White Raven organization that attacked her had been killed, it wouldn’t change anything for the victim.

    Tao Ning didn’t dwell on the matter.

    Reaching the top, Tao Ning put her hands on her hips and stared at the deep blue seawater under the dim lights.

    Just as 520 thought she had some ingenious method to summon a mermaid, Tao Ning sighed: “I’m so tired, I need to rest.”

    Then she slowly sat down.

    520, which had been holding its breath and almost short-circuited: […] You stingy person, you’re so cunning.

    Tao Ning took a bite of the apple, glancing at the calm water: “Zero, fishing requires patience. Don’t be impatient.”

    520 exclaimed: [You didn’t even put down any bait! People even chum the water, and you’re trying to catch fish with your bare hands! No, stop imitating Jiang Taigong!]

    Beneath the ripples, the lazy and casual voice reached the water. The figure resting with closed eyes twitched her ears.

    She opened her bright blue eyes, spread her arms, and quietly swam upwards.

    As the leader, not only were her ears sensitive, but her nose was as well. She smelled a sweet scent, and her mouth, accustomed to only coral, suddenly craved it.

    Stealthily swimming closer to the surface, the Mermaid looked towards the shore.

    A blurry white figure sat there, back facing the pool, long hair draped to one side, a slender form.

    The figure’s aura was restrained, unlike those noisy two-legged creatures who constantly tried to probe her with their psychic power.

    Since there was only one person, and their back was exposed, she wouldn’t hold back.

    The figure beneath the water gradually became clearer, platinum blonde hair rising from the sea like a sun.

    Tao Ning watched from the corner of her eye, crunching on the apple, knowing that the huntress leader couldn’t resist.

    A pair of webbed claws gripped the edge. With a splash, a delicate, pale face emerged from the water, platinum blonde hair draped over her shoulders like silk.

    Tao Ning pretended to be startled, letting out a yelp before the sharp claws touched her, and quickly stood up.

    She said in a panicked voice, “What was that?” Turning around as she did so.

    The Mermaid, who had reached out but grasped only air: “…” She looked at her palms in confusion, unable to believe that the undefeated leader had failed to catch someone.

    But seeing how frightened this person was, it must have been a coincidence, not her own failure.

    There’s a saying that someone’s arrival makes a place shine. That’s how Tao Ning felt right now.

    Because of the Mermaid’s appearance, the dim light seemed even dimmer, but her eyes told her that this face gathered all the light, shining like a pearl.

    Tao Ning gazed intently, taking in the face, from the clean, white forehead to the chin. The Mermaid’s eyes were like two pieces of the ocean.

    Mermaids were known for their beauty, and the female protagonist was especially beautiful. With her exquisite features, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call her the goddess of the sea.

    Her platinum blonde hair cascaded over her chest and waist. Mermaids loved ornate decorations; her wrists and arms were adorned with exquisite jewelry, gems and pearls.

    She wore a gossamer shawl she had woven herself, the fabric so tightly woven that even a Mermaid’s claws couldn’t easily tear it.

    Even more magically, after emerging from the water, her hair and shawl instantly dried, her long hair falling loosely around her face.

    The leader swished her tail in annoyance, about to sink back into the water, when Tao Ning reached out with a panicked expression: “Wait…”

    The hand she extended first was holding the half-eaten apple. Seemingly realizing this was impolite, Tao Ning retracted that hand and extended the other.

    Tao Ning said, “Don’t go yet, I have something to tell you.”

    The leader stopped, her attention completely captured by the half-eaten apple.

    A sweet fruit, she wanted it.