I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 196

Chapter 196: The Bewildered Marine Iguana and the Round and Chubby Angolan Rabbit

 

The southernmost island near Shenzhen City has a large area, but due to its complex terrain, apart from a small area around the circular sea-lake in the “Bagua magatama,” it is mostly composed of high mountains and forests. Building houses is challenging, and the project of blasting and leveling the mountains is too extensive. Therefore, it has become a headache for the city on that side.

 

Most of the islands here are generally flat. Some islands have oil nearby, some are covered with valuable wood, or there are many herbs in the jungle. Only this “Moon Orchid Island” seems to have nothing special at first glance, except for the two circular mountains at the entrance. It can be said that the entire island itself is a mountain, appearing ordinary, just with a slightly more attractive island shape.

 

At this moment, as I, Yin Xiamo, and Mayor Ye Yuqing and others disembark from the speedboat, the front is a beach mixed with weeds and sand. A little further ahead is a complete grassland, and then it reaches the foot of the mountain. This area is probably only enough for fishing enthusiasts to catch a pufferfish or something similar. If you want to build larger structures, you’ll need to address the mountain issue.

 

The mountains on Moon Orchid Island are not extremely high or steep, but the paths are challenging. There are large areas of deadwood here and thickets of thorny bushes there. It doesn’t look like a suitable place for overnight stays and recreation.

 

“Currently, the most abundant species on the island is a sea turtle called the Olive Ridley, also known as the Beauty Turtle, just like those.”

 

While Yin Xiamo and I were reading the documents, Director Lin Yuan, who had walked over with us, introduced the island’s ecology, pointing to a few turtles not far away casting curious glances towards us.

 

“They can grow to over 60 centimeters as adults, but they are not considered a unique species here.”

 

“In addition, common animals here include fire salamanders, sea iguanas, Angora rabbits, and so on. Among them, Angora rabbits are quite commonly sighted here, and they generally have a large average size.”

 

“Angora rabbits?” I shifted my gaze from the documents. “The very large ones… round and fluffy like a big bunny?”

 

“Puchi…”

 

Ye Yuqing in front couldn’t help but chuckle, “Nuo’er, you’re really too cute. While Director Lin talked about so many animals, you only heard ‘Angora rabbit.'”

 

“Ah…” I felt a bit embarrassed. “Because I… I only know about that one.”

 

Don’t call me cute, I’m actually a middle-aged man!

 

The reason I’m interested in Angora rabbits is that I remember this creature, and the impression is very deep. Even when I was still a muscular middle-aged man, I watched a fair amount of anime featuring handsome characters, such as “Is the Order a Rabbit?” where the protagonist Chino Kafuu has a cute white creature on her head, which is an Angora rabbit. I even looked up information about this type of rabbit.

 

Angora rabbits, also known as Angora rabbits, have many variations, and the long-haired Angora rabbits belong to the particularly adorable type. Covered in fluffy fur all over, they look like a ball of fur, and if they grow big, the fur on their bodies can even directly cover their eyes.

 

Moreover, this type of rabbit is large-sized, and if well-raised, it’s almost like handling a long-haired cat from a café, weighing close to ten pounds. It might even be strenuous for me to carry it.

 

The main thing is that rabbits, unlike cats, have no claws or teeth. Some people might be afraid of being scratched or bitten by cats, but the first impression rabbits give is that they are pure and adorable animals with no resistance at all. So when people see a fluffy big rabbit, they find it incredibly cute.

 

There are Angora rabbits on this island? Why didn’t Yin Xiamo and I see them when we came earlier? Or are they more timid around people? Or perhaps they were grazing in the forest at that time?

 

“That’s why I said you’re cute, little guy,” Mayor Ye said.

 

Ye Yuqing showed a happy smile because I couldn’t muster a strong counterargument. “Anyway, this place is yours now. If you want to catch a few rabbits, it’s no problem. Just be careful not to get bitten by snakes or centipedes.”

