Chapter 134: Sharing a Bed? The Luxurious Cruise Night Sparks Wild Speculation

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(Previous chapter’s conflict plot was poorly received and has been revised; original storyline for this chapter has been changed accordingly.)
February 9, New Year's Eve, the thirtieth day of the lunar month.

After a simple breakfast, Zhang Long set off for the Magic City harbor area where a luxurious cruise ship was docked. They had agreed to meet at the pier at 9:30, but it wasn’t until 10 o’clock that Qian Caiying arrived, looking like she had just woken up.

This woman really loves to sleep in.

...

“Wow, it’s huge.”

Following the crowd onto the ship, Zhang Long marveled at the luxurious cruise that resembled a castle, even larger than his current residential complex. It was truly impressive.

However, as he stepped onto the gangway, glancing at the sea surface tens of meters below, a surge of acrophobia mixed with a hint of deep-sea fear washed over him. His legs weakened and his head spun; he cursed inwardly.

“Hey, what’s wrong with you?”

Qian Caiying noticed Zhang Long swaying and quickly steadied him. “Didn’t eat breakfast or just tired from last night? Why are you shaking?”

“Cough cough, fear of heights.”

Zhang Long’s face paled slightly. Qian Caiying was speechless — scared of heights from this little elevation?

If so, many activities on the ship would be impossible. Deck viewing would be out of the question—ridiculous.

“Unbelievable.”

Supporting Zhang Long as they boarded, Qian Caiying half-suspected he was trying to take advantage of her, but there was no proof—he was genuinely trembling.

Their luggage was handled by a dedicated steward, so they boarded empty-handed, no risk of losing anything.

The ship was 270 meters long and 59 meters high.

It had 15 decks from the cabins to the top, accommodating nearly 4,500 people. More than a ship, it was like a miniature “city at sea” with ice rinks, hot springs, cinemas, bars, saunas, theaters, and more.

There was even a golf course and a shopping street, offering diverse entertainment options.

Trendy and modern, the ship even hosted romantic weddings and honeymoon trips, with routes passing through multiple countries across America, Asia, and Europe, stopping briefly for local sightseeing.

The more Zhang Long learned from the steward, the more he felt dazzled by the luxury and his own ignorance. Concentrating so much entertainment on one cruise was quite lively.

Qian Caiying, however, yawned, unimpressed by what she had seen since childhood.

No matter how fun the cruise was, it was ultimately superficial.

It was fine to temporarily forget reality for a wild time, but once back on land, all the experiences and pleasures vanished suddenly, leaving one feeling miserable.

This cruise was just a vacation, a reward for Zhang Long’s hard work at Hongze over the past half year.

...

“Xiaoying ran off?”

At an old estate in the outskirts of Magic City, a somewhat frail but spirited old man’s face was tanned dark. During the New Year, he wasn’t going on a cruise but staying home, thinking it was nonsense.

“Who did she go with?”

The steward promptly replied, “A young man named Zhang Long. He’s an orphan from Hangzhou with an unknown background, but he has some capability. He’s contributed to Hongze’s recent development. Last night, he even had a conflict with Du Jiahong’s daughter and nearly fought.”

“Oh, is that so?”

The old man squinted. “Xiaoying is getting more disobedient. She usually makes trouble, but going out to play on New Year’s Eve—pure nonsense.”

“And Zhang Long—is he deliberately getting close to Xiaoying, like that other guy before?”

“No, he isn’t.”

The steward’s tone was uncertain. “Details are unclear, but from their interactions, Caiying is the one who actively seeks out Zhang Long. Several times she’s been so frustrated she ground her teeth. If it’s not some ‘catch and release’ strategy, then there’s really nothing to worry about.”

“Interesting.”

The old man paused, then smiled faintly. “This girl actually listens to an outsider?”

“Although Yingzi has a bad temper, she’s kind-hearted and doesn’t bully people recklessly. Seems there’s something about Zhang Long that attracts her.”

“Keep a close eye on him. As long as his character is sound, no need to intervene.”

“It’s her right to choose friends, as long as they mean no harm.”

The steward acknowledged and withdrew.

In the study, the frail old man continued to roll a walnut in his right hand, his bright eyes narrowed as if imagining something. After a moment, a low chuckle drifted softly, “Old Ling is ruthless but growing weaker. His ambition is fading.”

“Maybe one day I’ll be like that too—becoming someone I despise and hate, haha.”

“The older you get, the smaller your courage.”

...

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The cruise’s executive suite.

