Chapter 16

Layla, seeing her stopped in her actions, came towards her. Seeing her disgusted expression, she looked at the thing she was looking at.

Upon recognizing it, her face lit up with joy, and she eagerly scooped it up.

"Captain, look! It's a banana worm!" she whispered excitedly, beckoning Jeff over.

Jeff, preoccupied with his tasks, overheard the conversation and quickly made his way to her.

Observing the white, translucent worm resembling a larva in her hands, he couldn't help but feel pleased.

"That's a good find, Layla. Make sure you keep it; it'll serve well as our food," he remarked, giving her a pat on the shoulder and a look of pride.

Receiving the praise, she couldn't help but be happy. She was about to explain that Jessica was the one who found it, but Jeff already walked away.

Upon hearing his words, Charlotte rose and peered at the wriggling worm in her hand.

"Is this actually edible? I've just discarded some of it a moment ago," she said.

She tapped the worm with her finger and mused, "What a charming creature. I'm quite curious about your taste."

"That little worm is actually edible? This is the first time I heard that a worm could be eaten," Ariana muttered, inspecting it.

The three of them were circling her, looking at the worm. Jessica, who had found it, had a gloomy expression.

She was angry since she was the one who discovered it first, but the credits went to Layla.

They then dispersed, and just like that, they didn't throw the banana worms and stocked them. Layla returned towards Jessica, giving the banana worms back.

"Here, Jessica, it's yours in the first place," Layla said with a smile, as she gave it back.

Jessica didn't look at her but just snorted, while gathering the banana leaves.

Seeing her being like this, she sighed, knowing that she must be angry that she stole her limelight.

"I'll just leave it here," she said in a low voice, going back to her place.

For the record, she could see that she was in the wrong, but she had no time to explain when Jeff already walked away.

After gathering the palm leaves, it was not really heavy since it was only one tree.

Jeff decided to carry it, but Charlotte denied his request since he was the one leading the way. Carrying it would slow his movement and make him more tired.

It wasn't heavy in the first place, so she suggested that she would be the one to carry it.

Jeff was about to move when suddenly he saw something move.

"Don't move, there's a snake!" he bellowed to the girls behind him.

Hearing him, they stopped in their tracks and looked at it. Indeed, they saw it - a snake with a dark body and blotchy patterns.

The snake measured about 120 centimeters in length, its slender body winding across the ground.

At the word "snake," Jessica was frightened. She was close to Jeff and hugged his arms tightly, causing their bodies to collide.

Feeling a soft sensation in her arms, he glanced at her, seeing that she was shaking in fear again.

"Don't worry about its color; it's likely a Nerodia sipedon, which isn't venomous, so there's no need for concern," he said, defusing the tension.

Suddenly, he experienced another strange sensation that made him frown, feeling as if his arms were being engulfed by a softness.

Layla, upon seeing this, was slightly displeased but concealed her emotions, while Ariana, who observed the long, non-venomous snake, was relieved.

"Captain, are you not going to kill it? I really want to eat a snake," Emma said, looking at it with a predatorial eye.

Jeff couldn't help but smile at this woman's way of thinking. He then extended his hands to pat Jessica on the shoulder, to indicate her to let go.

But he accidentally grabbed her breast, which made her shake and release a soft moan.

Seeing his actions, he hurriedly let go, and forcefully removed his arms that were entangled with hers.

"I'm so sorry about that," he said with regret, his face no longer calm.

Jessica, who was afraid earlier, was now embarrassed, "That's fine, it was just an accident," she muttered, with a red face.

Seeing the two actions, the four of them were speechless. Layla's expression was a little angry, but she did not show it.

Emma just looked at his expression and couldn't help but lick her lips.

"Charlotte, I'm right, he really is a virgin," she whispered.

Charlotte was stunned by her sudden words, "Why are you telling me?" she said with a frown.

"Nothing, hehe," Emma said with a giggle as she looked at Jeff like a succubus.

"This secretary of mine is really a vixen," she said inwardly with a sigh.

"You're a virgin yourself, so why are you telling me this?" she asked, with a questioning gaze.

Emma just smiled and looked at her playfully, "That means if we do the deed then, his going to be my first. And I'll be her first isn't that great" she replied smugly.

Charlotte's face remained expressionless as she heard the reply, unable to grasp how this woman's mind works.

"Captain, kill it!" Ariana bellowed, which woke Jeff up from his daze.

He nodded his head as he rushed towards the snake.

Seeing the danger approaching him, the snake's eyes turned sharp as it leaped to bite him. Jeff just smiled, sidestepped, dodged it, and swiftly caught its neck with fast movement.

The snake was taken by surprise by his speed. What do you expect from a person mastering the art of Wing Chun? His hand speed was literally godlike.

He then cut off its head, killing it.

[You killed a Snake, You received 8 level up points & 6 points]

Jeff then dropped it to the ground for a moment so the blood could dry.

When it stopped bleeding, he picked it up and wrapped it around his neck.

"Let's explore the area. I'm sure there's a river, some streams, or maybe a pond nearby," he exclaimed, eager with anticipation.

The book he had read stated that these snakes are commonly located near rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. 

The presence of this small snake here indicated the existence of water nearby, which excited him greatly.

...

Do you wanna know why I know? Of course, google what else!.

- Author

...

Upon hearing this, they all nodded and continued their search. Half an hour later, they found what they were looking for.

Jeff was overjoyed at the sight of the flowing river. The current was gentle, and the water only came up to his knees when he stepped in, prompting him to nod contentedly.

Upon seeing the river, their happiness was evident. Having not bathed for an extended period, they were eager to cleanse themselves.

"Young captain, shall we construct a shelter here?" asked Emma, seeing how suitable for living in their current location.