When it comes to the beach, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course… swimsuits!
For men, beachwear is nothing more than board shorts of different patterns and lengths. Those who are more concerned about sun protection might wear a shirt as well, but overall, they are rather uninteresting, with not much room for selection. Besides, no one really cares if a man's board shorts look good; the face and physique are what matter.
Alluka is a bit special, biologically male but internally female, so she bought a top and shorts set.
Migi, with his plump physique, would undoubtedly mar the cityscape if he completely exposed his belly fat. Therefore, his outfit is a top paired with five-point shorts, to cover as much fat as possible.
As a result, only Killua is the sole healthy, cheerful boy, perfectly suited in just a pair of board shorts. It’s a shame Killua is currently a little tyke; anything he wears looks like children’s clothes. If he were ten years older or more, his well-trained young physique would be quite a sight.
Damn, I hate being born too early!
The men’s swimwear was sorted out within half an hour. For the women’s swimwear, there are many more options: a variety of cuts and styles, adorned with various decorations, making the display just as dazzling as everyday clothing.
Merusu, don't forget you're rich. No need to fuss over choices. See it, buy it. Only children make choices; adults have them all.
As soon as I liked something, I’d hand it to Migi. Carrying bags is one of Migi’s remaining values, and it should be fully utilized.
“Sister, are you buying only styles that use so little fabric?” Migi asked, his hands full of bikinis.
“Aren’t bikinis all like this?” I asked dismissively. “Don’t you like less fabric too, Migi? You were reluctant to buy the larger size earlier, insisting on the regular one… Can you even fit into it?”
“This kind made of strings, can it really be worn?” Migi asked, referring to a bikini I was holding.
“Oh, this one. I think it’s a bit interesting, I want to try it on in private.” To avoid misunderstandings, I quickly added, “Of course, when I’m alone. Hmm, I’m just curious about how it looks when worn, not that I have any peculiar hobbies. Migi, don’t get any strange ideas. Otherwise…”
Wait, Killua and Alluka are still here!
Fortunately, I replied to Migi using lip-reading, and neither Killua nor Alluka noticed us, as they had wandered a bit too far into areas unrelated to them. Both little cats were absent-minded, their gazes drifting around.
Alright, alright, I’ll buy these stimulating outfits alone later. Though I genuinely just want to experience things I can’t do in my “real world,” just for novelty. No, no, you have to maintain your reputation with the little cats, Merusu!
Stealthily putting back the strings in my hand, no, the bikini, I stopped the bikini shopping. After all, we still have other things to buy. Like sandals for walking on the beach, sunglasses to block the glaring sun, and the oversized sun hat I want, etc.
Skincare products like sunscreen can be omitted. The Zoldyck genes are strong enough, with maximum sun protection and naturally fair skin. They are a litter of well-selected, high-quality cats. Once I can wish for everyone stronger than me to die, I’ll reluctantly take over the Zoldycks. I will definitely take good care of the remaining Zoldyck kittens, ensuring no one bullies my cats.
Hmph, hahaha, hahahaha.
After buying over a dozen bikinis in one go, I can only wear one at a time and still have to choose. Fortunately, the one-click outfit change function in the game backpack is very convenient. I tried on all the bikinis in the bathroom to my heart’s content.
Oh no, it’s better not to try them on. Once I started trying on clothes, my indecisiveness completely took over.
Because my character’s skin is so beautiful and moving, her figure and face are flawless. She’s a natural clothes hanger, a professional dress-up doll, the prettiest cat on Kukuroo Mountain. To sum it up: she looks stunning in any of them!
After agonizing over it for a long time, I decided to ask “Merusu Zoldyck” for her opinion. She stared at me in the mirror, chin in her hand, for a long time, and reached the same conclusion of “inability to choose” as me.
Hey, hey, are you also that narcissistic?!
Since she looks good in any of them anyway, she suggested I close my eyes and pick one randomly.
No, my fate should be in my own hands; I can’t use such a hasty random method!
[Take out] the camera from my game backpack and take selfies in the mirror, capturing the effects of me trying on different bikinis. Let others (the three brothers and two butlers) help me out.
Hold a vote? No, no, no, of course, I’ll use “everyone’s” name to find out Killua’s preference. Majority wins? Not happening.
Spreading the photos on the table, I mobilized all my senses, paying attention to where others’ (especially Killua’s) gazes landed and their expressions. Unlike words, bodies are less likely to lie.
The two butlers said cautiously and respectfully, “They are all very good,” and “I’m sorry I couldn’t offer any suggestions,” etc. Well, it’s my fault, I can’t blame them. When subordinates are asked questions by their superiors, they will naturally prioritize answers that please the superior, rather than speaking the truth.
