Shen Nianzu's Flaw

Under the breathtaking glow of the setting sun, Ariel took her place on the elevated rock in the mating area, her expression a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The whistles and cheers of the crowd gradually faded into hushed silence as they waited for their Princess' song to begin.

Ariel clutched her erratically pounding heart, took a deep breath, and stole a glance at the building where Shen Nianzu stood. Faintly, she caught a glimpse of the man's silhouette through the window and knew that he was looking back at her too.

Traditionally, suitors would gather close to the mermaids during their performance to harmonize with the melody. But this time, the King made an exception for Shen Nianzu. Fearing that the human would feel uncomfortable under such depths, it was finally decided that Shen Nianzu would be on standby on the closest building above the surface.