103 By the Banks of the Huan River: The Thoughts of the Maidens
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Entering through the gate, from a distance, beneath the slope ahead stood a towering giant tree. One could sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converging upon it. Calling it a towering giant tree was somewhat of an exaggeration—it was only about twenty meters tall, with lush green branches and broad leaves the size of banana leaves, forming a dense canopy. The drooping branches covered an area of more than ten meters around, instinctively reminding Wood of a childhood essay he once learned called “The Banyan Tree,” which bore some resemblance to this tree.
This tree was naturally the Tree Giant. In his mind, Wood could clearly feel that this tree seemed alive, sensing his arrival. The Tree Giant gently swayed its branches as if welcoming him.
Wood had not expected the Tree Giant to grow so rapidly; one might easily mistake it for an ancient tree thousands of years old!
Qiao’er led Wood around, introducing, “This thirty-acre wasteland isn’t exactly large, but not too small either. However, according to Sister Siyu’s earlier plans, this wasteland was far from enough. Later, we all discussed and made some adjustments.”
She pointed to a small river, “We divided the land by the river. On this side, we’re building a villa complex, and on the other side, a park, a Taoist temple, and various recreational facilities!”
Wood glanced over and remarked, “I’ve always known that small river as the Huanhua River, and there’s a park over there. So now we’re connecting all the parks?”
Qiao’er smiled and replied, “Yes! Later Uncle Li stepped in and negotiated with the local government, saying we would pay for it ourselves while the government provided the land to establish an open park. They said this would help boost the surrounding real estate development, and it actually worked out. Now, more than half of this thirty-acre wasteland belongs to us for the villas, and the smaller portion is for Xiuyuan to build the Taoist temple.”
Wood surveyed the area roughly. Indeed, on the riverside land, a villa complex had already been built, with countless transplanted flowers, plants, and trees. Many trees were newly transplanted, their roots not yet stable, supported by bamboo poles to prevent them from toppling in the wind. However, Wood could clearly sense that some of these trees were actually root derivatives of the Tree Giant, sprouting from the ground as small trees, equipped with early warning and attack functions, providing comprehensive protection for the area.
This progress far exceeded Wood’s expectations. He laughed, “Li Yun and his group really know how to get things done. I’m completely clueless about planning, so just let you handle it!”
Qiao’er smiled, “I do deserve some credit. With this small river dividing us, our villa complex is a secluded paradise, free from disturbance!” She added, “Brother Mu, let’s go take a look at the villas!” Her expression was like a child eager for praise.
Wood smiled faintly, letting her take his hand as they entered the villa complex.
“There are twelve villas in total. Uncle Li specially invited a famous designer!” Qiao’er proudly introduced. Wood was slightly stunned by the sight before him: a continuous stretch of white walls and black tiles with flying eaves. Due to the undulating terrain, the villas were staggered in height, layered one upon another. Although there were only twelve villas, the view was overwhelming, making it hard to count them all at once.
At that moment, Wood could even feel a heavy aura of wealth, nobility, and grandeur. This was a display of quality and a symbol of status.
Seeing Wood’s satisfied expression, Qiao’er was delighted and led him into one of the villas. “This villa has a room with over 500 square meters of built-up area. There’s even a tennis court on the roof. Brother Mu, if you’re interested, we can play with you!”
This villa was probably where Qiao’er and the others had chosen to live. Wood took a quick look inside; it needed almost no further decoration. All the functions were complete, with every appliance and piece of furniture fully equipped.
However, what made Wood feel most comfortable was the small open space behind the villa, near the river. Li Yun had paved a stone path there and arranged some charmingly natural stones of various sizes. The placement was simple yet elegant, exuding a spiritual aura—truly a masterstroke.
As Wood admired the scene, Li Yun had already received the news and hurried over.
“Master, are you satisfied with these arrangements?” Li Yun asked cautiously.
Wood smiled and nodded, “Not bad, not bad. Much better than I imagined.” He spoke honestly; if he had planned it himself, it would never have been this good.
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Li Yun beamed at Wood’s praise. “Hehe! I specially invited a famous designer from Hong Kong to help us. We’re not experts in this, so naturally, we rely on professionals!”