“I like the white one,” Alluka replied.
“…” Perhaps understanding that his opinion wasn’t important, Migi made no comment.
“They all look pretty much the same,” Killua said, glancing at Alluka’s expectant gaze. Facing a difficult choice, he simply gave up thinking. “Then I’ll choose the white one too.”
“…” Really! Who is the protagonist here!
What’s the first thing we do upon arriving at the beach?
Gulp, it’s eating.
The beachside restaurant’s menu is primarily seafood, all sourced locally, so the freshness of the ingredients is undeniable. Among them, I love the grilled squid the most; it’s seasoned perfectly. Lacking a richer vocabulary, I can only say, it’s delicious! The seafood risotto is also very good, with tender shrimp and full of fresh flavor.
The crowd density at this beach is moderate. It’s not deserted, lively but not overcrowded, making the experience quite comfortable.
We strolled along the beach for a while, then lined up for about ten minutes to ride jet skis.
Initially, my plan was for me to take Killua and Migi to take Alluka. However, Alluka was quite clingy to me, so Migi took Killua to his spot.
Damn it!!
Missing the precious opportunity to ride a jet ski while holding Killua!
No, it’s okay! If Killua enjoys the jet ski ride, perhaps he’ll want to do it again, like watching a dolphin show?!
As it turned out, he didn’t. After the jet ski ride, Killua was already enthusiastically heading for the next water entertainment. I’m crying.
“Onee-chan, you prefer spending time with Onii-chan, don’t you?” Alluka, acutely sensing my favoritism, said with a hint of guilt. “But Alluka likes Onee-chan a lot too.”
“…” This child is very smart. Lying here would be the worst choice, but telling the truth is equally bad. kuAiδugg
Can I say, “To me, you are just a tag-along for Killua and a wish-granting tool”? That would be too hurtful!
Say something, Merusu! How should someone with high EQ answer? How should a master of balancing respond?
As my brain whirred at full speed, I heard Migi ask Alluka, “Then Alluka, who do you like more, older sister or little Killua?”
“Hmm,” Alluka thought hard. “I like both!”
“Let me rephrase, if…” Migi’s tone was extremely serious, “One of us has to disappear forever in one minute, who would you choose?”
“Disappear… forever?” Alluka asked, his mouth half-open in bewilderment.
“Yes, never see again, can’t play with Alluka anymore,” Migi bent down and stroked Alluka’s head, coaxing him, “You must choose one, otherwise, both of you will disappear forever.”
“What kind of ridiculous question is this?!” Killua protested, his voice lacking weight.
“36 seconds remaining,” Migi began to count down. He stood up, casting a large shadow that completely enveloped Alluka’s small figure. “35 seconds. 34 seconds. 33 seconds…”
“…” Alluka’s expression shifted from confusion to distress. He was caught in a difficult choice, twisting the fingers of his clasped hands.
I was actually a little curious about Alluka’s “choose one” result. If I became Alluka’s number one, couldn’t I use “commands” to realize my various ideas?
When Migi reached the 10-second mark and Alluka bit his lip, tears welling in his eyes, I suddenly slapped Migi, breaking the heavy moment of decision.
“?!” x3
To use a “command” to fulfill a wish, not only Alluka but also Nanika within Alluka must have their affection maxed out. Dual affection is not easily obtained. Moreover, Nanika is willing to accept Killua’s “commands” because Killua gives “love” without prejudice or selfish desires.
Nanika is simple, but not foolish.
She is a character I cannot possibly conquer.
I need to put myself in the right place and not have unrealistic expectations.
To maintain appearances, I pushed the [wearing] sound device under the neck accessory adorned with white ruffles. “You’ve gone too far, Migi. You can’t joke with family like this.”
Lecturing Migi using the Zoldyck family’s emphasis on “family” was certainly a tactic, but the real reason was not wanting to see the cute kitten cry.
“Hahaha, sorry, sister. I thought you also wanted to know the answer,” Migi emitted a perfunctory, seemingly atmosphere-easing, calm laugh. “As you said, that was just a joke.”
Killua walked over and took Alluka’s hand, complaining, “Brother, please don’t joke like that, Alluka was really scared.”
“Sorry, Alluka,” Migi reached out to pat Alluka’s head. Although upset, Alluka didn’t dodge, lowering his head to accept it obediently. “Since Alluka brought up the question of who he likes more, I naturally felt a bit curious too.”