Lin Yuan had booked a room that, aside from the top-tier business suite, was the best available on the ship—comparable to a four-star hotel on land, featuring a large bed, really big.

It measured 2.3 meters long and 2.8 meters wide.

With cashmere carpets, an LCD TV, and a high-end computer for internet access, the ship’s dedicated wireless network ensured smooth surfing, though cell phone signal was poor at sea.

“Uh, just one bed?”

Zhang Long scratched his head. Although the bed was huge and had two sets of blankets and pillows, it still meant sharing a sleeping space, even if not under the same quilt.

“Ah, comfy.”

Qian Caiying paid no mind and flopped onto the soft bed, rolling and humming. “Big beds are great for rolling around. One bed is one bed. You can ask if there are other executive cabins; if so, I don’t mind switching rooms.”

“If you dare try anything at night, don’t blame me if I snap you.”

Wow, so harsh, Zhang Long broke into a sweat.

Still, he asked the steward if any other executive cabins were available; economy cabins were out of the question—not only lacking private bathrooms but cramped with two beds squeezed together. This trip was for enjoyment, not suffering.

“Sorry, none left.”

The steward didn’t know why the couple wanted separate beds, but cabins were booked in advance and not resold quickly, in case the next port had people boarding.

During the Chinese New Year, passenger demand was high; even adding 100 cabins wouldn’t suffice. Some reserved cabins were available only for emergencies.

Since the couple wasn’t fighting or causing trouble, it didn’t seem necessary to separate them.

So, apologies, none available this time.

“Enough, don’t be so fussy.”

Qian Caiying waved off the steward and rolled her eyes at Zhang Long. “I’m a woman, so I don’t care, but you’re so hesitant.”

“Perfect. I can keep an eye on you for Liang Xue, to prevent any special services at night.”

“Afraid you won’t resist temptation.”

Zhang Long turned away, unwilling to engage. Monitoring him for Liang Xue? She probably forgot she was a woman too—her thinking was odd.

Forget it. One room it is. The bed was huge with two blankets—no problem.

As long as he didn’t get drunk and lose control, it would be fine.

...

“Yikes, scary.”

On the balcony railing of the executive suite, Zhang Long’s teeth chattered lightly, staring at the cruise cutting through waves dozens of meters below. Honestly, it was frightening; better return to the room.

This was after a few “kiss therapy” sessions with Luo Man on the Ferris wheel. At first, he might have collapsed in fear, his heart shutting down.

“You’re so embarrassing.”

Qian Caiying was speechless. “With your fear of heights, you can only do ship activities inside the cabin. Swimming or diving on the deck is out of the question.”

Of course, most activities and entertainment were still accessible if he avoided looking at the sea.

Out of sight, out of fear.

Zhang Long’s phobia likely stemmed from childhood insecurity or a traumatic incident at height—perhaps a sudden fright or shove from a playmate nearly causing a fall.

Fear of heights was a stress response.

“It’s okay, I’m fine.”

After a while in the room, Zhang Long’s complexion improved. The cruise was steady; without strong winds, the rocking was barely noticeable unless lying quietly.

It felt like staying in a land hotel, nothing to worry about if he didn’t look outside.

Lunch was a buffet with Qian Caiying at the dining hall. Executive cabin tickets didn’t charge extra for meals unless ordering specialty dishes—Japanese, Western, Chinese—plenty of expensive delicacies.

The ship had escalators and elevators connecting decks, each with different entertainment and scenery. Zhang Long spent half the afternoon wandering and observing, enjoying himself.

The best view was at the upper deck’s hot spring swimming pool, surrounded by bikini-clad beauties.

Black, white, yellow—women of all complexions dazzled the eyes. Their scant clothing barely covered private parts, revealing tempting figures and drawing attention.

“Hey, stop being a pig.”

Qian Caiying couldn’t stand it anymore, embarrassed by Zhang Long’s gawking as if he’d never seen so many beautiful women.

“Don’t you want to swim?”

Zhang Long snapped back to reality and asked, hoping to see Qian Caiying sunbathing in a bikini. Unfortunately, she shook her head. “No interest. I just wanted to get away from nagging at home.”

“Do whatever you want. I’ll stay in the room or wander around, no need to mind me.”

“Be back by curfew.”

...

Bang bang, crackle crackle, fireworks exploded and firecrackers sounded in the suburbs of Magic City at dinnertime.

In a modest old apartment, Luo Xin frowned slightly.

She had called her brother-in-law several times that afternoon without a response. Could he really disappear on New Year’s Eve?