 

Oh… so there are snakes here…

 

“There are relatively few snakes on this island,” the director of the bureau added. “Of the few teams that came for inspection earlier, only two people observed snakes, and one of them was a non-venomous sea snake. It indicates that the density of snakes here is not large… but seasonality cannot be ruled out.”

 

“Here, sea turtles and rabbits are the most abundant, followed by lizards.”

 

The “secretary” who came with Director Lin returned from the nearby beach, holding a large lizard in his hands. “I caught one, this thing bites quite painfully.”

 

Goodness, this… it’s nearly a meter long, isn’t it?

 

I curiously examined the large lizard in the secretary’s hands. Previously, when Yin Xiamo and I were “battling magical girls” on the beach in the midst of the grass, we also saw similar lizards, but they weren’t as big as this one. They were likely juveniles, and they weren’t afraid of people, all basking in the sun on the beach or on the rocks.

 

“This thing…” I cautiously approached, scrutinizing the large lizard. “How big can it grow?”

 

“Over a meter, maybe one meter five or one meter six,” the secretary said, holding the large lizard in his hands. “Isn’t it handsome?”

 

“You…,” Ye Yuqing frowned. “Two girls are here, and you bring such a big thing over. Don’t scare them… Is this a giant lizard?”

 

“No, it’s called a sea iguana,” the secretary chuckled. “It’s okay, these creatures are generally not interested in people. Their main food includes seaweed and shellfish brought in by the sea, especially seaweed and crustaceans. Humans and rabbits are not within their hunting range.”

 

I know the logic, but this guy is just too big, it really doesn’t differ much from a giant lizard. By the way, why did you emphasize “humans and rabbits”? We didn’t discuss whether this lizard eats rabbits earlier, did we?

 

I scrutinized the large lizard again. If it really can grow to one meter five, then it’s taller than me. I know it’s called a sea iguana, but because it’s so large, it looks like a giant lizard to me.

 

“As for this island, there are more of these animals because there are mountains, water, and underground rivers, suitable for lizards to hide, and rabbits like to dig holes nearby,” Director Lin said, glancing at the sun overhead. He gestured towards a path leading up the mountain not far away.

 

“The sun is too harsh. Let’s go up from there first. You mentioned finding a place to build a temple, right? I think that spot is quite good. When it’s suitable, we can sign there and take a few photos for the record.”

 

“Okay.”

 

Amidst the continuous “click-click” sounds of taking photos, I followed Yin Xiamo under the guidance of Ye Yuqing, heading towards that path. If nothing unexpected happened, this path was probably cleared by the workers who brought the construction materials earlier. They likely used tools to cut down the surrounding bushes and branches temporarily. The freshly cut branches were scattered along the way.

 

The path led to an open space halfway up the mountain, and it seemed that the workers at that time cleared this path to climb to the mountainside to enjoy the breeze and escape the harsh sun.

 

“I’ll take some photos for you, and we can put them in the archives when we return,” Director Lin, who was behind us, raised his camera. “Speaking of which, you guys should be the first ordinary people to set foot on the island. Why did you suddenly decide to buy this place?”

 

“Director Lin,” Ye Yuqing gave him a “don’t ask” expression.

 

“I understand. I just mentioned it casually. It’s fine not to answer,” Director Lin chuckled. “I just feel like I can’t keep up with the times.”

 

“The times have always been changing,” Ye Yuqing, who was walking ahead, said. “Think about it, ten years ago, in 2012. What were we doing then? XP systems, flip phones, traveling dozens of kilometers to take a bus for several hours. It’s only been ten years, and the world has changed so much.”

 

“I know the ?2012?. Everyone was talking about the end of the world. I had just graduated from college and was utterly clueless,” I replied.

 

The accompanying secretary held up his phone, capturing the scenery nearby. “Back then, the northern breeding zone of Shenzhen City hadn’t been fully developed yet.”

 

“I’m also curious about how it looks here ten years later,” Director Lin nodded. “Especially that Tenth District, the scale of that project is just too massive.”

