Ch 42: The World’s Number One Resort

“Boss Tang, shall I help you carry your luggage onto the ship?” Alang jumped down from the boat, ready to take the suitcase from Tang Huai’s hands, seemingly unbothered by Tang Huai’s suspicion.

Tang Huai had been living on the island for over a month, but this time he was planning to leave with the students from Ace High School, heading to Hawaii and then onward to Mexico.

“No need, thank you.” Alang’s sudden enthusiasm was unexpected. If not for the low loyalty score still displayed, Tang Huai might have thought Alang had fully returned to his old self.

“I’ve been thinking these past few days. Most tourists now travel through agencies, so I’m planning to open a branch of Great Tang Travel Agency in Hawaii…” Alang continued, his eyes sparkling with excitement, seemingly oblivious to Tang Huai’s earlier suspicion.

Experience Points: 2675/100,000—up by 2000 compared to last week.

Over the past few days, Alang had been overwhelmed by his rapidly increasing experience points. As a basic-level AI, he had started with just a two-digit experience score. His designated role as captain meant his experience grew as his proficiency in the job increased.

Alang had sailed the Pacific for half a month, gaining around ten experience points per day. Compared to the 100,000 required for leveling up, this was a snail’s pace. However, Alang was an AI with big dreams and aspirations. Besides his love for sailing, he dreamed of upgrading to a mid- or even high-level AI.

That was his deepest ambition.

To earn island points and cover fuel costs, Alang had no choice but to help Sora Island attract visitors. Even though Ace High School brought a large group, Alang felt like he was just completing a task without much passion. During the seven days the students had spent on the island, he had stayed on the ship.

The first day, his experience points increased normally. But on the second day, his points seemed to skyrocket, as if they had sprouted wings. Alang was in a daze—this sudden influx of progress was unexpected. After analyzing the changes, he realized that his experience gain was likely linked to the tourists.

Could bringing visitors to the island actually increase his experience?

Alang wasn’t entirely sure, but when the students from Ace High School prepared to leave, and his experience growth halted, he became certain. The tourists were indeed the key to leveling up. Alang had discovered the method for his advancement.

“Can I register my current ID for the travel agency?” Alang asked, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Tang Huai again. Over the past few days, he had researched the tourism industry extensively, concluding that establishing a travel agency would be more efficient than blindly searching for tourists.

“You can, but you’ll need a significant amount of start-up capital.” Tang Huai’s suspicions remained.

“I’ll work hard to earn the funds,” Alang replied without losing heart. Despite the challenges ahead, he remained determined and full of confidence.

“Tang, when are we leaving?” Just as Tang Huai was about to question Alang further, Tolke approached. The students were all on board, ready to depart, waiting for the ship to set sail.

“Now,” Tang Huai replied after a moment of thought. Although he wasn’t entirely sure what had caused Alang’s change in behavior, based on the system interface and Alang’s shift in attitude, he had a rough idea of what was happening.

Alang’s experience gain seemed tied to Tolke and the other tourists…

If Alang wanted to attract more visitors, Tang Huai figured he might as well let him try. With the system’s clear display, Tang Huai wasn’t too worried about any tricks Alang might try to pull.

“Howl—” After finishing their conversation, Alang returned to the captain’s cabin to prepare the ship for departure. Just as Tang Huai was about to board, a familiar howl sounded at his feet.

It was Da Huang.

“I’ll be gone for a few days, so I’m counting on you to look after the island’s security.” Tang Huai squatted down and rubbed Da Huang’s fluffy head. With Sora Town still under construction, the sheep and chickens had returned to the fields, and Ali was in charge of feeding the animals and watering the crops.

Da Huang had grown into a mature dog. Although a Chinese rural dog by breed, its size was comparable to a golden retriever, and its fur was a pure, gleaming gold. Tang Huai couldn’t help but feel proud—the dog he had raised looked impressively majestic.

“Howl!” Da Huang rubbed against Tang Huai’s pant leg, signaling his obedience.

