Chapter 33 Dancing

Chapter 33 Dancing

Ji Jing shook his head and quickly regained his composure, but when he looked at Ask Xiuzhu beside him, he noticed that the other's gaze remained dazed, as if entranced.

Only then did Ji Jing realize that the mermaid's song had a mesmerizing effect on people.

However, seeing how earnestly Semaya was singing, it seemed he wasn't doing it intentionally; it was simply his natural talent.

This sparked a competitive spirit in Ji Jing. After all, succubi also had the innate ability to charm. Who was stronger between him and Semaya?

With this thought, Ji Jing covered his mouth and silently mouthed, "Dear, you can dance, right?"

The other soul within him replied, "I specialize in jazz dance, but there’s no music here, and... the clothes aren’t suitable."

Ji Jing's eyes flickered, "Can you do a dance that fits this outfit and setting?"

After a few seconds of contemplation, the original soul responded, "Perhaps... classical dance?"

"Great!" Ji Jing agreed happily.

Then, while Semaya was singing, he saw Ji Jing suddenly stand up and walk toward him.

Surprised, Semaya paused for two seconds, but just then, Ji Jing took off his shoes, stretched out his arms, and began dancing barefoot on the sand, like an elegant butterfly spreading its wings.

As Ji Jing danced, Semaya quickly understood—Ji Jing was offering to dance alongside him, to perform together!

Semaya's eyes lit up, and his song resumed, even more ethereal and resonant than before, as if it could penetrate one's soul.

Ji Jing danced amidst the firelight, like an elf, his movements graceful and fluid, akin to wild ginger blossoms blooming after the rain.

The cheers and applause around them ceased, not because the mermaids thought Ji Jing was dancing poorly, but because they were captivated by his performance.

They held their breaths instinctively, afraid that any noise might scare away this rare and exquisite butterfly.

When Semaya's song ended, Ji Jing's dance came to a halt. He placed one hand behind his back, standing tall and elegantly bowing.

Five seconds later, the previously silent mermaids erupted into thunderous applause. Many boldly threw flowers at Ji Jing.

—These were their gestures of courtship towards Ji Jing.

Thinking they were merely cheering for him, Ji Jing reached out and caught the most vibrant flower.

Just as the flower's owner was about to burst with excitement, Ji Jing turned and offered the flower to Semaya.

"Semaya, this is for you. You sang beautifully!" Ji Jing said with a smile, despite the song not being to his taste.

Under the firelight, Semaya's handsome face flushed red.

When Ji Jing started dancing earlier, Semaya was already thrilled—

There was a human legend about a mermaid who fell in love with a human prince and traded her tongue with a witch for legs, just to be with him on land.

Unfortunately, the story didn't end well; the mermaid never received the prince's full love and eventually turned into foam.

Semaya found this story ridiculous. Mermaids didn't need to trade their tongues for legs; they only needed to return to the sea before dying of thirst.

Even if they did die of thirst, they wouldn't turn into foam.

But the mermaid in the story couldn't sing anymore and danced daily for the prince, which seemed to be the human way of expressing love.

Now, Ji Jing was dancing for him and giving him flowers.

This human... he was so passionate, bold, and direct!

Semaya was almost overwhelmed.

Did he really like him that much? Not even a hint of subtlety.

Still, since the human had declared his love in front of so many mermaids, Semaya couldn't refuse.

So, Semaya blushed and accepted the flower from Ji Jing.

"Alright, I accept your declaration. Even though you're human, my father and mother should like you. When the opportunity arises, I'll introduce you to them."

The surrounding mermaids applauded and cheered for the new couple.

Ji Jing, however, was stunned. He had only meant to compliment Semaya, not declare his love.

"Huh?"

And he wanted to introduce him to his parents... so soon?

They had just met, and now they were meeting the parents?

"Wait... wait!"

As Ji Jing stood there dumbfounded, Ask Xiuzhu, who had finally snapped out of Semaya's song, rushed forward, grabbed Ji Jing's arm, and pulled him behind him, blocking Semaya's intense gaze.

Semaya frowned, displeased. He had just established a relationship with Ji Jing and wanted to look at him more, but Ask Xiuzhu was in the way.

Ask Xiuzhu quickly explained, "Prince, there's been a misunderstanding. My brother didn't know that giving flowers means declaring love. In our human society, friends can give each other flowers as a sign of goodwill."

Hearing this, Semaya's expression darkened. He looked at Ask Xiuzhu and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Ji Jing gave me flowers and danced for me. Doesn't that count as a declaration?"

Ask Xiuzhu felt a surge of anger but, in front of so many mermaids, he forced a stiff smile and said, "Dancing doesn't count as a declaration either. Humans often dance when they’re happy. Don't believe me? Ask Ji Jing."

"Ji Jing?" Semaya looked past Ask Xiuzhu.

Ji Jing's head emerged, but one of his wrists was still tightly gripped by Ask Xiuzhu. The force was almost crushing his wrist bone, clearly conveying a heavy threat.

Ji Jing thought for two seconds—

He actually wanted to agree to Semaya's request, thinking it might help him escape from Ask Xiuzhu's grasp using Semaya's influence.

But the problem was: he was human and couldn't survive in the sea, nor could a succubus. Semaya, being a mermaid, couldn't stay on land indefinitely either.

In other words, even tigers take naps; when that moment came, he couldn't predict how Ask Xiuzhu would deal with him.

So Ji Jing ultimately decided to reject Semaya first.

"I'm sorry, Semaya. I really don't understand your mermaid customs. I apologize for any offense I may have caused. Please don't take it to heart."

In an instant, all the color drained from Semaya's face, and she involuntarily took a step back.

Seeing Semaya's reaction, Ji Jing felt a pang of guilt, but with Ask Xiuzhu restraining him, there was little he could do.

He could only give a regretful smile.

At this moment, a mermaid approached and said something to Semaya.

The dazed Semaya barely regained her composure, nodded, and responded in the mermaid language.

Then, Semaya looked at Ji Jing again, managing a bitter smile.

"Ji Jing, our tidal ceremony is about to begin. If you want to watch, it's best to stand farther away."

Ji Jing didn't understand but nodded and said, "Okay."

**Author's Note**

Thank you, "Xia Xiaoli," for the 47 bottles of nutrient fluid. Thanks, darling~