"That's it?"
Zhong Lixuan had not even finished his sunflower seeds. Just as he was getting engrossed, the wager-or rather, Lin Qian's one-sided thrashing of Zi Zhenzhu-was already over.
"The boss really is the best!"
His admiration flowed like a mighty river, endless and unbroken, and Zhong Lixuan could not help giving a thumbs-up. Du Desi, his echo, made the same gesture. Yue Hongchen was not as unrestrained as they were, but he nodded repeatedly, unable to agree more (meaning he thoroughly agreed).
The remaining three women, Wang Qiu'er, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, were also proud of their man.
On the shore.
Zi Zhenzhu stood there in a daze. Only after a long while did she come to her senses and accept that she had lost.
Gritting her teeth, she dropped to her knees with a thud and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Master, I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. From now on, I'm yours!"
She turned toward those behind her. "I'm already on my knees! What are you idiots waiting for? All of you, get over here!"
The pirates gathered, dropping to their knees in a great wave and following their captain in roaring cheers of acclaim.
Their cries did not sound particularly forced; there was a sense of willing submission to them. With his overwhelming strength, Lin Qian had won these pirates over. Although they might not be sincere, as long as they did not stir up trouble, that was enough. He was not asking much.
No matter how outsiders flattered him, Lin Qian's heart remained as still as water, as though nothing could move him.
He waved a hand. "Everyone, get up and go rest!"
Zi Zhenzhu froze, then became the first to stand. "Master, that's it? Aren't you going to have me do anything?"