Just then, a tinkling laughter was heard as Yaxinyi entered with her sister Mu Siyu. Seeing Yaxinyi, Wood’s eyes brightened again. She wore a pale yellow T-shirt tucked into simple jeans, her black hair casually draped over her shoulders. This was the most ordinary Earth attire, yet it perfectly outlined Yaxinyi’s exquisite figure. Combined with her celestial beauty, she was utterly captivating. Wood felt a flush surge from his lower abdomen, stirring an uncontrollable excitement.
Mu Siyu laughed lightly, “Sister Xinyi, I told you this outfit would definitely catch Brother Mu’s attention!”
Yaxinyi smiled faintly but shyly lowered her head.
On the other side, Li Yun whispered, “Master, you really know how to entice such a stunning beauty…” Before he finished, Wood lobbed a popcorn bomb at his head, glaring at him. “What are you saying? She’s my junior sister and my wife. What should you call her?”
Holding his head, Li Yun grimaced, “So it’s Senior Sister-in-law… Disciple Li Yun was unprepared without a gift. I’ll go prepare something right away!” Saying that, he dashed off.
Seeing the gleam in Wood’s eyes, the women guessed his thoughts and found excuses to leave, leaving only Wood and Yaxinyi inside.
Wood grabbed Yaxinyi’s hand with a mischievous smile. “Xinyi, I’ll show you around our room.”
Hearing the hint in his voice, her cheeks flushed crimson. “It’s broad daylight!”
Wood laughed heartily, “We’re husband and wife. What’s there to be afraid of?” With that, he scooped her up despite her protests and proudly climbed upstairs.
By the banks of the Huanhua River, two sisters stood silently. The elder sister was slightly curvy, with an alluring figure. The younger sister was slender, with graceful legs and a delicate waist.
“Sister, do you think he’s changed his heart?” the younger asked.
“It’s not that he’s changed. We followed him back then to survive the apocalypse, to have a bite to eat.”
“No, sister, I don’t think so. At least I haven’t!”
“Sigh, Siqing, I knew it—you like him too, don’t you?”
These were the Mu Siyu and Mu Siqing sisters.
“Sister, don’t you like him? About you two… I already know!”
Mu Siyu smiled bitterly, “At first, I gave myself to him partly out of promise, partly for protection. What makes me happy is that he’s a good man. At least… he didn’t force you.”
Mu Siqing remained silent.
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Mu Siyu gently stroked his head and softly said, “Little sister, you like an extraordinary man. He’s a strong one, possessing powers this world doesn’t have. Because of that, he won’t belong to just one woman. If you’re with him, be mentally prepared. Understand that he’s not yours alone.”
Mu Siqing tearfully said, “I know, I know, but it hurts inside.” She glanced at the villa and couldn’t help but cry, leaning on her sister’s shoulder with soft sobs. “Actually, I’m worried. I gave myself to him. What if he rejects us in the future?”
“Rest assured, Wood is not that kind of man!” The voice wasn’t her sister’s but another woman—Qiao’er, who had appeared without anyone noticing.
“In fact, Brother Mu is a kind-hearted man. You can tell from his willingness to take me with him. Maybe he has the common flaw of men liking beauty, but he’s definitely not one to tire of what’s familiar!” Qiao’er said. “And it’s not just me saying this—it’s what Sister Yang Xiu said.”
Mu Siyu nodded, “That’s my impression too.”
Qiao’er added, “Actually, how many women he has doesn’t matter. Which man isn’t attracted to beauty? Which successful man or strong one has only one woman? As long as he treats me well, that’s enough!”
Mu Siqing wiped away her tears, “But there are so many beauties in the world. What if he stops liking us later?”
“Things to worry about later,” Qiao’er said nonchalantly. “Actually, you girls have one more advantage than me!”
Mu Siqing asked, “What advantage?”
Qiao’er giggled, “You’re sisters!”
Mu Siyu blushed slightly, but Mu Siqing, puzzled, asked, “What’s wrong with being sisters?”
Qiao’er smiled mysteriously and whispered, “After coming to Earth, I’ve read many Earth books. Some men have special preferences—like for young girls, mature women, or older ladies. Brother Mu doesn’t seem to have those specific tastes, but noI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.