Tang Huai gave Da Huang a thumbs-up before boarding the ship.

With the testing completed, Great Tang No. 1 sounded its horn and lifted anchor. The ship began to move slowly away from the dock.

As the Great Tang No. 1 sailed further out into the ocean, Tang Huai stood on the deck, watching the scene unfold. The disguised laborers continued their diligent work, and Da Huang, standing imposingly on the cliff, gazed in the direction of Tang Huai’s departure.

At the sight of Da Huang’s figure, Tang Huai felt a deep sense of connection. Sora Island was no longer a lonely, desolate island—it was a place with Da Huang and the employees. Tang Huai experienced a newfound sense of belonging.

…

Great Tang No. 1 sailed across the Pacific for two days. On the morning of the third day, the ship reached the shore. Tang Huai and Tolke, along with the students, disembarked.

“Tang, I hope we’ll meet again,” Tolke said, giving Tang Huai a hug, a bit reluctant to part. Sora Island had left them with unforgettable graduation memories.

“We will,” Tang Huai replied, returning the hug. They exchanged a few more words before Tolke led the students away. Tang Huai waved to Alang before boarding the bus heading to the airport.

He had already booked a flight to Mexico City.

Tang Huai boarded the plane at 3 p.m. The flight from Hawaii to Mexico City took about three hours. By 6:30 p.m., he had arrived at his destination.

Tang Huai hailed a taxi and headed straight for the suburban villa complex.

“Stop here, please,” Tang Huai instructed an hour later, as the blue-and-yellow taxi approached the villa complex and was about to make a turn.

It was already 8 p.m., and the warm glow of the HDS restaurant sign stood out in the corner, its quiet charm drawing attention.

Tang Huai took out his phone and scrolled through his WeChat conversation history.

“Is there anything you’d like? I’ll bring it back for you next time.”

“Cream cake?”

…

The conversation was from over a month ago, a time when Tang Huai had promised to bring Yu You a cream cake. Looking at their recent messages, Tang Huai realized they hadn’t spoken in over a week, as he had been busy with various tasks.

Tang Huai considered calling Yu You but then decided against it. He was just ten minutes away from the villa—he thought a surprise would be better.

After paying the taxi fare, Tang Huai walked into the HDS restaurant.

The restaurant wasn’t busy, so Tang Huai browsed the cake section leisurely. The cakes looked exquisite and tempting. After some consideration, he selected a strawberry cake.

The cake was adorned with white whipped cream and topped with a few milk strawberries, giving it an elegant and appetizing appearance. Tang Huai carefully carried the cake as he made his way toward the villa.

Because the villa was located in a wealthy area, there weren’t many pedestrians on the road. It was now October, and the breeze carried a refreshing chill.

Upon arriving at the villa, Tang Huai opened the door and stepped inside.

The living room was spotless—clearly, Zheng Cai’e had been doing an excellent job maintaining the place.

“Mr. Yu, I brought you a cake,” Tang Huai called out as he changed into house shoes, then grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and drank deeply before calling upstairs toward the third floor.

It had been over three months since Tang Huai had last seen Yu You.

After waiting for about thirty seconds, there was still no response from upstairs.

Puzzled, Tang Huai wondered if Yu You had gone to bed this early—it was only 8:30.

Deciding to check, Tang Huai carried the cake and made his way to the third floor, heading toward the flower room.

…

As Tang Huai made his way upstairs, inside the flower room, Yu You stared at his hands in shock. His hands had turned into a strange, pitch-black, soft substance, resembling black gummy candy. They were pliable, almost squishy, and could be kneaded into different shapes…

Since the changes began two months ago, Yu You’s body had gradually become uncontrollable. The black, rubber-like substance first appeared on his fingers, then spread to his entire hand, and eventually to his entire arm.