 

Compared to some “high-ranking officials” I’ve seen before, the director of the Natural Resources Bureau, Lin Yuan, seems to be much leaner— I’m referring to those overweight middle-aged men with big bellies. He doesn’t have a big belly, isn’t fat, and looks refined, like a young artist. Perhaps professions like his require frequent outdoor work or business trips, such as climbing mountains like today or conducting inspections in remote areas, taking photos, and making records. Regular physical activity may prevent him from gaining weight.

 

“When the time comes, these photos will be put together with the contract to prove that you signed the contract here today. It’ll make it easier for the new city leaders or those who come to inspect later,” Director Lin explained after taking almost all the photos, then he put away the camera.

 

Just as we followed the path and reached a small open space at the foot of the island, Ye Yuqing wiped the sweat off her forehead. “So, the Dragon King Temple you mentioned will be built here?”

 

“A smaller temple, right? You can use the building materials we brought over today, right?” she continued.

 

“Using those materials will be fine,” Yin Xiamo nodded, taking a rough look around. “Then let’s build it here.”

 

“We can only build it here. Below is the beach, and sometimes, during high tide, the water may reach up. This is the only accessible area,” Ye Yuqing explained.

 

“If there are extra materials at that time, we can use them to build something similar to the torii gate on the way here, like on the Fuso Island,” Ye Yuqing suggested.

 

“A torii gate?” I glanced at the area we just ascended and then looked at the slope and the surrounding open space. Why does it feel like you’re trying to create something like the Hakurei Shrine? And this kind of shrine… cough, is it going to be one that no one worships?

 

“Since there are no issues, let’s sign the contract here,” Ye Yuqing said, pulling out a contract. “Which one of you is the legal representative… I mean, who will be the owner of this island?”

 

“Nuo’er will sign,” Yin Xiamo pointed at me. “The island was originally purchased for Nuo’er.”

 

“Here,” Ye Yuqing handed me a pen, indicating a few blank spaces on the contract. “Here, and here. We’ve discussed and agreed on these three places. Come on, Lin Yuan, take two more photos.”

 

“Sure,” Director Lin raised his phone again and clicked away. “Looking at it, this kid somehow looks underage.”

 

“Others might be adults, but if a girl looks young, you can’t accept it, can you?” Ye Yuqing teased.

 

“Haha, Mayor Ye, you’re being too harsh. I was just joking,” Director Lin chuckled.

 

As I finished signing my name, Lin Yuan took the contract, carefully checking its contents. “It’s good. Moon Orchid Island… moon as in the moon, and orchid as in the flower.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“OK.”

 

After securing the contract, he looked at me and Yin Xiamo. “If there are any documents that need signatures or thumbprints in the future, I’ll notify you by phone. Both of you are in Shenzhen City, right?”

 

“Yes, we are.”

 

“Alright, so do you want to hang around here for a bit longer, or head back now?” Ye Yuqing asked.

 

“If you still have work, you can go back first,” Yin Xiamo said, holding my hand. “Nuo’er and I would like to explore a bit more.”

 

Director Lin and his secretary exchanged a glance. “Then, should we leave a boat here for you?”

 

“No need,” Yin Xiamo said seriously. “We have our own boat. It will be here later.”

 

“Really or just pretending?” Ye Yuqing looked skeptical. “There’s no signal here, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving you two here.”

 

“We’ll call you to confirm our safety when we get back in the evening,” Yin Xiamo reassured, in a very calm tone. “No later than 5 PM.”

 

“It seems we have a wealthy young lady who comes with her own speedboat,” Director Lin teased.

 

After the playful remark, Ye Yuqing turned around. “Alright then, since you two want to stay and explore a bit longer, I won’t disturb you. Happy cooperation!”

 

“Happy cooperation.”

 

“Uh, Mayor Ye, do we really need to leave them here?”

 

“Don’t ask too much, let’s go.”

 

Watching them walk down the mountain along the same path they came, I glanced at the ground to make sure there were no snakes or centipedes, then approached Yin Xiamo. “Why do we need to stay here?”

 

“I want to take Nuo’er to a place,” Yin Xiamo turned around, gesturing. “Come this way.”

