Chapter 41 Setting Sail.

Chapter 41: Setting Sail

The jungle at the island's center was lush with vegetation, featuring dense groves of bamboo and abundant timber, ensuring no shortage of materials for boat building.

Bamboo, wood, and empty bottles for buoyancy were gathered. An exceptionally thick bamboo pole was chosen for the mast, and a waterproof tarp lashed to it formed a functional sail. Oars were carved from sturdy logs.

The hull was designed with a three-layer hollow structure to maximize buoyancy, its cavities packed with plastic water buckets provided by the production team for drinking water. Bamboo and wood components were securely bound with wire and hemp rope, eliminating any concern about leaks or the boat falling apart.

The bow was shaped to a sharp point to minimize drag, and a box was affixed to the hull to store any potential catches.

Boat building is typically a time-consuming endeavor, but Yu Xin seemed to possess a complete, detailed 3D model of the vessel in his mind. He had a clear grasp of every construction phase and the final assembly. Under his direction, the guests efficiently divided tasks, and with the aid of advanced tools from their era that significantly reduced labor, the entire boat was completed in just over half a day.

Yu Xin even found time to add a sunshade—a canopy of bamboo poles and canvas—to block most of the sun. After all, prolonged exposure to the scorching sun at sea would be uncomfortable and could accelerate dehydration.

The finished boat was structurally sound, meticulously crafted, and highly practical, bearing little resemblance to something built by amateurs, even under the guidance of Yu Xin, their sole expert.

With a mechanical propeller and a gasoline engine, they could have ventured much further out to sea. However, limited to human power, they could only explore areas close to shore.

Considering physical exertion and safety, their boat could accommodate only about four people. The two female guests remained ashore for other tasks, while Qin Shizhen, Sheng Xingyao, Ji Yixing, and Yu Xin embarked on the sea journey.

They needed to don their diving gear by the shore. Predictably, the production team offered no luxuries, providing only the most basic snorkeling kit: a mask, a snorkel, and fins.

Buoyancy compensators, oxygen tanks, regulators, wetsuits, and similar equipment were entirely out of the question.

Fortunately, the reef area they planned to visit wasn't too deep. As long as they managed their breathing, the basic gear would suffice.

Before diving, Yu Xin had inquired and learned that Qin Shizhen, Sheng Xingyao, and Ji Yixing all had some diving experience, which spared Yu Xin considerable effort and worry.

However, another issue arose.

They hadn't brought spare clothes. Saltwater-soaked garments would be uncomfortable even after drying, and using precious freshwater to wash them was an undeniable luxury.

"So, it's best not to wear our own clothes into the water later," Yu Xin advised.

[What, what, what? Did I hear that right? Is it what I think it means? [lustful][lustful]]

[If I recall correctly, the production team didn't provide wetsuits, right? And they can't wear their own clothes, so that means...]

[This show's direction is getting stranger and stranger (wiping nosebleed)]

[I've lived a life of good deeds and accumulated virtue; seeing this is my just reward. Take it off, take it off, take it off!]

[When we girls are tired from work and study, we need to see this kind of content. After watching these videos, we feel happier, more energized for work, which boosts the economy and accelerates the Federation's development.]

"It's just taking off a shirt, no big deal. I'm totally fine with it," Sheng Xingyao declared openly. He had worn far more revealing outfits on stage, even cross-dressed for his fans. Going shirtless was merely a trifle.

He worked hard to sculpt those impressive muscles—wasn't it so his fans could enjoy the aesthetically pleasing sight when he stripped down?

[Everyone knows Sheng Xingyao is a famous male icon; even non-fans have saved a few of his pictures.]

[Yao Bao, could you please be a little more reserved? (sweating)]

[To be honest, we've already seen Teacher Qin and Sheng Xingyao. What I'm really looking forward to is Yu Xin and the new Mr. Ji.]

[Me too!! I noticed early on that the new hunk's chest muscles are definitely extraordinary!! Those faintly visible lines have me gasping!]

"But," Sheng Xingyao suddenly remembered something, alertly covering his lower body, "I can't take off my pants! I only have this one pair, and my underwear is briefs!"

"...No one said you had to take off your pants," Yu Xin said helplessly. "And we don't care if you wear briefs or anything else. Just taking off your shirt is fine."

If they stripped too much, their livestream might risk a content warning.

