Gu Ning handed the item to Winsor and explained its effects.
"Huh? Thank you, A-Ning!" Upon hearing it could slow aging, Winsor immediately became excited! She threw herself into Gu Ning's arms and planted a kiss on his cheek. Taking the bracelet, she beamed with delight as she fastened it around her fair wrist, admiring it constantly.
[Prompt: Winsor's Affinity +5. Affinity status upgraded to Admiration.]
Haha, affinity actually increased by 5 points! Gu Ning was instantly overjoyed. Watching Winsor, he realized he had underestimated the sheer power such an anti-aging item held over women!
"Winsor, I gave you a gift. Aren't you going to thank me properly?" Gu Ning asked with a playful smile.
"Didn't I just kiss you?" Winsor glanced at him, slightly puzzled by the question.
Gu Ning was momentarily speechless, but he wasn't about to let her off that easily. "That counts as thanks? No way! I get to decide what counts!"
"Then how do you want me to thank you?" Winsor inquired, looking at him. When she noticed Gu Ning's eyes roaming over her, understanding seemed to dawn. Her fair, delicate face flushed visibly red, and she shyly lowered her head.
Seeing Winsor didn't refuse but only bowed her head bashfully, Gu Ning knew exactly what that meant. In one fluid motion, their positions became entangled. Gu Ning kissed her red lips, and his hands began to explore the curves of her body.
Gradually, Winsor also wrapped her arms tightly around Gu Ning and began to respond! The wooden boat sailed under the moonlight, though tonight it seemed to rock slightly more than usual, as if encountering gentle waves.
The next morning, sunlight slipped through the window, playing on Gu Ning's eyelids and rousing him from sleep. He opened his eyes, squinting slightly against the light. Turning his head, he saw Winsor beside him, her smooth, fragrant shoulder exposed. He smiled softly, leaned down to kiss her forehead, then got dressed and rose.
A new day had dawned. Molly was already preparing breakfast, and the other five were seated on the fishing deck, rods in hand. Grabbing a stool, Gu Ning joined them and began his daily fishing work. He took out the Resource Fishing Rod and got started.
Soon, the first item was hooked.
Lounge Chair Blueprint (White):A comfortable lounge chair for more leisurely enjoyment of pleasant moments.
Crafting Requirements: Wood x4, Iron Nails x10
Another item to improve quality of life,Gu Ning thought. The Resource Rod seemed to yield generally low-tier items, though it was still far better than the initial rod. After six days, the basic rod hadn't produced much of value. He bought 4 units of wood, crafted 10 iron nails, and immediately built the chair. A wooden lounge chair appeared. Gu Ning carried it to the bow of the ship, placed it down, and settled in. The chair even rocked gently – much more comfortable than the wooden stool.
Back to work! Just then, Huohuo flew over and landed in Gu Ning's lap. He stroked the little creature's head. Without any Purple Crystals to eat these past two days, Huohuo hadn't grown from hunting underwater either. It seemed elemental spirits truly grew only by consuming elemental crystals or special crystals like Purple Crystals, as the Fu Shen Mountain Turtle had said. Unfortunately, Gu Ning had no way to get elemental crystals yet. Purple Crystals were possible but unreliable through his talent, and it felt wasteful to use it solely for that purpose.
The rod jerked again – the day's second catch!
Lumber Mill Blueprint (White):A territory without lumbering capability is incomplete. This will help remedy that!
Construction Requirements: Wood x300, Iron x20
Another blueprint! Luck's not bad today! Gu Ning thought. Though also white tier, this was far more valuable than the lounge chair.
Winsor walked over slowly and sat beside Gu Ning, handing him a cup of water.
"Why not sleep a little longer?" Gu Ning asked, taking the cup.
"I'm used to waking at this time," Winsor replied with a soft smile.
"Well, last night was different, wasn't it?" Gu Ning teased.
Winsor shot him a look of feigned annoyance and ignored him. He was always teasing! But after last night, their relationship had become inseparable. There was no more distance between them. Before, Winsor had always seen herself as subordinate; now, she truly felt like an equal partner.
Gu Ning was glad to see this. He would have many subordinates in the future and wouldn't seek a partner who was another ruler. A heroic companion who could communicate with him as an equal was the perfect choice – loyal and always prioritizing his interests. Perfect!
He reached over, took Winsor's hand, and smiled at her. Sensing his tenderness, Winsor smiled back contentedly. She was very satisfied with her life now.
The final catch for the day was hauled up: a black sphere.
Toxic Element Bomb (Special Item):Upon use, inflicts toxic damage on living targets. Effectiveness depends on the target's poison resistance.
The information made Gu Ning's face light up. A special offensive item! Another little trump card. He stored it away; it might prove very useful later. His Resource Rod uses for the day were spent. Overall, a decent haul! Time to pack up and eat breakfast.
Just as they were eating, the Heavenly Mother's announcement echoed:
[Global Announcement: Congratulations on surviving your first week! Today marks the start of a new week! Keep up the effort!]
[Global Announcement: To alleviate the monotony of your journey, the Arena is now open! Please review the Arena rules. All are encouraged to participate!]
[Global Announcement: Random events will occur during the journey ahead. Be prepared!]
Three announcements, each packed with information.
1. Confirmed the world's week was six days.
2. Opened an Arena, likely to incentivize personal strength growth.
3. Warned of random events – a broad term meaning anything could happen, good or bad.
Encountering a good event would be fine, but a bad one... like yesterday's Fu Shen Mountain Turtle. If it had been hostile, Gu Ning would have been done for a hundred times over. Thankfully, it was benevolent, granting him significant benefits. This change was truly both exciting and worrisome!