"Wouldn't it be better if both of us could be partners with Lulu?" Lan Po said with a small smile, looking at his brother. "We'd still be the same as always. We wouldn't have to separate."
There was no jealousy or resentment in his heart — just surprise. His proud, picky older brother actually liked the same female he did. Honestly, that just proved his own taste was top-tier… and that Si Lu really was exceptional.
"Brother… you really don't blame me?" Jin Yang asked quietly, shock flickering in his golden eyes.
"Blame you? Why would I?" Lan Po chuckled. "We're twins — half a soul each. I'd rather we liked the same female so we could stay together instead of being torn apart."
Jin Yang's eyes softened. "Thank you." His voice carried real emotion. His brother wasn't angry… wasn't hurt… nothing.
"We're brothers — no need for thanks." Lan Po waved him off. Then he added, "But the final choice is still up to Si Lu. A partner bond depends on what she wants."
"Of course. And honestly"—Lan Po grinned—"I don't think she'll refuse me. She likes merfolk so much, and you and I are identical except for color. Plus, you're amazing. She'll definitely be willing. Don't worry, Brother — I'll talk to her."
"When I tell her everything, the three of us can be partners together." Lan Po said it with so much joy it was almost infectious.
"Alright." Jin Yang finally smiled too.
He had been depressed for days, trying to figure out how to confess to Lan Po. He never imagined his brother would be this understanding. The huge stone on his chest finally lifted.
"Brother, let's settle it. No point dragging things out. Tonight, I'll talk to Lulu and arrange a meeting for you. You two can talk privately after."
"…Why don't I tell her myself? Just help me invite her." Jin Yang exhaled slowly. He didn't want to delay anymore. He'd already decided — if Si Lu rejected him, he wouldn't look for another partner. So early or late… might as well face it.
"That works too. Hearing it from you will feel more sincere." Lan Po tugged him forward. "Come on, let's go."
Just then, Si Lu and Hei Yao walked out of the palace. The twins approached.
"Lulu, let's go for a walk," Lan Po said cheerfully to Si Lu and Hei Yao.
"Sure," Hei Yao answered first. "You two know the seabed better than us."
He already knew what was coming — and fully supported it. The stronger the males beside Si Lu, the safer she'd be. Nothing mattered more than her safety.
Si Lu shot him an annoyed look.This man…
Her mind was still a little scattered from what Hei Yao had whispered to her earlier. She kept replaying it, cheeks warm, thoughts restless.
"Let's go! There's a huge coral field nearby — incredibly beautiful," Lan Po said, excited.
He grabbed Si Lu's hand and led the way, while Jin Yang and Hei Yao walked a bit behind.
"Since you've decided, don't back out," Hei Yao murmured as he passed Jin Yang.
Jin Yang lifted his head sharply.So Hei Yao had seen right through him.
A helpless smile tugged at his lips.He wasn't wrong — there was no turning back now.
The group soon reached the coral garden, vibrant colors glowing like gemstones.
"Lulu, wait here. There's something special in those corals. Hei Yao and I will go get it for you." Lan Po winked and dragged Hei Yao away.
Si Lu watched their disappearing silhouettes and immediately understood. She turned toward Jin Yang.
"You have something to tell me. Go ahead."
Jin Yang swallowed."Yes… I do."
"I might be presumptuous, but if I don't say this now, I'll regret it forever." His voice was tense and humble. "Lulu… I want to be your partner. Would you accept me?"
He clenched the hand hidden behind his back, trembling slightly.
"…Okay," Si Lu said softly, smiling.
So Hei Yao had guessed correctly after all.That man's insight was terrifyingly sharp.
"What? Did I hear that right?" Jin Yang looked at her, utterly stunned. Joy hit him so hard he could barely breathe.
He had been prepared for rejection… anger… anything. Instead, she agreed so casually, so easily.
He felt like he was dreaming — and terrified he'd wake up.
"Why do you look scared? Don't trust my answer?" Si Lu teased.
"My Si Lu always keeps her word. I said yes. Or"—she raised an eyebrow—"are you the one regretting it now?"
"No! Never!" Jin Yang grabbed her hand. "I'm so happy. You… you won't regret it, right?"
"I said yes," she laughed.
Honestly, gaining another handsome partner wasn't exactly a loss. And Jin Yang was gorgeous and strong. Why wouldn't she want him?
Jin Yang suddenly lifted her off the ground and spun her in circles.
"Lulu! I'm so happy! I love you — I really love you — and now we can be partners! And I don't even have to be separated from Brother! This is perfect!"
"Stop spinning! I'm getting dizzy!" Si Lu clung to his shoulders.
"Okay, okay!" He set her down carefully. "Tomorrow — you, me, and Brother — we'll form our bond together! I already picked the perfect place!"
"…Wait. The three of us? At the same time?" Si Lu froze. "Is that even allowed? Isn't that… crazy?"
"Not at all," Jin Yang said earnestly. "It's completely normal here. Many females bond with several males at once — some with four or five."
He leaned closer, eyes warm."And besides… don't you want to know what it feels like? Being cherished by two males at the same time?"
Then he added softly:
"Brother and I are twins — we even share sensory resonance. But we don't use that ability lightly. Only for our partner."
Si Lu's face went crimson.
Crazy. Exciting. Terrifying. Hot.Her brain was melting.
"…Alright," she whispered, head lowered.
Was it too wild? Too shameful? Too much?
But thinking about tomorrow made her heart race in the best way.
"Lulu… you're beautiful," Jin Yang murmured, leaning in and kissing the corner of her mouth.
—
Behind a coral, Hei Yao and Lan Po peeked out.
Lan Po's jaw dropped. His eyes filled with betrayal.
HE kissed Lulu before I did?!
He almost cried on the spot.
He was the one who started all this!How did his brother get the first kiss?!
The injustice was unbearable.