Yu You glanced to his left, where a large floor-length mirror stood. Reflected in it was a figure, completely naked, with a long fish tail covered in scars. His upper body was lean, and his face bore a hideous blue totem. From his arms down, there was nothing but thick, sticky black goo, no longer resembling human hands.

Yu You’s expression twisted in discomfort as he turned away from the mirror. The reflection showed nothing less than a complete monster.

The sound of footsteps echoed on the stairs, interrupting his thoughts. Yu You tensed up briefly before relaxing again—it was Tang Huai’s footsteps.

Tang Huai was back?

A smile formed on Yu You’s face as he stood up, preparing to greet him. But then, he paused when he looked down at his body and hands. Quickly, he pulled a cloak over himself and wrapped a small triangular scarf around his face.

“Mr. Yu, are you there?” Tang Huai’s voice came from behind the glass door as he knocked gently.

The flower room remained silent.

“Sorry, I must have dozed off.” Tang Huai hesitated at the door for a full minute, unsure whether to leave the cake or wait. Finally, a clear, soft male voice rang out from behind the door, like the sound of a stream.

Tang Huai looked up, and there was Yu You, still wearing his cloak and the small scarf around his face, standing behind the glass door with a bright smile in his eyes. Yu You’s gaze was clear and bright, giving Tang Huai a sense of refreshing calm, like a breeze passing by.

“I brought you a cake, strawberry-flavored,” Tang Huai said, lifting the box slightly to show him.

“Thank you.” Yu You’s eyes lit up with surprise. He hadn’t expected Tang Huai to remember the cake he had mentioned over a month ago.

Tang Huai opened the small door at the bottom of the glass and slid the cake through.

Yu You carefully took the cake, making sure to keep his hands hidden under his cloak. Tang Huai noticed this cautiousness but didn’t think much of it.

“How long will you be staying at the villa this time?” Yu You asked after placing the cake aside.

“About three days.” Tang Huai replied, a little curious but not pressing further.

Besides taking a break, Tang Huai also planned to buy some segways and electric sightseeing cars for Sora Island. The long hikes the students from Ace High School had to endure recently had made him realize that the island’s transportation needed improvement. While young and energetic students could handle it, future visitors who were less physically fit might struggle to even walk five or ten miles.

Transportation was a problem that needed to be addressed.

“That sounds wonderful,” Yu You said, enviously. In Tang Huai’s descriptions, Yu You could almost picture the lush mountains, clear lakes, and the serene beauty of Sora Island—it sounded like a paradise.

“I could take you there someday,” Tang Huai offered reflexively, then paused in surprise at his own words. Both he and Yu You fell silent for a moment.

“Maybe someday,” Yu You responded lightly, quickly brushing it off.

Tang Huai didn’t push the subject. He thought of Yu You’s black fish tail. He didn’t mind it, but it was clear that Yu You didn’t want others to see his differences.

Tang Huai wondered if there was a way for Yu You’s tail to turn into legs, like in the fairy tales. His mind wandered, thinking about the possibilities…

The conversation shifted, and they continued talking about Sora Island. Just as before, it was mostly Tang Huai sharing stories while Yu You listened attentively. Their time together was easy and comfortable.

An hour later, Tang Huai returned to his room, and Yu You let out a long sigh of relief once he was alone again.

Back in the flower room, Yu You removed the cloak and took out the cake. The packaging was delicate and refined. By now, his hands had returned to their normal appearance. Carefully, Yu You opened the cake box layer by layer.

He used a fork to scoop a bit of the whipped cream. It was his first time tasting cake, and it was quite sweet.

But… while he had managed to control his body today, there was no guarantee he could do the same in the future. Yu You cherished his time with Tang Huai, but he was terrified of one day seeing disgust or fear in Tang Huai’s eyes.

He couldn’t let that happen.

…

Over the next two days, Tang Huai stayed at the villa, spending time talking with Yu You when he wasn’t busy. Although Yu You didn’t speak much, his words were thoughtful, and they shared many pleasant conversations.