 

Glancing at Ye Yuqing and Director Lin as they descended the mountain, I also looked at Yin Xiamo, who was now standing on a large rock halfway up the mountain with open arms, signaling me to come over. Not sure what this girl was up to, I turned and followed her.

 

“The terrain here is a bit complicated. Let me carry you.”

 

As I got closer, Yin Xiamo directly wrapped her arms around my waist and pinched my little belly.

 

“Oops!” Feeling that something was off with my belly, I raised my head. “What are you doing?”

 

“The touch of Nuo’er’s little belly is still so good.” The girl had a look of “I think I’m right.”

 

“Have you been exercising well these days?”

 

“Of course! I exercise every day to maintain my figure… Pfft, what does that have to do with you!”

 

I grabbed Yin Xiamo’s hand, forcing it back to its original position. “Just stick to hugging, don’t do weird things!”

 

“Okay, okay. Actually, I just wanted to say that Nuo’er looks great in this outfit.”

 

The girl laughed happily, helping me adjust the small bow on my chest. “How about dressing Nuo’er in this style in the future? Girls should be cute and soft to be adorable.”

 

“I always feel like you’re brewing some conspiracy again,” I said suspiciously, turning to the other side of the mountainside.

 

“Okay, you just mentioned taking me somewhere. Where are we going?”

 

“To the mountains.”

 

“The mountains?”

 

“Yeah, because this location is very remote, most human tools are useless here. Also, their survey was not very detailed, so apart from knowing some types of animals that live here, there’s almost no understanding of this island.”

 

With her hands around my waist, Yin Xiamo exerted force with her legs, then leaped high with me from the small open space created by the workers. As usual, with an incredibly unbelievable jumping force, she landed on a large rock halfway up the mountain, then leaped again to a jungle behind.

 

“This is currently the only entrance, and it needs to be forcefully opened.”

 

As she spoke, Yin Xiamo started jumping through the jungle on this side, quickly reaching a slope a few hundred meters away from the mountainside open space where we were just now.

 

Compared to other areas, there were fewer trees and shrubs here, with the ground covered in marble or limestone blocks, as if this side of the mountain had been blasted by something.

 

“Many people, when they first come here and see this tall mountain, think it’s all rock inside. However, in reality…”

 

As she spoke, Yin Xiamo put me down on the ground, then grabbed a large rock from the ground, lifted it, and threw it behind her.

 

“It’s partially hollow.”

 

When Yin Xiamo moved the large rock, a quiet passage was revealed.

 

“This mountain has a very large space inside, with underground rivers and freshwater springs.”

 

Once again, lifting several large rocks with one hand and throwing them aside, Yin Xiamo took my hand. “I’ll take you inside to see.”

 

“Oh…”

 

I widened my eyes and followed the girl into the quiet cave ahead.

 

Then I was stunned by the scenery in front of me.

 

It was a huge cave covered with stalactites, giving the cave an eerie and beautiful sense of a “dreamlike fairyland.” In addition to stalactites, there were many unknown massive rocks, and the farther we went inside, the larger and more spacious the space became.

 

You could hear occasional water droplets falling from the stalactites above, landing in small puddles on the ground, making a “drip, drip” sound.

 

Inside the cave, there was almost no light source, and even with my excellent “elf” vision, I could only see things within a ten-meter range in front of me. Walking on the damp ground with round-toed shoes adorned with a bow, I couldn’t help but grip Yin Xiamo’s hand tightly.

 

As we walked about ten meters inside, the light became increasingly dim, almost to the point where we couldn’t see our fingers. Yin Xiamo stretched out her other hand and summoned a ball of lightning with a “crackling” sound.

 

The blue sparks of the constantly leaping lightning ball quickly illuminated the path ahead.

 

“Not far ahead is the most spacious area here, even enough for two adult dragons to lie down comfortably.”

 

Yin Xiamo looked up at the beautiful stalactites and some exposed strange crystal ores on the ceiling. “If the black dragon princess comes over, this would be the best transmission point for her dragon form.”

 

“……”

 

……