"When I was a child, I always wanted to be like Luffy, to have my own ship, and whenever I felt down, I'd sail out to sea, letting the waves crash against me, going wherever they took me. It was carefree and liberating. But as I've gotten older, I've realized how silly those thoughts were."
Ren Yuanhao had indeed entertained such notions in his childhood. Back then, he didn't understand what awaited him in adulthood, lost in the pure dreams woven by his younger self, a time of purest innocence for everyone.
"It's not silly at all. I had similar thoughts when I was little. I imagined I had Doraemon's pouch, a backpack, and I'd wander the world, day and night, the sky as my blanket, the earth my bed. The mountain breeze would be gentle, the sun would set painting the forests in vibrant colors, and when the moon rose high, shadows would dance. I'd be so free. But now? I stare at screens all day. Sometimes, even in my dreams, I hear the irritating sound of keyboard clicks."
Ye Lan had changed into a sky-blue swimsuit, her figure voluptuous and curvaceous, her allure undeniable.
"Perhaps the things we can't have are always the best," Ye Lan, in her prime youthful beauty, remained remarkably energetic despite staying up half the night.
Ren Yuanhao, due to his injuries, did not go shirtless. He glanced at the mast of a distant fishing boat, where two or three seagulls perched, seemingly cleaning their feathers with their long beaks. A few fishermen had already returned from sea, their catch bountiful.
"There's a difference between 'wanting but not getting' and 'wanting but not being able to get.' If I desire something, no matter how difficult, I'll strive for it. What if I get incredibly lucky? Even if I fail, at least I won't have any regrets from not trying."
Perhaps moved by Ren Yuanhao's words, Ye Lan suddenly stood up, her bright eyes sparkling like starlight. "Here, this young lady will grant you one wish today!"
As soon as she finished speaking, she grabbed Ren Yuanhao and they hurried towards where the yacht was moored. But after only a few steps, Ren Yuanhao stopped, pulling Ye Lan back instead.
Seeing the unusual expression on his face, Ye Lan asked, "What's wrong?"
"See those two guys over there? They're from a loan company."
"You owe them money?"
Ren Yuanhao nodded, inwardly cursing himself. These days had passed too quickly and intensely; he had completely forgotten about his debt.
"How much do you owe?"
"It shouldn't be too much, but the interest rates from these loan companies are always calculated in mysterious ways. I'm not sure exactly how much I owe now."
As Ren Yuanhao spoke, he suddenly noticed a shifty-eyed man walking past the two loan officers. With skillful sleight of hand, as he brushed past, he snatched something from one of their back pockets!