"I'm fine with it too," Qin Shizhen said. Actors, by nature of their profession, tend to be less body-shy than ordinary people.

"What about you, Brother Ji?" Yu Xin turned to Ji Yixing. Honestly, he had always perceived Ji Yixing as having the demeanor of a noble young master—reserved and dignified. He wondered if extensive body exposure on camera would seem undignified to him.

Ji Yixing gave him a meaningful look, his tone subtly nuanced: "If you... don't mind, then I'm fine with it too."

Yu Xin: ...You take off your clothes, why would I mind?

They weren't a married couple or lovers, where one would need the other's permission to undress.

Dismissing Ji Yixing's peculiar behavior, Yu Xin said, "Then everyone, quickly take off your clothes and put on your diving gear."

[Listen to Xinxin! Strip! Quickly!!]

[Let's all say it together: Thank you, Yu Xin! Thank you, production team!!]

[As a devout fan, I thank all the male icons in advance (hands clasped).]

Sheng Xingyao was the least inhibited. With a swift motion, he pulled off his shirt, revealing his toned muscles. The metal chain around his neck glinted in the sunlight.

Qin Shizhen also maintained an excellent physique. Given his frequent action roles, he appeared leaner than Sheng Xingyao but was equally well-built.

Sheng Xingyao even whistled suggestively at Yu Xin. When Yu Xin looked over, he flexed his abdominal muscles to make them more prominent and declared proudly, "So, Yu Xin, how's my physique? Not bad, right?"

Yu Xin: ...

He replied mercilessly, "Extremely average."

Sheng Xingyao's face fell: "How can that be! My fans all say I have premium abs. If your eyesight's bad, come closer and take a look!"

Yu Xin was speechless at this joker. Just as he was about to retort, he suddenly heard a deep male voice near his ear: "Yu Xin."

He reflexively turned his head. Although the speaker was still some distance away, his voice, rich as a cello, made it sound as if he were speaking right next to Yu Xin’s ear.

It was Ji Yixing.

Backlit, his features appeared even more profound. After calling Yu Xin's name, he fell silent, as if merely seeking to capture attention.

His eyes, deep and translucent like red wine in the backlighting, seemed to convey: "Don't look at him. Look at me."

Having successfully drawn Yu Xin's attention, Ji Yixing began to undress. He wore a black jacket. Reaching down, he pulled the zipper—which had been just below his Adam's apple—all the way down, casually removed the jacket, and tossed it onto the sand, revealing a fitted T-shirt underneath.

As if in slow motion, he gripped the hem of his T-shirt with both hands and slowly pulled it upward. His abdominal muscles gradually came into view. Without any deliberate flexing, their lines were already sharply defined. Thanks to his exceptionally pale skin, his waist appeared like an exquisitely crafted, cold marble statue of a war god from Western mythology, sculpted by the most skilled artisan.

It was an ordinary, everyday action, yet he imbued it with the quality of a special performance—

Especially since those deep, translucent eyes remained fixed intently on Yu Xin.

[My, my face is turning red on its own qaq]

[Help, it's just a normal act of undressing, how did it become so seductive?]

[Is this really something I can watch for free??]

[I have to admit, Ji Yixing's figure is truly perfect. A little more or a little less wouldn't be this ideal.]

[I've been mining ice crystals on the mineral planet for ten years. I thought my heart was as cold as a mechanical arm, but seeing this today, my heart still can't help but pound...]

Yu Xin couldn't see the suggestive comments on the bullet screen, but he still unconsciously held his breath as he watched Ji Yixing’s movements.

It wasn't until the T-shirt was peeled off and discarded onto the sand, fully revealing a physique that was entirely Yu Xin's type, that he snapped back to reality, realizing he had been staring at Ji Yixing’s bare upper body for quite some time.

As if waking from a dream, he lifted his head and met Ji Yixing’s smiling eyes. The tips of Yu Xin’s ears turned a rare, barely perceptible shade of red—

To make matters worse, Ji Yixing deliberately shifted his body, presenting himself from every angle to Yu Xin, silently mouthing the words: *Like what you see?*

For the first time, Yu Xin awkwardly averted his gaze, missing the triumphant smile that spread across the man’s face.

Meanwhile, Attendant Bai, watching from behind the screen, slowly covered his face, unable to bear the scene before him.

