Yu Ou's Thoughts: Taste the Local Specialties

The thick soundproof door of the master suite divided the lower-deck cabin from the outside world, creating two entirely separate realms.

Still, the yacht was out at sea. The gentle rocking, mingled with faint, indistinct sounds, lent the entire vessel an indescribably suggestive atmosphere.

On the aft deck, the sea breeze swept past.

Yu Ou rested one hand on the yacht’s stainless-steel railing, an ice-cold can of soda in the other, her gaze drifting aimlessly across the distant blue sea.

Although the soundproof door blocked most of the noise, the ocean was so quiet that every now and then, she could still sense vague sounds coming from inside the cabin.

From time to time, Yu Ou glanced toward the cabin door, but she knew where to draw the line. She simply remained where she was, courteously refraining from going over to listen in.

To be honest, she did have feelings for Su Bai.

As a retired professional sailor who had later become a high-end water-sports instructor along the coast, Yu Ou had dealt with no shortage of wealthy people.

She had seen far too many young rich heirs who rented yachts for a day at sea and could hardly wait to spray champagne all over the deck.

But truthfully, Yu Ou had never been interested in men like that.

She came from an athletic background. Independent and strong-willed, she carried an untamed, defiant edge in her bones.

Those spoiled young masters who relied on their family fortunes to act superior, whose bodies had been hollowed out by alcohol and women, and who loved flaunting their supposed superiority in front of her—Yu Ou had always looked down on them.

But Su Bai was completely different.

This man was simply too perfect. The sheer force of his presence made it impossible to look away.

He had a handsome, sunny face, while his physique was as powerful as a cheetah’s.

Earlier, while deep-sea fishing off the stern, he had relied on nothing but the strength of one person’s arms to wrestle with a massive catch weighing over thirty kilograms. The composure and raw power he had displayed were rarely seen even in professional weightlifters or strength athletes.

And yet, this supreme tycoon, who could casually order a custom yacht worth hundreds of millions, could put down his fishing rod, roll up his sleeves, and walk into the kitchen, wielding a knife with breathtaking skill and cooking with effortless artistry.

He was wealthy, powerful, steady, warm and witty with people, and completely free of airs.

To a strong-minded woman like Yu Ou, who worshipped absolute strength, a man who was both overwhelmingly formidable and irresistibly charming was nothing short of lethal.

Yu Ou lowered her head and took a long drink of soda, the icy bubbles tingling across her tongue.

The corner of her mouth curved into an amused smile.

To tell the truth, she had genuinely wanted to find out just how much those two pretty young women could endure with Su Bai’s seemingly bottomless, almost inhuman stamina.

The shy yet expectant expressions Zhou Jialu and Ke Yujia had worn when they followed Su Bai into the cabin made it obvious to anyone with eyes what was about to happen.

Fortunately, Yu Ou had excellent professional discipline.

She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the salty scent of the sea breeze, then raised a hand to pinch her slightly flushed earlobe, forcing herself to remain calm and composed.

“Forget it. I’ll just be a proper captain.”

Yu Ou gave a self-mocking laugh, turned around, and walked back to the flybridge helm. She put her sunglasses on again and seriously began observing the surrounding currents and instrument readings.

…

Time passed especially quickly at sea.

Before anyone realized it, the crimson sun on the horizon had begun sinking slowly toward the surface of the ocean.

Brilliant evening clouds dyed the entire sea a magnificent blend of gold-red and deep purple, while the rippling waves glimmered with scattered golden light.

At last, the door to the lower deck opened again.

Su Bai stepped onto the deck looking refreshed. He had changed into a clean, dry white linen shirt, the collar casually open. His entire bearing radiated a lazy yet vigorous energy.

Zhou Jialu followed close behind him. Her eyes were tinged with a captivating flush, and her whole body seemed to have been thoroughly nourished by rain, her steps languid and soft. She clung tightly to Su Bai’s arm.

Ke Yujia, meanwhile, had a crimson face and her head lowered. Her small hands gripped the hem of Su Bai’s shirt, and her steps were slightly unsteady. Even walking seemed to require her full attention.

From the flybridge, Yu Ou leaned over and removed her sunglasses, looking down at Su Bai.

