Ark Simulator: Didn't I Have No Physical Form?

Just as they stopped in front of a pan-fried bun stall, ready to order, several men dressed in flashy beach shorts and wearing sunglasses, who looked like tourists or local young men, strolled over. Their gazes swept over Lemuen, Fiammetta, and Mostima, but unexpectedly, they all focused on Su Rui was pushing a wheelchair!

Su Rui keenly sensed the hostile gazes directed at him. His already irritated mood, fueled by the noisy environment, instantly soured. He assumed these people were after Lemuen and her companions (after all, the three women were all quite attractive), and a surge of inexplicable annoyance and protectiveness welled up within him. His face darkened, and he raised his head, glaring back with his cold, dark eyes, his gaze filled with warning and a desire to drive them away, as if to say, "What are you looking at? Get lost!" He even subconsciously reached for his waist—where his pistol usually hung. Although he wasn't carrying it during this vacation, the gesture clearly expressed his displeasure and threat.

However, to his surprise, the men were not intimidated by his gaze. Instead, they exchanged glances, their faces revealing even more... excitement? Or perhaps a smile carrying a certain () meaning? One of the bolder young men, with dyed blond hair, actually stepped forward, completely ignoring Su Rui's murderous glare, and spoke to Su Rui with a flippant tone:

"Hey! Kid! You're out here all alone... uh, pushing your little sister around?" His gaze roamed freely over Su Rui's face and body, lingering on Su Rui long, straight legs and delicate collarbones. "Interested in getting to know each other? We're from the local ' Surfing Club,' we'll take you to a great place to have some fun! Guaranteed to be exciting!" He said, mimicking a surfing motion with a suggestive look in his eyes.

Su Rui: "???"

He froze instantly! His brain seemed to shut down! A boy? A girl? A nice place to have fun? Exciting?!

These words, combined, entered his ears, leaving him completely bewildered! Had he... misheard? These people... weren't here to flirt with Lemuen and the others? Instead... they were here to flirt with him?! Inviting him to... "have fun"?!

Volume 17, Chapter 1047: Scared them away

A feeling of utter absurdity, disbelief, and profound offense swept over him like a tsunami! He had never encountered anything like this before! His face had indeed attracted unwanted attention since childhood, but it was usually with awe, fear, or curiosity. This kind of direct, flirtatious, and teasing approach was completely unprecedented!

After a brief moment of shock and disbelief, a raging inferno erupted! A hundred times more intense than the rage he felt yesterday when Lemuen had "tricked" him into wearing a swimsuit! These insolent fools! How dare they... how dare they look at him like that! How dare they speak to him like that! What did they take him for?! A sense of blasphemy and humiliation surged through his veins, making his blood rush to his head! His face instantly darkened to a grim hue, his dark eyes blazing with fury, and the chilling killing intent emanating from him seemed to drop the surrounding air temperature by several degrees!

"You... you're asking for death?!" He spat out the three words through gritted teeth, his voice low and hoarse, yet carrying a chilling ferocity! He clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking, and it looked like he was about to lose control and punch the blond kid in the face!

"Su Rui!"

At this critical moment, a gentle yet undeniably powerful voice rang out. It was Lemuen. She had been quietly observing the situation from her wheelchair. When she saw the young men approaching Su Rui, she sensed something was wrong. When she heard their flippant remarks and saw Su Rui's sudden outburst of anger, she immediately understood what had happened.

She quickly reached out and gently grasped Su Rui's clenched fist, signaling him to calm down with her eyes. Then, she pushed her wheelchair forward, stepping between Su Rui and the young men, her face displaying her usual warm and approachable smile, but her lake-blue eyes held a faint, unyielding authority.

"Gentlemen, excuse me," Lemuen's voice was clear and calm, carrying a peculiar soothing power, "We are tourists on vacation, just wanting to have breakfast in peace. Please make yourselves at home." Her words were polite yet distant, stating her position while giving the other party a way out.

