Before Bai You could ask a question, he had already led the group around the seawall.
Suddenly, everything became clear.
On the deep-water berth, a snow-white cruise ship rests quietly, its hull long and elegant, with three decks stacked one on top of the other.
With its carved railings, bright portholes, and shimmering crystal chandeliers at the bow, it resembles a palace floating on the sea.
At the pier, two rows of crew members bowed in unison, and a bright red carpet stretched all the way to the gangway.
Bai You stood there, speechless for a long time.
"This ship is named ' Star Raft '," Pantalone said calmly, standing beside her.
"It was just completed last month. I originally prepared it for myself. The ship is fully equipped, with crew and supplies all in place. It can sail directly to Mondstadt or other countries."
Bai You turned her head, a vague guess forming in her mind, yet she found it unbelievable. "This is..."
"A small token of my appreciation," Pantalone smiled. "Please, everyone, board the ship for a look."
Everyone boarded the ship.
The cabins are kept at a constant temperature, with soft carpets, hanging crystal chandeliers, and exquisitely designed rooms including a restaurant, study, viewing terrace, and hot spring bath.
Columbina's eyes shone brightly as she looked around curiously, while Odette watched, breathless and filled with astonishment.
Even Sandrone's pupils widened slightly, and he muttered under his breath, "This miser, he certainly has a big hand."
In the observation deck on the top floor, Pantalone received an envelope from the butler and presented it with both hands.
"Sir, you will surely have doubts upon seeing the ship," he said. "This is a letter written by me personally."
Sure enough, a complete transfer agreement was attached to the letter, clearly stating that the Star Raft belonged to Bai You from that day forward.
Pantalone's signature was already done, leaving only hers blank.
"This is too valuable," Bai You said, handing the document back.
"It's just a pack of cigarettes, how could it be worth a ship? I can't accept it."
Pantalone did not answer.
"A boat has a price, but friendship is priceless." He bowed slightly, adopting a very humble posture.
"I am acquainted with Bai You."
Bai You was stunned. An indescribable feeling appeared on her face. After a long while, she finally sighed softly.
Actually, I was overjoyed inside. "Awesome system! This Hua Zi is so useful!"
"Now that we have a boat, we can take Varesa out for a sea ride!!!"
"But I don't think I can drive a boat. However, it doesn't seem like a big problem... Even if we crash... they're just Water Nymph, what's there to be afraid of?"
My thoughts drifted back to my conversation with Pantalone.
Okay.
Then she picked up a pen and signed her name in the blank space. "I will remember this kindness."
Pantalone straightened up, her eyes behind her glasses curving into a smile, as if she had been relieved.
After completing the formalities, Pantalone did not immediately take his leave. He stood on the terrace, gazing at the sea.
After a moment's hesitation, he finally turned around, a rare, almost embarrassed smile appearing on his face.
" Bai You," he said, his tone full of politeness.
"I have another request. It would be very abrupt to ask."
Please speak.
"I savored that pack of cigars from yesterday when I got back."
Pantalone coughed lightly.
"To be honest, that was the best cigarette I've ever seen in my life. Overnight, all the cigarettes I had in my collection became unpalatable."
He paused, then finally finished speaking:
"Do you have any spare cash? I'm willing to pay a hefty sum for it, and there's absolutely no room for negotiation on the price."
He himself felt somewhat out of line when he asked that question.
But that cigarette was worth it.
Bai You smiled and said, "No need for money."
He thought to himself, "Anyway, it's all free from the system, and I don't even need to draw cards. But I can't give it all away, in case the system stops giving me Hua Zi later."
"You gave me such a generous gift, it's only right that I return the favor with some cigarettes."
She closed her eyes, her consciousness sinking into her storage space. The next instant, she raised her hand and gently brushed it across the long table in the observation deck—
One package.
Two packs.
Three guarantees...
One after another, beautifully packaged packs of cigars appeared out of thin air on the table, neatly stacked into a small mountain.
The familiar packaging, the familiar marks, it's just like yesterday.
A full one hundred packs.
Pantalone's breathing stopped.
He stared blankly at the small hill, his eyes wide open behind his glasses, and remained lost in thought for a long time.
He had originally planned that getting another ten or so packets would be quite good...
One hundred packs.
"This... this..." His voice trembled slightly, "One hundred packs?"
"Mm." Bai You nodded, her smile gentle.
"Take it and smoke it slowly. If you want more later... we'll talk about it then."
Pantalone fell silent.
The ship he gave away.
It was totally worth it.
After a long pause, Pantalone took a half step back and spoke to Bai You in a low, earnest voice:
"Thank you very much for this generous gift."
"From now on, wherever the Northland Bank is needed—"
"I will personally do my best to assist."
He simply ordered his butler to step forward and personally and carefully pack the hundred packets of cigars into a specially made box, one packet at a time, as if he were packing up some rare treasure.
At the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the steam whistle sounded its long blast.
The time for departure has come.
Pantalone retreated to the dock, smiled, and bowed to the people on the ship, saying, "Have a safe journey."
Sandrone leaned against the terrace, watching this scene with a thoughtful expression.
She had initially thought it was this miser unilaterally plotting something, but now it seemed that the two of them were simply making a deal.
She glanced down at the tracking record on the screen, thought for a moment, and quietly deleted it.
The Star Raft slowly departed from the port, its snow-white hull cutting through the azure sea, steadily heading south.
On the rooftop terrace, a group of people gathered together.
The snow-covered plains of Snezhnaya gradually receded behind us, and the sea breeze blew in our faces, crisp and moist, no longer carrying the chill of the north.
Columbina leaned on the railing, gazing at the seabirds, and hummed a tuneless song with a smile.
Sandrone sat down at the table, unfolded the light screen, and seemed to be looking at something.
Odette stood quietly by the ship's railing, gazing at the boundless blue sea with eyes full of curiosity.
Bai You nestled in Varesa's arms, gazing at the vast sea, the sunlight warming her face.
"What are you thinking about?" Varesa bent down and asked softly.
"Thinking..." Bai You smiled, her eyes shimmering.
I am so lucky to have met you and to be with you.
Varesa smiled and reached out to tidy up her wind-blown hair.
" Little Bai You... because you deserve it."
Let me release a kitten ≽^•⩊• ྀི≼