He always considered himself highly skilled, but looking at the wolf fish swirling beneath him in the vortex, he couldn't help but feel a bit queasy.
Those rows of glistening white fangs. A bite from them might not be fatal, but the blood would spread, attracting other wolf fish like maggots on bones. With so many of them, even an elephant could be overwhelmed. It was truly a tough situation.
The mast let out a pained wail, clearly unable to bear the weight of the two of them.
Li Ying saw the deep affection in Lu Xunguang's eyes and said urgently, "Lu Xunguang! Listen to me! These so - called wolf fish are actually sea barracudas. When they swim in groups, they create the spectacular sight of the 'wolf fish storm'. Although sea barracudas look fierce, they don't actively attack humans!"
"Take a deep breath, hold it, and we'll jump down and swim out with the fish school!"
Li Ying spoke with certainty.
However, on this sea, the broken fragments of pirate ships were everywhere, the fires flickering on and off. The wolf fish's flexible bodies shuttled through the waves like sharp daggers. Her words didn't seem very convincing.
Li Ying struggled to search her mind for a more believable explanation, but before she could speak, Lu Xunguang said in a deep voice, "Okay, A Ying, hold on to me tightly."
The two looked at each other, and without a word, silently counted to three in their hearts. Then Lu Xunguang really let go of the mast, hugged Li Ying tightly in his arms, and jumped down without hesitation!
The cold sea water opened its arms and gently swallowed the two of them.
The fish school sensed the commotion and tactfully made a passage.
Li Ying's long hair fluttered freely underwater like seaweed, intertwining with Lu Xunguang's. Their fingers were tightly clasped as they steadied themselves and opened their eyes.
The sea barracudas nimbly swam back and forth beside them. Each fish scale reflected the bright sea waves and the faint firelight, creating a hazy scene.
The twinkling scales were swaying, mysterious, yet had an enchanting beauty.
Li Ying was an out - and - out diving enthusiast. Before she time - traveled, she had had many experiences in free diving.
But this "sea wolf storm", as gorgeous as the starry sky and a once - in - a - lifetime sight, was truly the first time she had ever seen it.
She tightly held Lu Xunguang's hand, and the two exchanged a knowing look. There was so much deep affection that words were unnecessary.
After passing through the fish school, they finally resurfaced. Lu Xunguang took a deep breath and vaguely made out a beach not far away. The two immediately swam towards it with all their might.
Having just experienced a life - and - death situation and seen such an enchanting sight, Li Ying felt a flood of emotions in her heart.
During this time, Lu Xunguang had already gathered some dry firewood and started a bonfire to keep Li Ying warm.
He took off his soaking long gown and said in a deep voice, "A Ying, wait for me here. I'll go find some food."
Her clothes were also soaked through, clinging to her body and outlining her graceful figure. Li Ying knew that he was avoiding her on purpose for fear of offending her. She felt even more touched and nodded obediently.
A moment later, after she had freshened up, Lu Xunguang came back with a fish.
Li Ying saw that the scales, gills, and internal organs of the fish had already been cleaned. She rinsed it slightly, removed the fishy tendons on both sides of the fish body, and then made some incisions to help it absorb the flavor.
While he was away, she had taken out a large pot from her space. Now the water was already boiling. She put the fish in and simmered it for a few minutes.
Lu Xunguang stared fixedly at her busy back. Li Ying felt a hot gaze following her, which made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
How to explain this pot that suddenly appeared... was indeed a problem.
"I just saw that there seem to be quite a few people living on this island. A Ying, did anyone make things difficult for you?"
Lu Xunguang said casually. This question seemed like a life - saving straw to Li Ying. She quickly shook her head and said, "No, no. I just found a pot left here by the islanders. I didn't see anything else!"
She didn't know that Lu Xunguang was already used to her "special abilities", and she secretly felt relieved.
Lu Xunguang wasn't in a hurry to ask further. He just nodded and helped her chop the peeled garlic cloves and dried chili peppers.
During this time, Li Ying mixed some yellow wine, sugar, salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to make a sweet - and - sour sauce, which she poured over the cooked and drained fish.
She evenly sprinkled a layer of minced garlic on the fish, then heated another pan of oil and fried the Chinese prickly ash and dried chili peppers over low heat until the spicy aroma filled the air.
While it was still hot, she gently and quickly poured the seasoned oil over the fish. The aroma of the garlic was immediately stimulated, and the scent of the sweet - and - sour sauce seemed like a lively little snake, creeping into the nose and making people's mouths water.
Li Ying looked a bit apologetic and said embarrassedly, "The conditions are limited, and I can't make very delicate dishes. This garlic - fried fish, although simple, is extremely delicious. Try it?"
She picked up a piece of soft and tender fish meat and fed it to Lu Xunguang's lips like presenting a treasure.
The aroma of the garlic completely drove away the fishy smell, leaving only sweetness.
The seasoned oil coated every strand of fish meat, making it even more tender and delicious.
This garlic - fried fish had more earthly flavor than the light poached or steamed dishes, and less greasiness than the braised ones. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors was just right. A little more or a little less would ruin it.
Li Ying saw that he was eating heartily, and his face was faintly flushed by the firelight. Her heart skipped a beat, and she said softly, "You usually don't like fish and crabs because they have a lot of shells and thorns and are inconvenient to eat. I'm touched that you're eating so voraciously today."
Lu Xunguang looked up at her, his dark eyes bottomless.
"A Ying, I like everything you make. Even if you fed me a cup of poisoned wine, I would still accept it willingly."
Li Ying blushed at his sudden words and instinctively scolded him, "When did you become so glib? You're just trying to make me happy!"
But as soon as the words came out, she was stunned.
In front of the wolf fish storm, he didn't even think twice. Just believing her words, he jumped into the vortex with her without complaint.
Li Ying looked into his sincere eyes, and a wave of emotion suddenly welled up in her heart.
She didn't know how many underhanded and malicious things Lian Ji had done to harm Lu Xunguang. After narrowly escaping death, Lu Xunguang was always cold and hard to approach in dealing with others.
But this man never set any defenses against her and gave her his whole sincere heart.
How could Lu Xunguang not see her moved expression?
"A Ying, you could have escaped with Su Buchi, but you came back and were willing to be in trouble with me. At that moment, I decided that in this life, the next life, and for all eternity, I'll only be your devoted subject."
His tone was calm and determined. In return, he received Li Ying's soft lips.
"Through life and death, I make this vow with you. Hold your hand, and grow old with you."