“Buzz, buzz buzz~”

Suddenly, her phone vibrated with a video call from Zhang Long. She immediately answered, and Zhang Long’s handsome face appeared on screen.

“Ah, it’s Xin.”

“Happy New Year. Where’s your sister?”

In the cruise cabin, Zhang Long was momentarily stunned. Luo Xin’s pale, slightly sickly but eager face appeared. She smiled brightly, “Happy New Year, brother-in-law! My sister’s making New Year’s Eve dinner. I was the one sending you messages on her phone this afternoon, hehe.”

Previously, Luo Man had invited Zhang Long to her home for New Year’s Eve, but he declined.

Even without the luxurious seven-day cruise, he preferred a quiet New Year alone. Much better.

“Brother-in-law, where are you?”

Luo Xin looked around Zhang Long’s room, which didn’t look like her home—more like a hotel. Traveling?

“I’m outside, traveling for the New Year. I’ll be back in a few days.”

“Tell your sister too.”

Luo Xin nodded but still asked, “Brother-in-law, when will you formally visit our home? Mom really wants to meet you. My sister’s too shy to say it, so I’m telling you.”

“Let me check the date.”

Facing Luo Xin’s pale, expectant face, Zhang Long looked at the calendar. “If I return to Magic City on schedule, it’ll be Saturday the 16th, the seventh day of the lunar new year. If not, I’ll set another date, but it won’t be later than the Lantern Festival on the 15th. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely come.”

“Uh, so long?”

Luo Xin’s expression showed a little melancholy. Her brother-in-law was traveling, so there was no rush. He promised to visit, and it wasn’t polite to pressure him.

“Okay, brother-in-law, goodbye. I’ll tell my sister and mom. We’ll keep in touch.”

After hanging up, Zhang Long exhaled softly. After the cruise, going to the Luo family was a good idea—to discuss ways to improve family life and help Luo Man truly relax and be at ease in the future.

Being a boyfriend means shouldering some responsibility.

...

“Uh, maybe don’t drink anymore.”

After dinner, Zhang Long was dragged by Qian Caiying to the scenic bar. The cruise was dazzling with night lights, and all open entertainment venues were packed.

Everyone on the cruise made sure to enjoy every minute, not wasting a moment.

Tickets were expensive, and onboard expenses were also high—not for those who couldn’t afford it.

“Sake, no alcohol strength.”

Qian Caiying rolled her eyes. “I’m not stupid; I won’t get drunk. After all, you never know what people are thinking. What if you turn into a big pervert at night?”

“I’m still a pure maiden.”

“Heh, heh heh.”

Zhang Long laughed and shrugged. Qian Caiying’s behavior didn’t seem maiden-like at all; she was an old hand.

“What, don’t believe me?”

Seeing Zhang Long’s noncommittal look, Qian Caiying rubbed her little tiger teeth. “I’m just theoretically experienced, almost practiced once.”

“If you don’t believe me, want to try tonight? If you dare, I won’t hesitate to snap you!”

“A glass of plain water, please.”

Zhang Long ignored her and ordered free boiled water. The bar was filled with men and women from various countries. Except for Japanese and Korean faces, foreign faces all looked similar to Zhang Long.

At this moment, he felt a bit faceblind.

But he could still tell handsome men and beautiful women apart, just couldn’t remember their faces. Compared to them, Qian Caiying seemed somewhat delicate—quite strange.

“Auction night is Tuesday.”

This was Zhang Long’s focus. Finding a bargain would be great; if not, at least he could experience it.

On Tuesday afternoon, the cruise would arrive at Gangjiang port, where an auction would take place that evening.

All currencies were accepted.

“That beautiful lady keeps looking at you...”

Suddenly, Qian Caiying poked Zhang Long, indicating a direction. “Tall, long-legged white foreign woman—why not strike up a conversation and have a romantic night? Experience it?”

“That woman keeps staring at you too.”

Zhang Long rolled his eyes, gesturing for Qian Caiying to look the other way, where a handsome man was watching her.

The cruise’s nightlife, especially the bar, was filled with allure and temptation.

“Oh, are you jealous?”

Qian Caiying clicked her tongue softly, swirling her drink and casting a charming glance at Zhang Long. “Want me to give you a back rub when we get back to the room?”

“Or, you give me one?”

Zhang Long: Haha, yeah, right.

P.S. The next chapter’s plot is being revised thoroughly and will be released as a single chapter once completed. Please look forward to it.

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