Si Lu and Tata were chatting while keeping an eye on the busy partners. Tata's partner, Xiong Da, had also gone to help, after all, they were just there for a meal and should contribute a bit.
Only Si Lu and Tata sat together, a little cub resting in their arms, with another small cub asleep in a nearby basket. The cubs were sleeping soundly while the two of them ate fruit and talked.
"Lu Lu, I haven't asked you yet—what material is your outfit made from? It looks so beautiful, like a fairy," Tata said, eyes full of admiration.
Indeed, the beast-skin outfit looked thin and delicate, yet it fit her so beautifully. Si Lu was already stunning, but this outfit made her even more breathtaking, almost otherworldly.
"This outfit was made by Lanpo. He said it was made from shed skin of their Shark Tribe. If you like it, I can ask him to make some for you too," Si Lu said to Tata.
They were close friends, sisters even, so helping each other with small things was natural.
Besides, the Shark Tribe's shed skin could be obtained from others too—not just Lanpo himself. He had mentioned that there were other creatures in the ocean with smooth, fine shed skins.
"Really? That's amazing, thank you so much."
"Tata, I really love you, I'm so glad you're my good friend," Tata said, gently pulling on Si Lu's arm and giving a little affectionate shake.
Tata was genuinely touched. She loved the material, and seeing that Si Lu was willing to help her so readily made her even happier.
"Don't be so polite, we're good friends," Si Lu smiled. Tata had always been kind and helpful to her, so returning the favor was only natural.
"Mm," Tata replied, deeply moved.
"By the way, when are you planning to officially become partners with Lanpo?"
"Honestly, Lanpo seems really good—he's handsome, a mermaid too, and I know you like this type. You should secure him soon, before anything changes," Tata teased. She could see that Lanpo was genuinely fond of Si Lu; his gaze was always on her.
"In a few days. When we mate, we'll do it in the ocean. I haven't mated in the sea yet," Si Lu said.
"Besides, Lanpo is a mermaid, from the Shark Tribe. Doing it in his natural ocean environment is more meaningful and special."
"He left the sea for me, so mating in his home is also my way of comforting him," Si Lu said, her eyes soft and gentle as she looked at Lanpo.
Indeed, Lanpo had sacrificed so much for her. Naturally, she wanted to consider his feelings in return. This was simple enough, so why not do it?
"Lu Lu, you treat Lanpo so well… no, you treat all your partners well. You care about them, consider their feelings, and respect them."
"You're different from the females I've met before—they were self-centered, never considering their partner's feelings. But you… you care, you worry, and you respect them."
"You're a kind and considerate female. Being friends with you is my luck," Tata said, wrapping her arm around Si Lu's and smiling brightly.
Tata was thrilled. She had finally met a friend who shared her values—respecting every beastman, kind and considerate.
She had grown frustrated with other females in the tribe who ignored their partners' feelings, even speaking ill of her just because she had cubs sooner. Gradually, she stopped mingling with them, preferring to be alone.
But now, she had found a true companion who shared her mindset and personality. She really liked Si Lu—immensely.
Tata couldn't help but nuzzle Si Lu's shoulder, her face full of joy and sweetness.
Si Lu was momentarily startled. What's this little girl…?
"Don't scare me. I'm your friend, not your partner," Si Lu said with a laugh.
Though cute and affectionate, Si Lu felt she had to clarify so Tata wouldn't mistake her for a romantic partner.
"What are you talking about? I just like you as a sister, and maybe a bit dependent. I'm not your partner! Don't make me angry," Tata pouted, looking offended.
"I was so moved earlier, wanting to be closer to you, and now you say that?"
"Oh, sorry. I misread your affection. It's fine, feel free to snuggle, my shoulder is yours," Si Lu said, patting her shoulder.
"All right, forgiven," Tata said.
"Good, now let's eat some fruit."
They smiled at each other.
Soon, Cheng Mo and the others prepared a grand seafood meal with many dishes. By evening, everyone sat around the fire, enjoying the seafood and chatting happily.
Si Lu thought it would be even better with some fruit wine or juice. She glanced at Bai Di—he was a shaman and might know how to make it. Shamans knew a lot about plants, so making fruit wine shouldn't be difficult.
Bai Di noticed Si Lu looking at him with a certain spark of excitement.
"What's up, Lu Lu?" Bai Di asked, curious.
"Di, we have plenty of food, but nothing to drink. Back home, there's a fruit wine that's delicious. You know a lot about plants—can you try making some?" Si Lu asked, eyes hopeful.
"I can try, but I've never made it before. I don't know if I'll do it well," Bai Di said nervously. He wanted to make her happy but worried he might fail.
"I know the basics. I'll teach you, and you can figure out the rest yourself. You're smart—you can do it," Si Lu said encouragingly.
Bai Di nodded, smiling. He would try his best for her.
"What's this fruit wine? Sounds amazing! Can I taste it too?" Tata asked excitedly.
"Of course. Once Bai Di makes it, we'll all drink together. It'll be so good you'll want more," Si Lu said, smiling.
"By the way, I have news. Lanpo is officially my partner. Soon, I'll go with him to the ocean to formalize it."
"You know, Lanpo is a mermaid from the Shark Tribe. The ocean is his home, so mating there is more suitable," Si Lu explained.
She reassured them it was only a short stay in the sea.
"How long will you be gone? Can we come too?" Bai Di asked, reluctant to let her leave.
Others also shared his concern. Even Lanpo was moved by her openness—she spoke honestly, considering everyone's feelings.
"Go ahead, it's meaningful for the Shark Tribe," Hei Yao said. He respected Si Lu's care for her partners.
"Don't worry about the house, just focus on mating in the sea and enjoying it. The underwater scenery is beautiful," Cheng Mo added.
"Lanpo, take care of Lu Lu. Don't disappoint us," Cheng Mo warned.
"Lu Lu, I'm still reluctant to see you go," Tata said, a little sad.
"Can I come with you? I'm a rabbit and don't like water, but I'm water-aligned. We could protect you while you mate," Nan Si offered.
"Me too. I can help, cook for you, and support you," Bai Di added, looking at Lanpo with a hint of jealousy.
"But what about the cubs? They're too small for Cheng Mo to handle alone," Si Lu said.
"Then I'll stay and care for my little tiger," Song Zhan said, slightly disappointed.
"I'll go too. I'm a snake beastman, good in water, strong enough to protect you, and I have no cubs," Hei Yao said.
"I'll stay too. My strength isn't as good as Hei Yao's," Nan Si said quietly, his feelings for Si Lu clear.
"All right, don't worry. We'll return soon," Si Lu said, patting Nan Si's pink hair.
"Let Hei Yao come along," she added. Hei Yao nodded, happy to accompany her underwater.
"Okay, let's eat," Si Lu said.
Three days later, Si Lu, Hei Yao, and Lanpo headed to the sea.
Si Lu sat on Lanpo's large tail while Hei Yao transformed into a small black snake, coiling around her wrist.
"Ah Yao, you look so cute like this!" Si Lu said, sunlight glinting off the scales, reflecting dazzling light.