The young people were clearly taken aback by this turn of events. They glanced at Lemuen, who had suddenly interrupted, then at the silver-haired boy behind her, whose face was terrifyingly grim and who seemed ready to explode at any moment, and at the two distinguished women beside her (Fiammetta was already frowning, while Mostima wore an expression of anticipation). They immediately realized that this group might be difficult to deal with. The blond boy gave an awkward smile, said "Sorry to bother you," and quickly slipped away with his companions.

A potential conflict was defused with ease by Lemuen.

However, Su Rui's anger did not subside. He stared intently in the direction where the men had disappeared, his chest heaving violently, his face still terrifyingly pale. He felt he had suffered an unprecedented humiliation! To be hit on by a man?! This was simply a stain on his life!

Lemuen turned around and looked at Su Rui, who was about to explode with anger. She felt both sorry for him and amused. She gently patted the back of his hand and softly comforted him, "Alright, alright, don't be angry, Su Rui. They're just some ignorant people, there's no need to bother with them." She paused, a sly smile flashing in her eyes, and added in a low voice, "But... this also shows that our Su Rui is too charming~ Even boys are attracted to him~"

She meant it as a joke to ease the tension, but to Su Rui, it was like adding fuel to the fire!

Su Rui glared at her, his ears burning red with embarrassment and anger! He turned and stormed off, not even wanting to eat breakfast! All he wanted to do was return to the villa, lock himself in, and never go out again! That damned Siesta! Trouble everywhere!

Lemuen watched his angry departure, shook her head helplessly, and quickly pushed her wheelchair to follow. Fiammetta and Mostima also hurried after him. Mostima looked at Su Rui's humiliated and indignant appearance, which was almost like she was about to explode, and finally couldn't help but burst out laughing, which made Su Rui turn around and glare at her again.

Su Rui, pulling Lemuen, almost roughly strode through the bustling breakfast market, leaving Mostima and Fiammetta far behind. His steps were rapid, his face so dark it seemed like it could be wrung out, radiating a menacing aura that made passersby instinctively make way for him. The absurd "being hit on" incident from earlier was like a poisonous thorn, deeply embedded in his heart, filling him with immense irritation, shame, and an urge to escape everything.

He needed peace and quiet! He needed to get away from all that messy people and things! Especially Mostima, who always had that mocking smile, as if she were watching a show! He just wanted to be with Lemuen, just the two of them!

Lemuen was pushed in her wheelchair, weaving quickly through the crowd. She felt a mixture of helplessness and understanding, but mostly heartache. She knew Su Rui was in a terrible mood. She didn't struggle, simply letting him lead her away from the noise, softly comforting him, "Su Rui, slow down, be careful not to bump into people..."

Su Rui ignored him completely, until he had left the market and the two "sources of trouble" out of sight and reached a relatively quiet seaside promenade lined with palm trees. Only then did he abruptly stop, his chest heaving slightly as he breathed heavily. He released his grip on the wheelchair, put his hands on his hips, turned his back to Lemuen, and gazed at the distant blue sea, trying to calm his inner rage with the coolness of the sea breeze.

The path was sparsely populated, save for the cries of seagulls and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns, and the air was filled with the salty scent of the sea. Finally, the surroundings quieted down.

Lemuen pushed her wheelchair to his side, looking up at his tense profile and tightly pursed lips. She reached out and gently took his hand, which hung by his side, her fingertips lightly tracing the cool back of his hand. Her voice was as gentle as a sea breeze. "Alright, Su Rui, don't be angry. Those people aren't worth getting upset over. Look, now it's just the two of us, how quiet it is."

Su Rui stiffened for a moment, but didn't shake off her hand. He remained silent for a few seconds before slowly turning his head, his dark eyes still tinged with lingering anger and a hint of barely perceptible grievance. Looking at Lemuen's gentle face, the irritation in his heart miraculously subsided somewhat. Yes, now it was just the two of them. This realization finally allowed his tense nerves to relax.

He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, as if trying to expel all the stale air from his chest. He gripped Lemuen's hand tightly, as if drawing strength from it. He didn't speak, but simply looked at her quietly.

Volume 17, Chapter 1048: Shall we discuss this?

