MasukI decide to get onboard with the latest trend by custom-ordering a merfolk meant to serve me from AquaGene Corp. On the day Lance arrives at the company, the engineer tells me, "It's highly recommended that you be there in person, Ms. Ross. That way, you'll be able to form the initial bond with him." So, I spend one day standing before the eco-tank. As soon as Lance opens his eyes, he doesn't show any signs of wanting to get close to me. Instead, he merely scrutinizes me coldly before turning his back on me. I comfort myself, thinking that Lance is just shy. But one week later, I realize how wrong I truly am. I pay money because I want to buy a partner who can keep me company forever. Turns out I buy myself the biggest trouble of the century instead.
Lihat lebih banyak"No… That's not true. This money is mine," Vivian stammered.But the evidence on the screen was solid.The chat exploded."No way! I almost got fooled by this fake bitch! She actually had the audacity to lure a merman just to ride the wave of hype and exchange him for money?""I knew she was up to no good. Now that she's exposed, she still won't admit it!""How shameless! This move is next-level shady!"Vivian screamed and struggled as security dragged her off the stage.Unable to secure a merfolk and trapped in a predatory contract with mountains of debt, her future was bleak.I rose from my seat and stepped into the focus of the holographic cameras."Based on 30 days of observation data and my personal decision," I said clearly, "the merman I choose to keep is…"I paused for a moment.Lance closed his eyes."Sylas."Applause broke out. Sylas' viewing tank lit up brightly, and a warm smile spread across his face.Lance's tank darkened. He slowly sank, curling up in the c
The room erupted in shock. In an instant, every camera lens pivoted, locking onto me and Vivian.The chat blew up, messages flying by faster and faster."Can't believe Vivian actually has the money! She really wants to take Lance away!""What a surprise! I thought she wouldn't come, but she actually showed up to buy Lance!""Lance should be happy. He doesn't need to get returned now."Countless gazes fixed on me—some shocked, some curious, others eager for the drama to unfold.Lance froze in the water. His eyes were full of complicated emotions.Suddenly, he swam to the very edge of the tank. His voice, amplified by the communication system, echoed through the entire hall. "Please be quiet."Those three words dripped with the deathly chill of the deep sea.Vivian froze, her face going pale."I want to talk to my master," Lance said without even glancing at her. "Please do not disturb."His voice was rough as he called me. ""Master… I haven't forgotten how you came every day
The third week of the observation period had arrived.AquaGene Corp scheduled a merfolk comprehensive ability evaluation.The final test was a crisis simulation to assess the merfolk's emergency response and their protective instincts toward their master.As the simulation began, the lights went out and the water currents grew chaotic.According to the plan, the merfolk were supposed to immediately seek a safe zone and alert the master.Sylas did exactly that. He quickly swam to the safe zone and triggered the emergency communication.But Lance hesitated for a second, then suddenly changed direction and charged toward the safe zone where Sylas was.Not to join him but to collide.With all his might, Lance slammed sideways into Sylas. The unexpected impact threw Sylas off balance and into the more turbulent water.Meanwhile, Lance slid into the safe spot that was supposed to be Sylas'.The whole scene played out in less than three seconds, but the livestream camera caught ever
It was the second week of the observation period, and the score gap was huge.Sylas had 87 points, while Lance's score was negative five.Lance finally realized how serious this was. He began to change. Gone was his arrogance and coldness.Whenever I appeared, he would swim toward me and cooperate with every check. He even started trying to mimic Sylas' behaviors.When I fed them, he awkwardly swam near, his gaze filled with cautious hope.But I ignored him. Like before, my gaze and food were reserved only for Sylas, who took the food willingly.Watching this, Lance finally broke. He opened his mouth, assuming a posture that was nothing short of a desperate plea.My hand, holding the plate, paused for a fleeting second. Then, I tilted the empty plate toward him before leaving.Lance froze there for a moment before slipping back into the shadows of the reef, not coming out for a long time.He even started to sing.Lance's voice was completely different from Sylas'. The latter'






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