Into the Blue was a niche treasure-hunting movie Hunter had seen in his past life. He remembered disliking the male protagonist's personality and the plot holes, so he had only watched it once. His memory of the details was a bit fuzzy.
He vaguely recalled that Sam had a boyfriend obsessed with finding treasure. The boyfriend was a skilled diver but had a temper that constantly got him fired. Despite his failures, he persisted in his dream, eventually finding the treasure and keeping the girl.
Hunter had always hated that ending. The male lead was an arrogant loser who didn't deserve his luck.
But now, since he had the opportunity to "poach the wall" (steal the girlfriend), Hunter didn't mind teaching the guy a lesson.
As for the treasure in Into the Blue, there were two.
One was a legitimate historical treasure—a sunken ship (the Zephyr) carrying gold worth hundreds of millions.
The other... was debatable. It was a crashed DC-3 cargo plane loaded with tons of cocaine.
The drugs belonged to a South American cartel, lost in a storm. Based on the movie, the haul was massive—easily worth millions on the street.
Hunter suddenly realized that Stansfield, the corrupt DEA agent he killed, likely wasn't looking for pirate gold. He was looking for this plane. A few tons of cocaine would be the perfect retirement fund for a dirty cop.
However, Hunter had a strict policy regarding narcotics. As a Chinese soul with cultural memory of the Opium Wars, he detested drugs. He might use them as poison against enemies, but he would never deal them.
So, even if that plane was worth a fortune, Hunter had zero interest in touching it.
"You can keep the drugs, Jared," Hunter thought, amused. "I'll take the gold. And as an exchange... I'll take your girlfriend."
With Sam's identity confirmed, Hunter ignored the amateur stalker trailing them. It was time to execute the "Poach and Plunder" plan.
Under Sam's guidance, they toured Paradise Island. When they reached a particularly scenic overlook, Hunter stopped.
"Miss Sam, the view here is incredible. I'd like to take a break and sketch this. Do you mind giving me a little time?"
Sam watched as he pulled an easel and painting supplies from his backpack.
"Of course not!"
She had been charmed by Hunter throughout the walk. He was witty, knowledgeable, and respectful—a stark contrast to the rough local men she dealt with.
Hunter set up his easel and began to paint.
Sam, curious, drifted closer. She watched as he mixed colors with practiced ease, his brushstrokes confident and precise. Even to her untrained eye, the seascape forming on the canvas was breathtaking.
But suddenly, Hunter stopped. He frowned at the canvas, looking dissatisfied.
"What's wrong?" Sam asked. "It looks beautiful."
Hunter turned to her, his eyes lighting up as if struck by inspiration.
"Miss Sam, could you stand over there? By the rail?"
He pointed to a spot overlooking the turquoise water.
Sam was puzzled but complied.
Hunter felt a gaze burning into his back from the bushes nearby. It was hot, angry, and jealous.
Hunter smirked internally but kept his voice soft and professional.
"Miss Sam, the landscape is beautiful, but it lacks a soul. I want to add you to the painting. Would that make you uncomfortable?"
Sam, flattered, flashed a brilliant, sweet smile.
"No problem!"
With her permission, Hunter resumed painting. His [Painting] skill was nearly Level 5. Within minutes, he captured her likeness perfectly—the sun on her skin, the wind in her hair, the vibrant energy she radiated.
"Done!"
Twenty minutes later, Hunter waved her over.
Sam hurried back and looked at the canvas.
She gasped.
In the painting, the golden sand and blue water were stunning, but the figure in the center—her—was the true focus. She looked radiant, alive, and undeniably sexy. The painting didn't just capture her image; it captured her essence.
"It's... beautiful," she whispered, unable to believe it was really her.
Hunter blew gently on the canvas to dry the paint.
"I can tell you like it," he said warmly. "Once it dries, it's yours."
Sam looked at him in shock. "I can't take this. It's too valuable."
She knew art wasn't cheap, and a custom oil painting of this quality by a talented artist was worth far more than her guide fee.
Hunter carefully placed the canvas into a protective tube and handed it to her.
He tapped his temple with a smile.
"All the beauty is stored up here. I can paint another one anytime I want."
He pressed the tube into her hands.
"Consider it a gift. We're friends now, aren't we?"
Sam hesitated. She really, really wanted the painting.
Finally, she smiled and accepted it. "Thank you, Hunter."
What Sam didn't notice—but Hunter definitely did—was the figure hiding behind a tree twenty meters away.
Jared's face was twisted in a rictus of jealous rage, watching his girlfriend accept a romantic gift from the rich tourist.
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