Sparkle: Seduction Beneath the Trench Coat!
Himeko stood there, momentarily dazed.
The amount of information revealed in Lin Hai's words was so great that her brain needed a moment to process it.
The name "The Herta" itself signifies a certain height, and Lin Hai actually had such a... profound verification experience with her?
Even kissing has been proven to be an effective step?
Himeko was very clear about the strength and methods of the Herta.
The Lin Hai before me, having had so many interactions with the Herta, must be extraordinary.
To Himeko's own surprise, Lin Hai's almost blunt requirements for a partner did not evoke anger or resentment in her, but rather a chaotic mix of curiosity and excitement.
She found herself not disliking this stranger she had just met, and even developing an unusual interest in the Otherworld he described, and in him himself.
Reason ultimately prevailed.
Himeko took a deep breath, trying to restore her usual calm and composure to her voice. "Today... is probably not a suitable day for any verification. Even if it becomes necessary in the future, we will need to choose a more appropriate time and environment."
The fact that she didn't directly refuse the possibility of verification already implicitly indicated a certain attitude.
She is willing to maintain an open mind to confront this incredible proposition.
Lin Hai smiled and nodded, "In any case, this meeting is a good start. I look forward to meeting again in Belobog and working together to bring about change to that land."
I also look forward to our next meeting.
Lin Hai walked over to March 7th and took the Contract Lucky Star back from her hand.
He smiled at the pink-haired girl, then gripped the star tightly.
As the light shifted, his figure vanished silently from the Astral Express carriage, as if he had never been there.
The next moment, Lin Hai was back in his familiar bedroom.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air as Sparkle lounged lazily on the living room sofa, remote control in hand, casually switching TV channels.
A war drama with a distinctly period feel is playing on the screen.
Hearing the commotion, Sparkle didn't even turn her head, lazily asking, "Did you see those people from the Astral Express?"
"Yes, I saw him." Lin Hai took off his coat and sat down on the sofa.
"Did you meet the legendary navigator, Himeko?" Sparkle turned her head, her eyes gleaming with gossip.
"I saw him."
What kind of person do you think she is?
Lin Hai recalled Himeko's calm yet sharp gaze, and her elegant demeanor even in shock, and commented:
"Elegant, very elegant, and... frighteningly rational."
Upon hearing this, Sparkle chuckled, then snuggled up like a cat, affectionately hugging Lin Hai's arm and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Who cares... Let's watch TV together for a while and relax."
Lin Hai had been busy with Belobog's affairs lately and did need to step away, so he nodded.
The TV was showing a very old series called "Tunnel Warfare".
The footage has been restored in post-production and is now in high definition. The actors' performances are characterized by the simplicity and exaggeration unique to that era.
However, as she watched, Sparkle suddenly sat up straight, pointed at the screen, and said, "You see, this show is quite interesting."
Lin Hai asked, puzzled, "Isn't it just fighting the Japanese?"
"More than that." Sparkle shook her head, her eyes becoming serious. "If you look closely at its narrative style, it's not just telling a story; it's more like trying to teach the audience specific combat strategies and survival wisdom—how to utilize terrain, how to mobilize more people, and how to conduct covert operations."
Lin Hai looked at it carefully and it seemed to be true. The details of tunnel digging and tactical deployment in the drama were described in great detail.
"These old dramas are somewhat special," he remarked. "You like watching these kinds of dramas?"
"I love it." Sparkle leaned back on his shoulder. "Not only can it offer a glimpse into that era, the thoughts and living conditions of its people, but more importantly..."
She paused, then gave Lin Hai a meaningful look. "Haven't you always wanted to use Belobog as a base to further develop and consolidate the forces of Path of Harmony?"
Lin Hai was taken aback. "What does developing Path of Harmony have to do with 'Tunnel Warfare'?"
Sparkle gave him a deliberately mysterious smile and gently patted his chest.
"You may not understand now, but later... you will naturally understand. There's a lot to it."
