Yu Zhizhi’s light-colored long dress was soaked, and her breath hitched. This close, she could clearly feel his presence—

The Mermaid hailed from a distant kingdom, and the entire bathroom felt as if it had been pulled into the tranquil, azure Deep Sea.

Yu Zhizhi instinctively lowered her head, one hand braced on the edge of the tub. "S-Sorry, I was just trying to wipe your other side..."

She tried to get up.

The edge of the tub was slick with sea salt. The moment Yu Zhizhi pushed off, she slipped and fell right back into the Mermaid’s chest.

The soft little female had stumbled back into his arms.

The Mermaid Youth was too weak and let out a muffled grunt. An unidentifiable blush crept up his face—was it shyness, or was it anger?

’This body of his is just too pathetic.’

He could barely "endure" it, even when a rabbit as delicate as her fell on him.

The medicine they fed him every day was suppressing his Strength.

Yu Zhizhi’s long hair was soaked with saltwater. She guiltily turned her head away, first trying to prop herself up into a half-sitting position with her hands on the edge of the tub.

Outside, it had started to snow heavily again.

A layer of condensation fogged the glass window.

She carefully glanced at the Mermaid. The youth’s body was stiff and his face was tense, making the mole on the tip of his nose particularly conspicuous.

’Even though his face was wrapped in white gauze, he knew the little female was looking at him.’

The iron chains stirred in the water. The Mermaid’s voice was slightly hoarse. "Aren’t you leaving?"

Yu Zhizhi slowly drew up one leg. Her movements became even more gentle when she brushed against his cold scales.

The long, water-logged dress was dragging her down. She lifted it slightly, revealing a jade-white calf as she gently reached a foot toward the floor.

In the cramped space, the jasmine scent clinging to the young woman was as potent as if it had been drenched in a downpour.

In the water.

The Mermaid gripped the iron chain.

A strange feeling, one he had never experienced before, rose within him.

The toes of Yu Zhizhi’s right foot finally touched the floor. She breathed an inward sigh of relief. This time, she wouldn’t have to worry about falling back in.

She slowly climbed out of the tub and stood barefoot on the floor, wringing out her long dress.

She couldn’t resist glancing back at the Mermaid. His expression was cold, and he had turned his head away, resuming his previous world-weary posture.

"If there’s anything you want, just... just tell me."

Yu Zhizhi left the bathroom.

The Mermaid, still chained in the tub, slowly loosened his grip on the iron chain. He appeared calm on the surface, but only he knew the truth—

when the little female was in his arms, her soft body pressed against his had tantalized his every nerve.

The Mermaid did everything in his power to suppress the most primal desires from deep within his male heart.

He had never felt this way about any female before.

And because of it, he was filled with self-loathing.

The youth gritted his teeth. Half the blood flowing through his veins was that of the ancient Atlanteans, while the other half came from a depraved source—the Enchanting Shark.

A Mermaid’s Constitution is unique.

They emit a peculiar, faint fragrance that brings any nearby species under their Charm.

The opposite sex finds them irresistible.

But for this same reason, they themselves can become lost in relentless, all-consuming desire.

The youth had thought he was different from other Mermaids.

But he never expected...

’I absolutely must get rid of her.’

This Rabbit Clan female who could awaken his desires.

She is his sin.

A sin he must sever with his own hands.

Yu Zhizhi familiarized herself with the cabin’s layout. Her bed was on the second floor, and with a ladder, she could climb up to a small attic at the very top.

The cabin wasn’t large, but it was cozy.

Inside, a never-extinguishing tea-wood fire burned, filling the air with warmth and a clean fragrance.

Yu Zhizhi changed into a set of clean clothes. Wrapped in a small white blanket, she curled up on the sofa with a mug of bubbling orange tea before her.

Just then, she received a call from Luther of the Guard Team.

He said—

"Ms. Zhi Zhi, I have an update on the Housekeeper situation. We won’t need to recruit from the Divine City. As it happens, the vice-captain of the guards recommended a talented young man to us."

"He previously served as a guard in the Mysterious Moon Forest and also has experience as a Housekeeper for nobility. All things considered, he seems like a very suitable candidate."

"We can have him start on a trial basis for a few days. If you feel he isn’t a good fit, we’ll start the search again."

"What do you think? Does that work for you?"

Luther had called specifically to ask for her opinion.

If Ms. Zhi Zhi agreed, they would finalize the choice of this Housekeeper.

Yu Zhizhi gently nodded. "That’s fine."

Luther had his own duties and couldn’t be her bodyguard 24/7. Besides, if something were to happen, she didn’t want to always be a bother to him.

’Having a Housekeeper should make things much more convenient.’

"One more thing. The Beastman from the Lost Tower just contacted me. The Purification Holy Medicine will be delivered a day early—"

"Meaning you can pick it up tomorrow, by noon at the latest."

The Purification Holy Medicine was extremely valuable.

Every single dose was priceless.

The Lost Tower took great precautions in this matter. For one, the buyer was required to be present in person to pick it up, to prevent any mishaps during transport.

"Mmm, I know!" Yu Zhizhi was very happy to hear this news.

’With the Holy Medicine, the Fish-man will be able to transform.’

’Then I can find a chance to complete my mission!’

Hearing the cheerful voice of the Rabbit Clan female, the corners of Luther’s lips turned up. "If I have time tomorrow, I’ll go with you."

"Okay!"

"The new Housekeeper should be there soon."

Luther reminded her, "If you have any concerns, you can call the command center anytime. And feel free to test him a little."

The role of Housekeeper and guard was a very important one.

Yu Zhizhi hummed in agreement.

Just as Luther had predicted, the doorbell rang the moment she hung up.

Yu Zhizhi went to the door.

She pulled the white blanket tighter around herself and gently opened the door. A blast of wind and snow immediately swept in. Seeing the tall, slender figure standing on the doorstep, she ducked behind the door and pulled it open a little wider.

Paradise was located in an extremely cold region where heavy snow fell year-round.

The young man standing outside wore the dark green uniform of the Guard Team. He bowed.

"Distinguished Ms. Zhi Zhi, hello. I am your new Housekeeper."

"Please come in," Yu Zhizhi replied softly.

The man stepped out of the blizzard and into the warm cabin. There was still white snow on his shoulders, which he gently brushed off as he stood in the entryway.

His gaze shifted behind the door, where he saw the delicate figure wrapped in her little blanket, her rabbit ears twitching slightly.

He slowly closed the door.

The man’s tone was gentle and held a hint of amusement. "We meet again."

Yu Zhizhi had been staring at the Housekeeper’s black boots. When she heard his voice, she looked up—

The dark green uniform was understated and sharp, adorned with the exclusive golden insignia of the Guard Team. His tall, straight posture was like a pine tree standing firm in the harsh winter. He had choppy, ink-black hair, deep, dark eyes that held a hint of a smile, and a voice that was both gentle and deep...

For a moment, her memories overlapped.

"It’s you!"

She remembered him vividly.

’He was worth 150 points, after all!’

’To put that in perspective, teleporting to Paradise and even failing a side quest only cost 100 Points!’

"So you’re not from the Lost Tower—"

Yu Zhizhi suddenly fell silent.