Lemuen sensed that Su Rui's emotions had calmed down, and a relieved smile appeared on her face. She glanced around at the beautiful surroundings, and her mood lightened. Suddenly, she remembered something, a mischievous glint flashing in her lake-blue eyes. Looking up at Su Rui, she brought up the old matter again in a slightly coquettish tone:

"Su Rui ~ Look, the environment here is so nice, the sunshine is so good... How about... we go back to the villa? Just the two of us? Go change into that swimsuit, and we'll sunbathe by the private pool, okay? I promise, this time it will definitely just be the two of us! I'll let Mostima and Fiammetta go play somewhere else!" She blinked, full of anticipation. The way Su Rui looked in that swimsuit yesterday had left a deep impression on her, leaving her amazed. She really wanted to see it again, especially in this private setting where it was just the two of them.

Su Rui: "!!!"

His anger, which had just subsided, was instantly reignited! A swimsuit?! That damned swimsuit again! This woman! Why is she still so fixated on that tattered piece of clothing?! He abruptly pulled his hand back, his face darkening instantly, his dark eyes blazing with fury as he glared at her fiercely. "Are you never going to stop?!" His voice was filled with suppressed rage, "That thing! I will absolutely never wear it again! Don't even think about it!"

The thought of that swimsuit brought back memories of the shame he felt walking down the street wearing it yesterday, and the humiliation of being hit on just now! It all seemed to stem from that swimsuit! He now loathed it!

Lemuen was startled by his intense reaction, but seeing the mixture of anger and... a hint of hurt in his eyes, she immediately realized she had touched a nerve. She quickly softened her stance, clasping her hands together in a pleading gesture, her voice even gentler. "I'm sorry, Su Rui ~ I didn't mean to make you angry... I just... I just thought you looked really good in that dress, and I wanted to see it again..." She paused, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, and muttered softly, "Besides... you promised me you'd only wear it once... yesterday... wasn't completely private..."

Her pitiful look made Su Rui's heart flutter. Looking at her lowered eyelashes and slightly pouting lips, his nameless anger suddenly vanished. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, turned his face away, and although his tone was still harsh, it had clearly softened. "... That doesn't count? Then what would count?"

Seeing that his attitude had softened, Lemuen immediately raised her head, a glimmer of hope rekindling in her eyes. She thought for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly, her voice becoming even lower, tinged with shyness and coaxing. "Um... it has to be... absolutely private! Like... in our bedroom? When it's just the two of us? You wear it just for me to see, okay?" As she spoke, she gently tugged at Su Rui's sleeve, her eyes filled with anticipation and... a barely perceptible allure.

In the bedroom? Only the two of them? Dressed up just for her to see?

These keywords brushed against Su Rui's heart like feathers. Compared to being by the pool where there might be outsiders (even Mostima and Fiammetta), being in the absolute privacy of her bedroom, only for Lemuen to see... the "horror" and shame of this condition seemed... to have decreased to a... barely acceptable level?

The fortress of resistance within him cracked once more. On one hand, he utterly loathed the exposure and discomfort the swimsuit brought; but on the other hand, Lemuen's longing and loving gaze, and the incredibly tempting and possessive condition of "only for her to see," stirred within him a strange wavering? A complex emotion of "if it were her... it might not be entirely unbearable."

He frowned deeply, a fierce internal struggle raging within him. To wear it or not to wear it? This was a question of dignity and... bottom line!

Lemuen held her breath, watching him nervously, awaiting his reply. She could sense Su Rui's struggle.

After a long while, Su Rui finally managed to mumble something with great difficulty, in a voice that seemed to be squeezed out from between her teeth, filled with deep resentment and a sense of compromise:

"... Only in the bedroom... only with you."

He put forward several harsh, almost demanding conditions in one go, trying to salvage the last bit of his pitiful dignity and initiative.

Upon hearing his extremely awkward yet unmistakably clear compromise, Lemuen's face instantly lit up with an incredibly radiant smile, like sunlight piercing through the clouds! She was so happy she almost jumped off her wheelchair, hugging Su Lei tightly around the waist and burying her face in his chest, her voice filled with barely suppressed joy and emotion. "That's wonderful! Su Rui! You're the best! I knew you'd agree! Don't worry! It'll definitely just be the two of us! I promise!"