Seeing that the man remained calm and composed, showing no sign of fatigue, while the two women beside him were weak-kneed and unsteady on their feet, Yu Ou couldn’t help silently clicking her tongue in amazement once again.

What on earth was this guy’s stamina made of?

“Boss Su, it’s getting dark.”

Yu Ou called out cheerfully, “We should probably weigh anchor and head back to port. If we wait any longer, the marker lights in the inner harbor will be coming on.”

“All right. Let’s head back.”

Su Bai looked up at her with a smile.

With the low rumble of the engine, the yacht turned around and cut through the waves dyed red by the sunset, sailing steadily toward the harbor.

The day’s yacht outing officially came to an end.

A little over half an hour later, the yacht docked securely in its private berth at Binhai Harbor.

Night had fallen. Soft, warm-yellow streetlamps lit up around the marina, while the sea breeze gradually turned cool.

The deckhands busied themselves securing the mooring lines and setting up the gangway.

Mr. Zhang had been waiting beside the floating pier for some time. When he saw the yacht return safely, his face blossomed into a smile.

“President Su, did you enjoy today’s trip out to sea?”

“It was great. The scenery was beautiful, and the yacht was very steady.”

Su Bai stepped off the gangway and replied casually.

“That’s good, that’s good!”

Mr. Zhang nodded repeatedly. Then he looked toward Yu Ou, who was walking out of the wheelhouse, and said with a smile, “Little Yu’s skills are second to none, aren’t they? I went out of my way to find you the best in the business. I guarantee nothing could go wrong.”

Yu Ou had already changed back into her sharp athletic outfit. Carrying a sports bag, she walked down the gangway on her long, straight legs.

Hearing Mr. Zhang’s words, she laughed in her usual direct and carefree manner.

“Old Zhang, listen to yourself. When have I ever let you down?”

With that, she turned to Su Bai and said openly, “Boss Su, thanks for your business today. The yacht is in perfect condition, and I’d say my assignment was completed successfully.”

Su Bai looked at the tall, strikingly handsome woman with sun-kissed skin. The sea breeze lifted the loose strands of hair beside her ears, making her appear especially vibrant and spirited.

He smiled and took the initiative to invite her.

“Coach Yu, you’ve been at the helm all day. Why don’t you join us for a simple dinner tonight? You can try some of the local specialties while you’re at it.”

Yu Ou froze slightly at his words.

Normally, when she took clients out to sea, everyone went their separate ways afterward. At most, a considerate boss would give her a generous tip. Very few would actually invite her to dinner.

Besides, Su Bai already had two stunning women by his side.

She glanced at Zhou Jialu and Ke Yujia.

Zhou Jialu looked at her with smiling eyes, her expression carrying the calm friendliness characteristic of a personal secretary. There wasn’t the slightest hint of rejection.

Ke Yujia blinked her large eyes as well, looking obedient and sweet.

Yu Ou’s heart stirred faintly, but out of habit, she still declined.

“Boss Su, you’re too kind. This is just my job. Besides, it’s a gathering among friends. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for me to tag along?”

“What’s inappropriate about having a meal together? The more people, the livelier.”

Su Bai’s tone was calm and easygoing, without the slightest hint of pressure or imposition. Yet there was a natural, effortless confidence to him that made it difficult to refuse.

“You worked the hardest on the boat today—taking us to the fishing spots and finding a place to anchor. Things wouldn’t have gone nearly so smoothly without you at the helm. Come on. Since we’re looking for the most authentic local food, we’ll have to ask our local expert to show us the way.”

Hearing how thoughtfully and considerately Su Bai had put it, without the slightest trace of condescension or charity—instead making her sound like an indispensable hero—Yu Ou’s last reservations vanished at once.

She was never the bashful type. And when it came to this young man, who was nearly perfect in every respect, she had already felt a strong sense of goodwill and curiosity.

A bold, cheerful smile curved Yu Ou’s lips. She slung her sports bag over her shoulder and nodded openly.

“Sure. Since Boss Su is being so generous, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

“As for the local food stalls and old neighborhood restaurants around here—what’s delicious and what’s a tourist trap—I know them all like the back of my hand. I guarantee you’ll get to taste the most authentic flavors tonight.”