On the third day, Tang Huai and Hank went to a nearby vehicle market.

Tang Huai had been working on obtaining his Mexican driver’s license for three months, and after enduring the long process, he finally received it.

Tang Huai and Hank strolled around the car market and eventually bought a blue Ford for $30,000. The design of the car was simple and unassuming, but aside from the flashy color, Tang Huai was quite satisfied—he preferred black, but the black models were sold out, and the next shipment wouldn’t arrive for another week. Not wanting to wait, he chose blue over yellow.

After leaving the Ford dealership, they went to a nearby store and purchased ten sightseeing electric vehicles and a hundred balance scooters.

Tang Huai did the math. Each sightseeing vehicle could accommodate thirty tourists, making them a suitable option for use as shuttle buses. After buying the vehicles, he also went to a supermarket to stock up on essentials like toilet paper, hand warmers, blankets, and winter clothes to place in the castle and snow cottages.

By the end of the afternoon, Tang Huai had spent over a million dollars, leaving him with only around $1.5 million in total assets.

“Tang, are tourists really visiting Sora Island now?” Hank wasn’t a rural person, but he was still shocked at how much Tang Huai was spending. After his initial surprise, Hank began to wonder about the meaning behind this large investment. Could it be that the Great Tang Resort was actually profitable?

Otherwise, he couldn’t understand why Tang Huai was making such a huge investment.

In Hank’s impression, Sora Island had always been a remote, undeveloped place. He had only visited Sora Port once, but now… he thought it might be worth visiting again sometime.

“Business is good. How about joining me for a visit the day after tomorrow?” Tang Huai smiled at Hank’s question. He had already arranged for the vehicles and supplies to be loaded onto the Great Tang One by the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. Tang Huai would leave with the ship.

“I’ve got a translation job in Los Angeles for the next few days, so I’ll have to pass this time,” Hank replied regretfully.

“The Great Tang Resort will always welcome you,” Tang Huai said, patting Hank on the shoulder and smoothly promoting his business.

Hank shrugged, and the two went to grab something to eat nearby. Tang Huai gifted Hank three bluefish from Blue Lake—a specialty he had brought with him last time, but Hank had been away on vacation with his parents and hadn’t received it.

“Thanks,” Hank said, placing the fish in his car’s trunk and giving Tang Huai a hug. He cherished their friendship. They chatted for a while longer, and before long, it was six o’clock. Hank drove home, while Tang Huai headed back to his villa.

The next afternoon at 3 PM, Tang Huai drove to Clipperton Port.

“Lift it up a bit more, right there.” The workers were organizing containers, and Alang, holding a beer bottle, was seriously overseeing the operation.

Sora Island’s development had attracted tourists, and since tourists were linked to his experience points, Alang had become highly motivated to see the island prosper.

“How’s the car loading going?” Tang Huai asked as he approached.

“It’s all set. We can set sail in about half an hour,” Alang replied, shaking an electronic invoice. Tang Huai had already sent over the list of goods to be loaded today. Tang Huai nodded, checked the goods, and paid the remaining balance. By the time everything was ready, it was already 5 PM.

Tang Huai boarded the Great Tang No.1, and at 5:10, the ship set sail once more.

…

“Latitude 20°N, longitude 120°W… we should be there in about two days.”

“Old Li, we should have flown. Why did we have to take a ship? I feel seasick.”

“Sora Island doesn’t have an airport. Even if we fly to Hawaii, we still have to take a ship over.”

…

Meanwhile, on the eastern coast of the Pacific, a large blue cargo ship was speeding toward Sora Island.

Onboard the ship were several well-dressed Chinese men and women, engaged in a gloomy conversation. They were part of a twenty-person delegation from China, sent to investigate Blue Lake fish.

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Sandy: Thank you to all who commented in the previous chapter 🥰🥰🥰 I wasn’t upset that not many people are reading this novel but was surprised that not many like this kinda genre as much as I do. This is my favorite genre: little romance and infrastructure building.