Su Rui stiffened in her embrace, his face flushing and paling by turns, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He felt he had made another foolish decision, one that went against his principles! A strong sense of shame surged through him again. But... feeling the genuine, warm, and real happiness emanating from Lemuen in his arms, and the dependence and bliss emanating from her tightly wrapped arms, that regret and shame inexplicably transformed into a helpless feeling, even tinged with... a secret, unacknowledged... expectation?

Showing it only to her... in the dark bedroom... it seems... not entirely unacceptable? This thought made his ears burn.

He snorted in extreme annoyance, tacitly acquiescing to this "unequal treaty." He pushed Lemuen, turned his face away, his ears visibly red, and changed the subject stiffly. "... I'm hungry. Let's go find somewhere to get breakfast."

Lemuen knew he was shy, but didn't point it out. She just smiled and nodded, "Okay~ Let's find a quiet shop~"

So the two of them walked slowly along the seaside promenade, the sunlight casting long shadows on them. Although Su Rui still had a stern face, the atmosphere around them had clearly eased a lot, and even added a hint of... a secret and sweet ambiguity that only the two of them could understand.

This escape, triggered by being "hit," ultimately ended with Su Rui once again (under extremely harsh conditions) giving in to Lemuen's "swimsuit wish." The "special display" that would soon take place in their private bedroom undoubtedly became a tacit, anticipated little secret between the two. For Su Rui, this was perhaps the greatest "sacrifice" and indulgence he could make for Lemuen.

Volume 17, page 1049 was affected.

After walking along the seaside promenade for a while, we found a clean and elegant seaside cafe. The two of us sat down at an outdoor table and ordered a simple breakfast. The sea breeze was gentle, the sun was warm, and the only sounds were the waves and the occasional cry of seagulls. The environment was indeed quiet and pleasant.

Lemuen happily ate her Croissant, occasionally glancing up at Su Rui sitting opposite her, her lake-blue eyes filled with tenderness and contentment. She loved this feeling of just the two of them. Although Su Rui still had no expression, the irritable and low-pressure atmosphere that had been stirred up by being approached had dissipated, replaced by a relatively peaceful silence.

However, Su Rui's heart was not as calm as it appeared. He mechanically ate the fried egg on his plate, finding it tasteless. His thoughts drifted, eventually settling on the series of events that had just occurred—from his fury at being approached, to dragging Lemuen away, and then... under Lemuen's soft pleas, he inexplicably agreed to that absurd "bedroom swimsuit show"!

This realization was like a bucket of cold water, jolting him awake!

When did he become so... easily influenced? No, not just easily influenced, he was far too easily influenced by Lemuen! A single glance from her, a soft word, a coquettish gesture... could make him easily change his mind, break his principles, and even make compromises that he himself found incomprehensible! From agreeing to come on vacation, to tolerating Mostima's presence, to wearing that damn swimsuit, and now agreeing to that... that shameful request!

This is so unlike him! Where did the calm, rational, self-centered, trouble-averse Su Rui go? When did his emotions and decisions become so closely tied to Lemuen? Being led by the nose by her?

A strong sense of self-examination and... a barely perceptible sense of vigilance welled up inside him. He hated this feeling of being out of control! He hated how easily another person could sway his emotions! It made him uneasy, even... somewhat annoyed, not at Lemuen, but at himself!

No! This can't go on!

Su Rui abruptly put down his fork, making a crisp clinking sound, which made Lemuen look up at him in confusion.

He didn't look at Lemuen, but instead frowned slightly, raised his hand, and lightly patted his cheek with his fingertips. The cool touch cleared his chaotic thoughts. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and then slowly opened them again.

When he looked at Lemuen again, the emotions in his dark eyes had subtly changed. The previous irritation, shame, and a hint of barely perceptible dependence and indulgence receded like the tide, replaced by a familiar, detached calmness and... a faint, seemingly innate arrogance.

His posture subtly changed, no longer the stiff, somewhat defiant look from before, but more relaxed, yet carrying an invisible sense of distance. His back was straight, his chin slightly raised, his gaze calmly sweeping over Lemuen, past her concerned face, and finally settling on the shimmering sea in the distance. His gaze seemed to be scrutinizing a landscape unrelated to himself.