“Even if it’s a joke, perhaps one day there will be a choice that requires prioritizing like this, judging who is more valuable to keep,” Migi said. “We are a whole. Family should be put first before considering the individual. If I’m the one who needs to be sacrificed, I’ll happily die for everyone. So don’t worry about me, do you understand, Alluka?”
“You talk too much, Migi,” I grabbed Migi’s hem and pulled him aside. “In short, if the four of us were to disappear forever, according to priority, you, Migi, should be the first to disappear. However, realistically, I would probably disappear the soonest. So don’t worry about me.”
Someone like me, who is dispensable and of no benefit to society, might as well live until thirty in the “real world.” After that, my physical fitness will continuously decline, earning money will become increasingly difficult, and illnesses will be constant. Living will be suffering, and dying would be “enjoying bliss.”
Here, by the time I complete my “999 Zoldyck missions,” which will be before I turn thirty, and after I’ve seen all the original plot, and enjoyed what I should enjoy, I can just log out.
“No,” Alluka’s teary eyes welled up again. “I don’t want Onee-chan to disappear forever. I want everyone to be together. I want Onee-chan to keep playing with me…”
Saying this, he started to sob.
“Don’t be sad, disappearing forever is actually the most irresponsible and easiest thing,” I wiped away his tears with my index finger.
Oh no, the more I try, the more he cries.
“…Sister,” Killua also furrowed his brow, speaking with a nasal voice, “Does Sister want to irresponsibly disappear forever?”
“…” Ah, that makes me sound like a scumbag.
But I am indeed a scumbag, despicable and selfish.
I should be the one to say goodbye, the one to leave.
I don’t want to be the one left behind.
I don’t want to be the one who is most heartbroken.
“I won’t disappear that early. At least, I’ll wait for you all to grow up no matter what,” I stroked Killua’s head with the hand not wet with Alluka’s tears. “Besides, I’m over ten years older than you. According to the general theory of natural death, disappearing ten years earlier than you is normal. Don’t be sad then, no, be a little sad. Just a little, otherwise, I’ll lose face.”
Alluka’s small face was a mess of tears. I had to take him to the restroom to wash his face.
By the way, shouldn’t Nanika’s power within Alluka be unable to revive the dead? Just in case, I told Alluka that my permanent disappearance would be a happy event and that no one should disturb me.
“…” Alluka pouted. Although he couldn’t immediately understand, he eventually nodded in understanding.
“Good boy,” I happily patted his head and even hugged him.
Given the current sour atmosphere, clearly, no one was in the mood to continue with water activities, so we went to buy shaved ice.
To comfort the downcast Alluka, I reluctantly gave him the strawberries from my shaved ice, hoping he’d cheer up a bit. Sigh, I’m terrible at comforting people. What I should have done was shut up. It’s all my fault for completely ruining the pleasant atmosphere of our outing.
“…” x4
Don’t, if this continues, I’ll start getting depressed. Uh oh, the psychological shadows and awkward moments from the “real world” are starting to resurface.
“…Alluka,” Killua, sitting next to Alluka, spoke first.
“Mm, I’m fine,” Alluka picked up his spoon, scooped a spoonful of shaved ice. “I’m starting to eat.”
“Onee-chan,” Alluka smiled at me. “Thank you.”
“…”
Don’t be so gentle and sensible! It makes things difficult for me!
“Sister, if you don’t eat it soon, it’ll melt,” Migi, sitting next to me, reminded me.
Ah, it’s more relaxed on Migi’s side. Migi is a standard villain character at the bottom of the Zoldyck’s combat potential. Interacting with him is relatively easy; it doesn’t create moral pressure or pressure from internal competition. He’s suddenly looking more pleasing.
But thinking about it carefully, weren’t you the culprit who ruined the atmosphere at the start, Migi?
“Sister, you’re stepping on me.”
“…” I am stepping on you!
Perhaps knowing resistance was futile, Migi gave up resisting from the start, allowing me to stomp on his foot with the sole of my shoe, acting like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water.
Tch, no fun.
I withdrew my foot.
Sensing the gaze of the two little cats, I looked back to see them lowering their heads to eat their shaved ice, their expressions trying to suppress a smile.
“…?” What did I do that they found so amusing?
“The ice is melting, Sister,” Migi reminded me again.
Distracted by stomping on Migi, the melted ice water had already exceeded the surface of the ice, becoming watery and thin, like half-melted ice cream in a refrigerator after a power outage.
Alright, can’t waste it. It’s still edible.
I scooped up the remaining ice in the cup with my spoon and ate it. It wasn’t much, and I finished it in a few minutes.
I picked up the sun hat from the chair, put it on, finished my preparations, and set off again.
Let’s seize the day without regrets.