"Did you grill this?" Jin Yang looked at his younger brother, his eyes flashing with surprise.
His brother could actually grill meat?
In just over three days, he had already learned to grill meat—and even cook proper dishes! Jin Yang was genuinely impressed.
He knew that land-dwelling females always ate cooked food, and so did the young. But he never expected his brother to pick it up so quickly.
"Of course! Brother, try it! Lu Lu said it tastes really good," Lan Bo said, pride shining in his eyes.
This was his first time cooking alone. Knowing that his beloved female found it delicious gave him an immense sense of accomplishment.
Now that his brother had returned, he was eager to have him taste it too.
"Alright, then I'll have to try it properly," Jin Yang said, picking up a skewer. The red powder sprinkled on it was unfamiliar to him, but the aroma was tempting.
The next moment, he bit into it. His eyes lit up. There was a slight tingling, a bit of heat, but it felt exhilarating. The flavors burst in his mouth—it was truly delicious.
It was his first time tasting cooked food. He had always assumed it would be hard to enjoy, but he was pleasantly surprised.
No wonder the land females and young preferred cooked meals—it was far more flavorful than raw meat.
"How is it, brother? Tastes good?"
Lan Bo quickly explained, "The red powder is chili. It adds spiciness, a warming kick—makes the meat really delicious." His eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Unbelievable, you're really skilled. This grilled meat is delicious, so aromatic," Jin Yang said with a smile.
"And honestly, it tastes better than raw meat—so rich and flavorful," he added.
"Yes, chili is the soul of grilled meat," Si Lu laughed, taking another piece herself.
"You guys planning to mate soon? I can find a quiet place for you," Jin Yang said, taking another bite. The grilled meat was addictive.
"Tomorrow, or the day after," Si Lu replied after a moment's thought. She wanted to mate soon to ease Lan Bo's mind.
"Already?" Jin Yang blinked. He had expected them to spend more time in the ocean before mating.
In truth, he had some selfish feelings. If they stayed longer in the ocean, maybe he could get to know Si Lu better… maybe even express his feelings.
But with their mating set so soon… he didn't know what to do.
Over the past few days since leaving the sea, Si Lu's bright face and clear eyes had been on his mind constantly—even appearing in his dreams.
He had never felt this way before.
He was certain now—he liked this female!
The same female his brother loved.
And yet, he felt conflicted. After all, she belonged to his brother. How could he confess? How would Lan Bo react?
But there was nothing he could do. Once the heart is moved, it cannot be retracted. Love for a female in their merfolk clan is lifelong—once a mate is chosen, no other female can replace her. He had to pursue his own happiness.
"Brother, is something troubling you? You seem worried," Lan Bo asked, noticing his brother's unusual expression.
Si Lu also glanced over, sensing something strange in Jin Yang's gaze during the meal. Black Yao noticed it too.
It was obvious. Si Lu was exceptional and beautiful. Any male merfolk with eyes would like her.
Black Yao realized: Jin Yang liked Si Lu.
He watched curiously. Jin Yang was handsome, powerful, and excellent in every way. If he confessed, maybe… just maybe, Si Lu would respond. After all, Lan Bo and Jin Yang were nearly identical except for color. And Si Lu liked handsome merfolk.
Black Yao had no objection.
"Nothing. Just enjoy your meal," Jin Yang said, patting Lan Bo's shoulder.
"When you decide when to mate, let me know. I'll take you to a quiet place where no one will disturb you," he added.
"Thanks, brother," Lan Bo replied happily.
Black Yao's gaze lingered on Jin Yang with subtle complexity.
After the meal, Jin Yang called Lan Bo aside. Si Lu and Black Yao wandered the palace.
"Si Lu, curious what Jin Yang said to Lan Bo?" Black Yao asked, grinning.
"What could they say? Probably just brotherly advice. But… you seem to have noticed something," Si Lu replied, tilting her head.
"Did you figure something out? Are you hiding something from me?" she asked, puzzled.
Black Yao chuckled. "I noticed a few things. But the choice is yours, Si Lu. You just need to make the decision you think is right." He gently stroked her head.
"Wait, what? I don't understand. Are you hinting at something?" she asked, even more confused.
"No. I just want to ask… what do you think of Jin Yang?" Black Yao asked sincerely.
He wanted to see how she saw Jin Yang.
"Jin Yang? He's Lan Bo's brother, right? Well… he's very handsome. They look identical except for tail, hair, and eye color. Both are really good-looking."
"Seriously, merfolk are so beautiful… that big tail of his is gorgeous too, hehe."
"Why are you asking me this now?" she asked.
"Just curious," Black Yao said, smiling.
Hand in hand, they wandered the palace. The scenery was beautiful, and Si Lu looked around curiously, never letting go of Black Yao's hand.
Other merfolk passing by looked at them with curiosity and admiration.
"Si Lu, what if Jin Yang also wants to be your mate? Would you accept him?" Black Yao asked suddenly.
Si Lu froze.
"What!?"
"Did I hear you right?" she asked, staring at him.
"You can even take him as your mate too," Black Yao said, ruffling her hair until it was messy, then walked ahead.
"Hey! Wait for me!" she pouted, chasing after him.
Elsewhere…
"Brother, is there something important you want to tell me?" Lan Bo asked, noticing Jin Yang's unusual expression.
He had never seen his brother look so worried.
"Nothing… just a bit melancholic. We've always been together since birth. And now you've found your beloved female and will soon become mates. You'll leave the ocean, and this vast palace will be left only to me."
"I can't help feeling some reluctance… we've never been apart this long. Everything was always shared. And now you, my only sibling, are leaving for the land," Jin Yang said, a faint bittersweet smile on his lips.
"Brother, Si Lu said we'll stay by the sea until spring. I'll visit you often," Lan Bo reassured him.
"That's not the same," Jin Yang said seriously.
"How is it different? I'm still your brother. Just because I have a mate doesn't mean I'm not your brother anymore," Lan Bo said, confused.
"It's different. We've never been apart this long. And don't you feel reluctant too? You're my only sibling," Jin Yang said, his eyes filled with sadness.
"Brother…" Lan Bo paused, never having seen him like this. He felt a deep pang of heartache.
But then he had an idea.
"Brother, what do you think of Si Lu?"
"I mean… eventually you'll find a mate. And all the females in the clan you've ignored until now… if you liked one, you'd already have a mate. Right? You haven't because you haven't found the one you love. So, what do you think of Si Lu? She's beautiful, kind, excellent… do you like her?" Lan Bo asked seriously.
Jin Yang's heart tightened.
"Brother… what I'm trying to say is… I like Si Lu. When you brought her before me, I think I already liked her. I didn't realize it at first, but these past few days, she's been on my mind constantly."
"I know I might be selfish, maybe not a perfect brother… but in our merfolk clan, once your heart is moved, it's for life," Jin Yang confessed, pain in his eyes.
"I didn't want this to happen, but I can't control my heart. These days, I've been afraid. Afraid that once you and Si Lu become mates and leave for the forest, I might never see her again. The thought suffocates me, chills me to the bone."
Lan Bo shook his head.
"Brother, don't blame yourself. Si Lu is amazing. Any male with eyes would like her—it's normal. You don't need guilt or pressure."
"What if we could both be her mates? Then nothing would change. We could still be together, just like before," Lan Bo said, smiling.