Lin Hai leaned back on the sofa, the light and shadow from the television screen flickering on his face.
Whether it was the mental exhaustion from meeting the Astral Express during the day, or the comfort of the present moment, a wave of weariness washed over me.
His eyelids grew heavy, and he eventually fell into a deep sleep to the background music of "Tunnel Warfare".
Sparkle was engrossed in the exciting part when she noticed the even breathing beside her. She turned her head and found that Lin Hai had fallen asleep.
She smiled slightly, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes, and gently leaned down to place a soft kiss on his cheek.
Then, she quietly got up, went into the bedroom, brought out a soft blanket, and carefully covered him with it.
She turned the television volume down to almost nothing, leaving only a faint light flickering in the room.
Sparkle sat back down beside him, like a kitten seeking warmth, gently hugging his arm and resting her head on his shoulder.
Before long, accompanied by his steady breathing, he drifted off to sleep.
When Lin Hai woke up, it was already pitch black outside the window.
The only light inside was the faint red glow of the television in standby mode and the city lights filtering in from the balcony.
He rubbed his eyes, moved Sparkle's arm away, tucked the blanket around her, and then got up and walked to the French windows.
Pushing open the glass door, a cool night breeze immediately rushed in, carrying the distant hustle and bustle of the city with a touch of crispness, instantly waking him up completely.
Sparkle asleep, half awake, Huahu followed Lin Hai to the balcony and stood beside him.
"Awake? Did you sleep well?" she asked.
"Yes, you slept soundly." Lin Hai looked at the winding river of car lights in the distance. "It's chilly at night, go put on another layer."
Sparkle blinked, then suddenly remembered something and smiled slyly, "I've already washed and dried that battle-damaged nurse's uniform."
Lin Hai turned to look at her; in the night, her eyes sparkled.
He chuckled and said, "That outfit probably doesn't cover as much area as your pajamas."
"So, do you like watching it?" Sparkle tilted her head and asked directly.
Lin Hai answered honestly, "I like it."
"That's fine!"
Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Sparkle immediately turned and ran back inside.
Not long after, she came out wearing the nurse's uniform.
In the darkness of the balcony, this outfit looked particularly bold and alluring.
She walked over to Lin Hai and stood beside him, gazing together at the city's night view.
Lin Hai felt that in this situation, a drink would be necessary.
He returned to the living room, brewed himself a cup of hot tea, and the delicate aroma of the tea quickly filled the air.
He carried the teacup back to the balcony, sipping the warm tea as he naturally reached out and gently pinched Sparkle's delicate, smooth cheek with his fingertips; the touch was slightly cool.
Lin Hai sipped his tea, teased the beautiful woman beside him, and admired the dazzling lights of the sleepless city below.
My heart was filled with a rare peace and contentment.
After finishing his tea, he put the empty teacup back on the coffee table in the living room.
Sparkle stayed quietly by her side the whole time, without saying a word.
"Shall we go for a walk by the lake downstairs?" Sparkle suggested.
"Okay, let's go." Lin Hai readily agreed.
"Should we change our clothes?" Sparkle pointed to her overly conspicuous attire.
Lin Hai thought for a moment, went into the dressing room, took out a long women's trench coat, and draped it over Sparkle's shoulders when he returned.
"No need to change, just put this on over it."
Sparkle obediently put on the trench coat, carefully buttoning it up one by one. The oversized trench coat wrapped her up tightly from head to toe, leaving no room for wind, except for her small face.
The two walked downstairs side by side and strolled to the lake near the residential area.
In the stillness of the night, the lakeside path was deserted, with only the streetlights casting long shadows on the lake's surface, and all around was utter tranquility.
Reaching a shady spot where the trees cast dappled shadows, Sparkle suddenly stopped. She reached out and gently pulled down the collar of her trench coat slightly to one side, revealing her rounded shoulders and delicate collarbone.
She turned her head, her eyes gleaming alluringly in the moonlight, and softly asked Lin Hai:
"Does it look good? Do you like it?"