"Finished eating?" he asked, his voice returning to its usual cool and indifferent tone, devoid of any emotional fluctuation. "Let's go."

Lemuen keenly sensed the subtle shift in his demeanor. It was a state she recognized yet felt somewhat unfamiliar with—the kind of attitude Su Rui often displayed when facing outsiders, handling official business, or trying to maintain distance. She paused, a flicker of doubt and a faint sense of loss crossing her mind. The slightly awkward yet genuine intimacy they had shared when they were alone seemed to have vanished with the gesture of him patting her cheek.

But she didn't ask any more questions, just nodded obediently. "Yes, I'm done eating." She pushed her wheelchair and followed Su Rui, who had stood up, out of the cafe.

Walking back on the path, the atmosphere had changed. Su Rui was still pushing Lemuen's wheelchair, but no longer with the haste and dependence of someone eager to escape. His steps were unhurried, his gaze calmly sweeping over his surroundings. Occasionally, passersby would cast glances at him (some admiring or curious, especially at his striking appearance), but he was no longer as sensitive and irritable as before, completely ignoring them as if they were nothing. He exuded a cold aura that was both unapproachable and intriguing, which, combined with his refined yet aloof profile, created a peculiar attraction.

In this state, Su Rui certainly has a stronger attraction for some people. That sense of detachment, as if she doesn't care about anything and is outside the world, and the potential danger and mystery hidden beneath her cold exterior, attract some people who like challenges and conquests like a magnet.

Sure enough, they hadn't gone far when someone else tried to strike up a conversation. This time it was a rather confident young woman, wearing a stylish vacation dress and sporting a polite smile. She walked straight toward Su Rui, seemingly completely oblivious to Lemuen in her wheelchair.

"Hi, hello, excuse me." Her voice was pleasant. "I see you don't seem very familiar with this place. Would you like me to show you some fun places in Siesta? Or... would you like to grab a coffee together?" Her gaze boldly landed on Su Rui's face, showing obvious interest.

If it were the Su Rui of the past, he probably would have immediately turned cold and killed the other person with his eyes. But at this moment, he merely glanced at the woman indifferently, his eyes calm and unwavering, even carrying a hint of... pity? as if he were looking at an ant that didn't know the rules. He didn't stop or answer, but simply pushed his wheelchair past her calmly, completely ignoring her.

That utter indifference, as if the other person didn't exist, was more damaging than any harsh words. The young woman's smile froze instantly, and she stood there, looking somewhat embarrassed and awkward.

Lemuen, sitting in her wheelchair, watched all of this unfold. She felt conflicted. On one hand, she was relieved that Su Rui was no longer so easily angered; but on the other hand, this Su Rui who had rebuilt her emotional walls and become distant made her feel a sense of distance. She knew that this was the state Su Rui was most familiar with, the state she used to protect herself.

Su Rui seemed completely unfazed by the earlier incident. He continued pushing Lemuen forward, speaking calmly as if stating a fact, "Crowded places are a bit troublesome; I don't like them."

Volume 17, page 1050, as an exchange

Lemuen gave a soft "hmm" and didn't say anything more. She reached out and gently placed her hand on the back of Su Rui's hand as he pushed the wheelchair. Su Rui's hand paused slightly, but he didn't pull away.

He maintained his composed yet arrogant demeanor, but the warmth emanating from Lemuen's fingertips, like a faint electric current, subtly penetrated the cold shell he had just rebuilt. He realized that even if he deliberately kept his distance, he couldn't completely isolate Lemuen's influence. This realization made him somewhat irritated, and also somewhat... helpless.

Perhaps, some influences, once formed, can never be completely erased. He simply needs to learn how to coexist with these influences while maintaining his core identity. And at this moment, maintaining this aloof facade at least makes him feel... safer and more at ease. As for the ripples in his heart caused by Lemuen, he carefully concealed them, revealing not a trace of them.