*Help, who is this secretly preening peacock?! What happened to the cold, ruthless war machine?!*

Had the general developed some new side effect after recovering from his eating disorder? Like splitting into a completely new personality? No, he had to call a doctor to thoroughly investigate the general’s recent series of unusual behaviors!

“Hey, Yu Xin, you told all of us to take off our shirts, so why are you still wearing yours?” Sheng Xingyao’s voice snapped Yu Xin out of his reverie.

Coming back to his senses, Yu Xin realized that, having been distracted earlier, he was now the only guy left who hadn't taken off his shirt.

But after Sheng Xingyao and Ji Yixing’s antics, what should have been an ordinary action now seemed to carry an entirely different undertone.

Yu Xin felt unusually self-conscious, especially since the drone cameras—likely directed by some mischievous individual—had all buzzed over to surround him, capturing him from every conceivable angle.

Unable to help himself, Yu Xin glared fiercely at the nearest circular camera.

[Help, help, Xinxin glared at me! I'm so excited, I'm such a pervert!]

[Glare at me a few more times, please—I can take it [sweating emoji][red bean emoji].]

He tried to ignore his discomfort, thinking that since he was already being watched, he might as well get it over with quickly. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, he roughly pulled it off in one swift motion.

The original host had been a homebody, living a pampered life for over a decade, resulting in fair, delicate skin. But since Yu Xin took over, his increased training had gradually built up lean muscle, a far cry from his former "scrawny" physique.

His upper body was almost cream-colored, with the only contrast being a tender pink hue. The faint lines of muscle on his chest and abdomen hinted at strength, while his shoulders, neck, and collarbones were as delicate as if they belonged to a girl.

His black hair was slightly disheveled from the rough movement. His eyes, finely drawn like an ink painting, were lowered as if embarrassed, their long, dark lashes casting shadows over the bridge of his nose. His lips were pursed.

After a few seconds of eerie silence, the bullet comments exploded like a geyser:

[That chest! That waist! Those collarbones!!]

[I knew it—Xinxin really is pink, hehehehehehe.]

[Such a white shirt—wait, no, such pink pants (mind blown).]

[Such a slender waist, such a flat stomach—I'm going crazy, *gasp gasp gasp*!]

[There's a red mole under his right collarbone, right? Perfect for licking during, you know…]

[I paused and zoomed in—there really is one! Are you the reincarnation of Leeuwenhoek or something?]

[Was Xinxin a little shy just now?! Sob sob, what an innocent sweetheart—he actually blushes!]

[Yu Xin, my ultimate fantasy. Pair him with that shy expression for maximum flavor (wipes drool).]

[My screenshot button is about to break, someone understand? I'm saving this clip to savor over and over.]

“…” Ji Yixing was momentarily speechless, experiencing for the first time a loss of control over his rationality.

He subtly averted his gaze, clearing his throat lightly to ease the sudden dryness.

He moved closer to Yu Xin, casually positioning himself to block some of the camera angles, and said as naturally as possible, “Let’s hurry and put on the diving gear. Yu Xin, I’ll help you with yours.”

That was a practical suggestion. Yu Xin agreed and picked up his fins to put them on. Ji Yixing naturally steadied him, helping him maintain balance.

The man’s sturdy arm wrapped around Yu Xin’s waist, and Ji Yixing secretly compared—his palm almost spanned the entire width of Yu Xin’s waist.

…So slender.

Ji Yixing’s eyes darkened for a moment, while Yu Xin remained oblivious, focused on adjusting his diving gear.

They stood very close, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from each other’s bodies. Both were fair-skinned, but there was a noticeable difference in their builds.

[…Something’s off. Why does it feel like Ji Yixing’s gaze at Yu Xin isn’t entirely innocent?]

[To be honest, I feel the same way…]

[Help, did he just lick his lips?! Would a straight guy make that kind of expression looking at another guy’s body?!]

[Don’t overthink it—maybe his lips were just dry.]

[Uh-huh, dry at no other time but the moment he held Yu Xin’s waist.]

[Is no one going to mention it? Their physiques are just… this is exactly my dream top and dream bottom.]

[Mine too. The moment they get close, my brain automatically scripts the next hour, mhm.]

Once everyone had their diving gear on, they launched the boat into the water and tested it. The boat floated steadily, easily supporting the weight of all four of them.

Everything was ready. Destination: the reef area. Let’s go!

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Author’s Note:

Thank you all so much for your support. I’ll keep working hard!