After all, most females preferred strong and capable males.
"Wait, you merfolk shed your skin too? I've only heard of snakes doing that! I never imagined merfolk would as well. That's amazing! And the skin can be made into clothes that are fireproof and waterproof? Incredible!" Si Lu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Indeed, it was the first time she'd heard of this. Merfolk shedding their skin—it was shocking, and she couldn't wait to see what it looked like.
"If you like, I can make a few more outfits for you," Lanpo said, looking at her adorable expression. "Our merfolk clothes are very comfortable, similar to snake skin, but lighter, like cicada wings. And there are other colors too—our skin tones aren't uniform, as you've seen."
Lanpo reached out and ruffled Si Lu's hair. Seeing her so curious and cute, he couldn't help but smile.
For some reason, he was completely captivated by her.
"You're really too good to me, hehe," Si Lu said, hugging Lanpo happily.
Lanpo immediately turned crimson, eyes darting away. His whole body stiffened, as if he didn't dare breathe!
Only now did he realize that she was still bathing—completely unclothed.
He could feel her warm body, her alluring curves…
Si Lu, realizing this, blushed furiously and quickly ducked into the water, hiding herself, facing away from him. She was mortified, having acted on impulse just a moment ago.
"Uh, that was an accident just now, don't think too much of it," Si Lu stammered, covering her face. "Besides, didn't you say you'd be my mate? Uh… you can go get my clothes. I've finished bathing and want to dress now."
Her words tumbled out in a flustered rush, utterly embarrassed. She hoped he wouldn't think she did it on purpose.
Lanpo, recovering from his shock, quickly left the bath and went to fetch her clothes. Despite being a little wet himself, he was thrilled—he'd just experienced her hugging him. It was proof she didn't dislike him, right?
After a short while, he returned with the clothes. By now, Si Lu had finished bathing and gathered herself.
"Lu Lu, here are your clothes. Go ahead and put them on; I'll wait outside," Lanpo said, placing the garments on the table and leaving. He could tell she was still shy—there was no way he'd watch her dress.
Si Lu exhaled in relief, stepped out of the bath, wiped the remaining water from her body, and put on the white flowing dress. Her silver hair, still slightly damp, fell elegantly behind her.
Stepping out, she saw Lanpo waiting. He looked up just in time and froze at the sight:
Si Lu, in the flowing white dress, glowing like a moonlit fairy, her wet silver hair framing a delicate face, seemed almost ethereal. Her beauty was breathtaking, impossible to look away from.
Si Lu walked toward him. Lanpo hadn't yet recovered.
"What's wrong, Lanpo? You spacing out?" she asked, waving her hand in front of his face.
"You're… beautiful, Lu Lu," Lanpo said softly, eyes filled with affection.
She was so stunning, he didn't want anyone else to see her. He felt selfish even thinking it, but he couldn't help it.
"Yes? I really like this dress you brought me—it feels like I'm a fairy. It's a bit cool, very comfortable," Si Lu said with a smile.
Indeed, the dress was perfect: smooth, delicate, and hugging her skin just right.
This was her first time wearing the skin shed by a merman, and honestly, she was completely shocked—pleasantly so.
She loved it.
"If you like it, that's great," Lan Po said with a gentle smile. "Later, I'll have more made for you—actually, no, I'll make them myself. That way, you'll have plenty to change into."
"Wait a second," he added, reaching for her hair. "Let me dry it for you before you catch a cold."
In his hand was a small, glowing stone that radiated warmth. As he ran it through her hair, it dried quickly.
Si Lu's eyes widened in amazement. That little red stone—wow. It could dry hair perfectly without damaging it. Incredible.
"Lu Lu," Lan Po said, his gaze intense yet nervous, "in a few days, let's… mate—officially become partners, okay?"
Even though they had already promised themselves to each other, they hadn't formally mated yet. He worried she might think he was rushing things. He just wanted to make it official—to take care of her, protect her, and love her in name and spirit.
"Sure," Si Lu smiled. "No need to wait for a special date. After we meet that important relative of yours, we'll mate—right here, underwater. I really like it here, and since you're from the merman tribe, mating in the sea must have special meaning for you, right?"
Honestly, she just wanted to experience what it would be like to bond underwater.
Then her mind wandered—did mermen mate the same way she'd just seen earlier… inside the clam shell? Oh god, her face turned red instantly. What am I even thinking about?!
"So shameless…" she scolded herself internally.
"Lu Lu, thank you," Lan Po said softly, pulling her into his arms, his chin resting on her shoulder. He was deeply moved.
He knew she was being thoughtful—choosing the sea because of him. She really understood him, and that touched him deeply.
"Silly, what are you thanking me for?" Si Lu chuckled, patting his back. "We're about to be family."
What a dumb fish, she thought affectionately. If he'd met someone else, he probably would've been tricked out of his scales and tail by now. Good thing he met someone as kind as me.
"Yes," Lan Po said softly, "we'll be family."
"Once we mate, I'll go live on land with you," he added. "Wherever you go, I'll follow."
"Mhm," Si Lu nodded, looking at him with warm eyes. She stood on tiptoe and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Lan Po froze, his handsome face lighting up with joy. His little female had just kissed him first!
He felt… almost dizzy from happiness.
"Lu Lu, we can't mate today though," Lan Po said, blushing slightly. "You still need to return to the shore. For mermen, mating lasts at least a full day and night."
A day and a night—and that was the shortest possible duration. Lan Po, confident in his stamina, knew it would likely last longer. He suddenly wondered if her small, delicate body could handle it...
"What?! A day and a night?" Si Lu nearly shouted.
"You're joking, right?"
Lan Po scratched his neck awkwardly. "Uh… no. So—"
"Alright, alright," she interrupted quickly. "Let's not talk about that right now. Didn't you say we needed to go meet that important relative of yours? If we keep waiting, they'll be waiting too long."
And seriously, first impressions matter—especially when meeting family. She didn't want his relatives thinking she was disrespectful or lazy.
"You're right. Let's go," Lan Po said, releasing her hand only to take it again as they headed out of the sleeping hall.
...
They soon arrived at the entrance of a grand palace, where two merman guards stood watch.
"Prince Lan Po," one of the guards said, "the Chief has instructed that you enter as soon as you arrive."
Both guards, however, froze when they saw Si Lu.
This little female… she was stunning. They had never seen such beauty before. And she had legs—not a tail like them—which meant she was truly a land-dwelling female.
Could it be that all land females were this gorgeous?
Their prince really had incredible luck—to not only meet such a beautiful woman but to win her heart and bring her home.
Truly enviable.