Pushing Lemuen's wheelchair, Su Rui slowly walked back to the villa along the seaside promenade bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. He deliberately maintained his aloof and composed demeanor. The sea breeze, carrying the coolness of the evening, ruffled his silver hair. His calm gaze swept over the scenery, seemingly oblivious to the admiring or curious glances. Lemuen sat quietly in her wheelchair, feeling Su Rui's steady push from behind, yet a subtle emotion lingered within her. She knew this side of Su Rui —like a meticulously sculpted ice sculpture, beautiful yet unapproachable, exuding a chilling aura.

When they returned to the secluded, pure white villa, the setting sun had already painted most of the sky a magnificent orange-red. The villa was quiet; Mostima and Fiammetta had not yet returned, probably still enjoying their Siesta adventure. In the empty and spacious room, only the two of them remained, along with the shimmering light reflected from the pool water outside the window.

Su Rui locked the villa door behind him, the soft click sounding particularly clear in the quiet space. He seemed to breathe a slight sigh of relief; the deliberately maintained cold exterior he wore when facing the outside world softened imperceptibly in this completely private environment. But he didn't immediately revert to his previous slightly awkward intimacy; instead, he went straight to the kitchen area and opened the refrigerator.

The refrigerator was well-stocked with ingredients, including leftover premium Wagyu beef from last night's barbecue and fresh vegetables bought this morning. Su Rui glanced at them and then deftly began preparing dinner. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his well-defined forearms, and skillfully handled the ingredients—washing, chopping, marinating... each step precise and efficient, with his unique, almost artistic, rhythm. He remained silent, but that silence was no longer aloof coldness; rather, it was a quiet focus on the task at hand, imbued with the warmth of everyday life.

Lemuen pushed her wheelchair to the open kitchen island, rested her chin on her hands, and quietly watched him work. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, gilding his tall figure with a warm golden edge. His focused profile was particularly clear in the light, his long, thick eyelashes drooping, obscuring the emotions in his eyes, and his tightly pursed lips revealing a serious charm. At this moment, Su Rui, stripped of all sharpness and defensiveness, made Lemuen's heart melt completely. She loved watching him like this, focused on preparing their dinner, like a... reliable partner.

"Are we having barbecue again tonight?" Lemuen asked softly, breaking the silence.

Su Rui didn't even look up, focusing on slicing the beef into even, thin slices, and gave a faint "hmm." "Simple," he explained succinctly. Grilling meat was indeed the fastest and least demanding cooking method, and... he seemed quite satisfied with the meat he'd grilled last night?

Lemuen smiled and had no objection. She watched as Su Rui neatly arranged the marinated meat slices and vegetables on a plate, then took out a portable charcoal grill and skillfully set it up on the terrace facing the pool. The charcoal was lit, making a soft crackling sound, and the orange-red flames danced, dispelling the evening chill and bringing a comforting, smoky atmosphere.

Soon, the aroma of roasted meat filled the terrace. Su Lei sat by the grill, tongs in hand, intently turning the meat slices and controlling the heat. The sizzling sound of the oil and the tempting aroma of the meat created a warm and pleasant scene.

Lemuen pushed her wheelchair to the dining table on the terrace. The table was already set with cutlery and drinks. Looking at Su Rui's face, which appeared particularly serious in the glow of the charcoal fire, a thought stirred within her. The idea that Su Rui had temporarily shelved with his aloof demeanor quietly resurfaced.

She looked at the shimmering pool, then at the dress she was wearing, and suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of probing and mischief. "Su Rui ~ Look, the weather is so warm, the pool water looks so comfortable... and, it's just the two of us, okay?" She emphasized "just the two of us."

Su Rui paused almost imperceptibly in his flipping of the meat. He didn't answer immediately, nor did he look at Lemuen; he simply continued to stare intently at the meat on the grill, as if it were some kind of precision instrument requiring complete concentration. But Lemuen keenly noticed that the tips of his ears seemed to flush a familiar pale pink.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasting meat and a subtle, unspoken silence.

After a long while, only after placing a few perfectly grilled pieces of meat onto Lemuen's plate did Su Rui put down the tongs, pick up the ice water beside him, and take a sip. Then, he raised his eyes, his dark eyes calmly looking at Lemuen, his gaze regaining its previous calmness, which carried a hint of scrutiny and... negotiation.

