Chapter 36: Liu Miao's First Trigger

"Wow."

"I'm rolling in points."

"14,000 survival points, plus my daily gains, that's 18,000. If I head to Li Huo Martial Arts Club this afternoon for another 1,500 points, I'll only be 500 points short of a twenty-draw!"

Zeng Shen's face lit up with a broad smile. This windfall was unexpected and delightful.

He turned, taking the still-bewildered Liu Miao by the hand, and guided her towards the camper.

Feeling Zeng Shen's hand, Liu Miao was enveloped by a strong sense of security, a ripple of warmth spreading through her heart.

In the camper, under Liu Miao's guidance, they soon arrived at a restaurant near the coastline, far from the dock.

As soon as they stepped out of the camper, Zeng Shen was greeted by the delicious aroma of clams being boiled.

Instantly, his stomach growled with hunger.

Liu Miao led Zeng Shen inside.

The restaurant was bustling with diners; several people were waiting for a table in the queue area.

The owner, clearly familiar with Liu Miao, greeted her warmly.

"Liu Miao, you're here!"

Liu Miao nodded, "Auntie, I brought a friend. Looks like it's packed today; are there any tables?"

"Of course, Liu Miao. For you, there's always a table." The owner smiled, pulling out a key from the counter. "Liu Miao, as usual, room 666 upstairs."

The waiting patrons grumbled.

"You said there were no tables, but there's one available now?"

"That room's not open to the public. If you don't like it, find another place."

The owner led Zeng Shen and Liu Miao upstairs without looking back.

Following her, they entered room 666.

It wasn't large, with a square table in the center, and the walls adorned with traditional paintings, giving it a cozy feel.

From the window, Zeng Shen could see the shimmering sea and, in the distance, a neat expanse of sea sand fields stretching far.

After taking their order, the owner discreetly left.

"That sea sand field is my family's clam farm," Liu Miao explained softly.

"It's bigger than I imagined," Zeng Shen remarked.

Soon, a server brought in a large pot of scallion clam hotpot.

The pot was filled with thumb-sized clams, simmering and releasing tiny bubbles, while scallions floated on the surface.

"Turn on the heat and let it boil for ten minutes, then it's ready," Liu Miao said, lighting the burner. "What sauce would you like? I'll mix it for you."

"Satay sauce with some garlic and chili oil."

"Got it."

As Liu Miao left to prepare the sauce, Zeng Shen watched her, deep in thought.

Liu Miao was a Tier 3 Water Deity.

He hadn't triggered the 'suppress' and 'repel' first-time bonuses with her yet.

If he did, he wouldn't need to wait to go to the martial arts club, and could do a twenty-draw today.

But he couldn't just beat her like the thugs to trigger those bonuses.

Nor could he treat her like Li Yuqing, pinning her down daily to suppress and defeat her.

Zeng Shen rubbed his head, feeling a bit stuck.

When Liu Miao returned with the sauce and some drinks and side dishes, they resumed their conversation.

After about ten minutes, the clam hotpot began to boil, and Zeng Shen eagerly tasted a clam.

The tender, savory clam meat delighted his taste buds.

"Ah, it's been so long since I had such delicious clam hotpot," Zeng Shen praised.

"Eat as much as you like," Liu Miao teased.

Half an hour later, Zeng Shen left the restaurant with Liu Miao, both drenched in sweat, heading to the camper parked on the grassy field nearby.

All the while, Zeng Shen couldn't stop praising the clams.

"Liu Miao, your clams are amazing."

"Glad you like them. Come back anytime for another meal," Liu Miao invited.

"Sure thing."

"Where are you headed next?"

"Li Huo Martial Arts Club. I train there every afternoon," Zeng Shen said.

"No wonder you handled those thugs so well. I'd like to sign up for lessons sometime," Liu Miao said.

Her casual remark sparked an idea in Zeng Shen's mind.

If Liu Miao joined the club, they could spar, allowing him to complete the first-time bonuses and gain 2,000 survival points.

Grinning, Zeng Shen said, "Liu Jie, if you want to learn, I can come by daily to teach you a move or two."

Liu Miao was delighted by his offer, nodding eagerly. "Really? That'd be great, but wouldn't it take up your time?"

"Not at all."

"That's good."

"Let's start now."

"Now? So soon?" Liu Miao was taken aback.

"Yeah, I'll teach you a simple and practical over-the-shoulder throw."

Zeng Shen said earnestly.

Liu Miao glanced at the grassy ground, hesitating. "Shouldn't we find a better spot?"

"No need, it'll be quick."

With that, Zeng Shen gently grabbed her arm, demonstrating an over-the-shoulder throw, gently pressing her to the ground.

[Host has cleverly suppressed a Tier 3 Water Deity, gaining 1,000 survival points.]

"Yes, triggered one."

Zeng Shen internally celebrated, noticing the soft sensation under his arm.

Looking down, he realized his arm had landed somewhere it shouldn't have, nestled in the soft terrain. Liu Miao's cheeks flushed, her breath quickened, lips slightly parted invitingly.

She looked vulnerable, stirring a hint of restlessness in him.

Taking a deep breath, Zeng Shen controlled the impulse, helping Liu Miao up. "This technique lets you easily pin down an enemy much stronger than you, or throw them away. I didn't want to hurt you, so I turned it into a pin."

"Oh." Liu Miao nodded, blushing.

"Want to try?"

"Okay." Liu Miao grabbed his arm, feeling the solid muscle beneath her fingers, finding a sense of security and belonging. She attempted to perform the throw but failed.

A bit confused, she listened to Zeng Shen's guidance.

"When you grab my arm, don't pause, or I'll react. Do it in one motion, using your arm's strength. Otherwise, it's hard to outmaneuver someone bigger."

"Got it, I'll try again," Liu Miao said, embarrassed.

Five minutes later, after several unsuccessful attempts, Zeng Shen said, "It's getting late. I'll show you once more, then I need to head to the club. You can grab a taxi back."

"Okay."

Zeng Shen demonstrated the move again, quickly rising. "Think about it later."

"Alright." Liu Miao nodded.

"Get a taxi, I'll see you tomorrow," Zeng Shen said.

"Okay."

Liu Miao h

eaded toward the main road to catch a taxi, while Zeng Shen heard another prompt.

[Host has cleverly repelled a Tier 3 Water Deity, gaining 1,000 survival points.]