"Show me what you've got—charge! I'm cheering you on," Li Zifei pumped his fist.
Emboldened, Wu Goudan strode forward with forced swagger, each step oozing overblown confidence—never mind his pumpkin-shaped face and beer belly.
Two targets: the silver-haired lady seems to be the leader—perfect, she'll be my first conquest.
"Greetings, beautiful Ship Girl. Sorry to interrupt your meal. I'm Wu Goudan, a proud Admiral. Destiny has brought us together—may I have a moment of your time? I promise not to take long," he said gently.
Illustrious had barely noticed the rooster-strutting man—until he halted right in front of her.
Illustrious parted her lips. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
'I don't have an Admiral!' Illustrious blurted without a second thought. After all, she herself was the Admiral—why would she need another one?
'Then, lovely Ayanami, might I ask if you have an Admiral?' Wu Goudan turned his head and called to Ayanami.
'I already have an Admiral, desu.' Though she had no idea what this guy was scheming, Ayanami saw no harm in answering.
So one Ship Girl already has an Admiral—what a shame. Still, there's another who doesn't. A Ship Girl without an Admiral is a Free Ship Girl, and a Free Ship Girl can be recruited!
Realizing Ayanami was taken, Wu Goudan lost interest in chatting her up and turned his sights on the Admiral-less Illustrious. 'Illustrious! My Naval Base is huge—three square meals guaranteed, plus a deluxe, state-of-the-art bathhouse. Best of all, I have mountains of resources to help a Gold-Plated Ship Girl like you level up!'
'Uh… what exactly are you trying to say?' Illustrious stared in bewilderment.
'I mean, a Free Ship Girl wandering alone, suffering hardship after hardship—surely your heart aches. You probably cry into your blanket at night, feeling empty, lonely, cold. Ever thought of ending that solitude? Ever wanted a real home?' Wu Goudan hinted, laying it on thick.
'Sorry, I still don't get it. Spit it out—straight to the point, no beating around the bush!' Illustrious had run out of patience.
Seeing her annoyance, Wu Goudan laughed heartily. 'Haha, I like a Ship Girl who cuts to the chase. Then I won't dawdle!'
'Listen up! I want you to link your soul network with mine and become my Ship Girl. No more worrying about food, lodging, upgrade resources—solved in one go! Isn't that fantastic news? Oh, you're trembling with joy already—no need to hold back, come into my arms!'
Illustrious was indeed shaking—not from joy but from rage. Who on earth would link with this fatty? A toad lusting after a swan!
Illustrious issued a polite dismissal. As a Royal Navy girl, she had to keep her manners; she couldn't explode, so she spoke gently, 'Thank you for the offer. You're a good man, but I'm not looking for an Admiral. Farewell.'
'Hey! Think it over—guys like me are one in a million! Could it be you feel you're not good enough for me? Understandable; outstanding men are rare these days.' Wu Goudan still refused to believe the problem was him.
Illustrious couldn't be bothered. She glanced at Ayanami, silently asking her to shoo the pest away.
Ayanami caught the cue, yanked a ship-slaying sword from her rigging space, and slammed it on the table with a thunderous crash. The sight sent Wu Goudan scurrying back to his seat, tossing out a final retort as he fled.
'Hmph! Illustrious, you'll regret this! One day you'll wish you'd accepted me as your Admiral. Time will prove I was right!'
Seething, Wu Goudan returned to his table, raised a teacup as if it were Illustrious, and gulped the water in one go. 'Ungrateful wretch! Who does she think she is? Such attitude—infuriating!'
'Hahaha! Wu Goudan, that performance was priceless! Did you really think a Gold-Plated Ship Girl would be that easy to catch? Strutting over like some heart-throb—hilarious!' Li Zifei doubled over in laughter.
'Laugh all you want! If you're so awesome, you try! Show me your so-called pickup skills.' Wu Goudan snapped, stung by the mockery.
'Fine, I'll go. Unlike a certain porker who thinks he's handsome, I'm the real deal—one look from me and they'll swoon.' Li Zifei swaggered.
'Oh, really? Then dazzle me, brother—just don't come back with your tail between your legs like I did.' Wu Goudan's tone was dripping sarcasm.
'Naturally. Watch and learn; don't blink!' Li Zifei wasn't worried—handsome guys don't get rejected.
He strolled toward Illustrious. She was gorgeous—worthy of him. In his mind this Gold-Plated beauty was already his.
He flicked his hair back, struck what he thought was a dashing pose, and declared in a commanding voice, 'Hey, woman—I've chosen you. Link your soul network with me, now.'
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