NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53 - Hold me tight
In front of the camera, Jiang Zi and Tang Yuan casually held hands, as if a split lip was no big deal—a minor issue.
“Jie Xin.” Tang Yuan led Jiang Zi closer to her. “So, everyone’s here already?”
“Yeah, we just got here. Haven’t started the task yet.”
This part of the water park was cordoned off, encompassing an artificial sea. The area had been meticulously designed and modified for recreational use.
Standing nearby, Meng Yao’er boldly let her gaze linger on Jiang Zi’s lips. She clicked her tongue in her mind. How intense must it have been?
Her eyes drifted further, lingering more openly on Jiang Zi’s lips.
Imagine how satisfying that kiss must have been.
Tang Yuan, catching Meng Yao’er’s unabashed stare, quickly adjusted her and Jiang Zi’s position, using her own head as a shield against the invasive gaze.
Meng Yao’er, hand in hand with Qi Hongqiao, sauntered forward gracefully. “Oh my, why didn’t you say hi~”
Jiang Zi subtly shifted her position, thoroughly blocking Tang Yuan from view. Sometimes, being ogled by a perverted woman felt utterly helpless.
Meng Yao’er rolled her eyes with exaggerated boredom and changed her attention to a staff member wearing a red vest.
“Miss, can we have our task card now? Let’s not waste time—it’s getting late.”
The staff member approached, holding an armful of roses. “Each team, please draw one task card. Tasks will vary in difficulty, and every team has a chance to earn up to two roses from this station. If you fail, no roses will be awarded.”
“Which team wants to go first?”
Jie Xin spoke up immediately. “We’ll go first.”
The staff member pulled a card from the bouquet and read aloud: “Please retrieve ten pearls from the water. There’s no time limit, but you must wear a diving suit.”
“This water park section has an artificial seabed, with depths ranging from one to ten meters. The pearls were scattered by staff. For your safety, each participant will be equipped with an oxygen tank and accompanied by professionals. Even without experience, there’s no need to worry. Please start preparing.”
Jie Xin, looking uneasy, clutched Deng Peiluo’s hand and whispered, “I can’t swim. What should I do?”
Deng Peiluo, who had trained in swimming but never tried diving, reassured her gently, “It’s fine. Just treat it as an experience. It’s okay if we don’t get the rose.”
Qi Hongqiao, watching Jie Xin closely, offered his usual careful advice, just like in the previous two episodes. “Xin Xin, be safe.”
Jie Xin turned back, offering a shy smile, and held Deng Peiluo’s hand tightly. “Let’s go.”
【All the exes and new flames in one place—how thrilling.】
【The love triangle vibes are strong. Nice!】
【And once again, it’s a world where only our Luo Luo gets hurt.】
“Next team, please.”
Meng Yao’er extended her hand toward Jiang Zi but was swiftly avoided.
Jiang Zi lowered her gaze at her, eyes filled with hostility and warning.
Smiling, Meng Yao’er turned to the staff. “I’ll draw.”
The staff pulled out their task card: “Please retrieve all the balloons floating in Section A back to the shore. There are ten balloons in total, with a time limit of twenty minutes. Failure to complete the task will result in no roses.”
Section A was a shallow pool, with a maximum depth of two meters. While the area was large, the balloons were scattered widely. For proficient swimmers, twenty minutes would be more than enough.
Meng Yao’er let out a soft hum. “But I can’t swim. Can I use a float?”
“Yes, you can.”
Meng Yao’er beamed sweetly. “Thank you, miss~”
She swayed Qi Hongqiao’s arm playfully. “You better work hard~”
Even after receiving her task, she refused to leave, wanting to hear what task Jiang Zi and Tang Yuan would draw.
The staff pulled another card and read aloud: “Trying flyboarding. Participants must stand on a jet-propelled hoverboard and remain balanced for ten minutes. Considering the high failure rate, you’ll have two attempts. If you’re inexperienced, a professional can assist you.”
“No need.” Jiang Zi waved off the offer.
Tang Yuan tilted her head up at her, intrigued. “You know how to do this?”
Jiang Zi raised an eyebrow. “I’m a pro.”
Tang Yuan nodded with complete trust. “Then I’ll be counting on you.”
Tang Yuan had never tried this activity before. She’d seen videos of people training and failing miserably, falling into the water within a minute. By the end of the day, their stomachs would be full of water.
She hesitated; this kind of technical challenge wasn’t her strong suit.
“The guest has opted for solo participation. Safety is their own responsibility. However, staff are stationed nearby to provide immediate assistance in case of an accident.”
“Time will start once you’re standing on the water surface.”
Boarding the inflatable boat, they were ferried to the designated area.
On the water, Jiang Zi adjusted the jet pack, testing the pressure before rising steadily above the surface. Tang Yuan couldn’t suppress her amazement from her vantage on the inflatable boat.
“That’s so cool! I want to learn!”
“I’ll teach you,” Jiang Zi replied, extending her arms in invitation.
Tang Yuan hesitated, picturing herself awkwardly clinging to Jiang Zi like a koala if she dove face-first.
Jiang Zi, catching on immediately, clarified, “Turn around, back toward me, and fall. I’ll catch you.”
Without further delay, Tang Yuan turned and let herself fall backwards. Jiang Zi’s arms encircled her waist smoothly, lifting her off the boat and into the air. The sudden sensation left Tang Yuan screaming in both fear and exhilaration.
“Ahhh!!!”
Jiang Zi, thoroughly entertained by Tang Yuan’s reaction, couldn’t resist a playful move. She guided them into a graceful arc, the sharp swing amplifying the thrill. The water misted their skin, though neither was fully drenched.
Once Tang Yuan regained composure, she carefully planted her feet on the platform beneath her. Standing unsteadily, she glanced back nervously and threatened, her voice half-serious, half-panicked.
“You better hold me tight. If you let go—”
“I’ll be furious if I end up in the water.”
Jiang Zi tightened her grip. Leaning closer, she nuzzled Tang Yuan’s neck, her voice low and teasing, “You won’t fall.”
Amid the reassurance, Jiang Zi steered them into a sweeping turn in mid-air, executing a series of breathtaking maneuvers. At one point, a powerful roll brought them just inches from the water’s surface before propelling them upward again. Tang Yuan squeezed her eyes shut, determined not to let out another embarrassing scream.
Gradually, Tang Yuan opens her eyes.
Jiang Zi guided her as they glided and floated across the water’s surface, allowing them to take in the vast and beautiful ocean scenery. Gradually, Tang Yuan began to adapt, finding it both thrilling and enjoyable.
“Jiang Zi, is it time yet?”
Jiang Zi glanced at the inflatable boat, spotting the red flag fluttering in the breeze. “Looks like it. The staff raised the flag.”
“Let’s try something wild before we stop.”
Jiang Zi arched a brow. “Wild? Haven’t we done enough spins and rolls?”
Tang Yuan turned abruptly in Jiang Zi’s arms, twisting to face her. Hooking her arms around Jiang Zi’s neck, she flashed a radiant smile. Leaning close, her voice was playful and mischievous. “I know how to swim. I want to take you into the water with me.”
Before Jiang Zi could respond, Tang Yuan hooked her legs around Jiang Zi’s waist. Her laughter was bright as she whispered into her ear, three simple words:
“Romance, eternal and unyielding.”
With that, she braced herself, arching backwards with all her strength. Sending them both plunging into the water. A great splash erupted, accompanied by the muffled exclamations of the crew.
“Pull the cords! They’ve fallen into the water!”