Ashes

"Wouldn't taking the boat take at least a day? Isn't that too slow?"

After confirming Fu Qian really was planning to leave for Leaf Island, Su Gao began seriously considering the itinerary.

It was obvious she hadn't forgotten the purpose of her visit. Her hunter's instincts had kicked in.

"Relax. I said this was a vacation."

Fu Qian waved a hand, indicating that she should keep her brain switched off.

"Besides, if the two of us suddenly rush off, are you sure we won't scare Chief Yuan?"

Hmm...

Su Gao fell silent for a moment, conceding that Fu Qian had a point.

"So, is there anything I need to prepare?"

"No need—wait a second."

Fu Qian had only gotten halfway through his reply when something occurred to him. He pointed at the cash box Taylor had brought.

"Given the company's recent cash-flow problems, you'll need to cover the activity expenses upfront."

"...All right."

"What a lovely day for a trip."

Not long after noon, Fu Qian rested his hand on the sun-warmed railing and offered a heartfelt sigh.

The weather was clear, the sea calm. As far as the eye could see, the blue water was enough to lift anyone's spirits.

Su Gao, standing just a wall away from him, gave an acknowledging hum.

Beneath their feet was a white-painted cruise ship that had seen better days.

As a pearl of the sea, Shangjing had always boasted a rich network of shipping routes.

And since this trip had been designated a vacation, Fu Qian hadn't used his special travel permit. Instead, he'd bought a ticket and boarded as an ordinary tourist.

Of course, that was also because it wasn't peak travel season. Otherwise, he might have had to go to a lot more trouble—like winning a ticket in a