"Okay," he said, his voice steady and devoid of emotion, "but," he added, his tone shifting to one of unquestionable authority, almost a matter of equal exchange, "In exchange."

Lemuen blinked, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Exchange? Exchange for what?"

Su Rui's gaze fell on her elegant dress, then slowly moved upwards, meeting her lake-blue eyes. A barely perceptible, almost malicious smile curved his lips, "I'm wearing that... thing." He seemed very reluctant to say the word "swimsuit," "You, you have to change too."

Lemuen was stunned. "Me?"

"Yes." Su Rui's tone was resolute, carrying a strange sense of fairness. "Didn't you want to see it? I can't be the only one... dressed like that." He paused, then added, a glint of undeniable determination in his eyes. "You change too. Keep me company."

Now it was Lemuen's turn to blush! She hadn't expected Su Rui to propose such a "trade"! She had only wanted to... admire Su Rui in that swimsuit, satisfying her own selfish desires, and perhaps... relax him a bit. But now... Su Rui was actually asking her to change into a swimsuit too?!

Volume 17, Chapter 1051: A Bit Terrible

Although she wasn't against wearing a swimsuit, especially in such a private setting, but... in front of Su Rui... and especially after he made this "equivalent exchange" request, a request tinged with a bit of petulance and childishness... the feeling was completely different! It became... exceptionally shameful and... ambiguous!

'I... I...' Lemuen stammered, her cheeks flushed, her eyes darting nervously away. She usually wore her swimsuit to public beaches or pools; though the styles were conservative, she never felt particularly embarrassed. But now, under Su Rui's all-seeing gaze, and with his suggestion to 'change together,' she suddenly felt... wearing a swimsuit had become something that required an immense amount of courage!

Seeing her face instantly flush red and her flustered appearance, Su Rui felt a strange dissipation of the pent-up frustration he had felt from being forced to "sacrifice," and even a hint of... the wicked pleasure of getting away with something? He leaned back in his chair leisurely, arms crossed, his dark eyes filled with a playful and undeniable air. "What? You're scared? Weren't you really eager to see just now?" He deliberately used reverse psychology.

Provoked by his words, and seeing the rare, slightly mischievous smile in his eyes, Lemuen felt a surge of defiance. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, her lake-blue eyes meeting Su Rui's gaze. Although her cheeks were still flushed, she tried her best to sound composed, "Who... who wouldn't dare! Fine, let's change!"

Su Rui raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her answer, but then his wicked smile deepened. "Very good." He stood up, walked to Lemuen's side, bent down and lifted her from the wheelchair. "Then... now?"

"Now... now?!" Lemuen exclaimed, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, "The meat... the meat isn't finished yet!"

"Eat while we wait." Su Rui carried her and strode towards the bedroom, his tone carrying an undeniable decisiveness. "Or... have you changed your mind?" He lowered his head, his dark eyes staring at her intently, a hint of provocation in them.

Lemuen looked at his handsome face so close to hers, and at the glint in his eyes—a mixture of mockery and a deep emotion—and her heart pounded. She bit her lower lip, steeling her resolve. "... Who changed their mind! Fine, I'll go!"

Su Rui's smile widened. He carried Lemuen into the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Gently placing Lemuen on the bed, he went to the wardrobe, took out the bag containing the dark blue swimsuit, his movements carrying a sense of... dreadful sacrifice?

He tossed the bag onto the bed, then looked at Lemuen was sitting on the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed and eyes darting around, and gestured with his chin. "Where's yours? Do you need me to help you find it?"

Lemuen was so embarrassed she almost buried her head in the blanket! She quickly shook her head. "No... no need! I can do it myself!" She hurriedly rummaged through her suitcase and pulled out the light blue, conservative one-piece swimsuit.

Inside the bedroom, the atmosphere instantly became incredibly ambiguous and tense. The two stood on opposite sides, each holding their swimsuit, staring at each other, the air thick with a mixture of shame, embarrassment, anticipation, and a restless, almost imperceptible tension.